** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional <July 04, 2020>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
A Measure of Faith (Monday)
Read: Hebrews 10:22-24
"Oh, look," said Emery as she and her brother, Ezra, toured Independence Hall with their family. She pointed to a plaque on the wall. "Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love," she read aloud. "I wonder why it's called that."
"The city was founded by a man named William Penn," said Dad. "He was a devout Christian who started the settlement in this area as a kind of experiment in holy living. Peace, goodwill, and brotherly love were to be extended to everybody." Ezra nodded. "My class learned about William Penn in school."
"Mine did too," said Emery. "I remember that William Penn was especially concerned about Indians being treated fairly."
"Native Americans," Ezra corrected her.
"Right. Native Americans," said Emery. "They trusted William Penn, and he trusted them too. When they promised to do something, they believed each other."
"Yes," said Dad, "and for the most part, both he and the Native Americans were dependable--they kept the promises they made." Dad smiled at the kids. "I know of some even more dependable promises."
"Yeah? Who made em?" Ezra asked.
"You tell me," said Dad. "Who is the most dependable of all?"
"I know who you mean!" said Emery. She grinned at her brother. "He's talking about Jesus."
Ezra laughed. "I should have known! Let's see...one promise is that He'll give us everything we need. And, uh...what else?"
"That He's always with us," said Emery. "And that, because of Him, we have eternal life!"
Dad smiled. "That's right. God has given lots of promises, and we can depend on Him to carry them out. We need to believe what He says--take God at His word and act upon His promises."
"Act upon them?" asked Ezra. "What does that mean?"
"Well, for example, when Jesus says He'll provide everything we need, we should stop worrying and trust Him to do that. And if we act on the promise that He's always with us, we can go to Him for comfort and peace during difficult times. In other words, our actions and attitudes should show that we believe what He says."
Emery nodded. "And that we can trust Him to keep His promises!" Jan L. Hansen
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you believe God when He promises something? Romans 8:28 says He’ll work everything out for good in the lives of those who love Him. So keep trusting Him, even when things aren’t going well. When you face a hard situation, remember Jesus’ promise to always be with you. Believe His promises and act on them in the way you live your life.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
We must hold on to the hope we have…We can trust God to do what he promised. (ERV)
** 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 07, 2020>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
A Good Recipe (Tuesday)
Read: Psalm 31:1-3, 14-15
"I.think we made a big mistake coming here," Kate told her dad. "Everything's so different. Are you sure we shouldn't have stayed where we were?"
Dad smiled. "I'm sure," he said. "After praying a lot about it, Mom and I both sensed it was time to move on to a new ministry. We asked God to show us where we should serve Him, and He showed us the need in this town."
"Well, I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it," said Kate. "I know you say God never makes any mistakes, but it still seems like a bigger town would be better. There'd be more people for you to reach--and more stuff for me to do."
"Mail call!" Kate's mother walked into the room and handed several envelopes to Dad. She smiled at Kate. "Why don't you and I bake something this afternoon?" she said. "What sounds good?"
"Cookies!" replied Kate. "Let's try that new recipe Grandma sent us. She says they're really good."
"Hold on a minute, Kate," said Dad. "Are you sure you want to make those? Why don't you look for a recipe online first?You might find one you like better."
Kate frowned. "I'm sure I could find some good ones, but Grandma already tried the recipe she gave us, and she says it's good."
"And you trust her judgment?" Dad asked.
Kate gave her dad a puzzled look. "Of course I do."
"I see. Well, do you think Grandma is more trustworthy than God is?" Dad asked. Seeing Kate's confusion, he continued. "Would God guide us to a new ministry if He didn't know it was best for us and would all work out for His glory?"
"Ohhh," Kate said at last. "You're saying if I can trust Grandma to send us a good recipe, I can trust God to send us to the right town."
Dad nodded. "Jesus saved us and promises to work everything in our lives out for good. We can trust Him more than anybody."
"Even if it means living in this town," Kate said with a sigh. "I guess it's God's recipe for us right now--but can we please go try Grandma's recipe too?" Smiling, Mom agreed. Elaine M. Okupski
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you trust God—even when things aren’t the way you wish they were? He loves you and wants the best for you and for all of His children. Think about all the blessings He has given you—including the gift of His Son, Jesus. Then trust Him with your future, even during times when things aren’t going the way you’d like.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Psalm 31:19 (KJV)
How great is Your goodness…which You have prepared for those who trust in You. (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 <January 27, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Holding Hammy (Wednesday)
Read: Psalm 139:2-10
Nia's mom was finally letting her get a dog. She was so excited, even though she knew her mom was only letting her get the dog because Nia was sick. But she was still happy to get a pet.
On the way home from picking out the little beagle that she had named Hammy, Nia frowned. The dog sounded almost like he was crying.
"Hold him," Mom said. "See if that makes him feel better."
Nia picked up the little puppy and held him close. "It's okay, Hammy." Right away, the dog calmed down.
As Nia walked into the hospital the next day for a surgery, she nervously looked up at her mom. "I don't want to go back there alone, Mom. I'm scared."
Mom looked down at her with sad eyes. "I know it's scary, sweetie."
"Please come with me," Nia said.
Mom shook her head. "I can't."
Nia's eyes filled with tears. "I'm scared, Mom."
"I know." Mom tugged her over to a bench in the hospital hallway. She sat down and ran her fingers through Nia's hair. "Remember how things were in the car yesterday? Remember how Hammy was whining because he was scared?"
Nia nodded.
"Think of God holding you like that." Mom put an arm around Nia's shoulders. "I can't go back with you when you go into the operating room to have your surgery, but God can. Jesus is always with you because you trust in Him. He'll never leave you." Nia stared down at the floor. It wasn't the same.
Her mom pushed to her feet and took hold of her hand. "Let's go get you checked in."
"But..." Nia didn't want to go, but she walked with her mom anyway.
Soon it was time for her to leave her mom and go back for her surgery. With tears flooding her eyes, she thought of Hammy. She closed her eyes as she lay on the bed without her mom. She imagined her dog snuggling against her chest.
Nia drew in a breath. "Jesus is always with me," she whispered. "When I'm scared, He is holding me. Just like I held Hammy." Emily Acker
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever have times when you’re scared and you feel all alone? Maybe when you’re at the doctor or heading into a new school? Did you know that God is always with you, even in those times? Jesus promises never to leave you. He’ll help you through every tough situation you face. Even though you feel scared, remember that God is holding you. Trust Him to take care of you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional < January 31, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Never Alone (Thursday)
Read: Isaiah 41:10-13
Ivy looked out the window at her neighbor's house across the street. Their window was still broken from the break-in the day before. Shattered glass littered the porch. The burglar stole all the Martins' jewelry, plus a few electronics. The police still hadn't caught him. What if the burglar came back to the neighborhood? What if he broke into her house? Ivy trembled thinking about it.
"Are you cold?" asked a voice behind her.
Ivy jumped, then saw it was her big sister, Rose. She breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm not cold," she said.
"Then why are you shaking?" asked Rose. She peeked out Ivy's window. "Are you still worried about what happened to the Martins?"
Ivy bit her lip and nodded. "I'm scared to be home alone after school. What if the robber breaks into our house next time?"
Rose sank onto Ivy's bed. "You're not scared when Dad's here, are you?"
"No. I feel safe when Dad's around," Ivy replied, joining her sister on the bed.
"Why?"
"Because I know that he loves me and will protect me," answered Ivy.
"Of course. Dads love their kids very much and will do anything to keep them from harm," said Rose. "But we have a greater and more powerful Father than Dad."
"We do?" Ivy wrinkled her brow.
"Yes! The Bible tells us that, because we trust in Jesus, God is our heavenly Father. He loves you so much--more than Dad ever could. He is so much more powerful than Dad ever will be." Rose leaned closer to her little sister. "And He is always with you, even when Dad isn't."
"So when I'm home alone, I'm not really alone?" asked Ivy.
"Exactly! We don't have to be afraid, because God is always with us. That doesn't mean bad things won't ever happen, but we don't need to live in fear, because we're His children and He's always watching over us." Rose gave her sister a hug. "He promises to take care of us, no matter what happens."
Ivy smiled. "Then I guess I won't mind staying home alone so much."
"Good," said Rose. "When you feel afraid, remember you're never alone. God is always with you." Emily Gwaltney
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever feel afraid or alone? Whether you’re scared of storms, snakes, or coming home to an empty house, remember that God is always with you. He loves you and will never leave you to face anything on your own. Even when bad or scary things happen, He promises to be with you and help you through them. So don’t be afraid. Trust God to take care of you.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. (NIV)
** Daily Devotional 에서 방송된 내용의 줄거리입니다. Daily Devotional은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Keys for kids Daily Devotional <March 20, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Look to the Ants (Friday)
Read: Proverbs 6:6-8; Colossians 3:23-24
"What's the matter, sis? Ants in your pants?" Daniel asked with a grin. At their campsite, Liz had stepped in the middle of an anthill and was frantically brushing the little creatures off.
"It's not funny, Daniel," Liz said as her mom helped her finish brushing the ants away.
Soon Liz and Mom went into the trailer, but Daniel and Dad continued to watch the ants. "An ant nest is like a little city where hundreds--or even thousands--of ants live," said Dad.
"Look! Some of them are carrying leaves." Daniel pointed at the busy anthill. "They're moving twigs and other stuff too." He grinned. "They're hard at work. Do they have a boss like you do at your office?"
"No. They don't need a boss," Dad replied. "They just make the most of every opportunity to gather food before winter. They're a good example for us."
Daniel laughed. "So we should get busy and gather food for the winter too?"
"Not exactly," Dad said with a smile, "but like the ants, we should be hard workers. When we work hard at the tasks God has given us to do, He uses our work to point people to Jesus and bring Him glory. Jesus was a hard worker too, you know. He did the hardest work of all--dying on the cross for our sins." Dad paused, then asked, "What's the opposite of a hard worker, Daniel?"
"Um...a lazy person?" Daniel suggested.
"Right. The Bible calls someone who avoids work a sluggard. I'd hate to hear someone use that word to describe me!"
"Yeah. So I guess I should get busy and gather firewood then," Daniel said as he headed into the woods. "Maybe you should get busy and help me, don't you think, Dad?"
Laughing, Dad followed. "Sure. I can help you with your job. After all, Jesus wants us to work together and help one another."
After gathering some wood, Daniel asked, "It's okay to rest and have fun though, right?"
"Of course," Dad said. "Those are important parts of life too."
"Good." Daniel grinned. "Because I think it would be fun to race you back to camp!"
Dad took off toward the trailer. "I'll rest while I wait for you to get there!" Kelly Bean
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you glorify Jesus through your work? When you study for a test, clean your room, and help with tasks around the house or at school or church, do you do it with a good attitude? Whether it’s homework, chores, or watching younger siblings, God has provided you with certain jobs to do so you can bring Him glory and show others His love. Do all your work for Him.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people. (CSB)