1. religion and spirituality
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How to get the most out of your
KEYS FOR KIDS
1. If you miss a day, don’t panic! Try to keep up with each
insert current
day’s reading—but if you miss one, you can do two pages
cover picture
the next day! (If miss quite a few, you can always pick up
in black and
on the current date and keep going.)
white
2. Be sure to read the Bible verses listed under the title.
If you read them both before and after you read the Keys
story, you'll get more out of it.
3. Now you’re ready for the story! See if you can tell how
the story helps you understand the verses you just read.
4. Really think about the questions that follow each story. If you can, talk about them
with your parents or your Sunday school teacher or a friend.
5. Read the Key Verse. Then read it again a few times! Try to repeat it with your eyes
closed (no peeking). Later, try to repeat it during your prayer time, and ask God to
help you keep His Word in your heart.
Make your time with God something you do every day!
Keys for Kids stories authored by: Hope L.Aderman, Sandra L. Ardoin, Cheryl Blosser, Robert Byers, Holly F.
Cepeda, Karen E. Cogan, Mary Ellen Cowling, Brenda Decker, Dalan E. Decker, Mike A. Dize, Bethany R. Elms, Rose
Gobel, Jorlyn A. Grasser, Jan L. Hansen, Jo Carol Hebert, Shannon M. Huber, Vera M. Hutchcroft, Sherry L. Kuyt,
Ann LaCombe, Jacqueline J. Leaycraft, Deborah S. Marett, Nancy I. Merical, Violet E. Nesdoly, Carolyn A. Penner,
Barbara Regier, L. Gail Rhodes, Deana L. Rogers, Lucinda J. Rollings, Shelley L. Russwurm, Heather M. Tekavec,
Elizabeth L. Toner, Charles VanderMeer, Geri Walcott, Linda M. Weddle, Barbara J. Westberg, Jane Weverink,
Carolyn E. Yost, and Rose R. Zediker
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version.
Copyright, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Keys for Kids is a publication of CBH Ministries. All rights reserved.
© 2013 CBH Ministries Box 1001, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-1001 Printed quarterly in the USA
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Executive Director: Mrs. Terre K. Ritchie
Designer: Deborah Marett
© 2013 CBH Ministries
Puzzles: Geri Walcott
Box 1001
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-1001
Printed quarterly in the USA
Editors: Hazel Marett
Geri Walcott
Kristen Gearhart
Table of Contents
Title
Key
OCTOBER
Still a Cuckoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God can change you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
A Big Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Choose Christian friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Penguins and People . . . . . . . . . .God is your keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
A Sick Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God gives comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Ice, Water, and Steam . . . . . . . . .God is three-in-one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Silver and Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don't judge by appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
The Mighty Egg . . . . . . . . . . . . .Love, don't criticize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
It's Greek to Me . . . . . . . . . . . . .Learn who God is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Not My Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Only God can save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Mexico or South Street . . . . . . . .Share the Gospel today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
At Least a Tenth . . . . . . . . . . . . .Give cheerfully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Both Glad and Sad . . . . . . . . . . .Memorize Bible verses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Garret's Guilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Confess sin to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Settling Differences . . . . . . . . . .Show God’s love—even to bullies . . . . . . . . .14
Hospital for Sinners? . . . . . . . . .Welcome sinners at church . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Plan Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God designed and created all things . . . . . . .16
Matt’s Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Think about good things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Learn by asking questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Feeding the Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don't encourage others to argue . . . . . . . . . .19
Some Ordinary Day . . . . . . . . . .Jesus may come today—be ready . . . . . . . . . .20
The Fishing Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be a fisher of men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Dirty Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be honest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
The Unique Letter . . . . . . . . . . .God uses ordinary people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Why Can’t I? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Honor parents and follow their rules . . . . . .24
Family Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heaven will be a great reunion . . . . . . . . . .25
Brand Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian is your label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
It Takes Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Have faith in God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Criticism Versus Love . . . . . . . . .Love others as Jesus does . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Two-member Trio . . . . . . . . . . . .Take responsibility seriously . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Over and Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Learn from repetition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
The Droopy Plant . . . . . . . . . . .Seek spiritual food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
NOVEMBER
Like Master, Like Dog . . . . . . . .Live as Jesus would . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Count On Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Help with work at special events . . . . . . . . . .2
Sibling Appreciation . . . . . . . . . .Appreciate your brothers and sisters . . . . . . . .3
How Is Your Vision? . . . . . . . . . .Jesus gives spiritual sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be ready for report time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Out of the Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . .Do what God says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
In Safe Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trust God in everything . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Calluses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don't be callused toward sin . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Different, Not Bad . . . . . . . . . . .God can use you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Not Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grow through unfair situations . . . . . . . . . .10
Undeserved Care . . . . . . . . . . . .You are precious in God’s sight . . . . . . . . . . .11
The Way You Look . . . . . . . . . . .Listen in church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
A Clean Slate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Confess sin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Bitter Chocolate . . . . . . . . . . . . .God works everything for your good . . . . . . .14
One Day with Chirpie . . . . . . . .Accept God's timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
The Hitchhiker . . . . . . . . . . . . .Do your share of the work . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
A Huge Library . . . . . . . . . . . . .Read the Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Not Hungry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Watch your mental diet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Keep Practicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Practice using the Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Seeds First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keep witnessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
A Very Special Servant . . . . . . . .Serve God by serving others . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Home for Supper . . . . . . . . . . . .Heaven is home for Christians . . . . . . . . . . .22
The Bandage Solution . . . . . . . .Live by God’s standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Not Ashamed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tell others about Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
An Imitator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Imitate Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
For the Gospel’s Sake . . . . . . . . .Pray for missionaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Prayers of Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . .Express your thanks to God . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Something Missing . . . . . . . . . . .Show your faith by your actions . . . . . . . . . .28
Faith in What? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Put your faith in Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Riddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pay attention to all of God's Word . . . . . . . .30
DECEMBER
Use the Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Read and obey the Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Something to Practice . . . . . . . . .Practice what you believe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Fearbreak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trust God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Too Late . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be ready for Jesus to return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Miriam Baby-Sits Moses . . . . . . .Be a willing helper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
A Salty Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Use words that don’t cause hurt . . . . . . . . . . .6
A Good Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be taught by the Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Making Lemonade . . . . . . . . . . .Look for good in every situation . . . . . . . . . . .8
No-Off Duty Christians . . . . . . .Always be on duty for Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
The Right Way to Say No . . . . .Do right with a right attitude . . . . . . . . . . .10
Why So Snappy . . . . . . . . . . . . .Be thoughtful of others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Here Comes the Sun . . . . . . . . .You can’t see God the Father . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Here Comes the Sun (Cont’d.) . .Jesus is God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Here Comes the Sun (Cont’d.) . .The Holy Spirit is God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
A Famous Author . . . . . . . . . . . .God is the author of the Bible . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Made to Be Used . . . . . . . . . . . .Use your talents for God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Two Davids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Use time wisely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Needed Imprint . . . . . . . . . . . . .You need God’s Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Mid-Flight Refueling . . . . . . . . .Refuel through Bible reading . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Good Servants . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Serve God well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Clean Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clean language is important . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Same Old Story . . . . . . . . . . . . .Give thanks for Jesus’ birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Quiz Out of Season . . . . . . . . . .Talk about Jesus anywhere . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
The Best for Father . . . . . . . . . .All you have belongs to God . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
The Real Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Receive God’s gift—eternal life . . . . . . . . . . .25
Disappointments . . . . . . . . . . . .Look beyond disappointments . . . . . . . . . . . .26
The Domino Effect . . . . . . . . . .Use words to build others up . . . . . . . . . . . .27
A Pretty Package . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don’t judge by looks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Strings Attached . . . . . . . . . . . . .It’s dangerous to sample sin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
End of Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don’t dwell on failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
In the Ditch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Choose friends who love God . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Still a Cuckoo
Read: Ephesians 2: 1-5
October
1
“Hey, what do you see?” Dad asked. Samantha had climbed halfway up the
swing set and was clinging to the frame as she peered through a pair of binoculars.
“A bird I didn’t recognize just flew into that tree,” Samantha answered, pointing
to a tall maple. “I thought it might be a cuckoo.”
“I doubt that,” said Dad. “I don’t believe we have any cuckoos around here.”
“I hope not! We read about them at school,” said Samantha. “They sneak
into other birds’ nests and lay their eggs there right along side that bird’s eggs.
Cuckoo birds are too lazy to build their own nest, hatch their own eggs, or feed
their own babies.” She scowled. “I wonder why God made them anyway.”
Dad smiled. “I’m sure He had a reason. Maybe it was for our example.”
“Our example!” Samantha exclaimed. “Do you mean they’re an example of
what not to be? That we shouldn’t be lazy like them or make someone else do
the work we’re supposed to do?”
Dad laughed. “Well, that’s a good negative example, but I was thinking of
something else,” he said. “You mentioned that
cuckoos get out of raising their own babies.”
“Yeah,” said Samantha. “They turn that job over
to another bird—like maybe a sparrow who hatches
the eggs and feeds the baby cuckoos and takes care
of them.”
Key Verse
“Yes, but when a little cuckoo gets big enough
to leave the nest and fly away, does it join the
If anyone is in Christ,
sparrows and act and sing like them?” Dad asked.
he is a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“No, I don’t think so,” Samantha answered.
“Being raised by a sparrow doesn’t change it into a
sparrow. It’s still a cuckoo.” She grinned. “I guess only God could change it into
a different bird,” she added, “but I don’t think He’s going to do that, do you?”
Dad shook his head. “That’s like people,” he said. “Kids may be raised in a
Christian home and be fed the Word of God at home or in church by a pastor
and teachers. But that’s not enough—they’re still sinners and need to be changed.
Of course, they can be changed—but only by God.”
“I see what you’re saying,” replied Samantha. “When we ask Jesus to come
into our hearts, He changes us.”
“That’s right,” said Dad, “and He’s the only one who can do that.”
God can
change you
Have you been changed? Or have you thought you were automatically a Christian because
your parents are—or because you go to Sunday school and learn Bible verses? It doesn’t happen that
way. Only God can change you. Only He can take away your sin, accept you into His family, and make
you pure and ready for heaven. He does that when you put your faith and trust in Him. It’s your choice.
Trust in Him as your Savior today. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.)
October
2
A Big Fall
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Alan’s little sister reached up. “Hold my hand, Alan,” she said, but her
brother ignored her. “Mommy always holds my hand when . . . oh! I ’most
falled!” exclaimed Amber as she tripped over a crack in the walk.
“If you’d look where you’re going, you wouldn’t trip!” scolded Alan as he
grabbed her hand. “Now hurry up!” Amber chattered happily, but her big
brother wasn’t listening. He was annoyed because Mom hadn’t let him go to
the mall with his friends. Instead she had insisted he take Amber to play in the
park. Mom just doesn’t like the guys I hang around with lately, thought Alan.
Why does she have to be so picky? I’m old enough to choose my own friends! Just
because Shane and Klynt get into trouble at school doesn’t mean they should be
treated like they have something contagious, like . . . like chicken pox!
When Alan and Amber returned home, Mom was in the yard. Amber dashed
ahead, and as she ran through the gate, she tripped on the water hose and fell.
“She never looks where she’s going,” Alan said in disgust. He looked hopefully
at Mom. “Can I go to the mall now?”
Mom shook her head. “Amber isn’t the only one
who needs to watch where she’s going. You need to
open your eyes, too, and look where you’re headed,
Son,” she said. “Grandma just called—she was
wondering where you were. She was returning
Key Verse
something at a store in the mall this morning, and
What fellowship has
she saw a security guard escorting your friends
righteousness
Shane and Klynt into the store offices. She’s afraid
with lawlessness?
the boys were caught shoplifting.”
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Wow!” exclaimed Alan. “I’m glad I wasn’t there.”
“I am, too,” said Mom soberly, “but if you keep hanging around those two,
Alan, you’ll probably find yourself in a similar situation some day. You may be
headed for a big fall.”
Amber reached up toward her big brother. “I’ll hold your hand, Alan, so you
won’t fall,” she said confidently.
Mom smiled at Amber. “I’m afraid you can’t keep Alan from falling, honey,
but Jesus can,” she said. “Alan better let God hold his hand.”
Alan nodded soberly. He knew what his mother meant.
Choose Christian
friends
What kind of friends do you hang around with? Are they kids who encourage you to do
the things that are right? Do they honor God as you do? If you’re a Christian and they are not, you may
be tempted to do what they do, whether it’s right or wrong. God says you cannot have real fellowship
with unbelievers. In other words, your closest friends should love Jesus, too. They should help you walk
close to the Lord.
Penguins and People
Read: Psalm 121
October
3
“I love watching all the animals,” said Diane when her class at school took a
field trip to the zoo, “but the penguins are my favorites! They look so funny
waddling around on land. And it’s even more fun to watch them swim. They
look like they’re flying underwater!” Whenever Diane went swimming herself,
she would try to imitate the smooth, flowing motions of the funny birds.
“Yeah, but it’s awful cold in here. Br-r-r-r!” exclaimed one of the kids.
The guide showing them around explained that the penguin room was kept
cold so the birds would be comfortable. “Otherwise, the penguins could get
sick and possibly die from the change of climate,” he said. Diane listened
eagerly as he described a number of other special things that were done to keep
the penguins comfortable and healthy.
That evening, Dad turned to Psalm 121 for their family devotions. After
reading it, he smiled at Diane. “Do these verses remind you of the penguins?”
he asked. “You told us the zookeepers take special care of them.”
Diane nodded. “Yes. They make sure the
penguins’ room is cold enough and that they get
certain foods,” she replied, “and even special lights!
They know how to keep the conditions just right
so the penguins won’t get sick.”
Dad smiled. “This Psalm reminds me that God
Key Verse
does the same thing for us,” he said. “Can you
He who keeps you . . . shall
imagine what it would be like if it rained all the
neither slumber nor sleep. The
time or if it suddenly got as hot as an oven?”
Lord is your keeper.
Diane’s sister Ellie shuddered. “We’d get flooded
Psalm 121:3, 4
out,” she said, “or else we’d bake.”
“Exactly,” said Dad, “but God knows the conditions we need in life, and
He’s the one who controls our environment.”
“So we have a keeper, just like the penguins do. God is our keeper, right?”
asked Ellie. “One of the verses in the Psalm you read says that, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” agreed Dad. “God controls our physical environment and also all
the situations and circumstances that affect our lives. He does a perfect job,
allowing only what is good for us—whether it seems good to us or not.”
“Yeah,” said Diane thoughtfully. A twinkle came to her eye. “Hey, Dad, I
think we should visit the penguins real often so I’ll be reminded of that!”
God is your
keeper
Did you know that God is your keeper? He’s the one who takes care of you. He provides the
air you breathe, the food and water you need, and the type of environment in which you can survive.
He also provides for your spiritual needs. All the things He allows in your life work together for your
good. Thank Him for being your keeper.
October
4
A Sick Friend
Read: Revelation 21:1-7
Scott sat on the porch steps, his chin propped up in his hand. All he could
think about was Robert Jonas! Robert’s mother told Mom that the doctors say he
might not get well again, but how can he be so sick now? wondered Scott. Just a
few days ago, we went to the park and skateboarded together.
The screen door opened, and Scott’s mother brought out a glass of lemonade.
“I thought you might be thirsty,” she said.
Scott took the glass and drank the lemonade without even noticing how
good it was. “Mom, why do people have to get sick and . . . and die?” he asked.
“Well, honey, sickness and death are a result of sin entering the world,” she
said. “Death will come to all of us sooner or later—sometimes through sickness,
sometimes through car accidents, and sometimes in other ways. Through it all,
God cares about us.” She gave Scott a hug. “He cares about Robert,” she added.
“I’m going to pray for Robert to get well again,” said Scott. “Is that okay?”
“We’ll all pray for him,” said Mom. “Pray that God will give him comfort
and peace, and that he’ll be able to trust God no
matter what happens.”
A few days later, Scott’s mom again talked to
Mrs. Jonas. “Robert’s feeling a little better and he’d
enjoy some company,” Mom told Scott. “Would
you like to go to the hospital to see him?”
Key Verse
Scott hesitated. “But, Mom, what would I say?”
Blessed be the . . . God of all
“Oh, tell him about baseball games, school, or
comfort, who comforts us in
anything
you usually talk about,” suggested Mom.
all our tribulation.
Scott
still
looked worried. “What if Robert wants
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
to talk about being sick?”
“Let him do that,” Mom advised. “Sometimes the kindest thing to do for
those in the hospital is to listen—to let them talk about how they’re feeling.
You’ve never been faced with a serious illness, so don’t pretend to understand
what Robert is going through. But you can remind him that Jesus understands,
and loves him very much.”
Scott got his jacket. He was still scared to go, but he knew he should—and he
really did want to see his friend. He was so glad both he and Robert knew Jesus
as personal Savior. Only God could give Robert real comfort and peace. Scott
asked God to help him know what to say when he and Robert talked together.
God gives
comfort
Has there been a time when one of your friends or relatives was very sick?
When someone you loved died, did you wonder why it happened? Sickness and death are a result of
sin entering the world. They cause sorrow, but God gives comfort to Christians. He promises them an
eternal home in heaven—a place where there is no sickness or death. By trusting in God, you can
have peace even in the most difficult times.
Ice, Water, and Steam
October
5
Read: Matthew 28:16-20
“This is the life,” said Bryan as he sat with his back propped against an old
log. He and his cousin Steve were on a camping trip with their grandfather.
Grandpa smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” he said. “I feel so close
to God out here in nature. How about you, boys?”
Steve nodded. “I’ve been thinking about something our youth leader said
about God,” he replied thoughtfully.
“What was that?” asked Bryan.
“He referred to God as the Trinity. He said there’s just one God, but He’s
three persons,” replied Steve. “There’s God the Father, God the Son, and God
the Holy Spirit.” Steve shook his head. “That’s so hard to understand.”
Bryan shrugged. “Yeah. I don’t understand it, either . . . but I’m getting
hungry! Let’s start dinner, Grandpa. Should we get water from the spring?”
Grandpa walked over to the ice chest. “This time let’s use ice for our cooking
water,” he said, dropping several ice cubes into a pan. “I think it might help
you understand something.”
“What would that be?” asked Bryan.
“Watch,” said Grandpa. He set the pan on a rack
over the campfire, and the ice began melting. Soon
the water was steaming hot. “Did you notice that
first there was ice, then water, and then some of
Key Verse
that water turned into steam?” Grandpa asked. “Ice,
The grace of . . . Christ, and the
water, and steam are all the same substance, but in
love of God, and the communion
three different forms. Does that remind you of
of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
something else?”
2 Corinthians 13:14
Steve shrugged. “Not really,” he said. “It’s . . .
Oh! I think I get it! You mean it’s kinda like God? He’s one God, but He has
three different forms?”
“Yes,” said Grandpa. “It’s not a perfect example because God is much greater
than water. He made it! He made the freezing and boiling point laws, too. So
don’t get too hung up on trying to figure out how God can be all three of His
forms at once. Just thank Him that He’s so great you can’t understand everything
about Him. Simply accept it and trust Him.”
“Okay, Grandpa,” said Bryan. He grinned. “Now can we change some hot
dogs or hamburger into a different form—from raw to cooked? I’m still hungry!”
God is
three-in-one
Do you find the Trinity hard to understand? Did you notice that today’s Scripture
passage refers to the name—not names—of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? God doesn’t ask
you to perfectly understand the Trinity. Just remember that you serve one God, not three—but He
does have three forms. Give thanks for a great God—a God whose knowledge and understanding is
far greater than your own.
October
6
Silver and Gold
Read: 1 Samuel 16:1, 4-12
Jody hurried to answer the phone, but when she heard who it was, she made
a face. “Ah . . . no. I . . . ah . . . I have plans for Saturday,” she stammered.
“Maybe another time.” As she hung up, she noticed her mother looking at her
questioningly. “Erica wanted me to come over on Saturday morning,” Jody
explained, “but I have other things I want to do.”
“Well, that’s a surprise,” said Mom. “I thought you always spent as much
time as possible with Erica. I thought you two were best friends.”
“We were, but . . . well . . . there’s a new girl at school—her name is Nora,”
said Jody. “I really like her and want her for a friend, but she doesn’t like Erica
much. Nora lives on Erica’s street, and I don’t want her to see me over there.”
“And why doesn’t she like Erica?” asked Mom.
“Well . . . Erica’s family is kinda poor, you know. They drive an old car and
she . . . well, she doesn’t dress real nice.” Jody felt ashamed as she answered.
Mom frowned. “I didn’t think that bothered you.”
“It . . . it kinda does now that we’re in middle
school,” replied Jody. She grabbed a book from the
table and sat on the couch to read. “I love this old
book,” she told her mom, changing the subject.
“Maybe I like it so much because it’s the same one
Grandma read when she was young. It’s still in
Key Verse
pretty good shape for being so old.”
Man looks at the outward
Mom looked at the book Jody held. “It looks
appearance, but the Lord
quite
worn, though. Wouldn’t you rather read a
looks at the heart.
newer
book?” she asked. “Your new ones have
1 Samuel 16:7
much prettier covers and good stories, too.”
Jody looked at the book and frowned. “I don’t think this looks so bad. Besides,
it’s the story that really matters, not what the outside of the book looks like.
This old story is my favorite. I like it even better than those in my new books.”
Mom raised her brows. “New books are nice, but old ones may be even nicer.
That could be true of friends, too,” she said. “An old song says, ‘Make new friends
but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.’ Make sure you don’t throw
away the gold. God doesn’t judge by outward appearance, and we shouldn’t either.”
Jody was thoughtful. “I think . . . I think I’ll call Erica back,” she decided.
Don’t judge
by appearance
Do you judge others by their appearance? If you choose to be friends with only kids who
dress well, live in a nice house, or have a lot of the things money can buy, you may overlook many
good friends. Today’s Scripture reading shows that God does not judge the way people do. Instead, He
looks at hearts.What a person is like on the inside is what matters to Him. Let that be what matters to
you, too. What people are like inside is pretty much seen by how they act and what they say.
The Mighty Egg
Read: 1 John 4:7-11, 20-21; Revelation 12:9-10
October
7
“What’s for breakfast today?” asked Julie as she and her brother John came to
the table one Sunday morning.
“Bacon and hard boiled eggs,” replied Mom. “If anyone wants an egg fixed
some other way, I can manage that, too.”
After thanking God for the food, they began to eat. Julie held up an egg and
gazed at it thoughtfully. “The mighty egg,” she murmured. “In science, we learned
stuff about eggs. For one thing, the shell of an egg is strong enough so that the
hen can sit on it without breaking it. It protects a chick from many dangers.
Because of the rounded shape of the shell, it’s quite strong when struck from
the outside. In fact, the shape of the egg makes it difficult to break it by just
squeezing it in your hand.”
“Nah,” scoffed John. “A couple weeks ago, we ate at that restaurant where they
cooked our meal at the table. The chef broke eggs for the stir fry by squeezing
them. I’m sure I could, too.” He looked at his mother. “Can I try one, Mom?”
“Maybe sometime, but not right now,” said Mom.
“Why would you want to do that anyway?”
protested Julie. “Think what a mess it would make
in your hand if you did break it!”
Dad smiled. “Do you know how the small,
helpless chick is able to hatch out of such a tough
Key Verse
egg?” he asked.
If God so loved us,
“It pecks its way out, doesn’t it?” asked John.
we also ought to love
Julie nodded. “Yep. We learned that the shell
one another.
resists pressure very well from the outside, but it
1 John 4:11
cracks easily when pecked from within.”
“That’s a good example of how a church can resist persecution and outside
pressure as long as Christians unite together in love,” Mom observed.
“True,” agreed Dad, “but when they start criticizing and picking on each
other, their fellowship with God and with one another can be broken.”
“It’s a good lesson for all of us to remember when we’re tempted to be
critical—especially when we’re tempted to criticize another Christian,” said
Mom. She looked around the table. “Now . . . we better finish eating and get
ready for church. We don’t want to be late.”
“Right,” John said with a grin, “or else people might criticize us!”
Love,
don’t criticize
Are you in the habit of criticizing your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, or others in
your church family? A critical attitude is not right for a Christian. Loving actions are what God wants
to see. In Revelation 12:10, Satan himself is called “the accuser of our brethren.” Don’t do his work for
him. Remember the mighty egg and display love toward one another rather than criticism.
October
8
It’s Greek to Me
Read: Psalm 86:8-12
Jim sat at the kitchen table turning the pages of his Bible. “What are you
doing?” asked his sister Beth.
“Our Sunday school teacher gave us some homework,” explained Jim. “He’s
going to give a reward to the one who finds the most names or titles for God,
but I haven’t found very many.” Suddenly he brightened. “Hey, maybe you can
help me. Don’t you learn that kind of stuff in Bible college?” Jim looked
hopefully at his sister as he added, “Mr. Benson doesn’t care where we get our
information, just so we learn.”
“Well, how about the Good Shepherd?” Beth asked. “Do you have that?”
“Nope!” Jim eagerly wrote it down. “Can you think of any more?”
“The book of John has several,” said Beth. “It talks about Jesus being the
True Vine and the Door.”
“Oh, yeah! Thanks, Beth!” exclaimed Jim. “I’ve already got some others from
the book of John. Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
“Right!” Beth nodded. “Isaiah 9:6 gives a lot of
names for God, too. In that verse He’s called
Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the
Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.”
Jim was writing the names down as fast as he
Key Verse
could. “You’re a big help,” he said with a grin.
Beth smiled. “How about Alpha and Omega?”
There is none like You, O Lord.
she suggested.
(You are great, and Your
“Alpha and Omega?” Jim asked doubtfully. He
name is great in might.)
frowned. Quoting the expression their mother often
Jeremiah 10:6
used to show she didn’t understand something that
was said, he added, “As Mom would say, that sounds like Greek to me!”
Beth laughed. “Those words are Greek, Jim! Alpha and Omega are the first
and last letters in the Greek alphabet. Used as names for God, they mean He’s
the beginning and the end of everything. He always was and always will be.”
“Cool!” said Jim as he wrote Alpha and Omega on his paper.
“Yes, that is cool!” Beth agreed. “And it’s cool that God is everything the
other names for Him suggest, too.”
Jim looked at his list. “I’ll go over these again and think about what they
mean.” He nodded. “Don’t go away. I may need help with that, too.”
Learn who God is
How many of God’s names and titles do you know? Think about what each one of
them represents. For instance . . . Counselor—someone who can help you when you’re faced with a
difficult situation; the Door—the way in (when referring to Jesus, it’s the way into heaven). Studying
the names of God and what they mean will help you learn about Him and understand who He is and
how great He is.
What’s in a Name?
The Bible contains many names that describe Jesus—many are found in the
Gospel of John. To find several of them, unscramble the words in all capital
letters. If you need help, get out your Bible and look up the references.
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Why not take your Bible and see how many other names for God you can find.
October
9
Not My Way
Read: Ephesians 2: 4-10
Morgan sighed as he dropped his books on the kitchen counter. His friend
Jeff had come home with him after Bible club, but Jeff couldn’t seem to believe
that salvation is a gift, not something he had to work for. “When we do something
wrong, we should say so,” Jeff argued, “and we should do what we can to fix it.”
“We should admit we’ve sinned,” said Morgan, “but we can’t fix it ourselves.”
Jeff frowned. “Well, we shouldn’t just expect somebody else—like God—to
do it all for us and not do anything ourselves. We should at least . . .” He
paused at the sound of a loud, thumping noise. “What’s that?”
When the boys hurried to the next room, they could hear and see something
moving frantically in the fireplace. “It’s a bird!” exclaimed Jeff looking through
the glass fireplace doors. “I think it’s trying to get out.”
“Yeah,” said Morgan. “Every once in a while, one comes down the chimney,
and they can’t fly straight back up. We’ll have to catch it and take it outside. In
the garage we have a net we can use.” The boys went to get the net. “You want
a snack while we wait?” Morgan asked.
Jeff looked confused. “Wait? Why don’t we catch
it and take it out right now?”
“If we open the fireplace doors now, that bird
will fly all over the house and we’ll have a terrible
time trying to get it,” replied Morgan. “Believe
Key Verse
me, we’ve tried before. We’ll have to wait till it’s
The gift of God is eternal life in
tired out. Then it will be much easier to catch.”
Christ Jesus our Lord.
“Well . . .” Jeff grinned. “Why don’t you explain
Romans 6:23
to the bird that it can’t make it out on its own?” he
joked. “Then maybe it would let us help it sooner!”
“Yeah, right!” said Morgan. He looked at his friend thoughtfully. “You know
what, Jeff?” Morgan added quietly. “That’s a lot like us and God.”
Jeff looked at Morgan curiously. “What are you talking about?”
“The bird has to stop trying to get out on its own before we can help it,” said
Morgan, “and we have to stop trying to save ourselves before God can help us.”
Jeff was quiet for a long moment. “If we have to wait anyway,” he said
finally, “you can run all that by me one more time while we have a snack. I’ll
have to think about it.”
Morgan grinned. “I’ll get that snack—and my Bible to show you some verses.”
Only God can save
Are you depending fully on God for your salvation? It’s human nature to want to get
to heaven in your own way, but eternal life in heaven is God’s precious gift to those who trust in Jesus.
Stop trying to be good enough or to do enough good things to earn your way into heaven. You can
never make it on your own. Simply depend on Jesus and what He did for you. (See the ABCs of
Salvation at the end of this book.) Trust in Jesus today.
Mexico or South Street
Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
October
10
“I wish I could go, too,” said Heidi as she stood watching an airplane taxi
down the runway. Along with other young people from their church, Heidi’s
sister Sheri was on her way to spend time helping missionaries in Mexico with
vacation Bible school. Her family had come to the airport to see her off.
As Heidi and her parents headed back home, she was very quiet. “What’s
wrong, honey?” Dad asked. “Do you miss Sheri already?”
“No, but I just wish I could . . . could be a missionary,” answered Heidi. “I
think maybe I will be one someday, but I wish I could be one now, too. I wish
I could have gone along to Mexico.”
“Well, Heidi, when we think of missionaries, we generally mean people who
take the Gospel to other countries or cultures or to an area in our country where
there aren’t many Christian influences,” said Dad. “But in a broader sense of the
word, a missionary is a person who is on a mission—often a mission to spread
the Gospel. In that sense, you’re a missionary already. You’ve been bringing your
friend Dani to church and Sunday school. She’s
even going to Bible camp with you this summer.”
“Well, yes, but . . .” Heidi said uncertainly.
“And how about the kids that just moved in next
door?” added Mom. “Just yesterday, I heard you
telling them about the Lord.”
Key Verse
Heidi sighed. “I know, but I want to be a real
Preach
the
word! Be ready in
missionary,” she said.
season
and
out of season.
“Honey,” Dad said gently, “if God wants you to
2
Timothy
4:2
go to another country someday, you’ll undoubtedly
have the opportunity to do that. But Christians are
to share the Gospel of Christ with those around them, no matter where they are.
That’s the important thing—and in that way, you are a real missionary already.”
Heidi smiled. “Really?” she asked.
Dad nodded. “Sheri is going to serve God in Mexico for a couple of weeks,
and you’re serving Him right at home on South Street!”
“God wants the people in Mexico to know He loves them,” added Mom, “and
He wants those on South Street to know He loves them, too. Okay?”
“Okay,” Heidi agreed. “I’ll tell them whenever I can.”
Share the Gospel
today
Do you ever wish you could go to another country and be a missionary? When
you listen to the stories missionaries tell, do you wish such adventures happened to you? Don’t wait
until you’re grown to share the Gospel with those around you. You can do that on your own street. And
think of all the good training you will have had if you do become a full-time missionary in another
country someday.
October
11
At Least a Tenth
Read: Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Andrew looked thoughtful as he stirred his soup. “Does everybody have to
tithe?” he asked. “Do we have to give God ten cents out of every dollar?”
“Well, in the New Testament, God says we should give as we are able, and
often that would mean giving even more than a tenth of what we have,” replied
Dad. “Many people believe that giving a tenth is the least we should do. That
sounds right to me, too.”
“But if I give that much, I’ll have hardly anything left!” Andrew complained.
“Besides, the little bit I’d add to the collection wouldn’t really make much
difference, would it? If I just kept it, I don’t think it would be missed at all.”
Taylor, Andrew’s sister, laughed. “A minute ago you thought a tenth of your
money was too much to give, but now you say it’s just a little bit. Make up your
mind!” she said. “Besides, haven’t you heard the phrase ‘every little bit counts’?”
Andrew frowned. “Well, it seems like our church would have enough
without my money,” he insisted. “What do they need so much for anyway?”
“It takes a lot to support all our missionaries,”
said Taylor, “and to pay Pastor Lewis and the
people who work in the office. And . . . uh . . . to
buy Sunday school papers, maybe?”
“Yes, and for the upkeep of the church, too—
things like electricity and janitor’s supplies,” said
Key Verse
Dad. “And for the new roof the church needs.”
He who sows . . . bountifully
“Right, and sometimes the money is used to buy
will also reap bountifully.
food to help needy people,” put in Mom. “And
2 Corinthians 9:6
how about your scholarship to camp? Or the . . .”
“Okay! Okay!” Andrew interrupted. “But I’m
still not so sure my small offering would be missed.”
“Every penny is needed,” Dad assured him. “We’ve mentioned only some of
the ways the money is used. And ten percent is very little compared to what
God did for us. He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins.”
“In Sunday school we learned that God promises to bless those who cheerfully
give to Him,” Taylor remembered, “so if you don’t give to the Lord as you should,
you are the one who loses.” She grinned. “What do you think would happen if
you gave one hundred percent?” she asked. “Why don’t you try that, Andrew?”
“I’ll think about it,” he said, “but for right now, I’ll give my ten percent.”
Give
cheerfully
Do you think tithing would cut too deeply into your allowance? Have you thought
about all God has given you? Discover the joy of giving back to Him. As you grow older—both
physically and spiritually—you’ll probably find you want to give even more than ten percent. The
blessings God gives you when you give freely to Him are worth far more than any money you might
be tempted to keep for yourself or any of the things it could buy.
Both Glad and Sad
Read: Psalm 19:7-11
October
12
“My turn to be the first to say today’s Bible verse,” said Michelle when the family
gathered for devotions. Dad nodded. “It’s Psalm 119:72,” said Michelle. “The
law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”
“Very good,” Dad said. “Your turn, Angie.”
“The law of Your . . . ah-h . . . of Your words . . .” Angie sighed. “I haven’t
had time to work on it,” she said. “Why do we have to learn a verse every day?”
“It’s important, Angie, because it’s the Word of God,” said Dad. He smiled.
“When I was a kid, my mother insisted I memorize Bible verses. I must admit
that I felt the same way you do.”
“Then why do you make us do it?” Angie demanded.
“Because I’m older and wiser now,” Dad replied. “My mother used to tell me
a little story to show me the importance of learning Bible verses.”
“Tell it to us,” begged Michelle.
Dad cleared his throat and began. “A young man walking down a country
road met a strange-looking old man. After they
exchanged greetings, the old man pointed to the
stones beside the road. ‘If you pick up some of
those stones and put them in your pocket,’ he
said, ‘you will be both glad and sad tomorrow.’
Curious as to how that could be, the young man
Key Verse
picked up a few stones and put them in his
The law of Your mouth is
pocket. He didn’t take many because stones are
better to me than thousands
heavy and he didn’t want to carry the extra weight.
of coins of gold and silver.
Then he bid the old man goodbye.
Psalm 119:72
“When the young man reached into his pocket
the next day, he discovered that the stones had turned into precious jewels. There
were diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. And so the young man was both glad and
sad—glad for the jewels he had, but sad that he had not picked up more stones.”
Angie grinned. “Cool, Dad,” she said, “but what does that story have to do
with us learning verses?”
“Memorizing them may seem like an unnecessary weight to you now, Angie,
but verses you learn will become like precious jewels to you some day,” explained
Dad. “You’ll be glad you learned them—and you’ll wish you had learned more.”
Slowly, Angie nodded. “Okay, I’ll work harder at memorizing,” she decided.
Memorize
Bible verses
Have you realized the importance of memorizing God’s Word? Whenever you learn
a verse, you’re gaining something very valuable. Do you learn a Bible verse every day? How about at
least one a week? If not, start today to collect jewels from God’s Word. You can begin by memorizing
the Key Verse.
October
13
Garret’s Guilt
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
I haven’t read my Bible today, but I really don’t feel like it, thought Garret,
glancing at the Bible on his desk as he got ready for bed. He felt guilty because
at a friend’s house, he and some other boys had watched a TV program he was
forbidden to see at home. Then the boys had told each other jokes, including
some that were not very nice. I guess I should pray, too, Garret thought, but
God’s probably mad at me. So he jumped into bed and went to sleep instead.
After school the next day, Garret idly bounced a ball against the wall of the
family room. Suddenly . . . CRASH! His father’s glass-bottled ship lay shattered
on the floor. Oh, no! thought Garret. Mom and Dad said I’d be grounded for a
week if I didn’t stop throwing the ball in the house. But everyone else was outdoors,
so he quickly swept up the pieces and threw them out.
That evening, Garret tried to avoid his father’s eyes. “How about a game of
chess tonight?” Dad asked. Garret shook his head and picked up a magazine.
After Dad suggested a couple of other activities, Garret couldn’t keep quiet any
longer. “You won’t want to play with me when you
know what I did,” he said, his voice trembling.
Confess sin
Then he told Dad how he had bounced the ball and
broken the ship. “I . . . I’m sorry I disobeyed,” Garret
to God
said through tears. “Are you mad at me?”
“I’m not exactly happy about it,” replied Dad. “I’m
Key Verse
more
disappointed and hurt than angry, but I’m
Come boldly to the throne of
glad you told me. Our heavenly Father wants our
grace . . . and find grace to
fellowship, and when we repent of our sin—when
help in time of need.
we’re truly sorry—He forgives us. I can see you’re
Hebrews 4:16
sorry, and I forgive you, too.” Dad reached out and
gave Garret a hug. “I think you know what your punishment will be, don’t you?”
“I’m grounded,” said Garret sadly.
Dad nodded. “Yes, and even though that’s unpleasant for you, I hope you’ll
always come to me, no matter what you’ve done, so that we can enjoy being
together again.”
Garret thought about how his guilt had caused him to avoid talking with Dad.
And he knew his guilt about what he’d done with his friends had caused him to
avoid talking to God. I have a great dad, he thought, and an even greater God! I
want to make things right with Him, too. Garret bowed his head to pray.
Do you sometimes avoid a person you’ve wronged? Has some wrong thing you’ve
done caused you to lose interest in things of the Lord? Does it give you uneasy, guilty feelings? It
should. Don’t ignore those feelings, and don’t let them keep you from going to God because you think
He’s angry with you and won’t want to hear from you. Instead, confess and turn from your sin. God will
forgive you and restore your fellowship with Him.
Settling Differences
Read: Matthew 5: 38-44
October
14
Jacob picked up the phone and dialed a number. “Hi, Trevor,” he said. “Do
you know what I’m gonna do about Alex tomorrow? I’m tired of that bully and
I’ve made up my mind to punch him if he bothers us!” As Jacob spoke, he
glanced into the dining room and was surprised to see his grandfather reading
at the table. Jacob lowered his voice. “I’ve gotta go now. Bye.” He hung up the
phone. I hope Grandpa didn’t hear me, he thought. Jacob knew how his
grandfather felt about fighting.
“What was that all about?” Grandpa asked.
Jacob shrugged. “Nothing much,” he said. “It was just about some stuff at
school.” He needed to change the subject. “What are you reading?”
“My Bible.” Grandpa patted the cover. “I was reading verses that tell what
happened when Jesus was arrested (see Matthew 26:47-53). He demonstrated to
His followers that physical fighting is not the way to settle differences.”
Jacob sighed. “You heard what I said on the phone, didn’t you?” he asked.
“Yes, I did,” said Grandpa, “and I wondered
what made you want to fight.”
“I don’t want to fight,” protested Jacob, “but
every day this kid hangs around the soccer field.
He grabs our ball if it gets anywhere near him, and
he won’t give it back until recess is over.”
“Punching him is the answer?” asked Grandpa.
Key Verse
“I don’t know. Maybe not,” admitted Jacob,
Let us not love in word or in
“but what else can we do?”
tongue, but in deed and in truth.
“Have you talked to your teacher about it?” asked
1 John 3:18
Grandpa. Jacob shook his head. “Think about how
Jesus would want you to handle this problem,” suggested Grandpa. “Even
when He knew He was going to die, Jesus taught us to love—not hate. He says
we should even love our enemies.” Grandpa paused. “Maybe there’s some other
reason why this boy hangs around the soccer field,” he added. “Think about it.”
Later that evening, Jacob joined Grandpa on the porch swing. “I thought
about what you said,” Jacob told him. “I’m not going to fight. I’m going to try
something else—something I should’ve done before.”
“What’s that?” Grandpa asked.
“I’m going to ask him if he’d like to play with us!” replied Jacob.
Show God’s
love—even to
bullies
What do you do when someone bullies you? Do you yell at him or her? Do you throw
punches? Do you encourage the other kids to be unkind to the person bothering you? Or do you
remember what Jesus taught? Try being patient and kind. It generally gets better results than fighting
back. If necessary, ask a teacher or other adult to help you find a way to let the person know you’d like
to be his friend. Remember that God says love is your best weapon.
October
15
Hospital for Sinners?
Read: Luke 5:27-32
“Mom, you didn’t tell Logan he could invite Max Blackburn to go to Sunday
school with us tomorrow, did you?” asked Jana, but she already knew the
answer before her mother nodded. “Oh-h-h, Mother!” wailed Jana. “Max is
horrid! He’s always mean to the girls—actually, he’s mean to everybody. He’s
everything you tell us not to be, and then you turn around and say he can
come along to Sunday school with us. If you knew all the awful things Max says
and does, you wouldn’t even want Logan to be friends with him.”
“I don’t want Logan to be best friends with Max or to do all that he does,”
said Mom, “but I want you both to be kind to him.”
As she spoke, the door opened and Logan burst into the room, holding his
wrist. “I was chopping up sticks in the backyard, and I cut my hand,” he gasped.
Mom grabbed a clean cloth and pressed it tightly against the cut. But the
wound was deep and when it kept on bleeding, she took her car keys off the
hook by the door. “Come along,” she said. “We’re going to the hospital and get
that checked out at the emergency clinic.”
At the clinic, a doctor examined Logan’s hand
and then stitched and bandaged it. Soon they were
ready to go back home.
“Those doctors and nurses were cool,” said
Logan
when they got home and he showed Dad
Key Verse
the
bandages.
“They took really good care of my
I have not come to call
hand, and they were all so nice. I liked ’em all.”
the righteous, but sinners,
Dad smiled. “That’s what hospitals and doctors
to repentance.
and
nurses are for—to take care of the sick and
Luke 5:32
hurting,” he said.
“Something like church,” mused Mom. “The church is a good place for sinsick, hurting people who need Jesus.” She glanced at her daughter. “Jana, what
if hospitals only allowed clean, healthy people in their emergency rooms?”
Jana sighed. “I know you’re thinking about Max,” she said.
“Max?” asked Logan. “What about him?” He frowned at his sister. “I know
you don’t like him. He’s not my favorite person, either, but he’s coming to
Sunday school tomorrow and you better be nice to him!”
“I’ll be nice! I’ll be nice!” promised Jana. “I’ll be as nice to him as the doctors
and nurses were to you. I know it’s good that he’s coming, and I’ll be nice.”
Welcome sinners
at church
Do you invite only kids who behave nicely to go to church with you? Keep
inviting the nice ones—they need Jesus. But those who aren’t so well-behaved or so pleasant to be
around need Jesus, too. If you know kids with special behavior problems, be kind to them. Don’t make
them your best friends, but treat them nicely and invite them to attend church or Sunday school with
you. Let them see Jesus in the way you behave.
Plan Needed
Read: Psalm 33:6-9
October
16
“You know what, Dad? My science textbook says our world started from some
kind of big bang . . . that it just kind of happened,” said Abigail. “Haley believes
that, but it’s not what the Bible teaches. How can I convince her that it’s silly?”
Dad thought a bit, then handed Abigail a flyer—a bicycle advertisement that
had come in the mail. “Cut out all the words and pictures in this ad,” he said.
Abigail rolled her eyes. Dad often gave her some project to do instead of just
answering a question. She got a scissors and began cutting.
“Now toss those words and pictures into the air,” said Dad. Abigail frowned
but did as he said. “Good,” approved Dad when the pieces had landed on the
floor. “How does that ad looks now? Does it make you want to buy a bike?”
“Oh, Dad!” exclaimed Abigail. “Half of those pieces aren’t even right side up!
They’re just wherever they happened to fall. I didn’t take time to arrange them and
make them say something. They don’t even make an ad now—you know that!”
Dad nodded. “An ad takes planning and work,” he said. “Now . . . think
about our world—trees, lakes, mountains, sky, sun
and stars, the air we breathe. And think about
animals and people—intricate designs of veins,
pores, internal organs, bones. Could any of that
just happen by chance without being planned?”
Abigail shook her head. “No, but I already knew
Key Verse
that. It’s Haley who needs that illustration.” She
O Lord, how manifold are Your
smiled as she motioned toward the words on the
works! In wisdom
floor. “Hey! I could try something like this with
You have made them all.
her, couldn’t I?” she added.
Psalm 104:24
“Sure.” Dad nodded. “It might help her see that
a finished product of anything doesn’t just happen,” he said. “Ads have to be
planned, and the world did, too. God designed each part of it with great love
and care.”
Abigail nodded. “It seems so obvious that God created everything. I wonder
why more people can’t see that.”
“I’ve wondered about that myself,” said Dad.
“It sure seems silly to think everything came into being without someone
planning it,” said Abigail. “I’m glad I know God planned and made everything,
and I’m going to try to help Haley understand that, too.”
God designed and
created all things
Have you heard that the world and people just happened to exist? That doesn’t
really make sense, does it? It’s easy to understand that things like houses, skyscrapers, lunch boxes,
and books need to be planned. They don’t just happen. Well, mountains, clouds, seas, and living things
(animals, vegetation, humans) could not just happen either. The Bible says God designed and created
everything—and that includes you. He made you and deserves your love, praise, and service.
October
17
Matt’s Problem
Read: Psalm 19:12-14
Arriving home after school, Matt dropped his books on the kitchen table
and then slumped down in a chair. “You must have had a bad day,” said Mom.
“You look like you have all the problems of the world on your mind.”
“Actually, I had a pretty good day,” replied Matt, “but I . . . I do have a
problem.” He frowned. “You sure you won’t get mad if I tell you?”
“That sounds serious. What have you done, Matt?” asked Mom.
“Nothing much, but . . . well, it’s just that so many kids at school swear,” Matt
replied. He hesitated.
“And . . . ?” prompted Mom.
“And once in a while, one of those swear words slips out of my mouth,” Matt
admitted. “Is that really so bad? I don’t mean to say them, honest! But I guess I
just hear them so often that I say them without thinking.”
“Why not stay away from the kids who use bad words?” suggested Mom.
Matt shook his head. “Can’t. I’d have to stay away from gym class, the
lunchroom, band practice—everywhere, really.”
Mom nodded. “I know how you feel,” she said.
“You do?” Matt asked in surprise. “Did you have
a problem like that when you were a kid?”
“Not just when I was a kid,” said Mom. “On
the afternoons I work at the store now, customers
Key Verse
sometimes throw a couple of swear words into an
Let the words of my mouth and
otherwise normal conversation.”
the meditation of my heart be
“Do those words stick in your mind?” asked
acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.
Matt.
“Do you repeat them, too?”
Psalm 19:14
“I haven’t done that,” replied Mom, “but
sometimes they do stick in my mind. There are a couple of things I do then.”
“Like what?” Matt asked.
“First of all, I silently pray and ask the Lord to help me put improper words
or thoughts out of my mind,” said Mom. “And then to help me do that, I
concentrate on something other than what I just heard. Sometimes I think
about a Scripture verse I’ve learned or I start humming a song. If someone
continually uses bad language in my presence, I politely ask him not to do that.”
Matt nodded. “Good idea!” he said. “Thanks, Mom. Next time I hear
someone swear, I’ll do those things, too!”
Think about
good things
Do you often hear people using bad language? Is it impossible to avoid hearing it from
time to time? Perhaps you’ve found yourself unintentionally saying one of those words without
thinking. Try the suggestions mentioned in the above story. Deliberately think about something else.
Learn to concentrate on good things.
If you have a problem like Matt’s, have you tried the suggestions found in today’s
story? The first one is for you to
and ask God to help you.
The second suggestion is to
(think about)
something else, such as a Bible verse or a song you’ve learned.
Write the first few words of three different Bible verses you could recite.
1.
2.
3.
Write the titles or the first words of three different choruses (songs) you know.
1.
2.
3.
Don’t forget the last suggestion . . . If someone continually uses bad language
when you’re together, politely ask him or her not to do that.
Ask an adult: If you hear bad things and they stick in your
mind, what do you do to help you forget them?
What are some other good things to think about besides Bible
verses or songs?
Our Key Verse is a prayer all of us should use daily. Each day we meet all kinds of people who
follow many different standards of living. Not all of them love God, so we can’t expect them to
honor Him in all they do and say. That doesn’t give us an excuse to join them in the kind of words they
use or in any wrong action. Instead, we need to ask God to help us please Him in what we do, the way
we speak, and even in the way we think in our hearts.
Deliberately . . .
think about good things
October
18
Why?
Read: Luke 2:41-52
“Mom, make Shawn leave me alone!” Alyssa exclaimed as she pushed her
little brother into the kitchen and turned to go.
Shawn’s eyes clouded with tears. “I didn’t do nothin’.”
Mom hugged her son. “What’s the problem, Alyssa?” she asked.
“He follows me around and asks why over and over and over,” complained
Alyssa. “Or else he asks how or what. I get tired of trying to answer him.”
“I see,” said Mom. “I guess he’s asking questions like you used to.”
“Me? What questions?” asked Alyssa in surprise.
“Oh, things like, why are puppies so cute? Where do birds sleep? Who takes
care of skunks? When will it snow? Why are trees tall?” Mom smiled. “Now
Shawn is learning by asking questions, just like you did, and that’s fine. A
famous author—Rudyard Kipling—wrote a poem that says, ‘I keep six honest,
serving men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and
When and How and Where and Who.’”
Alyssa laughed. “Well, okay. I guess I better try
to be more patient,” she decided, “but I hope Shawn
learns fast. All those questions do get annoying.”
“Yes,” sympathized Mom, “but . . . you know,
even Jesus asked questions when He was a boy.
How about getting my Bible from the family room?”
Key Verse
“Sure,” said Alyssa. She hurried out and soon
A wise man will hear
came back with the Bible. Mom opened it,
and increase learning.
pointed to a verse, and asked Alyssa to read it.
Proverbs 1:5
“Now so it was that after three days,” read
Alyssa, “they found Him in the temple, sitting in
the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”
“That’s talking about Jesus,” said Mom. “I’ve heard preachers say that young
as He was, Jesus was teaching. Others have suggested that He was also learning.
In any case, maybe it will help us have more patience if we remember that Jesus
asked a lot of questions, too.”
Alyssa nodded and held out her hand to her little brother. “Come on, Shawn.
Let’s go back outside.” Shawn went along happily.
Mom smiled when just before the door closed, she heard Shawn’s voice.
“Alyssa, why . . .”
Learn by asking
questions
Do you become impatient with someone who asks a lot of questions? Do you
ask a lot of questions yourself? God does not condemn honest questions, and neither should you. It’s a
natural way to learn. Ask the Lord to help you be a patient listener and a good teacher when questions
are asked of you. When you don’t know answers, be sure to ask questions yourself and learn from the
teachers God has provided for you.
Feeding the Fire
Read: Proverbs 26:20-22; Matthew 5:9
October
19
“That’s what Maria said, Staci. She said she thinks you’re stupid!” reported
Tammi. “But don’t let her know I told you, okay? See you tomorrow.”
As Tammi hung up the phone, Mom frowned. “Honey, why did you tell
Staci that Maria said she was stupid?” she asked.
“Because that’s what Maria said,” Tammi replied quickly. “Staci and Maria
don’t get along very good. They’re always complaining about each other.”
Mom raised her eyebrows. “And you add fuel to the fire?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” asked Tammi.
“Come with me,” said Mom. She led the way to the fireplace in the family
room and pointed to the small fire burning there. “What will happen if I add a
log to that fire, Tammi?”
“The fire will get bigger,” Tammi replied.
“Right. And what if we don’t add any more wood to it?” Mom asked.
“Well, I guess it would die out pretty soon,” Tammi answered.
“Yes, and it’s often like that when two people
don’t get along,” Mom said. “Their quarrel usually
dies out if nobody stirs it up. God refers to a person
who does that as a talebearer. And the talebearer is
generally the one who gets hurt. You . . .” Mom
was interrupted by the telephone.
Key Verse
“I’ll get it,” said Tammi quickly. “It’s probably
Where there is no wood, the fire
Maria. She was going to call me.” Tammi was glad
goes out; and where there is no
to end the conversation.
talebearer, strife ceases.
When Tammi came home the next day, she was
Proverbs 26:20
very quiet. “Is something wrong?” Mom asked.
“This morning Maria invited me to go with her to the riding stables next
weekend,” said Tammi, choking back a sob, “but after school, she came up and
said the invitation is off. She said she’s going to take Natalie instead. Maria is
really mad at me because she found out I told Staci what she said about her.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m really not surprised,” said Mom. “You were a talebearer,
weren’t you? What do you think you should do now?”
Tammi sniffed. “I . . . I . . . apologize to Maria?”
“Yes,” said Mom. “I think you need to apologize to both girls and then follow
God’s advice to be a peacemaker—to help them get along and not quarrel.”
Don’t encourage
others to argue
Are you tempted to tell kids unpleasant things others have said about them?
It’s an unwise thing to do. Not only will it hurt others, but it will hurt you, too. God suggests a better
way. He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” If you know two people who don’t get along well, do what
you can to keep peace between them. Report what they say about each other only if it’s something
positive. Be a peacemaker, not a talebearer.
Some Ordinary Day
October
20
Read: Matthew 24:37-44; James 4:13-15
“Mom,” said Kyle, “isn’t that where we picked blackberries one day last
summer?” He pointed out the car window to a field that looked familiar to him.
Mom glanced over. “Sure enough,” she said.
“You know what else?” added Kyle. “Driving home from picking berries that
day was the last time I rode in the blue car.”
“The day before the accident,” Mom said thoughtfully. Kyle nodded. He
remembered what had happened the day after they picked berries. The phone
had rung as he was eating lunch. After answering it, Mom had looked stunned.
“Dad’s been in an accident,” she’d said. “Thank God he’s not badly hurt. He
says the car looks like a crushed tin can!”
Now Kyle looked from the field back to his mother. “The phone call we got
that day sure was a surprise, wasn’t it?” he said. “When we were driving home
from picking berries, I had no idea that Dad would be hit by a truck the next
day and the car would be smashed and I’d never ride in it again.”
“I’m sure that didn’t occur to any of us,” said
Mom. “The book of James reminds us that we
never know what will happen from day to day.”
“Yeah, it started out like an ordinary day,” Kyle
remembered. “I had breakfast and played outside
with the guys. We were having lunch when . . .
Key Verse
Surprise! The day wasn’t ordinary anymore!”
Be ready, for the Son of Man
Mom smiled at Kyle. “There’s going to be a big
is coming at an hour you
surprise
on another ordinary day,” she said. “We’ll
do not expect.
be
doing
ordinary, everyday things, expecting life
Matthew 24:44
to go on as it always has, and suddenly . . .” Mom
snapped her fingers and continued, “Jesus will come back to take us to heaven
to be with Him.”
Kyle nodded. “It could happen any day, couldn’t it?” he asked.
“Yes, it could,” agreed Mom. “It will be a terrible time for those who haven’t
trusted in Jesus, but a great and wonderful event for those who are ready—for
all who know and love Him.”
“I’m glad I know Him,” said Kyle, “and that you and Dad do, too—and Jake
and Emily and Grandpa and Grandma and Pastor Grey and Mr. Wood and . . .
Mom smiled. “Me, too,” she said. “Let’s pray for those who don’t know Jesus.”
Jesus may come
today—be ready
If Jesus comes back today, will you be ready? Some day—some ordinary day—He’s
coming again. Sin—the bad things you’ve done or thought—cannot enter heaven, but Jesus took
the punishment for all those bad things. If you’re truly sorry for your sin, confess that to God and
accept His forgiveness. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Then you can eagerly look
forward to the wonderful time of His return.
The Fishing Trip
Read: Matthew 4:18-22
October
21
Though the days were getting chilly, Noah sat down on the front steps and
began to sing a chorus he had learned years before in Sunday school. “I will
make you fishers of men . . . if you follow Me.”
Just as he finished the song, his mother came outside with a cup of hot
chocolate. “Here, Noah,” she said, “I thought you might like this to warm you
up a bit.”
“Thanks, Mom!” exclaimed Noah.
“I heard you singing. We sang that same song when I was a kid,” said Mom.
“I haven’t sung it for years.”
Noah laughed. “I haven’t, either,” he said, “but our teacher wants us to put on
a little program for the younger kids. We’ll sing a few songs and do a short skit.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Mom. “Do you know what that song means?”
“Sure,” Noah answered. “Everybody knows what it means to go fishing, but
Jesus wants Christians to go fishing for people. He wants us to help others get
to know Him, too.”
“Right,” approved Mom.
As Noah sipped the hot chocolate, he thought
about fishing—especially fishing for people—and
all that it involved. Suddenly he jumped up. “Mom,
can I go over to Jeremy’s house?” he asked. His
Key Verse
mother agreed, so Noah ran down the street.
(Jesus
said)
Follow Me, and I
“Hi, Jeremy,” said Noah when he reached his
will make you fishers of men.
friend’s house. “Want to go to Bible club with me?”
Matthew 4:19
“Bible club?” asked Jeremy. “What’s that? What
do you do there?”
“Oh, it’s pretty cool,” answered Noah. “We play games, sing songs, and learn
things from the Bible. How about going with me this Thursday?”
Jeremy shrugged. “Okay,” he agreed.
“Great!” said Noah. “Hey, let’s go and ask Zack if he wants to go, too!” They
did, and Zack decided to join them.
As Noah was getting ready for bed that night, he told his mother about his
“fishing trip” that afternoon. “Well, I see you really do know the meaning of
that song you were singing,” said Mom with a smile. “I hope you’ll be a
fisherman for Jesus as long as you live.”
Be a
fisher of men
Are you a fisher of men? Lots of kids get excited about fishing for fish. Get excited about
fishing for people, too! You can do that by both your actions and words. Invite your friends to join you
at church, Sunday school, or Bible club. Tell them about Jesus. And let them see Him in your life—by
your helpfulness, cheerfulness, and kindness to others. Let them see Him by your honesty, your
patience, and your love for God. Encourage them to come to Jesus, too.
October
22
Dirty Spots
Read: Ephesians 4:22-25
“Nina, I’m going to take this dish to Grandma’s,” said Mom one Saturday.
“We’re having company this afternoon, and since mopping the kitchen floor is your
job this week, I want you to get it done—or at least started—while I’m gone.”
“Sure, Mom,” Nina replied. “No problem.”
After Mom left, Nina looked at the floor and frowned. There are only a few dirty
spots on this whole floor, she thought. Mom will never notice if I just wipe them up
and leave the rest. Nina wet a few paper towels and wiped the spots where the
dirt showed the most. Then she threw the dirty towels in the garbage can.
When Mom came back, Nina was sitting on the couch and reading a book.
“Did you finish the floor already?” Mom asked.
“Yup, I cleaned it,” Nina replied, but she felt uncomfortable.
“That didn’t take long. Are the mop and bucket back in the closet?” Mom asked.
Nina nodded. I’m not lying, she thought. Those things just never left the closet.
A minute later, Mom came back with the mop. “I got this out to mop the
porch floor,” she said. “Why isn’t it wet?”
Nina was busted! She looked down. “I . . . I did
clean the floor, but I just wiped up dirty spots that
you could see,” she murmured.
“Well, you can do it over now—and do it right,”
said Mom sternly. “Then we’ll talk about it.”
Key Verse
Nina took the mop and filled the bucket. “I
Let each one of you
guess the floor wasn’t so clean after all,” she said,
speak truth with his neighbor.
surprised to see how dirty the water got when she
Ephesians 4:25
actually mopped the floor.
“I guess not,” said Mom. “Not all dirt is easy to
see—on the floor or in our hearts. Your failure to obey and your dishonesty are
much more serious than the dirty floor. They’re like dirty spots on your life.”
“But I didn’t really lie,” protested Nina.
“You told a half-truth in order to make me believe you obeyed me and
mopped the floor. That was wrong. Do you understand that, Nina?” Mom asked.
“Y-yes. I . . . I knew it was really a lie even though the words were right,”
admitted Nina. “I’m sorry, Mom.” A tear ran down her cheek. “I’ll remember.”
“Okay,” said Mom, “but to help you remember, it will be your job to mop
the floor every week for the next two months.” Nina nodded.
Be
honest
Are there dirty spots in your life? How honest are you? Are you careful to tell the truth, or
do you sometimes tell half-truths in order to hide a wrong thing you’ve done? In Ephesians 4 (today’s
Scripture reading), God says to put away lying. So when you’re tempted to deceive somebody by not
being completely honest, remember that God sees and knows what you’re doing and why you’re doing
it. Living truthfully with God and with each other is important.
The Unique Letter
October
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Timothy 4:9, 13
23
“Oh, no!” Juan exclaimed. “I left my coat at Uncle Don’s house. I wore it
when he took us fishing on Saturday, but when it got hot, I took my jacket off
and put it in Uncle Don’s truck.”
“Well, Juan,” said Dad, “I guess I can’t scold you. I left something over there
myself—some research books I took along to study during our visit. I knew I
should have put them in the car as soon as I was done with them, but I didn’t!”
“Mom said Aunt Jane and Uncle Don are planning on visiting us in a couple
of weeks,” said Juan. “They can bring the coat and books then.”
Laughing, Mom walked into the room. “I overheard that,” she told them, “and
I have an idea. Why not send them an email, Juan, with only a Scripture reference
for the message. Second Timothy 4:13. I think they’ll get a kick out of that.”
Juan looked puzzled. “Why? What does that say, Mom?” he asked.
“Look it up and see!” Mom smiled as she handed Juan a Bible.
Juan found the verse and read it aloud. “Bring the cloak that I left with
Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books,
especially the parchments.” Juan grinned. “I
wonder if Uncle Don would catch on.”
Dad laughed. “Oh, I’m sure he and Aunt Jane
will figure it out,” he said.
“I’ve always liked that verse,” said Mom.
“You have?” Juan asked in surprise. “What do
Key Verse
you like about it?”
I said, "Here am I! Send me."
“Well, it’s easy to think the people in the Bible
Isaiah 6:8
were different from us—that they weren’t quite
human with the same kinds of needs and problems
we have,” said Mom. “That isn’t true. To me, this verse shows us the human
side of Paul. He’s writing about ordinary things that happened. He needed his
cloak and his books just like you need your coat and Dad needs his books.”
She smiled. “And like you, he apparently forgot them.”
Dad nodded. “You’re right,” he said. “Paul was just an ordinary man that
God used in an extraordinary way.”
“Cool! I’ll go send the email right now,” decided Juan. As he went to turn on
the computer, he thought about what his parents had said. So since God uses
ordinary people, he thought with a grin, I guess that means He can use me!
God uses
ordinary people
Have you thought the people God uses are very different from you? Pastors,
missionaries, Bible teachers, and others who serve the Lord are ordinary people. Yes, they have unique
personalities and abilities. So does everyone—so do you. If you’re willing to let the Lord work in your
life, He can use you in a special way. Be willing to say, “Here am I, Lord—an ordinary person. Send me
to do whatever work you have for me to do.”
October
24
Why Can’t I?
Read: Ephesians 6:1-3
“But Dad, why can’t I?” asked Francie, frowning when her father insisted she
turn off a TV program she wanted to watch.
Her brother Cole looked up. “Yeah,” he muttered. “I heard that’s a good show.”
“We think it’s better for you to watch something else,” said Dad.
“It’s not fair,” whined Francie. “All the rules we have just make my life
completely unbearable!” She had a tendency to be a bit dramatic. “Jenny gets
to watch this show all the time.” Francie was annoyed that Jenny’s parents let
her do a lot of things Francie and her brother were not allowed to do.
“We don’t base our decisions on what the neighbors are doing, honey,” Dad said.
So, knowing this conversation was going nowhere, Francie didn’t say any more.
As the kids and their dad ran some errands that afternoon, they drove past
their church. “Look!” Cole pointed to small trees that had just been added along
the edge of the property. “Dad, why did they tie those little trees down like that?”
Francie giggled. “Do they think they might try to run away?” she asked.
“When we visited Nana and Papa Jenkins last
summer, we took a walk through the woods behind
their house,” Dad said with a smile. “Remember?”
“Sure. Cole and I both beat you when we raced
to that crooked tree near the stream!” said Francie.
“That’s okay, Dad. Everybody gets a little slow
Key Verse
in their old age,” Cole teased.
Children, obey your parents
Dad laughed. “Well, one of you mentioned that
in all things, for this is
the tree was crooked and leaning over a lot,” he said.
well pleasing to the Lord.
“I named it the Snake Tree,” Cole remembered.
Colossians 3:20
Dad nodded. “It probably was damaged in a
storm years ago when it was about the size of those new, young trees at the
church,” he said. “The grounds keepers at church staked those new trees to hold
them in place and help them grow straight and tall in spite of storms and
winds.” After a moment, he added, “That’s kind of like what parents have to do.”
“You mean . . .” Francie hesitated, “like you and Mom giving us rules to follow
and being careful about what we see on TV or the internet?” she asked. “You
want us to grow strong by watching the right things.”
“And you teach us to obey by punishing us when we’re bad,” added Cole.
Dad smiled. He couldn’t have said it better himself.
Honor parents
and follow
their rules
Do you think it’s unfair that other kids get to do things you’re not allowed to do?
Do you sometimes feel like there are too many rules for you to follow? Wait a minute! Don’t you know
that the rules you’re given are designed to help you? Choose to trust the wisdom of your parents and
others who care for you and want to help you grow strong in the Lord. Thank God for them and thank
Him for . . . yes, for the rules.
Family Reunion
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
October
25
“Oh-h-h,” groaned Heather. She sank back in the seat as they drove home
from a family reunion. “I think I ate too much of Aunt Margie’s apple pie. It
was so good!”
“And I think I played too much baseball. I’m getting too old to be running
around the bases,” said Dad, laughing heartily.
“I really didn’t feel much like going today,” Katie said, “but it was a lot of
fun. It was cool to see all those great aunts and uncles, too. I didn’t know we
had so many relatives! I hope we have a family reunion again next year. ”
“You know what I liked?” Heather asked. “I liked hearing the stories some of
the older people told us. They were really interesting.”
“I’ve heard Mom tell some of the same stories,” said Katie, “but it’s even
more fun to hear them from the people they actually happened to.”
“I’m thinking of another family reunion we’ll be attending someday,” said Dad.
“With people from your side of the family instead of Mom’s?” Katie asked.
“I’m thinking of the reunion that will take place
when we all get to heaven,” Dad replied. “We’ll be
reunited with friends and relatives from both sides
of our family. And we’ll meet people we know
only from reading about them—some who are
living now, and others from long ago.”
Key Verse
“I’d like to meet Billy Graham,” said Mom.
We . . . shall be caught up
“He’s preached in so many places.”
together with them in the clouds
“How about people from the Bible—like Noah?”
to meet the Lord in the air.
asked Katie. “Maybe we can ask him what it was
1 Thessalonians 4:17
like living on an ark with all those animals.”
“Yeah!” exclaimed Heather. “And I’d like to ask Jonah how it felt to be inside
a fish! Do you think we’ll really get to do that?”
Mom grinned at the two girls. “Maybe,” she said. “I don’t know. We may be
enjoying so many other things that we’re no longer interested in things like that.”
“We get so busy with things here on earth that heaven hardly seems real,”
observed Dad. “You said you didn’t think you’d care for our family reunion
today, but you enjoyed it. You can be sure the reunion—and life—in heaven
will be far, far better! We’ll be with friends and relatives, but best of all, Jesus
will be there. We’ll spend eternity with Him.”
Heaven will be a
great reunion
Does heaven seem far off and rather unreal? That’s natural, but be assured that the
gathering of God’s people in heaven is real, and it will be a wonderful time! Tales of life long ago are
interesting, but the reunion in heaven of the entire family of Christians—including people you’ve
read about in the Bible and others who lived many years ago—will be far more special. Best of all,
you’ll meet Jesus.
October
26
Brand Names
Read: Acts 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, 13
Erin and her friend Leslie stopped to look at the window display in a clothing
store. Erin turned to her mother, who had come to the mall with them. “Mom,
look! Look at that cool outfit! Can I get it for my birthday?” she pleaded. “All the
girls wear shirts like that one.”
“I like those jeans, too,” said Leslie.
“Yeah!” Erin looked hopefully at her mother. “Can I get those, Mom?”
“I don’t know,” Mom answered doubtfully. “Things in this store are pretty
expensive. I’ve seen jeans at the discount store that look just as nice. I don’t
think anyone would know the difference if you had them instead of these.”
“They’d know the difference all right!” exclaimed Erin. “Wouldn’t they
Leslie? Everybody is wearing this brand.” Leslie nodded in agreement.
“Well,” said Mom, “stores are closing, so we won’t be getting anything today.”
The girls reluctantly turned away from the window.
On the way home, Erin and Leslie discussed some of the popular brands of
clothing they hoped to get. Finally, Mom frowned.
“Brand names seem so important to you kids,” she
said, “but are you remembering that you have a
name much more important than any brand name
you’ll find on jeans?”
Erin and Leslie looked puzzled. “What do you
Key Verse
mean,
Mom?” asked Erin.
By this all will know that you
“Those who trust in Christ wear His name—the
are My disciples, if you
name Christian,” Mom explained. “Brand names
have love for one another.
are really advertisements, and our lives should
John 13:35
advertise for Jesus. I wonder . . . Can our friends
tell that we wear Christ’s name?”
Erin frowned. “I . . . I never really thought about it,” she murmured.
“Me, neither,” said Leslie. “I guess we should, shouldn’t we?”
Mom nodded. “I know I don’t think of it often enough myself,” she said, “but
it’s something we all should remember. We wear the most important name of
all, and people should be able to see that Jesus makes a difference in our lives.”
“We’ll try to remember,” Erin promised. With a mischievous grin, she
added, “I think wearing popular brand name jeans would help me remember
my other, more important label.” Mom laughed and shook her head.
Christian
is your label
Is Christian a label that belongs to you? It is if you know Jesus as your Savior. Let others
see by your words and actions that you belong to Him. Love is the greatest of all the characteristics
that should be seen in your life. Let it be evident that you love God, that you love other believers, and
that you love those who need to know Jesus. When you display God’s love, your life will be a pleasing
advertisement for Christ.
You see signs for driving directions, businesses, and other things, but do you
wear a sign telling others you’re a Christian? Of course not! So how can they tell?
Good characteristics
in your life will help
others see that you
are a Christian. You
will find some of
them when you use
the numbered letters
in these signs to fill
in the blanks.
STOP
Y I6 E4 L13 D
Joe’s
Diner
10
12
3
1
__ __ V __
13 9
4
2
9
7
8
5
11
__ __ __ __ __
10 4 1 2 4
K __ __ __ __ __ __ __
6 8 3 8 4 12 12
F __ __ __ __ V __ __ __
9 7 5 6
6 8 5
H __ M B __ __ __ __ __ __
11
13 4 8 4 12 12
M __ __ K __ __ __ __
4 4
8 4 12 12
Puzzle by Eugenie Daniels adapted from Bible Pathways for Kids, Issue 10 Copyright © 2005 Used by permission.
Ask an adult to look at the words in the lists above and discuss
with you what they mean. For example, you can ask, “What does
meekness mean?”
_
__
“What is humbleness?”
___
Ask about any other words you find hard to understand.
As our Key Verse points out, the way we act tells others something about us. We often forget
that people are watching us every day. We don’t wear a sign on our backs with the word Christian
on it, but when we treat one another in a kind and unselfish way, it’s a testimony to others that
we love Jesus. As you work and play today, think about the fact that you bear the label Christian.
Let others see it by the loving things you do and say.
If you know Jesus . . .
Christian is your label
October
27
It Takes Faith
Read: Hebrews 11:1-6
Twins Micah and Maggie were enjoying a weekend with their grandparents.
“Our teacher is a Christian,” said Maggie as they sat before the fire, getting
ready to pop corn in an old-fashioned, long-handled basket.
Micah nodded. “At school today, Pete said his neighbors believe you need to
have faith in Jesus to get to heaven. But his dad doesn’t believe that. Pete told
us his dad says there’s no point in having faith in anything.”
“And what did Miss Wilson say?” Grandpa asked.
“She said almost everything we do takes faith,” replied Maggie, “and that if
we can have faith in people and things, we certainly should be able to have
faith in Jesus.”
Micah frowned. “I don’t know what she means by having faith in so many
things,” he said. “I’m not even quite sure what faith is. But the bell rang, and
Miss Wilson didn’t have time to explain it.” Micah moved nearer to the
fireplace, took the corn popper, and shook it over the hot coals.
“Why are you holding that over the fire?” asked
Grandpa. “And why shake it?”
Micah looked at him in surprise. “It has to get
good and hot to make the kernels pop,” he said,
sitting down on a stool. “I shake it to keep the
kernels from staying in one spot and burning.”
Key Verse
“Why are you sitting on that stool?” asked
Without faith it is impossible
Grandpa. “Aren’t you afraid it will collapse?”
to please Him (God).
“Grandpa!” protested Micah. “Of course not!”
Hebrews 11:6
“So . . . you have faith that the heat will change
the kernels,” said Grandpa. “You have faith that
shaking them will keep them from burning. And you have faith that the stool
will hold you. I’m sure you can think of other things you have faith in, too.”
Maggie laughed at the astonished expression on her brother’s face. “Yeah,
Micah. I guess you agree with Miss Wilson after all,” she said.
Micah laughed, too. “I guess I do,” he decided.
Grandpa nodded. “Very simply, faith is just believing. Faith in God is
believing that what He says is true—even though we may not understand it.”
Micah looked at the popped corn. “Since we have faith in so many things, it
makes sense that we have to accept Jesus by faith, too,” he said firmly.
Have faith in God
Do you have faith? If you ride in a bus, a plane, a car, or even on a bike, it takes faith—a belief
that those things will get you where you want to go. Riding in vehicles takes faith in people, too,—
like pilots, drivers, and mechanics. Since you have faith in things and people, you surely can have faith
in God. People can make errors, but not God. Believe what He says in the Bible—for salvation (see the
ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book) and also for all the promises He has given.
Criticism Versus Love
Read: Romans 15:1-7
October
28
The family car swung from the curb after dropping off Mrs. Shrively. As the
old lady climbed the porch steps, little Annie waved to her.
“Whew!” exclaimed Sarah. “I’m glad Mrs. Shrively’s gone. I wish we didn’t
have to give her a ride to church all the time. She just about drives me crazy.”
“Yeah,” echoed her brother Ayden. “Her laugh is the pits.”
Sarah agreed. “Her hair sure looks funny—and her dresses . . .” Sarah giggled.
“They’re as big as tents!”
“Kids!” Mom’s voice showed her disapproval. “You both know better than to
talk like that! Mrs. Shrively loves the Lord and is a fine Christian woman.”
“But she bosses me around all the time,” said Ayden, “and then she quotes
Scripture to back up what she says. I wish she’d just leave me alone.”
“I like her,” declared Annie.
“Mrs. Shrively embarrasses me in front of my friends,” complained Sarah.
“She acts like I’m her special friend. She makes it sound as though I like to
spend lots of time with her.”
“Did you know that God loves her?” Dad asked.
Sarah shrugged. “Sure. He loves everybody.”
“In fact,” said Mom, “God loves her just as much
as He loves you kids and Dad and me—and anyone
else in the whole world.”
Key Verse
Dad nodded. “God loves Mrs. Shrively so much
Receive one another
that He gave the very best heaven had to offer—
just as Christ also received us,
His only Son, the Lord Jesus—to take the penalty
to the glory of God.
for her sin.”
Romans 15:7
As Sarah and Ayden sat silently thinking, Mom
spoke. “Since God loves her that much, do you think you ought to criticize her
like you do?” she asked.
“No,” Sarah admitted with a sigh. “I’ll just . . . just not say anything about her.”
Ayden nodded. “Me, neither,” he agreed.
“I think we can do even better than that,” said Mom. “I’m sure God will help
all of us find at least one good thing to say about Mrs. Shrively each week.”
“I know something already,” offered Annie. “She helped me put my coat on.”
“Good,” approved Dad. “I believe God is pleased to give us victory over any
bad habit we’ve developed, and He’ll help us establish a good one in its place.”
Love others
as Jesus does
Do you depend upon God to help you treat everyone nicely? Is there someone you
really have trouble liking—someone who just bugs you? Whenever you’re tempted to be critical or
unkind, remember that God made the person you’re criticizing, and God loves him or her just as much
as He loves you. If you keep that in mind, you should have no trouble knowing how you should behave
toward the person you don’t find attractive. Think of something good to say about him or her.
October
29
Two-Member Trio
Read: Luke 16:10-13
“Hi, Jill,” Carla greeted her friend at the church entrance. “I’ve been waiting
for you and Shannon. Are you nervous?”
“Yeah,” admitted Jill. “I could hardly sleep last night.” The girls were excited
because for the first time, they were going to sing as a trio in the morning
church service.
Just then Shannon’s brother Doug walked by. “Where’s Shannon?” both girls
asked at once.
“You don’t know?” Doug seemed surprised. “Our neighbors called yesterday
and invited Shannon to go camping at Trout Lake with them. She decided to
go, and she won’t be back until tomorrow. I thought she called you.”
Carla and Jill looked at each other. “How could Shannon do this to us?”
moaned Carla as they hurried to find Miss Andrews, the pianist.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Miss Andrews when Carla explained that Shannon
wasn’t coming, “but I think you two should sing anyhow. Let’s run over the
song. I’m sure the two of you will sound fine
together.” So although they hadn’t practiced as a
duet before, the girls did sing, and several people
told them they sounded great.
“I still wish we could have sung a trio,” said
Carla on the way home. “I think it’s terrible that
Key Verse
Shannon didn’t come! She said she’d be there!”
“It’s too bad that happened,” agreed Mom, “but
It is required in stewards
don’t keep dwelling on it. Just let it remind you of
that one be found faithful.
how important it is to keep any commitment you
1 Corinthians 4:2
make to others.”
Dad nodded. “Remember this experience whenever you feel like backing out
of something at the last minute,” he advised. “Remember that God expects
faithfulness from His servants. We owe it to Him and we owe it to others as
well. If one person doesn’t do his or her job, it affects other people, too.”
Carla sighed. “I know it will make me think twice before I break a promise to
do something,” she said. She hesitated. “Is it okay to tell Shannon how we feel?”
“If you can do it lovingly, not in anger,” said Mom. “Learn from this experience,
and then let it go. Okay?”
“Okay,” Carla promptly agreed. “Maybe she just forgot.”
Take
responsibility
seriously
Do you take your responsibilities seriously? Or do you sometimes just not show up at the
last minute if something better comes along? When you fail to do what you’ve promised, you’re not
being fair to those who are depending on you. Faithfulness is important in everyday living—not only
to people, but also to God. Think about that every time you’re tempted to not keep a commitment you
have made to someone.
Over and Over
Read: Proverbs 1:1-8
October
30
“Derek!” called Mom. “Come in and do your Sunday school lesson. You’ve
been working with King for almost an hour!”
Derek frowned. “If I don’t train King every chance I get, he won’t be ready
for the dog show next week,” he told his mother. “Besides, I already looked at
my lesson. It’s just the story about Daniel and the lions. I don’t need to study
that. I’ve already heard it a million times!”
Mom laughed. “I don’t think it’s been quite that many,” she said. “Just get to
it. You may be surprised—you might learn something new.”
“I doubt that!” Derek grumbled to himself as he went in and plopped down
at the table with his Sunday school book and his Bible. Fifteen minutes later,
he was out the door yelling, “I’m done, Mom! I’ll be working with King!”
That evening, Derek couldn’t stop talking about his dog and how well he
was learning. “I’ve been teaching King to obey ever since he was just a little
puppy,” he said thoughtfully, “and I’ve made him do things over and over until
he got them right.”
“Yes, I know,” agreed Mom. She smiled and
added, “Like King, you’ve been taught many things
since you were very young—lessons from the Bible
to help you grow into a fine, mature Christian. And
like King, you had to hear your lessons more than
Key Verse
once in order for them to soak in. You’ve heard
Apply your heart to
over and over that God made the world and that
instruction, and your ears
He loves you. You’ve heard the well-known Bible
to words of knowledge.
stories many times, and you’ll probably hear them
Proverbs 23:12
again in Sunday school and church. That’s a good
thing. It helps you remember the stories and the lessons they teach.”
“So . . . you’re saying it doesn’t really matter if I have the same lesson lots of
times?” asked Derek.
“You give King the same lessons day after day,” Mom pointed out.
“Yeah, you’re right,” said Derek thoughtfully.
Mom smiled. “You did your Sunday school lesson pretty fast this afternoon,”
she said. “Maybe you should go over it once again this evening.”
“I had a feeling you were getting to that,” said Derek with a grin. “Okay. I
might have missed something or forgotten some of it. I’ll look it over again.”
Learn from
repetition
Do you get tired of hearing the same Bible stories over and over? Remember, you
seldom learn all there is to know by hearing them only once. Thank God for parents and teachers and
pastors who patiently tell you what God says in His Word. The knowledge you’re gaining now will stay
with you for the rest of your life. If you learn your lessons well, you’ll be rewarded by being able to
apply them to your life in later years as well as right now.
October
31
The Droopy Plant
Read: Ephesians 3:14-19
Kim looked at the planter hanging from the porch ceiling. “What’s the
matter with your plant, Mom?” she asked.
“My plant?” Mom turned to look at it. “Wow! It doesn’t look very happy!”
she exclaimed. “I’ve been so busy with all the company we’ve had lately that I
forgot to water it! I’ll do it right now.”
The next day, Kim noticed that the plant looked healthy again. Its leaves
were no longer droopy. “Mom, look at your plant now,” she said.
Mom nodded. “I noticed that it perked right up after I watered it.” She
looked fondly at her plant. “I enjoy tending plants,” she added. “Maybe that’s
because they're something like Christians.”
“Like Christians!” Kim laughed. “You make the funniest comparisons, Mom!
How are plants like Christians?”
“Well, in a couple of ways,” replied Mom. “For example, they both need a
good root system, and both need proper care and food.”
“Roots?” Kim asked doubtfully. She grinned. “I
know plants have roots, but if Christians had
them, wouldn’t they be stuck in one spot?”
“The Bible says Christians are to be rooted and
grounded in Jesus,” Mom explained with a smile.
“To do that, we need to learn what God says in
Key Verse
His Word and think about it and obey it. If we’re
(Be) rooted and built up in Him
not firmly rooted in Jesus, we might follow false
and established in the faith.
teachers and be led astray.”
Colossians 2:7
“I get it,” said Kim. “And besides physical food,
Christians need spiritual food, right?”
Mom nodded. “Yes, and do you know where they get that?”
“From the Bible,” said Kim confidently.
“That’s right,” said Mom, “and from fellowship with other Christians, too.”
“If Christians don’t get spiritual food, will they get droopy, like the plant
did?” Kim asked.
“I believe they often do,” Mom replied. “They may become unhappy and
impatient, and their lives may lose the evidence that God is in control.” She
motioned toward the plant. “If we see this plant drooping again, maybe it will
remind us that we must not let that happen in our spiritual lives.”
Seek
spiritual food
Do you feel droopy when it comes to spiritual things? Think about your life—is it a
shining testimony for Christ? If not, maybe it’s been too long since you received spiritual nourishment.
Spend time with other Christians, enjoying their fellowship and learning from them. Read God’s Word
daily, and don’t forget to pray. It will help you become well established in your Christian life.
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