Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:32-5

Wyatt called to Mom as he raced down the stairs and toward the back door. "I'm heading out to my garden to weed." Wyatt had his own garden in the backyard and was looking forward to caring for his plants.

Mom stuck her head out of the kitchen. "Can you take William with you, please? He's been wanting to go outside all day."

Wyatt sighed. Taking William with him would make tending his garden go much slower with all the questions he would ask. Wyatt was tempted to complain, but thought better of it. Mom needed to take care of baby Rose since she was teething and feeling miserable. Besides, William could be cute sometimes.

"William," Wyatt said, "do you want to come with me to the garden?"

"Yes!" William shrieked with delight. "Will you help me put on my shoes? Why do we have to go to the garden? What are we going to do there?"

Wyatt sighed but smiled as he kneeled down to buckle William's sandals. "We need to go to the garden to pull weeds and care for the plants."

William paused a moment, but soon thought of more questions. "How do we care for plants? Why do we pull weeds?"

Wyatt continued to answer William's questions as they headed outside. "We care for the plants by checking to see what they need. They may need water or extra support. If we don't pull the weeds, the plants won't have room to grow." He knew there would be many more questions before the day was done. Mom and Dad had told him that asking questions was how William learned and that answering them kindly and carefully helped him grow and showed him God's love. The kind of love Jesus shows us, Wyatt thought. Love that is always patient as He helps us learn and grow.

While William paused to chase a butterfly, Wyatt realized something. Showing patience and kindness to William wasn't that different from taking care of his plants. He decided he would keep tending William and do what was needed to help him grow.

–Myrical Barton

How About You?
Do you get impatient when younger kids ask lots of questions? Does it annoy you when friends or classmates don't understand something? Remember that Jesus is patient and loving toward you and that you show His love to others by treating them the same way. Be patient with others and do all you can to help them grow.

Today's Key Verse:
Be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV) (Ephesians 4:2)

Today's Key Thought:
Be patient and help others grow

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:65-73

Denver tugged his mother's hand. "Come on, Mom! I want to find out if my science fair project won a ribbon!"

"Okay, but help me keep an eye on Darcy," Denver's mom answered as she motioned for his little sister to follow them.

When they arrived at the table holding Denver's project, they spotted a red ribbon attached to the board displaying Denver's research.

"Second place! Cool!" Denver exclaimed. Then he, his mom, and Darcy walked around the gym looking at other projects. Denver congratulated some of his friends on their ribbons too.

"Denver, did you give Darcy a piece of gum?" Mom asked.

"No, I know Darcy's too little for gum."

"Well, she's chewing something." The three of them sat down on the gym's bleachers so Mom could ask Darcy about the gum. When they realized Darcy had yanked an old, already-chewed piece of gum from under one of the science fair tables, Denver cried, "Gross!"

Darcy began to whimper.

"Darcy, it's okay," Denver consoled his sister. "Mom, why would she do that?"

"She's little. She saw something that looked good, so she grabbed it. She doesn't have much experience making wise decisions yet. But she's not the only one who needs help making good choices." Mom smiled and shook her head. Then they returned to admiring the science projects set up in the gym.

On the ride home, Denver asked, "Mom, what did you mean about how Darcy's not the only one who needs help making choices?"

"Well, we all need help choosing what's best sometimes," said Mom.

"Because not everything that looks good is actually good for us," Denver said. "Like Darcy's gum."

"Exactly," Mom replied. "Thankfully, we have a place to turn when we need wisdom. Because you and I trust in Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins and then came back to life so we could have a relationship with God, we can go to our heavenly Father with any need we face, and He'll give us guidance."

"Good to know, Mom. I'm going to ask God for guidance about next year's science project--and about keeping Darcy away from old chewing gum."

–Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?
Have you ever faced a decision and needed help? We all have choices in life to make, and some of them are difficult. But as God's children, we can ask God for help and trust Him for wisdom in making decisions. As we look to God's Word, the Bible, for guidance and share our needs with Him, He will help us make wise choices that show others we have a relationship with Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (NIV) (Psalm 32:8)

Today's Key Thought:
God helps us make wise choices

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:4-6

Editor's note: This story may not be suitable for young children.

Asha's heart was pounding. She walked slowly down the jetway to the plane, clutching her mother's hand. "It'll be okay," Mom told her gently. "I know you're scared, but everything will be all right."

Asha looked up at Mom with her big round eyes, then snapped them back to the open door of the plane. Just a week ago, a bomb went off at an airport in another country. Asha shuddered as images of wrecked planes on the news flashed into her mind. She definitely didn't want anything like that to happen to her and Mom!

They finally crossed from the jetway to the plane, and the flight attendant greeted them with a warm smile as they began shuffling down the aisle. Mom pointed out their seats. "Row 27, seat F. That's you, Asha. I'll be in the seat right in front of you."

Asha's stomach lurched. "But Mom, I want you right next to me! I can't ride the whole way by myself. What if I lose you?"

"Don't worry, honey," Mom said as she slid into her row and pointed to the seat behind her. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here with you the whole way."

Asha climbed into her seat, buckled her belt, and stared out the window as the plane rolled into position on the runway. The engines began to roar, and she felt the pressure of the plane building up. She thought about her mother's words and remembered a Bible verse she had learned in church. "The Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you." She realized that even if flying on a plane seemed really scary to her, Jesus would be there to comfort her, just like Mom was with her on the plane. He would never leave her. Even if something horrible did happen and the plane crashed, He would still be with her, and she'd go to heaven to be with Him there.

She smiled as she sat back in the seat, feeling more comfortable. She spoke up so Mom could hear her. "Thanks for being here with me, Mom. I know Jesus will be with both of us too!"

–Dylan Kraayenbrink

How About You?
Do you often see scary things on the news? It's hard not to worry about the bad things that happen in the world. But remember that if you trust in Jesus, He'll always be with you to comfort you and carry you through every situation. No matter what happens, Jesus will never leave you. Your future is safe with Him.

Today's Key Verse:
The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (CSB)

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

Today's Key Thought:
God comforts His children

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-6; Hebrews 12:1-2

"Can you quiz me on some review questions for a test, Dad?" Lydia asked one evening. Dad agreed, so Lydia handed him her study sheet.

Dad asked Lydia several questions on topics she had studied. "Just a few to go," Dad said finally. "What's the name of the famous tower in Italy? And why is it famous?"

"The Leaning Tower of Pisa," Lydia replied. "It was supposed to stand straight, but the ground it was built on was soft and it began to lean during construction."

"Good," said Dad, closing the book. "I'll have to make up some harder questions if I'm going to stump you. Let's see…what's the Leaning Tower of Pisa leaning on?"

Lydia had to think about that one. "Is that a trick question? It doesn't seem to be leaning on anything." Looking out the window, Lydia saw her little brother wobbling down the driveway on his bike. "Eli's leaning on something though. Without those training wheels, he'd fall right over!" She grinned. "Is God holding up the tower? Maybe He's what's keeping it from falling over."

"That's an interesting idea," said Dad. "Eli, the tower in Pisa, you and me, we all need to have something--or someone--to lean on." He smiled. "Eventually Eli will learn to ride his bike without leaning on those training wheels. But as Christians, we'll always need someone to hold us up."

"You mean Jesus, don't you?" asked Lydia.

"That's right," said Dad. "If we think we can get through life or be a good person by leaning on our own efforts, we'll just fall right over. Only by leaning on Jesus--trusting in Him--can we be saved from sin and love others the way God calls us to. It's impossible for us to do it ourselves." He paused. "I'm not sure what's holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Some people think it might fall one day. But our foundation--Jesus--will never let us fall. No matter what happens, He will always hold us up."

Lydia smiled. "So, because I trust in Jesus, I'm Leaning Lydia! I'll have to remember that."

"Good," said Dad. "That's way more important to remember than anything on your study sheet!"

–Nance E. Keyes

How About You?
Are you leaning on Jesus? Or are you trying to hold yourself up? Only Jesus can save us from sin and provide us with all we need to live a life that points to His goodness and love. He wants us to lean on Him, and He puts people in our lives we can lean on too in hard times, like friends and family. You can trust that He will never let you fall. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (NKJV)

(Proverbs 3:5)

Today's Key Thought:
Lean on Jesus

Bible Reading: Acts 9:26-31

"That's enough TV for today, Simon," Grandma said, turning it off. "Don't you have homework to do?"

Simon shrugged. "It doesn't matter, Grandma." He reached down and scooped up Tiger, the stray cat Grandma had rescued. "Even if I do it, Mrs. Stevens still won't like me."

"I thought you enjoyed her class. What happened?" Grandma asked.

"I do like it. But I forgot to do my homework a few times, and now she always asks me if I've done it."

"That doesn't mean she doesn't like you, Simon," Grandma said. "She cares about you and wants to help you be responsible and do your work."

"But she won't let me go to the puzzle corner during study hall unless my homework's done. And if I tell her it's done, she doesn't believe me! She makes me show her my work." Simon stroked the fur on Tiger's back, making him purr. "She doesn't make anyone else do that."

"I see," said Grandma. "Simon, do you remember when I first got Tiger?"

Simon remembered how skinny Tiger had been. His striped fur was dirty, and one ear was torn. "Tiger hissed and scratched at anyone who came near him," said Simon.

Grandma nodded. "Tiger had been mistreated. It was hard for him to trust people again. I spoke gently to him and offered him his favorite foods for many days. Then one morning Tiger stepped away from his dish and brushed against my legs. More time went by before he trusted me enough to let me pet him."

"But he's okay now," Simon said as he gently petted the purring cat. "I guess he figured out we're not going to hurt him."

"Sometimes when we make mistakes, it takes people a while to trust us again, just like Tiger," Grandma said. "But that doesn't mean we should give up. Jesus always forgives our wrongs and gives us the strength to do what's right. He'll help us show others we can be trusted again. But it can take time."

"You mean, if I continue to do my homework, eventually Mrs. Stevens won't need to remind me anymore?"

"Not only that, Simon," said Grandma. "You'll also show her--and yourself--that because of Jesus, you have the power to change."

–Heidi J. Schmidt

How About You?
Have you lost someone's trust because of a mistake you made? Have you felt like giving up showing you've changed? Remember that God works through people who make mistakes. The apostle Paul made some big mistakes before Jesus saved him. Depend on Jesus for the strength to do what is right, and ask Him to help others notice the change.

Today's Key Verse:
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. (NLT) (Luke 16:10 )

Today's Key Thought:
Trust takes time

Bible Reading: Luke 12:13-21

On the one-hundredth birthday of her town, Evie watched as the mayor unlocked a time capsule on the evening news that had been created and stored a hundred years before. He pulled several papers and mementos out of it and held them up to the camera.

"Can I make a time capsule for our family?" Evie asked when it was over. "I could put family treasures in it!"

"Sure," said Mom. "That would be fun."

Evie found a box and placed some coins and a dollar bill from her desk drawer inside it. Then she packed in a DVD, a sweatshirt, and a storybook. Next she added an old teddy bear, swimming goggles, a beaded necklace, and a picture she had drawn. "Finding things for this box is fun, and there's still room for more," Evie told her mom. "When people in the future see this stuff, they'll get an idea of what we were like."

"I think future family members will find the things you have in there interesting," said Mom.

"But if you want to make a statement about our lives, I think you're missing the most important thing of all."

"A family photo!" said Evie's little brother, Walden. "So they can see what we look like."

"What about a newspaper?" suggested Evie. "That would tell them a lot about the things going on around us."

"Or we could write them a letter!" said Walden.

"Those are all good things to add," said Mom. "But I'm thinking about something that makes life important and worth living, even without any of the other things in the box."

"I know!" said Evie after a moment. "A Bible! And maybe a church bulletin too."

"And we can tell them about Jesus in the letter we write to them!" said Walden.

Mom nodded. "Those are both good ways to show future generations what's really important to us. Any physical items we put in our time capsule will be old and worn by the time our descendants open it. But the hope we have in Jesus, who saved us from sin and gave us eternal life with Him, is treasure that will last forever. Let's add some items to the box that point to the heavenly treasure we value most."

–Nance E. Keyes

How About You?
What do you treasure the most? Money? Clothes? Toys? Good grades? Those are good things God gave you to enjoy, but they don't last forever or bring meaning to your life. The only treasure that lasts is the gift of eternal life with Jesus. Store your treasure in heaven by trusting Him as your Savior and then sharing His love with others. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse:
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. (NLT)

(Matthew 6:19 )

Today's Key Thought:
Store your treasure in heaven

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:22-32

Mom had purchased two butterfly kits, one for Millie and one for Logan. They were going to be studying the stages of a butterfly in their homeschool science group.

"Does everyone have a butterfly kit with a caterpillar?" Mrs. Wilson asked. She walked around the room and helped the students get their kits set up. "Now, it will take about three weeks for your caterpillars to turn into butterflies, and we will be observing and taking notes throughout the metamorphosis process."

"What does metamorphosis mean?" Millie asked.

"That's a good question, Millie. It means to change. The caterpillars will be going through several changes or stages before they turn into butterflies. This is called the process of metamorphosis."

After Mrs. Wilson dismissed the class, Millie and Logan talked to their friends while the moms got the lunches together. Everyone was excited--this was definitely going to be a fun science project!

"I can't wait to see my butterfly," Millie said on the way home. "We learned what metamorphosis means today. It means to change."

"That reminds me of what we read about in our devotions yesterday," said Mom.

"You mean about having new life in Jesus?" Logan asked.

Mom nodded. "When we trust Jesus as our Savior, we become new--much like how butterflies go through metamorphosis. Second Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone who belongs to Jesus has become a new person. Our old life is gone, and we are given a new life where we have the freedom to love others the way Jesus does."

"That's really cool. I'll have to tell that to Mrs. Wilson next week," Logan replied.

Over the next three weeks, Millie and Logan watched their caterpillars turn into butterflies. "This is so awesome!" Logan said on the day when all the students had their butterfly kits sitting on the picnic table, ready for release time.

"Okay, class, time to set the butterflies free," Mrs. Wilson announced.

The students released their butterflies into the air.

"Fly, butterfly! Enjoy your new life!" Millie called to hers. Everyone cheered as they watched their butterflies fluttering around.

–Lisa Fuller

How About You?
Do you know what it means to become a new person? It doesn't mean physically changing like a caterpillar into a butterfly. It means to be freed from the guilt of our sin and given the Holy Spirit, who works in your heart to make you more like Jesus. As you let the Holy Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes, He will help you throw off your old way of thinking and live a new life of love that points to Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (NLT)

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Today's Key Thought:
Christians have a new life

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:129-133

"What are you reading?" asked Dr. Trent as he entered the examination room and saw Alisha with an open book on her lap.

"It's the Bible," said Alisha.

"The Bible? Why are you reading that?" Dr. Trent asked. "With all the exciting books out there, I would think you'd find an old book like that pretty boring."

"Oh no," Alisha said. "It's not like that at all. I'm on a Bible quiz team, and our next contest is coming up, so I've been studying whenever I get a chance. I think the stories in the Bible are really interesting." She closed her Bible. "Besides, reading the Bible helps me--well--I don't know." Alisha sighed, frustrated she couldn't express what she was thinking.

"I have something for you," said Dr. Trent. He held up a new pair of glasses.

"Oh good," said Alisha as she removed her old ones. The doctor placed the new glasses on Alisha's face, checking behind her ears to see how they fit. "Wow!" Alisha said, looking around.

Dr. Trent smiled. "You didn't realize how much you were missing with your old glasses, did you?"

"No," said Alisha. "Everything is so much clearer now." As she looked around the room, she glanced at her Bible, and suddenly she had an idea. "That's why I read the Bible, Dr. Trent." The doctor raised his eyebrows. "Reading the Bible is kind of like getting glasses," Alisha explained. "It helps me see things more clearly. Actually, it's even better than glasses because the Bible helps me see things like who God is and how much He loves me--so much that Jesus died for my sins! It shows me how God wants me to live and reminds me that I can always trust Him, no matter what."

"It sounds like the Bible means a lot to you," said Dr. Trent.

Alisha nodded. "It's changed my life." She stood up to leave. "You should read it for yourself--it's better than the best glasses you've ever had!"

Dr. Trent smiled. "Maybe I'll give it a try sometime."

"I hope so," said Alisha. "You might realize how much you've been missing!"

–Bob Hostetler

How About You?
Did you know that the Bible can help you see everything in your life more clearly? Or did you think it was just an old, boring book? The Bible is alive and life-giving. It's God's message to all people, and it tells how Jesus died and rose again to save us from sin and give us eternal life. It shines the light of His truth and promises into our lives. Read it every day to help you focus on Jesus and the joy He brings to your life.

Today's Key Verse:
The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life. (NIV) (John 6:63)

Today's Key Thought:
The Bible makes everything clearer

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-19

"I didn't mean to hurt your oh-so-special skateboard, Grady!" Jared told his brother. "You don't have to get so mad!"

"I told you to leave it alone!" shouted Grady.

"Well, a skateboard is meant to jump and ride rails and stuff," said Jared. "All you do is coast down the street on it. Why don't you try out this ramp I built?"

Just then Dad came out to the garage. "Dad!" said Grady. "Jared scratched up my new skateboard. I told him not to take it on that ramp, but he did anyway, and now it's a mess!"

"I couldn't help it, Grady--I didn't fall on purpose." Jared pointed to his chest. "Besides, look what happened to my shirt when I fell off the board. There are grass stains all over it!"

Dad examined the skateboard. "Grady, why don't you get some of those decals you've been collecting and stick them on your skateboard? They should cover most of these scratches, and then the board will look great! I'll help you with it, okay?" Grady nodded, looking relieved. Then Dad turned to Jared. "Do you want some white paint to put over those stains on your shirt?"

"Paint?" Jared shook his head. "Of course not! These stains will have to be washed out--not covered up."

"I agree," said Dad. "Do you know that the wrong things you do shouldn't be covered up either? You shouldn't have used your brother's skateboard when he told you not to, but instead of accepting responsibility and apologizing for scratching it up, you made excuses. You even complained about what your stunt had done to your shirt. You were trying to cover up the wrong thing you did, weren't you?"

Jared was quiet a moment. "I guess so," he finally admitted. "I'm sorry, Grady."

"When we do wrong, we need to confess our sin to Jesus," said Dad. "And if our wrong has hurt someone else, we need to tell that person we're sorry and ask for forgiveness." Dad patted Jared's shoulder. "We'll do our best with that shirt, but it might never be quite the same again. But when we confess our sin, Jesus is ready and willing to forgive and completely wash it away."

–Lyndel F. Walker

How About You?
When you've done something wrong, do you accept responsibility? Or do you look for someone else to blame? Learn to say, "It's my fault. I'm sorry." Admit it when you've done something wrong, and ask God and others to forgive you. That's far better than making excuses or blaming others for what you've done. Jesus will always forgive you--and if you're truly sorry, others usually will too.

Today's Key Verse:
Scrub away my guilt. Wash me clean from my sin. I know I have done wrong. (ERV)

(Psalm 51:2-3)

Today's Key Thought:
Accept responsibility for your actions

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-2

Casey was sitting on the edge of the deck, shoving a pointy stick into the muddy spring earth, when Grandpa sat down next to him.

"Hey, buddy. You've been quiet ever since your parents dropped you off to take your little brother to the hospital. Anything you want to talk about?" Grandpa asked.

Casey thrust the stick harder into the ground, sending the sticky mud splattering onto his feet. "It's all my fault. It was my idea to race our bikes down the hill. And I was the one who teased him for not wanting to go faster. He wouldn't have broken his arm if it wasn't for me." Casey leaned into Grandpa's arm and sniffled. "I'm always doing stuff like that--teasing him and trying to get him to do things I know I shouldn't. I--I'm a horrible person!" Casey buried his face in Grandpa's chest and let his tears fall freely.

Grandpa put his arm around Casey's small shoulders. "Casey, I know you feel bad, but that doesn't mean you are bad."

Casey lifted his head and looked at Grandpa. "What do you mean?"

"When we make poor choices, we know it's sin and that we need forgiveness. But we also have to be careful not to allow shame to sneak in and tell us that we're bad. Look at that stick you're holding. It's got mud on it, but it's still a stick, right?"

"Well, yeah. Of course."

"Well, shame tries to convince the stick that it's all mud. But it's not. It just needs someone to clean the mud off."

"So if I'm like the stick, then I just need someone to wash my mud away?" A smile came to Casey's face. "You mean Jesus, right?"

"You got it," said Grandpa. "Jesus took the guilt and shame of our sin on Himself when He died on the cross. He washes us clean and makes us right with God. Because you trust in Jesus, that's who you really are--a child of God whose sins have been washed away. Shame has no place in your life. When you feel bad about something, confess your sin to Jesus and He will forgive you. He died to take your shame off you so you could enjoy a new life with Him."

–Tannis Oliveri

How About You?
Do you feel bad about something you did? Is it sticking to your heart like mud, making you feel dirty? Let Jesus wash the sticky mud of shame off you and remind you who you really are. Once you know Him as your Savior, sin and shame no longer have any claim on you. Confess what you did to Him, knowing He will always forgive you.

Today's Key Verse:
But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus took your shame