Bible Reading: Psalm 119:127-135; Hebrews 4:12

Caden watched as his sister put on her coat, ready to leave for the children's program at their church. "It's too bad you have a cold and can't come," said Avery.

Caden shrugged. "Pastor Walters said the speaker would be talking about Noah, and I've heard that story lots of times." Muffling a sneeze, he turned on the TV.

"Watching the basketball game?" Dad asked after Mom and Avery had left. "That's the one we recorded, isn't it? You already know who won."

"Yeah," Caden said, "but I like to see it anyway."

A little later, Caden was hungry and heated up some leftover pizza.

"You're having pizza again?" asked Dad.

Caden grinned and nodded. "I never get tired of pizza!"

Dad got some pizza for himself. "It's too bad you had to miss the program at church tonight," he said.

Caden shrugged. "It'd just be more of the same old thing. I already know all about Noah."

"Do you?" asked Dad. "Well then, tell me--how big was the ark, compared to a football field? And how did building it show Noah's faith in God?"

"Well, I…uh…" Caden's voice faded out. He didn't know the answers.

"You say the story of Noah is the same old thing, but that basketball game was exciting to you, even though you knew how it ended," said Dad. "And you'd probably eat pizza every day if you could."

Caden frowned. "What are you saying?"

"I just don't want you to think of the Bible as being the same old thing, because it isn't," Dad said. "There are always new lessons to be learned, even from stories you already know, because the Bible is God's Word and He speaks to us through it. He always has new things to teach us as He helps us grow in our relationship with Jesus. As you read and study the Bible, you may find a story applies to your life in a way you never realized before. Keep learning all you can about the Bible, and expect to find something new every time."

Caden was quiet a moment. Then he turned off the TV. "I think I'll go read the story of Noah so I can talk to Avery about it when she gets home."

–Linda Weddle

How About You?
Do you listen for something new each time you read the Bible or learn about it at church? No matter how many times you've heard a story, there's still more to learn. The Bible isn't just any book--it's the Word of God, and He speaks to us through it, showing us our need for Jesus and His forgiveness and reminding us of His promises. Every time you read or listen to it, trust Him to teach you something new.

Today's Key Verse:
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. (NKJV) (Psalm 119:34)

Today's Key Thought:
God's Word is always new

Bible Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-6

"Oh no! The squirrel is back!" exclaimed Grandpa. "I thought we had seen the last of him."

"Why don't you like that little squirrel, Grandpa?" asked Cooper.

"Yeah, Grandpa," said Amelie. "I think he's cute, all black and fluffy--and look how he can jump!"

"Exactly," said Grandpa. They all peered out the window and watched the small animal leap from tree to tree. Then it ran along a cable wire like a tightrope walker until it was out of sight. "Do you know where that little squirrel is now?" asked Grandpa.

"Maybe he's playing on your roof," said Cooper.

Grandpa frowned. "As we speak, that little bushy-tailed squirrel is probably gnawing his way through roof tiles and insulation and getting ready to make himself at home in our attic. He's been there before and ruined blankets and clothes Grandma kept up there. Trust me--he isn't cute!"

"How can something that looks so harmless be so destructive?" asked Amelie.

"Destructive is a good word for it," said Grandpa.

"My Bible class teacher said Satan is like that," said Cooper. "She said Satan can tempt us with things that look harmless. But since they go against how Jesus wants us to live, they're destructive--just like that black squirrel."

"Your teacher is right," said Grandpa. "Do you remember how tricky Satan was when he lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden?"

Amelie nodded. "I remember. Satan made Eve think it was okay to eat from the tree God had told her and Adam not to eat from."

"Yes," said Grandpa. "We can't always tell if a thing is good or bad by the way it looks, but we can always look to what God says in the Bible to determine if something is right or wrong. Satan is sneaky, but because we know Jesus, we have His Holy Spirit in us. That means we can protect ourselves against Satan's tricks and lies by seeking God's truth in the Bible and praying for clear understanding. God promises to give us wisdom through His Word and help us know right from wrong." Grandpa strolled to the door. "Now, let's see what we can do to discourage that sneaky squirrel from moving into our attic."

–Laura C. Thomas

How About You?
Do you ever have trouble knowing if something is right or wrong? Sometimes it's hard to tell, especially if other kids tell you it's okay. That's why it's important to go to God for guidance. See what the Bible says about it, and if you're still not sure, talk about it with an older Christian. And don't forget to pray and ask God for wisdom so you won't be tricked by Satan's lies.

Today's Key Verse:
Whatever is not from faith is sin. (NKJV) (Romans 14:23)

Today's Key Thought:
Beware of Satan's lies

Bible Reading: Romans 12:4-8

Kian yanked the door open, bounded into the house, and fell dramatically into an overstuffed chair in the living room. Dad smirked as he watched his son from the corner of his eye. "So, Kian, how was your day?"

"Fine," muttered Kian as he stared out the window.

Dad shut his laptop and put it aside. "Want to talk?"

Kian opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it, changing his mind. A moment later, he sighed. "I didn't make the basketball team," he said.

"I didn't know you were trying out for the team," said Dad. "I didn't think you liked playing basketball."

"I don't, really, but…" Kian shrugged. "All my friends are on the team."

"I see," said Dad, reaching over to pick up a sculpture of a bird. He looked thoughtful as he turned it around in his hands. "So will your friends like you less if you're not on the team?"

"No, but I want to fit in with them and spend time with them," said Kian.

"I know, but you can still spend time with your friends doing other things," said Dad. "And you can show support and interest in what they're doing by rooting for them at basketball games--you don't have to be on the team yourself to do that. Then you'll be able to concentrate on learning to do something you really enjoy."

"Like what?" Kian noticed the sculpture his dad was holding. "You mean like art stuff? I made that bird in art class last year."

"Well, it doesn't seem like God gave you an interest in being a basketball player," said Dad. "But He did give you a gift for art--and you enjoy it."

"Yeah." Kian took the bird and examined it closely. "Maybe I'll sign up for an art class in the spring."

"I think that's a great idea," said Dad. "God gives us all different talents so we can use them to point others to His goodness and love, but we still need to learn to use them and develop them. I think an art class would help you do that."

Kian smiled. "Maybe I'll learn how to make basketball sculptures I can give to my friends!"

–Vicki L. Reinhardt

How About You?
What special talents has God given you? Are you good at writing? Gardening? Singing? Babysitting? Don't try to be what other people are if it's not right for you. Trust God to help you find and develop your own talents and use them to point others to Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Do not neglect the gift that is in you. (NKJV) (1 Timothy 4:14)

Today's Key Thought:
Develop your talent

Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-9

Naomi studied her doll collection. She thought all her dolls were beautiful, and she couldn't decide which one she should enter in the "Best Doll" contest at the local library. Finally, she closed her eyes, spun around a couple of times, and reached out. Her fingers closed around black-haired Hiyoko. "This will be the one," she said.

The library was crowded when Naomi and her mother arrived for the contest. Naomi saw other girls clutching all sorts of dolls--from cute little baby dolls to glamorous dolls in beautiful dresses. Naomi had never seen so many dolls in her entire life.

A little girl standing in the registration line caught Naomi's attention. In her arms, the girl carried a straggly haired doll whose face was chipped and faded from the hugs and kisses of many years. The doll's red dress was wrinkled and stained, perhaps a result of clumsy tea parties. The little girl gently smoothed it while she waited for her turn to register.

Naomi nudged her mother. "Mom, look! Why would that girl over there enter such an ugly old doll?" she whispered.

Mom glanced toward the child, who was now speaking shyly to a woman at the registration desk. "Her doll may not be beautiful, but it certainly is loved," she said. After a moment she added, "I think the way that doll looks to us is similar to how we appear to God. We come to Him covered in scars from the wear and tear of sin and suffering, and like that little girl, He loves and accepts us just as we are. He loves us so much that He sent His own Son to die to save us from sin so we could belong to Him." She looked at Naomi. "I'm so thankful He loved me enough to do that. He loves me--and you--like that girl loves that doll."

They watched as the woman at the desk pinned the number forty-seven on the doll's worn dress. "I really hope number forty-seven wins a prize, don't you?" murmured Naomi.

Mom nodded. "If there's a prize for the most-loved doll, she's sure to get it."

–Phyllis I. Klomparens

How About You?
Have you ever wondered if God really loves you? Perhaps you feel worn down by past mistakes or your circumstances in life. Even though we might be scarred by pain in our lives and hurt those around us, God loves us unconditionally. Jesus loves us so much that He died for our sins so we could spend eternity with Him. Trust in Him, knowing that He loves you just as you are. (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 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:
God loves you

Bible Reading: Isaiah 41:10-13; Romans 8:38-39

Jace's favorite toy store was closing. He stared at the sign out front and fought back tears. He loved coming here.

His grandpa used to take him every year at Christmastime when he was alive, and they would spend hours looking at all the toys before Jace would finally pick his favorite.

For the past couple of years, Jace had been saving up some of his own money for the cool toys he found in the store. But now, in just a few weeks, it wouldn't be there anymore.

"I don't want the store to close," Jace said to his mom as they walked slowly through the quiet mall. There didn't seem to be many stores left in there. Jace missed when it used to be more crowded and busy.

"I know." Mom put her arm around him. "It's a special place to you. It's hard to say goodbye to something like that."

"Everything changes so much." Jace blinked back tears. "First Grandpa died. Then Grandma sold their house. Now the toy store isn't even going to be around."

"Change is hard," Mom said. "Especially big changes like you've had to go through recently. Life can be difficult sometimes."

Jace glanced at an empty store and sighed. "Nothing ever stays the same."

"Not much does, but one thing is always the same." Mom squeezed his shoulder.

Jace looked at her. "What?"

"Jesus. He's the same today, yesterday, tomorrow, and forever. The Bible tells us that," Mom said. "His love for you is always the same. No matter what changes around you, He is always beside you."

Jace took a moment to consider that as they stepped outside the mall. Jesus had been with him when his grandpa died. He had felt comforted knowing that then. "He'll always be there, no matter what I face?" Jace asked.

Mom nodded. "Always. Through the hard things and good, Jesus is always with you. He died and rose again so you could spend eternity with Him, and nothing can ever separate you from His love. It's always the same."

Jace felt better thinking about that, even though he was still really going to miss the toy store and all the memories it held.

–Bethany Acker

How About You?
Are you facing big changes in your life? Do they make you feel sad or afraid? Even though change is a normal part of life, it can be very difficult. But Jesus never changes--His love for you is always the same, and He promises to be with you in difficult times. When changes happen in your life, take comfort in knowing that He will always be with you and stay the same.

Today's Key Verse:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (NIV) (Hebrews 13:8)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus doesn't change