Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

"Will all this fit in my backpack?" Autumn wondered as she packed for an overnight camping trip with Uncle Joel and Aunt Carrie.

Autumn stuffed her backpack full of clothes, games, books, and flashlights. "I can't forget my camera," she said, slipping it inside. After cramming a few bags of snacks on top, she closed the zipper.

An hour later, Uncle Joel and Autumn were climbing the steep trail to the campsite. Aunt Carrie had dropped them off and was driving the rest of the way. She didn't like hiking.

Autumn loved hiking! She enjoyed listening to the birds and feeling the warm summer breeze drift around her. But as the trail got steeper, she paid less attention to sights and sounds and began to wonder why she had stuffed her backpack so full.

She walked slower and slower and soon fell behind Uncle Joel. The backpack got heavier with each step.

Uncle Joel stopped. "Is something wrong?" he asked. "You're slowing down."

Autumn sighed. "I'm getting really tired."

Uncle Joel took Autumn's backpack off her shoulders. "Is that better?"

Autumn drew a deep breath of relief. "Yes. It was getting so heavy!"

Uncle Joel nodded. "That reminds me of a Bible verse. In the book of Matthew, Jesus says He will carry our burdens for us. He took our greatest burden of all by dying for our sins, and He can take burdens off your heart just like I took the backpack off your shoulders." Uncle Joel swung Autumn's backpack back and forth. "What do you have in this thing, anyway?"

Autumn shrugged. "Oh...just some stuff."

Uncle Joel grinned. "You probably didn't need all of it for an overnight camping trip. You know, we often carry around a lot of stuff in our spiritual lives too--stuff we don't need to carry, like worry about the future or guilt for sins we've already asked forgiveness for."

"And it gets heavy, like my backpack?" Autumn asked.

"Right," Uncle Joel said. He lifted the backpack. "You were relieved when this weight was gone. How would you feel if the burdens of your heart were gone?"

Autumn looked up. "A lot lighter," she said with a smile.

–Katlyn Traxler

How About You?
Are you worried or upset about something? Do you have a heavy backpack full of burdens on your heart? Sometimes we carry around troubles that God never meant for us to carry. Jesus died for you to take away your burden of sin and give you rest, and He wants to take the other things that weigh you down too. Give your burdens to Jesus, and He will carry them for you. If something is really weighing you down, talk to a trusted adult about it too.

Today's Key Verse:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (NLT) (Matthew 11:28)

Today's Key Thought:
Let Jesus carry your burdens

Bible Reading: Galatians 1:10; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 4:10-11

"I hope I'm good enough to play in an all-star game someday," said Ryder as he left the ballpark with his dad and sister. "Maybe I'll even make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame!"

"I'd rather sing the national anthem before the game," said Ann. "Famous singers have a lot more fans than baseball players do."

All the way home, the children debated whether singers or athletes were more popular and famous. "Why do you think it's so important to be famous?" asked Dad.

"So everybody will like you and talk about how good you are," said Ryder.

"And then no one would say, 'Ann who?' They'd all know my name!" added Ann.

When they arrived home, they found Mom in the backyard blowing bubbles for two-year-old Harper. They all laughed as they watched Harper's puzzled expression whenever she got a bubble in her hands--only to have it burst and disappear.

"Those bubbles remind me of the fame you kids were talking about," said Dad. "Bubbles have a shimmering beauty that's very captivating as they bounce about. But then, when you try to catch one in your palm, it bursts. Popularity and fame are like that--they don't last forever. But because we trust in Jesus, we're part of God's kingdom, and His kingdom is eternal, meaning it lasts forever and ever."

"But what about baseball players in the Hall of Fame?" Ryder asked. "They're remembered forever."

"They may be remembered for a long time, but they can't enjoy their fame after they've died," said Dad. "Wanting to be famous isn't necessarily wrong, but Jesus is the only one who can give us eternal joy and satisfaction. He conquered death on the cross so that we could be part of His eternal kingdom, and one day, when He returns, the whole world will see His power and glory and bow before Him. Whether you become famous or not, He knows who you are, and His love for you is enough. Use the talents He's given you for His glory, not your own."

"You're right, Dad," Ryder said. "I may not ever be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but I know I'll be with Jesus forever!"

Ann nodded. "And I'd rather sing for Jesus than on a stage in front of a thousand fans."

–Phyllis I. Klomparens

How About You?
Do you want to be famous someday? Do you want to be remembered for doing great things? The love and attention of other people can be exciting, but fame doesn't last forever. There's only one person whose glory will last for all eternity--Jesus. His kingdom is eternal, and His love for you will never end. Whether you ever become famous or not, you can use the gifts He's given you to point others to His glory and the joy of knowing Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. (NKJV) (Psalm 145:13)

Today's Key Thought:
God's kingdom lasts forever

Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:23; James 3:4-10

Ruby and Sage leapt out of their beds. It was the first day of camp! Sage looked at the clock--they still had an entire hour before it was time to leave. She fidgeted and wriggled as though she were about to burst.

Ruby, on the other hand, sat patiently at the breakfast bar, one hand wrapped around a mug, the other holding a book. Sage was far too excited to read, and so she began to practice her dance routine instead.

"And right, two, three, four, and jump, two, three, four, and spin--"

Suddenly there was a crash, followed by the gushing of spilt tea. Sage's twirling arm had knocked Ruby's mug over.

"Sage! You've just spilt tea all down my jeans!" Ruby's face grew red with rage. "My book!" she shrieked. "It's soaking wet! You idiot!" She stormed out of the room.

Sage felt hurt. "Well, at least I'm not a boring, head-in-the-clouds bookworm!" she called after her.

Soon after, it was time to leave. There was a stony silence as they rode in the car.

"Maybe you girls should apologize and start over?" suggested Mum. "Or would you prefer to go off to camp under a cloud?"

Sage was the first to speak. "Ruby, I'm so sorry I got your book wet. And I'm sorry for calling you names."

Ruby sighed. "I'm sorry too, Sage. I got angry and was really mean."

By the time they arrived at camp, the two sisters were chatting and laughing again.

As Mum hugged them both goodbye, she pulled a tube of toothpaste out of her pocket. "You almost forgot this!" she said, handing it to Ruby. "You know, your grandpa once told me that unkind words are a bit like toothpaste. They come out very easily--especially when life gives you a squeeze!"

"You can say that again!" said Ruby.

"But the trouble is," Mum continued, "once those mean words are out, you can never put them back in again."

"Like toothpaste?" asked Sage.

"Exactly," said Mum. "Yet unlike toothpaste, which always comes out when it's squeezed, you can control the words that come out of your mouth. Since you know Jesus, He gives you the power to choose your words out of wisdom and love, even when you feel angry or hurt. So next time you girls disagree--don't forget the toothpaste!"

–Angela Jelf

How About You?
Have you ever said something you regretted? It's so easy to say unkind things when we feel angry or frustrated, isn't it? The Bible tells us that even though the tongue is a very small part of the body, it can do great damage. So remember that if you trust in Jesus, He's put His love in your heart and gives you the power to control what you say. Trust Him to help you keep your tongue in check and choose your words wisely.

Today's Key Verse:
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (NIV) (Psalm 141:3)

Today's Key Thought:
Choose your words wisely

Bible Reading: Psalms 16:9-11; 37:16-23; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Blake gaped as the fanciest car he'd ever seen pulled in at Mr. Moore's repair shop. Out climbed Mr. Watson and his son Koby. "Hey, Koby," said Blake. "Wow! That's some car!"

"Yeah, but it's not running well," said Koby. Then while Mr. Moore and Koby's dad discussed the work needed on the car, Koby and Blake talked about school and sports.

"Koby, call your mother and ask her to pick us up," said Mr. Watson a little later. "The car will have to stay here a day or two to be fixed."

After Mrs. Watson picked up Koby and his dad, Blake turned to Mr. Moore. He had been helping at the shop all summer and loved learning about cars. "So, what's wrong with it?" Blake asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Mr. Moore said. "Mr. Watson said the engine is sluggish. It doesn't take off when he steps on the gas--it just pokes along without much spark." He opened the hood of the car. "I see that you and Mr. Watson's son know each other."

"Yeah, Koby's in my class at school, and he goes to church with a couple of my friends. They've been trying to get me to come to Bible club with them, but…" Blake shrugged. "I don't see the point of all that Jesus stuff. My life is good the way it is." He looked at the Watsons' car and sighed. "I doubt I'll ever be able to buy a car like that though."

Mr. Moore peered into the car. "You know, this car has a lot of fancy equipment, but Mr. Watson says it doesn't have much spark. Without spark, the rest of the car is pretty worthless. You can't drive it anywhere."

"Well, I'm sure Koby's dad can buy a new one if you can't fix it," said Blake.

"Maybe so," said Mr. Moore. "But the things we buy don't ever bring us true joy and satisfaction in life, do they? It sounds like Koby knows he needs Jesus for the true spark of joy in his life, and he wants you to have that spark too. I'll check the car over. I'm sure it'll have new life by the time I'm done with it. But we can't give ourselves the spark of new life we all need. Only God can do that."

–Daryl B. Knauer

How About You?
Do you have the spark of real joy in your life? True happiness doesn't come from having good looks or lots of money or from being smart and successful. Those things might make you feel good for a while, but lasting joy only comes from Jesus. He's the source of true happiness and everlasting life. Trust 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:
[Jesus said,] "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (NKJV) (John 14:6)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus gives new life and joy

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 1 John 5:4-5

"Bulls eye!" said Finn as his arrow hit the target.

"Cool! Let me try," begged his little brother. Finn smiled and handed the bow to Logan. The large bow felt awkward in Logan's hands, but he took careful aim and let the arrow fly. It didn't even reach the target.

"Here," said Finn. "I'll help you."

Logan shook his head. "I want to do it by myself. I just need to get closer." He moved several steps closer to the target and again sighted down the arrow. He slowly pulled back on the string and let go. This time the arrow went far enough, but it was way off course. After a few more tries, Logan was ready to give up.

"Here, I'll help you," Finn offered again. He leaned down and together the boys held the bow and arrow, slowly pulled the string back, and then released it. Logan heard the solid thud as the arrow made contact with the target--only half an inch away from the bull's eye. He tried again, but he could only hit the mark with Finn's help.

"I missed the mark every time," he told his mother a little later. "I can't hit the target unless Finn is helping me."

"That's okay. You'll learn." Mom closed the Bible she had been reading. "You know what? I miss the mark in what I'm doing too. Like you, I need someone's help to keep me on target."

"You do?" asked Logan, looking surprised.

Mom nodded. "Yes--and in more serious areas than a target in the backyard. Even though I'm a Christian, I still miss the mark and do wrong things. I sin. So…" She pointed to the Bible.

"You mean you need Jesus's help?" asked Logan.

Mom nodded again. "Jesus is the only one who can hit the mark. He never sinned, yet He died for our sins so we could have His righteousness--His goodness. Because we trust in Him, God sees Jesus's righteousness when He looks at us. And even though we still do wrong things, God forgives us and helps us turn from sin and do what's right." Mom smiled at Logan. "After a while you won't need Finn's help anymore to hit the target with a bow and arrow, but you'll always need Jesus's help to have victory over sin."

–Pauline Youd

How About You?
Are you a Christian but still find it hard to do the right thing? Maybe you have trouble telling the truth or controlling your temper. Don't give up. Like all Christians, you need help to have victory over sin--and that help is available! When you do something wrong, admit it to God and trust Him to help you and remind you of the victory you have over sin through Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Today's Key Thought:
God gives victory over sin