Bible Reading: Psalm 51:5; John 8:30-36

"Hi, Rosetta," said Mom as she set a bag of groceries on the counter. "Lots of homework today?"

Rosetta looked up from the books and papers scattered across the table. "Yeah. I have a report due on Tuesday."

"Oh? On what?" asked Mom as she started putting food in the refrigerator.

"Harriet Tubman. She was a slave who escaped to freedom on the Underground Railroad. After she made it to freedom herself, she went back to help others escape slavery. If she had been caught, she would have been enslaved again!"

"Wow," said Mom. "That's pretty brave."

"Yeah." Rosetta leaned back in her chair. "I don't think I could ever be that brave. If I had escaped slavery and was able to make it to freedom, I'd want to stay there! I don't think I'd risk going back for people I didn't even know."

Mom was quiet for a moment. "Well, I sure am glad someone was willing to rescue me from slavery," she said.

"What?" Rosetta straightened up. "What are you talking about?"

"You and I--along with every other person--were born into a different kind of slavery," Mom explained. "We weren't enslaved to a human master like Harriet Tubman, but the Bible tells us that everyone is born into bondage to sin. We can't escape sin on our own, so Jesus came to earth to rescue us. He became human Himself and died for our sins so we could be free."

"Oh," said Rosetta. "Right."

"And now that we've been freed by Jesus, we can help point others to the freedom they can have in Him too," Mom said. "But unlike Harriet Tubman, we don't ever have to worry about being enslaved again. Once Jesus frees us from sin, we're free forever."

"But pointing others to Jesus isn't quite like what Harriet Tubman did, is it?" Rosetta asked. "It's not as scary and dangerous as going to a place where you could be captured and enslaved."

"Well, it's not against the law to tell people about Jesus where we live, so it's probably less dangerous than in other places in the world. But it can still be scary. That's why we need to trust God to give us the strength and courage we need to boldly tell others about Jesus."

– Jean A. Burns

How About You?
Are you doing what you can to help others know about the freedom they can have in Christ? It can be scary when someone might make fun of you. It can even be dangerous if you live in a part of the world where it's illegal to be a Christian or tell others about Jesus. But God promises to help you. Jesus loves us so much that He left heaven and came to rescue us from sin. He will give you courage so you can boldly tell others about Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (NIV) (Acts 4:29)

Today's Key Thought:
Point others to freedom in Christ

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5

"Mom, I wish I could explain colors to Lindy," said Maranda. Lindy was a friend from church who was blind. "When I was at the park with her this afternoon, we overhead some people talking about how blue the sky was, and she told me she wished she could understand what that meant." Maranda sighed. "I've tried to explain it to her, but she just doesn't understand what I'm talking about."

"I know. Since she's always been blind, it's hard for her to understand what color is like because she's never experienced it," said Mom. "Her other senses seem to be more in tune than ours though. For example, she recognizes a lot of people by their footsteps."

Just then Beckett arrived home from Bible club. "I'm starving! Is there anything to eat?"

"There's some carrots and dip in the fridge," said Mom. "What did you learn at Bible club, Beckett?"

"We learned about heaven and what it will be like when Jesus returns and makes everything perfect," Beckett said as he got out a plate. "It sounds cool, but it's hard to imagine what it will be like. The Bible talks about it, but I don't understand it very well."

"Neither do I," said Maranda. "My teacher tried to explain what it would be like, but…" She shrugged. "I can't quite picture what we'll be doing there all the time. I guess it will be a lot different."

Mom thought for a moment. "Maranda, remember how difficult--even impossible--it is for Lindy to understand what colors are? In the same way, it's hard--impossible--for us to understand exactly what it will be like when Jesus gives us perfect bodies and makes all things new. We won't totally know that until it happens."

"What if we don't like it there?" asked Beckett.

"Do you think Lindy wishes she could see--even though she doesn't really understand what it's like?" Mom asked.

"Of course," said Maranda. "From what people tell her, she knows that it's wonderful to be able to see." Maranda smiled. "And one day she will! One day Lindy will see Jesus face-to-face."

"And so will we," said Mom. "Everyone who knows Him as their Savior will spend eternity with Him, and it will be better than anything we can imagine."

– Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
Do you have questions about heaven? Do you wonder what life will be like when Jesus returns and makes everything new? Heaven will certainly be different from your life on earth now, but you can be sure that it will be wonderful--and far better than anything we enjoy here. Best of all, Jesus will be there! We will finally see Him face-to-face, and we'll live with Him forever.

Today's Key Verse:
Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Today's Key Thought:
Heaven will be wonderful

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:11-13; John 10:11-14

Amir closed his eyes and sighed in frustration. For the first time, Wyatt had accepted an invitation to go to church. The teacher had explained that people are lost in sin, and Jesus came to find them and save them. But Wyatt didn't understand. "I don't get it," he said as he and Amir walked home. "It doesn't make sense! A perfect God wouldn't search for people, because He wouldn't need them for anything--especially not people who keep messing up all the time." Amir didn't know how to explain it any better than their teacher had.

"I've had enough God talk," Wyatt said as they rounded the corner. "Wanna stop at my house for a while?" Amir nodded.

When the boys arrived at Wyatt's house, his little sister Rosalie ran up to them. "Wyatt!" she called. "Ranger's missing!"

"What?" Wyatt suddenly looked like he was about to panic. He loved his family's dog.

"I looked all around the neighborhood for him, but I can't find him," said Rosalie. "Can you go look for him, Wyatt?"

"I'll help," said Amir, and the boys took off in different directions, calling the dog's name and whistling for him.

Amir circled the block, and when he got back to Wyatt's house, he found Wyatt throwing sticks for the dog. "Ranger heard me call and came to me," Wyatt said with a grin. "I think he wanted to be found!"

That gave Amir an idea. "Why did you have to go look for Ranger?" he asked.

"Because he was lost," said Wyatt, looking puzzled. "Besides, I didn't have to look for him--I wanted to! He's my dog--he belongs with me."

Amir grinned. "Right, and you know what? Jesus didn't have to look for us either. He wanted to because He made us and we belong with Him. Jesus loves you, Wyatt, even more than you love Ranger. He wants to find you, and He can--but you have to want to be found." Wyatt looked a bit startled. "Come over sometime and we can talk about it some more," said Amir. "Okay?"

Wyatt watched Ranger chew the end of a stick. "Maybe," he said thoughtfully. "I'll think about it."

– Paulette Cross

How About You?
Have you ever lost something really important to you and wanted to find it? That's how God feels about people--about you. If you haven't trusted Jesus as your Savior, you are lost in sin. The good news is that Jesus is looking for you. Trust Him to find you and bring you home. (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:
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (NIV) (Luke 19:10 )

Today's Key Thought:
God wants to find you

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Philippians 4:11-13

Isla smiled as she looked at her baby brother still asleep in his crib. Emmett is really cute, but I'm so glad I'm not a baby. All he does is eat and sleep. How boring!

At the breakfast table, Isla watched Mom butter toast and pour coffee. Mom's life looks boring too, Isla thought. She's always cooking, cleaning, and giving me my schoolwork. Doesn't she ever wish she could be a kid again?

Dad glanced at the clock. "I'd better go. Traffic is always heavy on Monday."

Isla thought about her father's life. Every morning Dad drives to the office and spends the day doing whatever he does there. The next day, he does it all over again. If that's what my life will be like someday, I'm not sure I ever want to grow up!

After Dad left, Mom said, "It's time for your lessons, Isla, so let's go over our verse for today and then we'll start on fractions." She opened her Bible. "Our verse is First Corinthians 13:11. It says, 'When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.' What do you think that verse means?"

Isla thought for a moment. "I guess it means that kids and grownups don't do the same things or even think the same way."

"That's true," said Mom. "When we're young, we're focused on learning new things and having fun. As we age, there are more responsibilities and different kinds of fun."

"Yeah--you and Dad think gardening is fun, but I don't!" Isla made a face, and Mom laughed.

"The point is that even though our lives change as we get older and we face new challenges, we can be content at any age because of the hope we have in Jesus. The struggles we face in life are temporary, because one day Jesus will make everything new and we'll spend eternity with Him--and that will be more amazing than anything we can comprehend now. The important thing is to enjoy what God has put in our lives now and trust Him when things change later on."

Isla nodded and grinned, realizing her parents didn't think their lives were so boring after all. She reached for another book. "Ready to teach me fractions, Mom? I'm ready to learn."

– Phyllis I. Klomparens

How About You?
Are you afraid to grow up because you don't think life will be fun anymore? Or maybe you can't wait to grow up so you can do things you can't do now. Each stage of life has its own perks and challenges, but you can be content no matter how old you are. Trust Jesus to help you learn and grow throughout the stages of your life, and enjoy the blessings He has for you in each one.

Today's Key Verse:
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (NKJV) (Philippians 4:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Be content at any age

Bible Reading: Luke 21:1-4; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Lacey zipped her backpack and skipped toward the library's exit. She had always loved books, and today's field trip with her class meant she could finally get her own library card.

As Lacey waited to check out a few novels, an older woman spoke with the librarian about rechecking a book. She didn't have enough money with her to pay her overdue fines, so the librarian explained that she'd have to return the book. Lacey wanted to help. She dug in her school bag for coins.

"Here you go," Lacey said, handing over twenty cents, all the money she had in her backpack.

"Thank you, dear." The woman smiled at Lacey. "But I'm afraid that's not enough to cover my fine."

The librarian looked at Lacey for a moment, then held out her hand for the coins. "It's all right," she said. "If you just pay part of your fine, you can check something out."

The woman beamed. "Now I can finish my book!"

Excited about this chance to help, Lacey shared the story with her friends as they walked back to school.

"It's just twenty cents, Lacey. No big deal," Eden replied, walking away.

Lacey's joy faded. I guess it wasn't anything special after all, she told herself.

"Lacey, are you okay?" Mr. Sawyer asked as they returned to class.

"Well, I did feel happy, but now…not so much." Lacey explained to Mr. Sawyer how she'd wanted to help the elderly woman at the library. Then she added that Eden had reminded her such a small amount of money hadn't been so important.

"Lacey, you've trusted Jesus to forgive your sins, haven't you?" Mr. Sawyer asked. Lacey nodded. "Well, when you trusted in Him, He gave you the Holy Spirit, who is working in your life to make you more like Jesus. He has given you a desire to serve others. That's what you did today, and you did it with joy. You gave all the money you had with you to help this lady. You really blessed her."

Lacey smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Sawyer." She walked to her desk. "I'm going to put more coins in my backpack tonight so I can help somebody else next time I visit the library."

– Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?
Do you ever wonder if you can make a difference? When we begin a relationship with Jesus by trusting in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, we join Him in the work He does on earth. Whether you have a little or a lot, you can show God's love to others and bring Him glory. It isn't how much you have that makes a difference--it's the love and faith you display in your life as the Holy Spirit works in your heart. That's what matters to God.

Today's Key Verse:
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them." (NLT) (Luke 21:3 )

Today's Key Thought:
Even a little makes a difference