Keys For Kids - Daily Devotions And Bible Stories For Kids podcast

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5:37

Great short Bonus Show for all our loyal podcast fans. This week a tremendous comedy team shares comedy and music...it's "Mack & Jamie" , stars of TV's "Comedy Break"; sharing loads of musical humor. Enjoy!

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

Keys for Kids is a daily storytelling show based on the Keys for Kids children's devotional. Hosted by Zach, this podcast combines Scripture readings with captivating stories that illustrate essential Biblical principles. With Zach's creative voices bringing characters to life, listeners embark on a faith-filled journey. Tune in to discover the keys to growing in faith and understanding God's love. Produced by Keys for Kids Ministries, this podcast is a treasure trove to help young hearts grow closer to God.

500 episodi

#Bedtime Stories #Religion #Christianity #Keys For Kids Ministries #Bible Reading #Society #Philosophy

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

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updated un giorno fa

Pagina principale della serie•Feed

500 episodi

#Bedtime Stories #Religion #Christianity #Keys For Kids Ministries #Bible Reading #Society #Philosophy

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Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Picking Up a Mess

1 day fa

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Bible Reading: Romans 3:10-26 "Peyton! Avery!" Dad called up the stairs. "Dinner is ready! Please pick up your toys and then come eat." Peyton quickly put her dolls in a basket, then put the basket high on the shelf and ran downstairs. Avery, who was five years younger, couldn't quite reach the shelf to put her dolls away or lift the heavy lid to the toy chest. She eventually gave up and went to eat. The next morning at breakfast, Avery began singing "Jesus Loves Me." Usually Peyton loved listening to Avery sing and would clap along, but today she just quietly listened. "What's on your mind, kiddo?" Dad asked. Peyton frowned. "Well, I know that Jesus died on the cross to take away sins, but I guess I don't really understand how that shows He loves me." Dad thought for a moment. "Yesterday I asked you and Avery to clean the playroom, remember?" Peyton shrugged. "Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?" "Well," Dad replied, "Avery can't put her toys away herself, so I want you to pick them up for her." "But that's not fair!" said Peyton. "She's the one who made the mess!" "You're right, she is the one who made the mess, but no matter how hard she tries, it's impossible for her to clean it up. She needs help." Dad paused. "Jesus shows us His love in the same way." Peyton furrowed her eyebrows. "By picking up our mess?" Dad nodded. "We're the ones with a huge mess of sin in our lives. Do you think it's fair for Jesus to clean it up? Jesus didn't sin. He didn't make our mess, but He also knew we could never get rid of it ourselves. So, because He loves us, He died and rose again to do what we couldn't--to take our sins away." "So you're saying I can show Avery I love her by picking up her toys because she can't do it herself--just like Jesus shows me He loves me by taking away my sin because I can't do it myself?" Dad smiled. "You got it." As Avery continued to sing, Peyton smiled and began to clap along. –Bethany Den Boer How About You? Have you ever made a mess you couldn't clean up? The Bible says our lives are like that--we've gotten ourselves into a mess of sin, and it's impossible for us to get out of it ourselves. But Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross to take away our sin. You can only get out of sin's mess by trusting in Him. (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: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NKJV) (Romans 5:8) Today's Key Thought: Jesus takes away our sin…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Life Luggage (Part 2)

2 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Romans 12:18-21 James was quiet as the plane rolled down the runway. "Nervous?" asked Dad. "No," said James. "Well, not about the flight. I was thinking about something you said. Are you sure everyone has luggage they carry in their lives? Even bullies?" Dad nodded. "Bullies often have the heaviest life luggage of all. It's filled with rocks of hurt, sadness, and anger they can't seem to get rid of." "But then why is Dylan--I mean, bullies--so mean?" "Remember in the airport when you wanted someone to carry your luggage for you?" asked Dad. "Well, we can get so tired of dragging our life luggage around by ourselves that we try to push our rocks onto others." "I try to be nice to Dylan, but when I do, he just gets meaner! Yesterday I asked if he wanted some help, and he called me a--well, it wasn't very nice." "Some people haven't been shown how to be kind," said Dad. "Dylan is probably afraid of looking weak. He probably feels stronger when he acts mean." James looked down. "Dad, sometimes when Dylan is mean, I just want to get back at him by making him feel bad too." Dad nodded. "I know a lot of adults who hurt others back instead of learning how to love them better. Two bullies won't change anything." Dad squeezed James's shoulder. "I'll call the school when we get back and tell them what's happening with Dylan. In the meantime, you can give your anger and hurt to--" "I know!" James interrupted. "My luggage carrier!" Dad nodded and gave James a high five. "You know, Dad," said James, "Dylan probably doesn't know that Jesus wants to be his luggage carrier too." "You might be right," Dad said as the plane took off. "He needs someone to tell him--and to pray for him too. He also needs to see God's love in action--someone who will continue to show him kindness, even though he's mean in return. Maybe someday, with prayer and persistence, that will change." Just then, something in the compartment above their heads shifted with a loud THUD! A woman in the row behind them gasped. "What was that?" James tried to swallow his laugh. "Probably the rock from our backyard!" –Kelly Carlson How About You? Do you ever want to hurt someone who is hurting you? It's natural to want revenge, but that's not what Jesus wants you to do. If you're being bullied or hurt by someone, it's important to tell a trusted adult who can help with the situation. But don't let your hurt and anger take over--give your burden to Jesus, and trust Him to help you respond to that person with His love. Today's Key Verse: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (NIV) (Matthew 5:44) Today's Key Thought: Love those who hurt you…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Life Luggage (Part 1)

3 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 5:7 "It's too heavy!" James dragged his bag through the airport. "Dad, I need a luggage carrier!" Dad chuckled. "What did you pack? Rocks?" "Just one." Dad stopped walking. "Seriously?" "I didn't want to forget our backyard!" "Well, come on." Dad pointed ahead. "It's just a bit farther to our gate." After James plopped down hard into a chair, he noticed the many people passing by. One gray-haired woman dragged a suitcase half her size. I wonder what's in there, thought James. She must have a lot she doesn't want to forget. Next came a small girl twirling a tiny tote bag. Crayons and candy, James guessed. Not too heavy. "You know," Dad said as he watched the people go by, "everybody has luggage." Just then, James spotted a man holding only a phone. "Not him." "Sure he does. Let's say your life is a suitcase, James. Every friend, conversation, sports game, or test is like an item in your luggage. We carry the good and bad things with us--but sometimes the bad things become heavy, and it's hard for us to carry those things around." "So what happens when life gets too heavy?" asked James with a glance toward his bag. "That's the best part of all," said Dad. "Jesus will carry all your burdens so you can rest--like that man carrying nothing but his cell phone." Just then an announcement came over the loudspeaker. "Group four, please begin boarding." "That's us!" James leapt up and reached for his bag, but his arm was still too sore to lift it. "Hey, Dad, can you help me?" "Of course." Dad grabbed James's bag, and they boarded the plane. After they were seated and their bags were stowed away, James turned to Dad. "So how does Jesus carry my burdens?" "Well," said Dad, "He took the biggest burden from us--the punishment for our sin--when He died on the cross. And He wants us to give our worries and regrets to Him in prayer and trust Him to help us with our problems and forgive our wrongs. Instead of trying to handle life's heavy burdens on our own, He wants to give us peace and rest." "I get it now," James said. "Jesus is my luggage carrier!" –Kelly Carlson How About You? Is there something heavy in your life? Sometimes there's just too much hurt or trouble to carry alone. When life gets heavy, remember that Jesus took the burden of your sin and wants you to come to Him so He can give you rest. Ask Him to carry your load and to direct you to an adult who can help. Today's Key Verse: Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. (NKJV) (Psalm 55:22) Today's Key Thought: Jesus carries your burdens…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
A Beautiful Picture

4 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:6-9 It had not been a good week. First, Allison didn't get the part she wanted in a skit her class was going to perform. Then she hurt her arm in gym class. To top it off, she discovered that a stain on her favorite shirt hadn't washed out. "Everything's going wrong," Allison told her mother in tears. Mom had just returned from shopping and had placed a big rectangular package, wrapped in paper, on the table. "I'm sorry, honey," she said, giving Allison a hug. "Sometimes it seems like everything goes wrong all at once, doesn't it? But don't forget that Jesus still loves you and is with you. Remember those verses we read about trusting God to work things out for our best?" Allison sighed. "I don't see how having those things happen can do any good at all, let alone be for my best!" Mom took a pair of scissors and began to cut a small hole in the paper covering the package. "What are you doing?" asked Allison. "What's in the package?" "I bought a picture to hang in the living room." Mom held the package up for Allison to see. "What do you think?" "Unwrap it so I can see it," said Allison. "Look through the hole in the wrapping," said Mom. Allison frowned, but she squinted and tried to look through the hole. "This little hole is way too small. I can't see enough of the picture to tell what it looks like!" "You're right," Mom said. "But what I really want you to see is that life is like this picture." "Really?" asked Allison in surprise. "How?" "We can only see a small part of our lives. We see what's happening now, but not how it fits into God's overall plan. It's like we're looking at it through a small hole. But God can see the whole picture. He knows exactly what we need to experience to shape our lives into the big, beautiful picture of what He has planned. We just have to trust Him, looking forward to the day when Jesus comes again and the whole picture will be unveiled." Mom smiled at Allison. "Now go ahead and unwrap this picture. I think you'll agree that it really is beautiful." –Richard S. Maffeo How About You? Do you wonder how bad things that happen in your life could possibly do any good? Keep in mind that you can only see a very small part of your life, but God sees the whole thing. He sometimes allows you to go through hard things so He can use them to help you grow in your faith. Trust Him in hard times, knowing that Jesus understands what you're going through and promises to be with you until you see Him face-to-face. 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: God is in control…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
The Gift of Rest

5 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:9-10 Declan's dad set the remote control car on a shelf in the garage. "Let's take a break," he said. "But aren't we going to paint it?" asked Declan. They had just finished putting all the pieces together, and Declan couldn't wait to test it out. "This car's gonna look awesome in cherry red." "We can finish up later," Dad said. "We've been putting that car together for two hours, and now it's time to rest." "But I want to keep working on it!" said Declan. "You know, Declan," Dad said as he shut off the lights in the garage, "even God rested after creating the world in six days. That means we should rest too." Declan crossed his arms. "But I'm not tired." Dad raised his eyebrows. "That's an interesting point. Do you think God rested because He was tired?" Declan laughed. "God doesn't get tired. Does He?" "No," said Dad, "He doesn't. But God set the example for us by taking a break after His work was complete. Jesus also told His disciples to rest after they worked, and He even took some time to relax after teaching and healing people." Declan followed his dad down the hall to the kitchen. "But rest is boring!" "Well, it doesn't have to be." Dad set two drinking glasses on the counter. "God gave us rest as a gift. It's supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable." Declan sat down in a chair. "Like holidays or when you get a day off work?" "Exactly," said Dad. "And those days aren't boring, are they?" "No way! They're the best because we get to play board games and eat popcorn." Declan's dad filled the glasses with ice. "Rest is also a time to reenergize and think about all God has done for us. God commands us to rest so that we remember His work--the work of Jesus and His sacrifice for us on the cross. It's His work alone that saves us, not our own efforts, and resting reminds us to trust Him in everything we do." Dad went to the fridge and pulled out a jug. "Now, how does cooling off with some of your mom's delicious lemonade after all that work on your car sound?" Declan sat up and grabbed a glass. "That sounds great!" –Annika Klanderud How About You? Do you ever get upset when you have to stop what you're working on to rest? Sometimes it's hard to take a break, but God knows what's best for us. Taking time to rest is important so your body and mind can recharge. Best of all, it's a reminder that our true rest is in Jesus, who completed the most important work of all--dying for our sins so we could be saved and have eternal life with Him. Today's Key Verse: Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. (NLT) (Psalm 116:7) Today's Key Thought: Take time to rest…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Robes of Righteousness

6 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Isaiah 64:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 "We're freezing!" Cyrus announced as he and his brothers burst through the door. "The three of you are covered in slush!" said Mom. "Did you see the snowman we made?" Elim asked. "Ranny wanted to eat the carrot nose, but we wouldn't let him. We had to come inside early because he's hungry again." Elim grinned at his two-year-old brother. "Snack?" Ransom squeaked. Mom handed the boys bowls of apple slices. "The bath is ready! I'll wash Ranny first." After snacks and baths, Mom hauled a bag to the living room. "What's in there?" Cyrus asked. "Open it and see." Mom winked. "Robes!" Elim yelled. The boys wiggled into their cozy robes, then handed Mom hers and Ransom's. "I love robe season," said Elim. "I was just reading about robes during Bible time!" Cyrus pulled his Bible off the couch and opened it to the bookmarked page. "It's from Isaiah 61, verse 10: 'I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.'" "What does righteousness mean again?" Elim asked. "It means being right with God and free from guilt in His eyes," Mom answered. "Remember what people had to do in the Old Testament to be righteous before God?" "Make sacrifices," Elim responded solemnly. "But it wasn't good enough! All the good things we do are like filthy rags compared to God's goodness." Cyrus picked up his soaked-through dirty sock with a wrinkled nose. "Then God sent Jesus to die for us! He sacrificed His own Son to save us. So, that verse in Isaiah I read was talking about God's promise to be fulfilled in Jesus," Cyrus mused. "Exactly." Mom nodded. "Since Jesus is perfect, He became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. When we put our trust in Him, He takes our sins away and covers us with His robe of righteousness. What do we become in Jesus?" "A new creation." Elim flapped his robe sleeves. "Ranny needs his robe, Mom!" Mom laughed as Ransom started running around the living room in circles. "The first one who catches him gets to put his robe on him!" –Savannah Coleman How About You? Has Jesus covered you in His robe of righteousness? The Bible says that all the things we do to try to make ourselves good in God's eyes are like filthy rags. The only way we can become righteous is through Jesus. When we trust in Him, God no longer sees our sins when He looks at us, but the perfect sacrifice of His Son. (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: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV) (2 Corinthians 5:21) Today's Key Thought: Jesus clothes us in robes of righteousness…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
The Broken Train

7 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:5; Philippians 4:4-7 "Oh, Nathan, don't cry," Sydney told her little brother when he showed her his broken train. "Let's go see if Grandpa can fix it." They took the train to Grandpa's workshop, where he checked it over. "No problem," he said. "I'll make it as good as new." The kids hopped onto the workbench to watch. When Grandpa started bending a wheel on the train, Nathan gasped. "Stop, Grandpa! You'll make it worse." "Don't be silly, Nathan," said Sydney. "Grandpa's fixing your train, not making it worse!" Grandpa nodded and continued his work. "You're not doing it right," Nathan told Grandpa a moment later. "That piece has to go onto the engine--like this." He reached for the train. Grandpa set the train down. "Nathan, why don't you play outside for a while? This is going to take some time." "But I want my train now!" Nathan grabbed it and headed for the door. Sydney turned to Grandpa and shook her head. "Silly kid! He gave you his train to fix and then took it back without letting you fix it." "He'll probably bring it back soon," Grandpa said. He chuckled. "It makes me think of how we do the same thing with God sometimes." "We do?" Sydney asked. "How?" "By bringing our problems to Him but then continuing to try to fix them our way," Grandpa replied. "Last week you told me you were worried your parents might not be able to afford camp this summer. You said you prayed and gave it to God, right?" Sydney looked down. "Yes. But I've still been worrying about it." "I overheard you pestering your mom about it too," Grandpa said. "So did you leave it with God, or did you take it back?" "I--I guess I took it back," Sydney admitted. "It's hard not to worry." Grandpa nodded. "Worrying means we're not trusting God to handle things that are out of our control. If you start to worry, why not pause and quietly talk to Jesus? He died on the cross to have a relationship with you, and He cares about your problems. Trust Him to help you and give you His peace." Just then the door swung open and Nathan came in and handed Grandpa his train. –Tanya Ferdinandusz How About You? Do you bring your problems, worries, and needs to God in prayer? After you do that, do you start worrying all over again? Once you have brought your problem to God, don't try to take it back. Ask Him to give you peace and patience as He handles the situation. Trust Him to work things out for His glory and your good--even if it's in ways you don't expect. Today's Key Verse: Don't worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need. (ERV) (Philippians 4:6 ) Today's Key Thought: Trust God with your problems…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Setting Habits

8 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16 "Mom, why is Dad scowling?" asked Jackson as he watched Dad working at the edge of the new concrete patio he had poured. "I think the patio looks great!" "I think so too. But the concrete is setting faster than Dad expected." "Setting?" asked Jackson. "You mean it's already getting hard?" "Right," said Mom. "It's easy to level and smooth cement when it's first poured, but once it's set, you can't change it. So now he has to work fast to try and get it the way he wants it before it's too hard." "Oh. Well, I wish I could help him, but I guess I can't." Jackson picked up his baseball mitt. "Is it okay if I go to the park to practice throwing with José for a while?" "That's fine--if you've finished the other things you need to do," said Mom. "Did you pick up your room and take the trash out? And how about your quiet time? Did you do that?" Jackson nodded. "I knew you'd ask that, so I did all those things right after breakfast." "Good for you," said Mom. "I'm glad you're making it a habit to do your work and to pray and read your Bible before going out to play. It's important to practice good habits now so you'll keep doing them when you're older--and spending time with Jesus is one of the best habits to practice. When we spend time with Him, He reminds us that He loves us and will always forgive our wrongs and be with us, no matter what we face in life." Jackson watched his father frantically try to smooth the quickly hardening concrete of their patio. "Does that mean habits are like concrete and harden in place?" "That's a good way to look at it," said Mom. "Both good and bad habits can become hardened into a person's life over time." "And that's why you want me to set good habits while I'm young," said Jackson. Mom nodded. "We can start new habits at any age, but the sooner we let go of bad habits and replace them with good ones, the sooner those good habits will be set in place. The best time to start practicing a good habit is today--no matter how old you are." –Pauline Youd How About You? Are you forming good habits? There are lots of habits that are important in the Christian life, such as praying, reading the Bible, going to church, thanking God for everything He gives us, and confessing our sins and receiving His forgiveness. But forming habits like these takes practice, so start doing them now. As you practice them, they'll begin to set and soon become a part of your everyday life. Today's Key Verse: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come. (NKJV) (Ecclesiastes 12:1) Today's Key Thought: Practice good habits…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
The Only Ticket

9 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: John 3:16-18 Seeing the gigantic merry-go-round, Harper and Violet squealed in excitement and ran ahead of Mom and Dad to the entrance. They stood next to the height chart. They were both tall enough. "Whoo-hoo!" Harper clapped her hands in excitement. The merry-go-round came to a stop and the riders got off. Harper and Violet were about to dash through the gate when someone's arm blocked their way. "Hang on, kids. Not so fast." It was the ride operator. Harper and Violet gave each other a puzzled look when the operator let other kids go past them and get on the merry-go-round. "Why can't we ride?" asked Violet. "We're tall enough!" Just then Mom and Dad walked over. "Finally caught up with you!" Mom said. "Mom," Harper said, her face full of disappointment. "He wouldn't let us on. Why?" Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out four small pieces of paper. "Here, you need your tickets." Harper and Violet each grabbed one and brought it to the ride operator. He opened the gate and let them in. They each picked a horse to ride on, bouncing up and down on them excitedly. Mom and Dad gave their tickets to the operator and got on too. "You know," Mom said thoughtfully, "this reminds me of something Jesus said. There is no other way to heaven except through Him. Tell me, why couldn't you ride the merry-go-round at first?" "We didn't have our tickets," Violet replied. "And why was that?" asked Mom. "We just thought we needed to be tall enough," said Harper. "We didn't know we had to have tickets for it." "Right," Dad said. "You couldn't ride the merry-go-round without a ticket, and you can't have eternal life without Jesus. It's a gift you need to receive from Him. There's nothing you can do to get to heaven on your own. Your only ticket is to trust Jesus as your Savior, who paid your way by dying for your sins and rising from the dead." Soon the merry-go-round started moving. "I'm glad I have my ticket for the merry-go-round," Violet said as their horses moved up and down. "But I'm even happier I have Jesus and that one day He'll take me to heaven!" –Goh Su En and Goh Shao En How About You? Have you ever thought that you could be or do enough to get to heaven on your own? You can't. There is only one way to be saved from sin and have eternal life, and that is through Jesus. We all mess up, but Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again so we could have eternal life with Him. Trust in Him today! (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: Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV) (John 14:6) Today's Key Thought: Jesus is the only way to heaven…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
A Strand of Happiness

10 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 "Did you see that clunky bracelet Megan is wearing?" Vivian whispered to the girls sitting near her on the bus, but Megan overheard. She looked down at the beaded bracelet she and her grandmother had strung together. Spaced between bright round beads were letters spelling J-O-Y. Megan had been excited to wear her new bracelet, but now it seemed silly. She quickly walked past Vivian and her friends as she got off the bus. "Hi, sweetheart," said Grandma as Megan came in the house. "Do you want a snack before we finish your necklace?" "Grandma, would it be all right if we did something else today?" "Sure, Megan, but you seemed so excited about beading." "I am. It's just that Vivian said something to some other girls about my bracelet." Megan sighed. "She's supposed to be my friend." "Well," said Grandma, "I have something I want to show you. Then if you still don't want to finish your necklace today, we'll do something else." Grandma led the way to her craft room. Jars holding beads of many shapes and colors lined the shelves. Grandma reached for a jar hidden behind the others. "I've been saving this for a special project." She pulled out a large red heart-shaped bead. "Why don't you add this to your necklace?" Megan looked at the necklace she had begun yesterday. The string was already full--there was only room for the clasp. "Grandma, there's no more room. I'd have to take off some beads." "You know, friendship is a bit like stringing beads," replied Grandma. "You have to decide what to keep and what to put aside. We have both happy and hurtful moments with our friends. But if we hold on to the hurtful moments, we won't have room for anything else. Forgiving friends when they hurt us makes room for joy." Grandma carefully eased some beads off the string. She threaded the heart onto the strand and handed Megan the necklace. "When forgiving is hard, we can go to Jesus," Grandma said. "He's the Friend who always forgives us, and He'll help us forgive others." "I need to forgive Vivian," Megan said as she slid more beads onto the strand. "Then we'll have room for more happy moments as friends." –Heidi J. Schmidt How About You? Are you holding on to something someone did or said that hurt you? It hurts when others do or say mean things, especially a friend. But remember that if you're a Christian, Jesus has forgiven you for all the hurtful things you've said and done. Let your friends know when they hurt you, but then forgive them so you'll have room for more joyful moments together. Today's Key Verse: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) (Colossians 3:13) Today's Key Thought: Forgive and make room for joy…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
Pass the Chips

11 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Psalm 42:1-2; Matthew 5:6 "Mommy, can I have some juice? Ivy made me thirsty! She gave me potato chips." Ivy grinned at her little brother. "You didn't have to eat them, Kylan." "Yes, I did," said Kylan. "You made me want them! You said they were so good, and you kept eating them and eating them. That's why I ate so many, and now I'm thirsty!" "You can have some water," said Mom. She poured water into a cup and gave it to Kylan, then reached over and took a potato chip from the bowl in front of Ivy. "Did you know that Christians are supposed to be like potato chips?" she asked, holding up the chip in her hand before popping it into her mouth. "What? That's silly." Ivy took another chip from the bowl and studied it. "How can anybody be like a potato chip?" Kylan grinned at his big sister. "I'd sure be thirsty if I ate a potato chip as big as you, Ivy. That would be a giant one!" "Yes, it would," said Mom. "You'd probably have to drink a whole bucket of water!" She gave Kylan a playful jab. "Well, that's exactly how you're supposed to be like a potato chip--you should make people thirsty to know Jesus." Ivy frowned. "How are we supposed to do that?" she asked, taking a few more chips. "Potato chips make you thirsty because they're so salty, and Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth," Mom explained. "If we're salt, we should make people thirsty for the joy, peace, and hope we have in Jesus." "I still don't get how to make them want that though," said Ivy. "Kylan said you made him want the potato chips by telling him how good they were, right?" said Mom. "He also saw you keep eating them and that you enjoyed them." "I think I get it!" said Ivy. "We should tell our friends how great it is to know Jesus and let them see how glad we are to have Him in our lives." "That's it," said Mom. "Jesus is always with us, giving us joy, peace, and hope--even in difficult times. You want to make them thirsty and want what you have." Mom crunched another chip and smiled. –Mary L. DeMott How About You? Are you a salty Christian? Do your friends see the joy Jesus brings to your life and that He is with you in everything you go through? Have you told them about what He's done for you? As you show your faith in Jesus each day--even though you have struggles and problems--your friends may become thirsty for the peace and comfort He gives you and want Him in their lives too. Today's Key Verse: You are the salt of the earth. (NKJV) (Matthew 5:13) Today's Key Thought: Make others thirsty to know Jesus…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

1
The Son Still Shines

12 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: Romans 8:35-39 Eva zigzagged around mud puddles as she walked home in the rain, but her feet were still getting wet. I know Mom and Dad both had to work late today, but I wish they'd asked someone to give me a ride, she thought gloomily. And they know I don't like being home alone! But when Eva reached the back porch, she was surprised to see her older sister there. "Hi!" said Kate. "I'm home from college for the weekend." She grinned. "What a beautiful, sunshiny day, don't you think?" "No, I don't!" said Eva, wiping water off her face. "Oh, but it is!" insisted Kate. "Even if it doesn't look like it." "I think you've been studying too hard, Kate. Your brain must be taking the weekend off too." "So you're saying the sun isn't there anymore?" Kate asked, peering up at the heavy clouds. "That it totally disappeared?" "Of course not," Eva answered. "But it's sure hidden. I haven't seen it for days!" "Well, just because we can't see the sun doesn't mean it's not there. Behind those dark clouds, the sun still shines! It just goes to show that we can't always trust what we see--we need to trust the truth." When Eva didn't reply, Kate smiled and added, "Take Jesus, for example." "Jesus?" asked Eva. "What do you mean?" "Well, when bad things happen, we might feel like we're all alone, but we're not," Kate explained. "Jesus is always with us. The truth is that He's there, whether we feel like He is or not." "So the clouds are like our problems," said Eva. "The clouds keep us from seeing the sunshine, but the sun is still there--and dealing with hard stuff may keep us from feeling like Jesus is with us, but He really is there." "Right!" said Kate. "Because Jesus died and rose again to defeat sin and death, nothing can separate us from God and His love. That's His promise in the Bible, and we should trust Him. The sun is always shining, and God's love is always shining too." Eva grinned. "Okay. So how about going for a walk?" She laughed when her sister made a face. "Come on, Kate. Don't let a little rain stop you on this beautiful, sunny day!" –Diane Strawbridge How About You? Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior? If you have, He promises that He will always be with you and never leave you. You may not always feel like He's there, but don't depend on your feelings. Trust the truth of God's Word, which says He will always be with His children. There is nothing that can separate you from God and His love. Today's Key Verse: [God] himself has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you." (CSB) (Hebrews 13:5) Today's Key Thought: Trust God, not feelings…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

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Hannah's Prayer

13 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Hannah looked eagerly at the plates of food the waitress set down on the table. She could hardly wait to eat. "Hannah," said Dad, "why don't you lead us in giving thanks today?" Hannah glanced around the busy restaurant. "Right now?" she asked. "What if the waitress comes back with the ketchup?" "I'm sure she won't mind waiting," said Dad, and they all bowed their heads. Hannah glanced around again, then mumbled a quick prayer. Luke looked up when she finished. "I couldn't even understand what you said!" "Me neither," said Phoebe. "You talked too fast." "I wasn't praying to you," said Hannah. "God understood me, and He knows I'm thankful." "Hannah's right," said Dad. "God does know what she prayed--but, Hannah, Luke and Phoebe are right too." Mom's eyes met Hannah's. "Do you find it embarrassing to pray?" she asked. "No, not usually," said Hannah. "But everybody is watching us here." "Who is?" asked Luke, looking around. "Well, it feels like everybody is watching us when we all close our eyes," said Hannah. "Why can't we pray with our eyes open?" "It isn't your eyes that God is concerned about--it's your heart," said Dad. "We give thanks as a family before each meal because we know God is the one who provides food for us. He provides everything we need--including forgiveness for our sins and eternal life through Jesus. He has given us so much, and we want to thank Him with grateful hearts." "Exactly," said Mom. "Whether our eyes are open or closed or our prayer is silent or spoken out loud, the important thing is to remember that God provides us with everything we need and thank Him for it." Hannah stared down at her plate, thinking about her parents' words. Then she put down her fork. "Can I pray again?" Mom and Dad nodded. "Dear God," Hannah began, and from her heart she thanked God for the food. She finished with a hearty "amen," which was repeated by another "amen" next to the table. Hannah looked up as the waitress smiled and handed her the ketchup. –Heather Tekavec How About You? Do you give thanks before each meal? Even when you're in public and other people can see you? If you feel embarrassed to close your eyes and pray out loud, remember that's not what God is concerned about. What matters to Him is your heart. Do you have a thankful heart? If so, pray and thank Him! Before a meal is often a good time to do that, whether silently or out loud, but don't stop there--give thanks for all the ways God provides for you. Today's Key Verse: Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT) (Ephesians 5:20) Today's Key Thought: Thank God for what He provides…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

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Pruning Muscadines

14 giorni fa

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Bible Reading: John 15:1-5; Galatians 5:22-23 It was a sunny, warmer-than-normal February afternoon. "It's a perfect day to prune the muscadines!" Dad announced. Cole and Ella threw on their warm clothes and met Mom and Dad outside. Dad hooked the trailer up to the tractor while Mom got the pruning tools. Then she and the kids climbed into the trailer while Dad took the wheel. As they rode down to the vineyard, Cole asked, "Why do we prune the muscadines every year?" "Yeah," Ella agreed. "We're cutting back the vines. Won't that mean fewer grapes?" "Actually, the old shoots just take food away from the main vine," Mom explained. "They cause the vines to produce less fruit." "So we prune them so they'll produce more muscadines," said Cole. Dad pulled the tractor up to the first row. He and Mom began snipping away at the old vines while Ella and Cole collected the cuttings to make wreathes later. After a successful day of work, everyone gathered in the living room for devotions. Ella paused her wreath-making as Cole handed Dad the Bible. Dad flipped to a page and read John 15:2. "He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." "That's what we did today!" said Ella. "We pruned the muscadines so they'll bear more fruit." Mom nodded. "But the Lord has to prune us sometimes too." "What do you mean?" Cole asked. "Well, sometimes there are things in our lives that the Lord has to cut away, such as sinful patterns or unhealthy attitudes. This process can be painful, but if we allow the Lord to prune us, we can be certain that it will help us grow in our relationship with Jesus, our Vine. We can't grow spiritual fruit by ourselves, which is why we need the Holy Spirit to prune us. Then our lives will overflow with spiritual fruit as we shine the love of Jesus to others." "I want to be like a well-pruned muscadine vine," said Cole. "Me too!" Ella exclaimed. –Lisa Fuller How About You? Have you ever seen a plant being pruned? Maybe you've seen your parents trim bushes or workers cut dead branches off trees. This is what the Holy Spirit does to us. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, God gives us the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and give us the ability to produce spiritual fruit. As He prunes us by helping us turn away from sin, we produce fruit such as love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and other character traits that demonstrate God's love to others. Today's Key Verse: He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. (NLT) (John 15:2) Today's Key Thought: Let God prune you…

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

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A Special Event

15 giorni fa