** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional <November 13, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Use the Light (Monday)
Read: Psalm 119:97-105
Jeremy and his cousin Eric stretched out beside the campfire. "Idon't usually like fish, but the ones we caught today were good!" Jeremy declared.
Uncle Bob nodded. "Fish always taste best when you catch them yourself." He took his phone from his pocket. "Now let's have some spiritual food before we turn in. At home, Eric and his mom and I always read a few Bible verses together after dinner."
"We don't do that at my house," said Jeremy. "My dad says those who read the Bible are weak people who can't think for themselves." He looked at his uncle apologetically. "But I know you're not weak."
"Well, I definitely read the Bible," Uncle Bob replied. "God's Word is a very important part of my life. Listen to how it's described in Psalm 119--it's called a light to show us the way to go." The boys listened while Uncle Bob read several verses from his phone.
When Uncle Bob finished, Jeremy slapped at a mosquito. "Where's the bug spray?" he asked. "I'm afraid I left it in the car," said Uncle Bob.
"We'll get it, Dad," said Eric. "Come on, Jeremy. Maybe we'll see a bear!"
Just a little way into the woods, Jeremy stumbled over a log, and down he went. He stood up and saw that Eric had bumped into an overhanging branch. "Wow! It's dark in these woods. Let's get a flashlight," said Eric, and they turned back.
"I bet you came back for this," Uncle Bob said when he saw them. He started to hand his flashlight to Jeremy. Then he drew it back. "Hey, wait a minute--are you sure these aren't just for weak people who can't see in the dark?"
"What do you mean?" asked Jeremy. "Nobody can see in the dark."
"True," said Uncle Bob. "Not in the woods, and not in life."
Jeremy grinned. "Oh, I get it. You're saying we need the Bible to give us light in our lives."
Uncle Bob nodded. "The Bible shines with the light of Jesus so we can see His love for us and how much we need Him, and it lights our way as we follow and obey Him throughout our lives."
"Okay, you've convinced me--reading the Bible is important," Jeremy said. "Now can we please have that flashlight?" -Barbara J. Westberg
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Wouldn’t it be foolish to stumble around in the dark when a light is available? There is a light that can help you see the right path to take through life. It’s the light of God’s Word, the Bible. It shows us who God is and what Jesus did to save us, and it guides us as we walk through life with Him. Do you read it regularly? Use the light that is available to you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NKJV)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional < November 09, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Filled Jars (Tuesday)
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
"Why are we bringing glass jars to get groceries, Mom?" asked Micah.
"We're trying something a little different to reduce our plastic waste," Mom explained. "Today we're visiting a bulk food store, which is a type of store where you bring your own containers and fill them with what you need from big bins or dispensers at the store."
When they arrived at the store, Micah saw what she was talking about. There were rows of big bins full of nuts, rice, beans, and pasta. Colorful crates full of fruits and veggies were congregated in the middle. The walls were lined with dispensers filled with golden honey, brightly colored hard candy, crunchy cereals, and dried fruit. There was even a shelf with dispensers of things you couldn't eat--like liquid shampoo and dish soap.
Mom and Micah weighed their jars at a station at the front of the store and proceeded to fill them up with all the things they needed. Soon, their cart was just as colorful as the store.
As they drove home, Micah said, "That was fun! I liked filling the jars!"
Mom nodded. "I did too. It's nice to be able to get just the amount we need of something, and it's fun to see plain old jars look so colorful." She paused. "You know, we're a lot like these jars."
"What?" Micah asked. "How are we jars?"
Mom laughed. "We're not actually jars. We're like jars. In the Bible, Christians are compared to jars. Like a jar, we're not complete without being filled. On our own, we don't love God and others, and we're unable to save ourselves from sin and its consequences. To be complete, we need Jesus to fill us."
"So Jesus fills us up like a jar?" asked Micah.
"Yes," said Mom. "He's our Savior from sin and death, and there's nothing we can do on our own to fill ourselves with His love and salvation. It's a free gift. Whenever we look at these jars, we can see all the good things they've been filled with, and when people get to know us, they'll see that Jesus has filled us with His goodness and love." Kandi Zeller
Why are we bringing glass jars to get groceries, Mom?" asked Micah.
"We're trying something a little different to reduce our plastic waste," Mom explained. "Today we're visiting a bulk food store, which is a type of store where you bring your own containers and fill them with what you need from big bins or dispensers at the store."
When they arrived at the store, Micah saw what she was talking about. There were rows of big bins full of nuts, rice, beans, and pasta. Colorful crates full of fruits and veggies were congregated in the middle. The walls were lined with dispensers filled with golden honey, brightly colored hard candy, crunchy cereals, and dried fruit. There was even a shelf with dispensers of things you couldn't eat--like liquid shampoo and dish soap.
Mom and Micah weighed their jars at a station at the front of the store and proceeded to fill them up with all the things they needed. Soon, their cart was just as colorful as the store.
As they drove home, Micah said, "That was fun! I liked filling the jars!"
Mom nodded. "I did too. It's nice to be able to get just the amount we need of something, and it's fun to see plain old jars look so colorful." She paused. "You know, we're a lot like these jars."
"What?" Micah asked. "How are we jars?"
Mom laughed. "We're not actually jars. We're like jars. In the Bible, Christians are compared to jars. Like a jar, we're not complete without being filled. On our own, we don't love God and others, and we're unable to save ourselves from sin and its consequences. To be complete, we need Jesus to fill us."
"So Jesus fills us up like a jar?" asked Micah.
"Yes," said Mom. "He's our Savior from sin and death, and there's nothing we can do on our own to fill ourselves with His love and salvation. It's a free gift. Whenever we look at these jars, we can see all the good things they've been filled with, and when people get to know us, they'll see that Jesus has filled us with His goodness and love." -Kandi Zeller
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been filled like a jar? When we put our trust in Jesus, He fills us with His goodness. We couldn’t do anything to deserve the free gift of His love and salvation, so He died and rose again so that we could be rescued from sin and death. If you haven’t put your trust in Him, do that today so He can make you complete. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column.)
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV)
We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure [Jesus]. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. (NLT)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional < November 10, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Not Fair (Wednesday)
Read: Acts 16:16-31
"I didn't make the basketball team, Mom." Evelyn slumped down in a chair. "I'm not bragging or anything, but I am a good basketball player, you know."
"Yes, you are," agreed Mom. "But there were only two openings on the team, and the coach had to choose, didn't she? Who did make it?"
"Jena did. We all expected that--she's good! But the coach chose Ivy for the other opening. In the tryouts, I made lots more baskets than Ivy did, and I dribbled the ball longer too. But her dad is a teacher at school, and I think that's why she made it. It's not fair!"
Mom sighed. "I suppose that may be possible. If you really believe that, perhaps you should ask the coach about it, but be careful not to make accusations you can't prove. It may simply be that Ivy has some qualities needed on the team. Whatever happens, remember that life isn't always what we consider fair."
"I know," Evelyn said. "And that's just...not fair!"
"Remember the verse you learned a few weeks ago from the book of James?" asked Mom. "It says we should be joyful when we face trials."
Evelyn frowned. "Easy for James to say," she muttered unhappily.
"Think so?" asked Mom. "I'm sure you know that the early church faced a lot of persecution. Scholars tell us that many, if not all, of the apostles were martyrs--they were killed for their faith. James was one of them."
"Well...then he probably didn't think life was fair either," Evelyn admitted. "I guess it wasn't so easy for him."
"I guess not," agreed Mom. "But he and other members of the early church were willing to face very unfair situations because they wanted people to know about Jesus, who died for our sins even though He was the perfect Son of God. Talk about unfair! He took the punishment we deserved because He loves us, and when we face unfairness in our own lives, we can do it with a joyful attitude, knowing it's an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and show others the love of Jesus."
"Okay," said Evelyn. "I'll keep that in mind when I talk to the coach tomorrow."
-Linda Weddle
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever been treated unfairly? In today’s Bible reading, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail for helping someone. That wasn’t fair, but instead of complaining, they sang! God used them through that experience to bring more people to Jesus, and He can also use you. Sometimes it may help to discuss the situation with others involved. It may not be easy, but you can face unfair situations with a joyful attitude because of what Jesus did for you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: James 1:2 (KJV)
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (NLT)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional < November 12, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Calluses (Thursday)
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Hebrews 3:12-15
Ava scowled angrily at her mom. "How could you? I've never been so humiliated in my life! Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your mother come and drag you home?"
"That's enough, Ava!" Mom said firmly. "You know you're supposed to come right home after school and look after Emmett until I get home from work. But you went to Molly's and left your brother home alone. Then you lied about it--and convinced your brother to lie too!" Mom sighed deeply and sat on the edge of Ava's bed. "What has been going on the last couple of months? I don't think you just suddenly decided to rebel."
"I...I don't know," said Ava. She began to cry. "The other girls seem to be able to do whatever they want, and I wanted to join them. I felt bad about some of the things I did, but after a while, they didn't seem so bad anymore."
Mom looked at the cello in the corner of Ava's room. "Do you remember when you first started playing the cello? It hurt your fingers if you played a lot at one time. Now it doesn't. Why is that?"
Ava looked at her hand. "My fingers weren't used to moving on the strings," she said, wondering why Mom had changed the subject. "Now they have calluses on them, so they don't hurt anymore."
"Did the calluses magically appear one day, or did they build up gradually?"
"They built up over time," Ava replied.
Mom nodded. "That's what happens when you do something over and over--including wrong things. At first, doing a wrong thing pricks your conscience and you feel guilty, but after a while, you get used to it and your conscience doesn't bother you anymore."
Ava looked down at the floor. She knew just what Mom meant.
"Because you know Jesus, God has given you the Holy Spirit," Mom added. "He often talks to you through your conscience. There's a verse in the Bible that tells us not to quench' Him. In other words, we're not to stop listening to what the Holy Spirit tells us. He's there to help us turn away from sin and make us more like Jesus." Mom leaned over and gave Ava a hug. "Think about that--and pray about it."
"I will," Ava whispered.
-Bethany Elms
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you getting calloused toward sin? Are some things that you know are wrong starting not to seem so bad now? As the Key Verse says, don’t harden your heart. In other words, when your conscience makes you feel guilty, don’t stubbornly ignore what God is telling you. Listen to the Holy Spirit when He tells you to turn away from sin.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Hebrews 3:15 (KJV)
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. (CSB)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional < November 14, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Out of the Shell (Friday)
Read: Matthew 28:18-20
"You're still living in the same small shell, Hermie," Laila told her little crab. She looked at the empty larger shell she'd put at the bottom of the bowl. "When I got you at the pet store, they told me hermit crabs have to move into bigger shells as they grow. And you've grown a lot--you're way too big for that little shell on your back!"
At the sound of Laila's voice, the crab peeked out of his shell.
"Go on, Hermie," Laila said. "You can do it. Move!"
Hermie seemed to consider it and stretched out farther, but then he quickly snapped back into the safety of his small shell.
Laila sighed as she picked up the bowl and took it to the kitchen. "I think Hermie is scared to move to his new shell, Mom. I talked to him about it, and he seems to listen, but he still won't move."
"Well, I'm sure he'll move when it's really necessary," Mom said.
"I hope so," said Laila. "He seems to respond to my voice, so I'll keep talking to him so he knows I'm there. Maybe then he won't be so afraid."
"Good idea," said Mom. "By the way, Mr. Harlow called. He wants to know if you're planning to help out at the kids' program at church Saturday afternoon."
"I don't know," said Laila. "Mr. Harlow wants me to be part of the prayer team and lead a prayer group for younger kids, but I've never done anything like that before. What if I don't know what to say?"
Mom pointed to Hermie's bowl. "Trying new things can be scary, but God uses those situations to help us grow. And don't forget--Jesus is always with you. If this is something He wants you to do, He'll help you do it." She gave Laila a hug. "Just listen to Him. If you feel the Lord encouraging you to be part of the prayer team, know He'll be with you the whole time and don't be afraid to do it."
Laila looked at her mom, then back at her little crab. "Okay. I'll call Mr. Harlow and tell him I'll be there. I guess it's time to come out of my shell too."
-Sandra L. Ardoin
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to try new things—even when you think the Lord is telling you to do them? Is there someone He wants you to help? Someone He wants you to invite to church? Someone you should talk to about Jesus? It can be scary, but He will always be with you and give you the ability to do anything He asks you to do. Trust Him to help you try new things and grow.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Go and make disciples of all the nations…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NLT)