Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-24

Amelia was fascinated by the ten tiny piglets squirming around their mother in the pig pen behind the barn.

A little piglet with a black spot over her eye became Amelia's favorite. "She looks like a bandit with that black eye, so that's what I'll name her," said Amelia. "She's so cute! I love the way she trots off to explore things all by herself."

One morning a few days later, Dad came into the house with something cradled in his arms. "I need soft rags and a hair dryer," he said.

Amelia's heart sank when she saw the limp form of Bandit tucked against Dad's chest. "What happened?" she asked anxiously.

"This little piggy wandered off during the night and couldn't find her way back to the warmth of her mother and the other piglets. I found her out in the yard. She's very cold and weak right now."

Amelia wiped the mud off the tiny pig while Mom gently blew warm air around her with a hair dryer. "Why did she go off by herself?" asked Amelia. "Her mother was taking good care of her. Do you think she'll be okay, Dad?"

"I don't know," said Dad, putting an arm around Amelia's shoulders. "We'll do our best to help her."

For devotions that evening, Dad read the story of the prodigal son. "The young man in this story reminds me of your piggy," said Dad. "What can you learn from their experiences?"

"Um…don't wander away from home?" suggested Amelia. "Bandit and the man in the story both wandered away from their homes where they were safe."

Dad smiled. "That's right, and Christians sometimes wander away from the love and care God has provided for us. We ignore God and His people and instead chase after worldly things."

"So how do we keep from wandering?" asked Amelia.

"By remembering how much God loves us and trusting Him to take care of us. He sent Jesus to die for us so we could be part of His family, and He wants to fill our lives with joy and peace. And when we do go our own way, He will always forgive us and welcome us home."

–Linda A. Price

How About You?
Have you wandered away from God? Don't go off on your own thinking you can live life your way. God loves you and wants the very best for you--Jesus gave His life so you could experience the joy and peace of knowing Him. If you've gone your own way, ask Him to forgive you. He will welcome you home with open arms and take good care of you.

Today's Key Verse:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (NIV) (Colossians 3:1)

Today's Key Thought:
Don't wander away from God

Bible Reading: John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; 10:13

Nelson and his parents were spending a few days at the beach, and Nelson loved playing in the water. Today he was having a great time letting the waves carry him up and down as he swam.

But then the waves became bigger, and Nelson realized he was too far out and couldn't touch the bottom. "Help!" he cried out to his dad.

Dad quickly swam over to Nelson and helped him back to shore.

"Thanks, Dad," Nelson said, trying to catch his breath.

"Sometimes those waves can really pull you under," Dad replied.

Nelson coughed and nodded. "I sure am glad you were there to save me!"

"How was the water this afternoon?" Mom asked when Nelson and his dad returned from the beach.

Nelson smiled. "A little rough," he answered.

Dad explained what happened while Nelson ran to get changed. He put on his pajamas, looking forward to just having dinner and relaxing for the rest of the evening,

"Well, don't you look comfy," Mom said when Nelson walked into the kitchen. She handed him plates of fresh fruit and cold cut sandwiches to put on the table. Dad patted him on the shoulder, and they all sat down to eat.

After dinner, Nelson helped his parents clean up, and then they all went into the living room for family devotions.

"I've got a special verse for tonight. It goes right along with our beach incident this afternoon," Dad said.

Nelson listened as Dad read Romans 10:13. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." He looked at Nelson. "I saved you from the waves today, but Jesus gave His life to save us from death itself. The Bible says our sin--the wrong things we do--leads to death and eternal separation from God. But if we trust Jesus as our Savior, He will save us from sin and give us eternal life!"

Nelson had heard about Jesus dying to save him many times at church, but he had never really understood it until today. After being saved from the waves that afternoon, Nelson had a clearer understanding of what Jesus had done for him.

"I think I'm ready to trust Jesus as my Savior," Nelson told his parents.

–Lisa Fuller

How About You?
Have you trusted Jesus to save you? God loves you so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for your sins so that you could have eternal life with Him. Jesus died to take the punishment for the wrong things you've done, and He's the only one who can save you from sin and death. If you haven't trusted Him to be your Savior, you can do it 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:
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (NLT) (John 3:17)

Today's Key Thought:
Trust Jesus to save you

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

If I don't make any noise when I walk by that house, maybe the dog won't see me, Nolan thought. But the barking, growling dog across the street jumped against the fence around its yard, making a loud bang. Nolan took off. He was out of breath when he got home and slammed the door behind him.

"That big dog always jumps at me when I'm walking home," Nolan told Mom.

"Since you have to pass that house every day to and from school, maybe you should make friends with the dog," suggested Mom.

"Yeah right. I'll just say, 'Hi, dog. My name is Nolan. Wanna be friends?'"

That evening, Nolan learned a verse at Bible club--Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.

"Jesus died and rose again to save us from sin and death, and He promises to be with us in every scary situation," Nolan's teacher explained. "Whenever we feel afraid, we can trust God to help us and give us courage."

The next day, Nolan repeated the verse one more time before heading off to school. As he passed the dog's house, the dog came barking and running toward him. Trembling, Nolan prayed. You said You'd be with me and help me, God. He stopped. "All right, dog!" he said loudly. "You can bark all you want, but I'm done being scared of you! You got that?" The dog backed away. He and Nolan stared at each other. Then the dog whimpered and began to slowly wag its tail.

"You're making friends with my Snookums!" said a voice. "I've been hoping he'd find a friend."

Nolan turned toward the house and saw an elderly woman leaning on a cane. "You named this big dog Snookums?" he asked in surprise.

The woman nodded. "My husband used to play with him and take him for walks, but he died recently." She sighed sadly. "You can see I'm not able to do those things." She looked at Nolan. "Snookums seems to like you, though. Would you be interested in a dog-walking job?"

Nolan hesitantly agreed to ask his parents about it. As he continued on his way, he prayed, Thanks, God, for helping me. He grinned. It might be fun having Snookums for a friend.

–Donna Overmyer

How About You?
Are you afraid of something? Perhaps you get scared when you're in the dark, have to go to the doctor, or come face-to-face with a bully at school. Whenever you feel afraid, remember that God is always with you. He promises to give you the strength to face your fears. Talk to Him and ask for help--and don't be afraid to share your fears with an adult so they can help too.

Today's Key Verse:
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. (NLT) (Isaiah 41:10 )

Today's Key Thought:
Give your fears to God

Bible Reading: Romans 8:22-25

Within a few minutes of getting home from school, Mateo talked back to his mother, hit his brother, and gave the dog table food even though Mom had told him not to. He was promptly sent to his room with no electronics.

Mateo collapsed onto his bed and groaned. What's up with me today? he thought. Why am I acting like this? He sighed and lowered himself to the floor where a vast city was taking shape. He grabbed the box of loose connecting blocks and started adding a bridge between two of the skyscrapers. This city's gonna look so cool once I'm finished, he thought. It'll probably take up half the room! I can't wait to see what people say when I post a picture online.

Pretty soon Mom walked in. "Hmm," she said when she saw Mateo working on his city. "I forgot you had this in here. I guess next time you get in trouble I should send you to the storage room where there's nothing fun for you to do."

Mateo put down the blocks he was holding. "I'm sorry, Mom--I don't know why I did all that stuff." He leaned his head back against his bed. "I thought I'd be different by now."

"What do you mean?" asked Mom.

"Well, I thought becoming a Christian meant I wouldn't sin anymore, but I still do bad things!"

Mom sat down at the city's edge. "This is looking pretty good," she said. "Why don't I go get my phone so you can post it online?"

"No!" said Mateo. "I don't want to post it until it's totally finished."

Mom picked up a block person lying on the floor. "Well, you're not finished yet either--God is still working on you. The Holy Spirit is patiently teaching you to turn away from sin and live your life in a way that shows trust in God and love for others. It's a process that will take the rest of your life, but it's worth the wait." She stuck the person on top of the bridge Mateo had just built. "Jesus saved you from sin in an instant, but the new person He's making you to be won't be complete until He comes again and gives you a perfect body someday. Then you'll be totally finished--and you'll never sin again!"

–Courtney Lasater

How About You?
Do you get frustrated when you do things you know a Christian shouldn't do? Do you wonder why it seems so hard to live the way God wants you to? Being saved from sin only takes a moment--it happens the second you put your trust in Jesus. But becoming more like Him as the Holy Spirit works in your heart takes a lifetime. Be patient and trust God to complete the work He's started in you.

Today's Key Verse:
I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. (ERV) (Philippians 1:6)

Today's Key Thought:
God's still working on you

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Elodie had just started taking piano lessons with her mom, and she couldn't wait to learn more. However, right after Mom explained how to find middle C, her brother Tanner excitedly barged into the house. "Mom, guess what! We picked out jobs at chess club today. Everyone wanted to be the president. We didn't want to argue, so we're all going to be the president! We're going to call it the Presidents' Club. Isn't that great?"

As he talked, Elodie continued to practice and sing out, "Middle C, middle C, middle C."

Tanner laughed. "She sure likes finding middle C."

Mom nodded and led him to the kitchen. As she handed him a bowl of carrots and dip, she said, "Tell me more about this Presidents' Club. Who's going to collect money at the club events? Or take notes at meetings?"

"I'm not really sure," said Tanner. "I guess we didn't think about that."

Suddenly, Elodie's voice loudly interrupted them. "Middle C, middle C, middle C."

This time, Tanner rolled his eyes. "Can't she play another note? This is getting annoying."

"You're right, Tanner," said Mom. "Many notes are needed to make a song. People are that way too. Just like how the notes in a song blend together to make music, God created each of us with different interests and abilities for a reason."

Mom glanced toward the other room when middle C rang out once again. "Think about your club, Tanner. God gave everyone in your group different abilities, and your club should put them all to good use so it can function the way it's supposed to. The church is like that too. As Christians work together and use our different gifts to help more people know Jesus, we're like a song that brings Him praise and tells the world of His love."

Tanner thought about it as he bit into a carrot. "You know, I do enjoy math. Maybe I could help out as club treasurer! I'd rather do that than talk in front of the whole group anyway."

"Middle C, middle C, middle C," Elodie continued to sing.

Tanner covered his ears, and Mom laughed. "That sounds like a great idea. Now, I'd better go teach your sister a few more notes!"

–Bethany Den Boer

How About You?
Did you know that God created you in a special way and gave you your own set of talents and passions? He created us all to be different--if we weren't, then just like a one-note song, the world would get pretty boring. What makes you different and special? Thank God for those things, and use them to help the body of Christ--His church--show people who He is and how much He loves them.

Today's Key Verse:
All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. (NLT) (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Today's Key Thought:
Use your unique gifts for God