Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 12:1-2

"Mom, look at this!" Sari pointed to the TV. "This woman has been hoarding junk for more than twenty years, and now her house is so full she can't even move around in it! It's a huge health hazard, and she's going to be forced to leave her home if she doesn't clean it out. The team of people who make this show came to help. Just look at all that stuff!"

Mom shook her head sadly. "That poor woman. It's so hard to let go of things sometimes."

Sari rolled her eyes. "It's her own fault for letting it get like that! Couldn't she see that her house was getting so full she could hardly walk around?"

"Not necessarily," answered Mom. "I'm sure it happened so gradually over a long period of time that she hardly noticed it. It probably wasn't until someone else came inside that she realized how bad it had gotten. That's how it happened with me."

"What?" exclaimed Sari. "You used to be a hoarder?"

Mom laughed. "I guess you could say that. I didn't hoard things in my house though--I hoarded things in my heart."

"What do you mean?" asked Sari.

"Well, when I became a Christian, I was thrilled to have Jesus in my life. But even though I knew He'd made me a new person, I still didn't want to let go of some sinful things I thought were fun or the grudges I had against other people. I was holding on to sin and anger and bitterness, even though those things didn't belong in my new life and were hurting me and others."

"So how'd you get rid of them?" asked Sari.

"It wasn't until a Christian friend pointed out how she saw me living that I finally realized I needed help. The Holy Spirit gave me the power to let go of my selfish desires so I could live in a way that reflects Jesus's love without all that other stuff getting in the way."

Sari looked back at the TV screen. "Just like the woman on this show will be able to enjoy living in her house once all that junk is cleaned out of it."

Mom nodded. "Exactly!"

– Courtney Lasater

How About You?
Are you hanging on to things that don't belong in the new life Jesus has given you? Sometimes it's hard to let go of your old way of doing things, but that's not who you are anymore. Jesus has made you a new person who's able to show His love to others in all you do. Trust Him to help you let go of any selfish habits you've been holding on to and embrace your new life in Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (NKJV) (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Today's Key Thought:
Let go of sin and bitterness

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Isaiah 40:28-31

Mario and his dad were on a fishing trip when Mario made a discovery--an eagle's nest way up near the top of a tall tree. And up in the sky, they saw a large bird soaring high over the river. Mario let out a long breath. "Wow! I wish I could fly like that!"

"Well, that eagle didn't always have such great flying skills," said Dad. "I've read that baby eagles are afraid of flying. In fact, it takes a great deal of their mother's prodding to get them out of their soft, warm nest."

"I know. We talked about them in school. My teacher said the mother eagle pushes the babies right out over the side of the nest. That must be scary for them!"

Dad nodded. "They probably think they'll fall to the ground."

"Yeah, but then after the mother eagle lets one of the eaglets flutter and fall for a bit, she soars underneath it and lets it land on her wings. Then she takes it back to the nest. She does that over and over until they're brave and strong enough to fly on their own."

A few days later, Mario felt nervous about a kids' event at church he had agreed to help with. "Mrs. Campbell wants me to help with the little kids' group tomorrow," Mario told his dad. "But what if the kids ask me questions I don't know how to answer? It might be the first time some of them ever hear about Jesus, and I'm afraid I won't know what to say!"

"You can always ask an adult for help," said Dad. "I know it's scary for you, Mario, but you haven't forgotten how little eagles learn to fly, have you?"

"What does that have to do with it?" Mario wanted to know.

"God often helps His children in a way that's similar to how a mother eagle helps her babies," Dad explained. "Sometimes He gives you a gentle push to get you to try new things--things that make you feel helpless or afraid at first so you'll learn to depend on Him for strength and guidance. The Holy Spirit is always with you, and He'll be there to catch you and help you know what to say."

Mario smiled. "Thanks, Dad. I'll remember that tomorrow."

– Trudy Vanderveen

How About You?
Do you get nervous telling others about Jesus? Are you afraid your friends will laugh at you if you invite them to church? It can be scary to share your faith with others sometimes, but God is always with you. He's helping you learn to depend on Him in every situation instead of relying on your own strength. Even when you feel like you're failing, He is with you. He won't ever leave you on your own. Trust Him to help you.

Today's Key Verse:
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. (NKJV) (Isaiah 40:31)

Today's Key Thought:
Rely on God

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Grace took her treasure box out from under the bed and opened it to look over the contents inside. She took a couple of items out and inspected them. A special note from Grandma. A ballet ticket stub. A birthstone ring. A picture book. She smiled as she returned them to her box. She often did this before going to bed. Seeing her treasures brought memories that gave her happy, warm feelings.

One morning, Grace's little sister greeted her eagerly. "I had a dream last night," said Everly. "It was about a great big treasure box. It was way bigger than yours, and lots prettier too! It sparkled all over. And it was as tall as the sky!"

Grace grinned at Everly. "What was in the box?"

"I don't know," said Everly. "I couldn't see inside it."

"Well, who do you think would own such a big, fancy box?" Grace asked. "A king? Or the President?"

"I know who!" exclaimed Everly. "God could have a box like that."

Grace grinned. "If God had a treasure box, what He would put in it? Rainbows, maybe? Or oceans? How about mountains? Or gold?" Everly nodded, but no answer seemed quite right to Grace.

"Let's think about it today," Mom suggested. "Let's see who can come up with an even better answer."

"Okay," said Grace, but her day was busy, and she soon forgot all about it.

When Grace got home from school, Everly was waiting for her. "I know what God would put in His treasure box!" she said, bouncing up and down. "I know the answer!"

"You do?" asked Grace. "How do you know? Mom told you, didn't she?" Grace turned to her mother. "What is it, Mom? Tell me too!"

Mom smiled at her. "Go look up Deuteronomy 7:6," she said. "Maybe that will help you figure it out."

When Grace looked up the verse in her Bible, she saw the answer to the question. People, she thought. God would put the people He saved in His treasure box. Grace smiled. She knew she was part of God's treasure.

–Joy L. Newswanger

How About You?
Are you part of God's treasure? Maybe you didn't know God has treasure, but He does! In today's Key Verse, He calls His chosen people His treasure. Today, that means anyone who has trusted Jesus as their Savior is His treasure too. Are you included in that group? If not, put your trust in Jesus, who died for your sins so you could be saved, and become God's treasure 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:
The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for himself, a special treasure. (NKJV) (Deuteronomy 7:6)

Today's Key Thought:
God's people are His treasure

Bible Reading: Psalm 42; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 21:3-5

"I'm going for a walk." Mel's attention shot up at Owen's announcement as he entered the kitchen. He still had his hoodie on, but he was actually wearing jeans, not sweatpants. "You want to join?" Mel nodded and jumped to her feet, and within a minute they were out the door.

Mel loved walking in their neighborhood downtown. She liked the scrunched-up houses and how close they lived to their neighbors. As she and Owen walked in silence, Mom's words from a couple weeks ago telling her that Owen had depression echoed in her ears. She kept glancing over at her brother, and eventually he asked, "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Mel kicked a rock instead of responding. "Mel, what's wrong?"

Finally, she looked up at her big brother. "I just don't understand," she began. "Can't Jesus heal people? Why doesn't He heal you? Will you be sick forever?"

This time Owen kicked the rock before replying. "I believe Jesus can heal me and take away my depression. I'm not sure why He's not doing it now, but I know He will one day."

"One day like in a few more weeks?"

"Maybe," responded Owen. "But maybe not. It's complicated. Jesus promises us that when we trust Him as our Savior, He will save us from our sins so we can be with Him forever. But not everything is perfect--yet. It won't be until Jesus makes everything right when He comes again."

"What do we do until then?" Mel asked.

Owen took a deep breath. "We have hope. I know with certainty that God is faithful and incapable of breaking His promises. Having hope is having confidence in God."

Mel took in the sight of her brother. He was in a good mood today, but would he be tomorrow? Before she could say anything, Owen continued. "And when it's hard to hope, I take comfort in knowing that Jesus is still with me and can give me hope and peace."

Mel found another rock to kick, then looked to Owen and said, "Would it help if I made a sticker of Jesus's hope for your door? That way it'll be easier to remember."

Owen grinned. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

–Zoe Brickner

How About You?
Are you facing pain and difficulty in your life? Even in our suffering, we can have peace knowing our ultimate hope is that Jesus will make all things new. He promises to comfort us and be with us in our pain, and one day He will restore our minds and bodies and get rid of pain, sickness, and death forever! Whenever you go through hard times, remember the hope you have in Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Why are you sad, o my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise him again for his help of being near me. (NLV) (Psalm 42:5)

Today's Key Thought:
Stick to hope

Bible Reading: Psalm 23; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Mel peeked out of her room to see if Owen's door was still shut. It was. All she saw was the array of homemade stickers plastered over it. The door was closed a lot lately. Mel sighed. She wished Owen would play with her and tease her for the silly-looking people she drew.

"Dinner's ready!" Mom's voice startled Mel, but she grinned when she smelled her favorite chicken and pasta.

At dinner Mel glanced over at Owen's empty chair. "Mom, Owen's been acting strange. He rarely eats with us, and he hasn't wanted to hang out with me." The words tumbled out of her mouth.

"You're right," Mom said after a sigh. "Owen hasn't been feeling good lately."

"Is he sick? Does he need a doctor?"

"Well, it's his mind, not his body," Mom explained. "His doctor calls it depression. This sort of sickness can make it really hard to do the things you love, or even be with the people you love."

Mel was silent for a moment and traced her fork through the pasta sauce. "Is there anything we can do? I feel helpless."

Mom put her hands around Mel's. "Even though Owen is hurting, Jesus is with him and wants to comfort him. He died for Owen and understands what he's going through, and He promises to be with him through it. We can remind Owen that he's not alone and that Jesus loves him. I've been sitting with him in his room while he eats dinner. Do you want to bring up his plate tonight?"

While Mel dished up some food for her brother, she had an idea. She got to work before knocking on Owen's door. He opened it wearing his basketball hoodie. "I brought dinner, and this." Mel held out the sticker she'd made. It was of her, Mom, and Jesus giving Owen a hug with the words, We love you!

Owen laughed, and Mel smiled. "Is that supposed to be me?" he asked, pointing to the middle stick figure. Mel didn't get a chance to respond because Owen pulled her into a hug. Then he stuck her drawing on the inside of his door and said, "This way I can see it. And I'll be reminded that I'm not alone."

–Zoe Brickner

How About You?
Do you know someone who may be struggling in a way similar to Owen? Maybe they've been acting distant and detached from how they usually are. Or perhaps you've been feeling that way yourself. If you think you or anyone else might be struggling with depression, talk to a family member, teacher, or other trusted adult. Then trust Jesus to be with you in your struggles and to help you love and comfort others.

Today's Key Verse:
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV) (Psalm 23:4)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus sticks with us