** 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 19, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**

 

Rescue from the Disaster of Sin (Monday)

Read: Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; 10:9-10

 

Ding. The oven timer rang. "C'mon, everybody," Lucy shouted. "My cookies are done!" Ricky ran in and looked through the oven window. "They've melted into one giant mess! And how come it's so burnt?"

 

Mom grabbed pot holders. "You set the oven temperature to 350 degrees, right?"

 

Lucy picked up the recipe card. "Oh no, I misread it! I thought this said 450 degrees!"

 

"Uh-oh." Mom opened the oven door, and smoke billowed out--setting off the smoke alarm.

 

Dad rushed in. "Where's the fire?"

 

Ricky laughed and pointed to the oven. "Check out Lucy's burnt cookie blob."

 

Lucy groaned. "It looks like one Titanic-sized cookie now. It's a disaster!"

 

"It's not a disaster," Mom said, giving Lucy a hug.

 

"It's funny you mentioned the Titanic," Dad said. "Now that was a disaster. Did you know the Titanic had two sister ships named the Olympic and the Britannic? Strangely enough, they had disasters too."

 

Ricky nudged Lucy. "As bad as these cookies?"

 

"The Titanic hit an iceberg and sank," Dad said. "The Britannic struck a water mine and sank. The Olympic didn't sink, but it collided with two different ships and rammed into a German submarine."

 

"A nurse named Violet Jessop was on each ship during their disasters," Mom said.

 

"That's right," Dad said. "They nicknamed her Miss Unsinkable."

 

"Wow," Lucy said. "I can't imagine escaping one disaster like that--much less three!"

 

"Actually," Dad said, "there's a much bigger disaster we all can escape. The Bible talks about sin. You know what sin is, but do you know what sin does?"

 

"What does it do?" Lucy asked.

 

"Sin separates us from God," Dad said. "It destroys us--it sinks us just like those ships sunk. But God has a plan to rescue us."

 

"Through Jesus, right?" said Ricky.

 

"Right," said Dad. "God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. If we trust Jesus as our Savior, He saves us from sin so we're no longer separated from God. Instead of certain death, we have eternal life with Him."

 

"I'm glad God provided a way to rescue us," Lucy said.

 

Ricky grinned. "Too bad there's no way to rescue your cookie." Matt Shoemaker

 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Have you escaped the disaster of sin? The Bible says we all need to be rescued from sin because it destroys us and eternally separates us from God. God put His rescue plan into action by sending His Son to save us. When we trust in Jesus, we’re no longer headed for destruction. Trust Him to rescue you. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)

 

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Romans 6:23 (KJV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. (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 <March 15, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**

 

Jaxon’s Bug Collection (Part 1) (Tuesday)

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:13-16

 

"Thank you for our food and for Dad who works so hard," Jaxon prayed out loud at dinner one night. "And please, God, help Luca do better at school." He finished his prayer and said amen.

 

Dad passed the spaghetti to Jaxon. "I'm glad you prayed for Luca. How is he doing?"

 

"About the same," Jaxon replied. He shook his head. "He's so weird, and nobody likes him. He's always talking out of turn and asking dumb questions. He dresses funny too--you wouldn't believe some of the clothes he wears! It's no wonder he doesn't have any friends. And you know what else? We're supposed to have our bug collections all done by Monday, and Luca hasn't even started. He's lazy!"

 

"How many bugs do you have?" asked Jaxon's little sister, Stephanie.

 

"Lots," said Jaxon. "I even have a praying mantis. We learned they'll eat almost any insect, including their own kind."

 

"Does your praying mantis really pray?" Stephanie asked.

"Of course not!" Jaxon laughed. "It's called that because of the way it puts its front legs together. Did you think it said a prayer for one of its friends and then ate it?"

Dad looked at Jaxon thoughtfully. "People sometimes do that. They say a prayer for someone, and then they eat that person."

 

"Ew, Dad!" Jaxon made a face. "People don't eat each other!"

 

"They don't eat each other physically," agreed Dad. "But the Bible refers to gossiping, criticizing others, and finding fault with them as devouring one another. So saying unkind things about people behind their backs is a little like chewing on them, isn't it?"

 

"I...I guess," Jaxon said as he twirled spaghetti around his fork.

 

"You prayed for Luca, and that's good," said Dad. "But the words you said in your prayer didn't match the words that came after it. When we pray for someone, we need to remember how Jesus sees that person. Jesus loves Luca, even though he's not perfect--just like He loves you. When you remember that, you can find ways to encourage Luca instead of hurting him by talking behind his back." Valerae C. Murphy

 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Do you know someone who needs prayer and encouragement? Do you pray for that person—and then talk about them behind their back? That’s not the way to help someone. You need to build them up with encouraging words. Pray for them and remember that Jesus loves them. Then use the words you say to them and about them to help build them up.

 

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. (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 16, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**

 

Jaxon’s Bug Collection (Part 2) (Wednesday)

Read: Matthew 5:13-16

 

As Jaxon walked into the school library, he saw Luca sitting at a table near the window. He thought about his conversation with Dad the night before about being an encouragement to Luca instead of talking behind his back. He said a quick prayer under his breath. Please, Jesus, help me encourage Luca and be a friend to him, even though other kids might laugh at me because they think he's weird. Then he walked over to Luca's table.

 

At dinner that night, Jaxon told his dad and sister what happened in the library. "During study time, I went and asked Luca if he'd like to work on homework together," Jaxon said. "He was so surprised! We got all of our homework done, and I think he really liked it that I helped him."

 

"That was very nice of you, Jaxon," Dad said. "I'm proud of you."

 

"I asked Luca how his bug collection was coming along," added Jaxon. "He said he hasn't caught many, and he seemed worried about it. He doesn't have much time to work on it because he has to watch his little brothers and sisters a lot. I told him you were going to help me catch a firefly tonight and that we'd try to get one for him too. That's okay, isn't it?"

 

"I think so," Dad said. "I'm sure he appreciates your help."

 

"And you know what else? When I told him I went to a club at church every week, he said he'd like to come with me sometime!"Jaxon shook his head. "He's not so odd when you get to know him. He's really nice."

 

After dinner, Jaxon and Dad went outside and caught several fireflies. They put them in a jar, then sat on the back porch watching the flickering lights. Stephanie came out to see them too. "They're pretty," she said. She looked at Jaxon. "Today you're not a praying mantis. Today you're a firefly."

 

"A firefly?" asked Jaxon. "What are you talking about?"

 

"I think she means that fireflies let their lights shine," said Dad. "And today you let your light shine for Jesus by the way you treated Luca."

 

Jaxon grinned. "Being a firefly is a whole lot better than being a praying mantis." Valerae C. Murphy

 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

How can you let your light shine for Jesus? On the playground, can you include someone who looks lonely in a game? At lunch, could you invite a newcomer to sit beside you? Can you reach out to someone who needs a friend? Think of other simple, practical things you can do to show others the love of Jesus and be a light for Him.

 

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Ephesians 5:8 (KJV)

You are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (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 <March 21, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**

 

He Calmed the Storm (Thursday)

Read: Mark 4:35-41

 

Each time lightning cracked outside the window and thunder shook the house, Lily sank further under the blankets. She pulled them over her head and shivered, waiting for the storm to pass.

 

"Lily?" Her mom's voice came from the far side of the room.

 

"Mommy?" Lily said, waiting until her mom sat down beside her before coming out from under the blankets.

 

"It's okay, sweetie." Mom wrapped her arms around her. Lily instantly felt safer knowing her mom was there.

 

"Can I sleep in your bed?" Lily asked.

 

Mom nodded, and Lily walked with her to her parents' room. She climbed onto the bed between the two of them, the shaking of the thunder not feeling nearly as bad when she was beside them.

 

"You want me to tell you a story?" Dad asked as he put his arm around her.

 

Lily leaned into him. "Yeah," she said. She loved it when her dad told her stories, especially when she was scared. He always knew just what to say.

 

"This is a true story," Dad said. "One day, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat and headed out across the water. A storm came up suddenly, and the disciples were so scared. They thought they were going to die."

 

"I can't imagine being on a boat in a storm like this," Lily whispered.

 

"It would be even scarier, wouldn't it?" Mom said.

 

"But you know what Jesus was doing during the storm?" Dad asked. "He was taking a nap!"

 

Lily's eyes widened. "He was sleeping?"

 

"Uh-huh," her dad said. "His disciples were as surprised as you are. But they woke Him, and He got up and told the storm to stop."

 

"And it did?" Lily asked.

 

"It did," Dad said. "Jesus has power over the storm, Lily. God created the universe and everything in it, and He has power over everything that happens."

 

"And just like you feel safe with us, you can always feel safe knowing He is with you," Mom said, hugging her close.

 

Lily relaxed as she imagined Jesus telling the storm to stop. Maybe she didn't have to be so scared of the loud thunder and flashing lightning after all. Bethany Acker

 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

When do you feel afraid? During storms? On the first day of school? If you know Jesus, you don’t have to face those things alone. Jesus is always with you, and there is nothing that lies out of His control. When you feel afraid, remember He’s with you. Trust Him to give you His comfort and peace.

 

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:  Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (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 <September 06, 2020>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**

 

Take Off the Label (Friday)

Read: Mathew 7:1-3; 22:36-40; John 13:34

 

"What's wrong?" asked Susan, watching her younger sister squirm at the breakfast table.

 

"My neck is itchy!" moaned Karen. She tugged the collar of her new purple sweater.

 

"I bet Charlotte would wear that sweater, itchy or not," said Susan. "Everyone thinks she's weird because practically everything she owns is purple. Yesterday, she got in trouble for doing her math in purple!"

 

Mom turned from the coffee maker and examined Karen's collar. "The label is scratching your skin," she observed.

 

"I'll cut it out," offered Susan. She fetched a pair of scissors, carefully snipped a few threads, and pulled away the label.

 

Karen sighed, rubbing her neck. "I feel better already."

 

As Mom went back to fill her coffee mug, she said, "Susan, getting rid of Karen's label was a nice thing to do."

 

"Piece of cake," said Susan, tossing the stiff fabric into the trash.

 

"What about Charlotte's label?" Mom asked, returning to the table. "Do you think it's easy to remove?" Susan looked puzzled. "If everyone says she's weird, Charlotte's stuck with an invisible label that other people attach to her," Mom remarked. "Do you think that label bothers her as much as the other one bothered your sister?"

 

A silence hung in the air.

 

"Do you girls remember the verse we studied last week?" asked Mom. Karen answered, "Jesus said not to judge other people."

 

Mom nodded. "How well do you know Charlotte?" she asked Susan. Susan blushed. "I avoid talking to her because everyone always says she's strange. I assumed it was true. I guess I haven't been fair to her."

 

"The reason Jesus tells us not to judge others is because only God can judge. Only He is good, and He offers us forgiveness and acceptance through Jesus, even though none of us deserve it," Mom replied. "Instead of relying on someone else's judgment to influence you, you can show Jesus' love instead. By offering your friendship and acceptance to Charlotte, you could help remove the discomfort of her label--the way you helped your sister."

 

"I don't want to make Charlotte wear a label that hurts her," said Susan with determination. "I'll be nice to her. I'll start by asking her to be my partner in math class." Elena Dee

 

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Do you label others by judging them? How would you feel if others only saw you in a certain way instead of getting to know you? Trust Jesus to help you see others the way He sees them instead of judging them. By accepting others and showing them God’s love, you can help free them from hurtful labels. Show them kindness by reaching out in friendship

 

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:  Mathew 7:1 (KJV)

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. (NLT)