CBH Ministries is a children's ministry organization, offering Keys for Kids, Down Gilead Lane, and much more.http://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx℗ & © 2011 CBH Ministries, All Rights Reserveden-ushttp://cbhministries.org/desktopmodules/keys/keys/images/CBH-For-Kids-Banner.jpghttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspxhttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8502"I'm glad you came to VBS with me today, Alex," said Gavin as the boys rode their bikes home after Vacation Bible School. "How did you like it?" "The games were fun and the music was okay," Alex replied. "I liked the Bible story, too. Didn't you?" Gavin asked. "Not really." Alex shook his head. "The teacher said the only way to get to heaven is through Jesus. That can't be right. I'm a good kid. I don't do anything really bad. If I keep doing good things, I'll go heaven all right." By now the boys were at Gavin's house. His mother had just arrived, too, and was getting out of the car. "Hi, boys," she greeted them. "How was VBS?" "Good . . . but Alex thinks he'll get to heaven just by doing good stuff," said Gavin. "That won't work, will it, Mom?" "That's not what the Bible says," Mom replied. "Gavin, why don't you tell Alex about the illustration our pastor gave us?" "Oh, yeah! Got a pen and paper, Mom?" Gavin asked. She gave him a pen and notepad from her purse. Gavin tore off a sheet, wrote $100.00 on it, and held it out to Alex. "Take this to the store to buy a new game," Gavin suggested. "You're kidding!" exclaimed Alex. "Even if you could make that look real, somebody would know it's counterfeit. I'd be in trouble if I tried to use it." "Exactly," Gavin agreed. He waved the piece of paper. "All the good things we do are like this paper--all our goodness is counterfeit and can't get us to heaven. We're in trouble if we depend on it." Alex didn't look convinced. "The stuff we do might look good to us, but Jesus knows we're not really good," Gavin added. "He knows we've all sinned." Gavin's mother nodded. "Nothing we do can wash away our sin. We need Jesus to do that. Our own efforts are like that worthless piece of paper." Alex shrugged, and Gavin saw that he was ready to leave. "Want to come to VBS again tomorrow?" Gavin asked quickly. "Well . . ." Alex looked at the paper. "Oh, okay," he agreed. He waved and left. "You know what, Mom?" said Gavin. "I'm going to pray that Alex will listen real good tomorrow and that God helps him understand that He needs Jesus." How About You? Do you think you're really very good? Good enough to get into heaven? Things you do to try to get to heaven may look good to you, but not to God. The Bible says there is no one who does good. All of your own goodness is as phony as counterfeit money. The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Accept Him as your Savior. (See the ABCs of Salvation by clicking this link: http://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/ABCsofSalvation.aspx.) Today's Key Verse: There is none who does good, no, not one. (Romans 3:12) Today's Key Thought: Your goodness is not enoughhttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key020312.mp3Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8501Janie and Dylan were eating breakfast when the announcement came on the radio. "The following school closings have been reported due to the freezing temperatures and the icy condition of the roads. Springfield Public Schools . . ." "All right!" exclaimed Dylan. "I can play all day!" Janie didn't share his joy. "I planned to go home with Madelyn after school. Now I won't be able to do that," she moaned. "Besides, what's there to do at home? It's too cold to go outside, and there's nothing fun to do!" She watched as her younger brother got busy with his toys. "Hey, Dylan, why don't you play with the beanbags and game board I made for your birthday?" Janie asked. Dylan shrugged. "They're more fun when there's somebody to play with me." He looked at his sister. "Do you want to play?" "No," replied Janie. She frowned as Dylan enjoyed himself pushing his trucks on imaginary roads. "I spent a lot of time making game stuff for Dylan's birthday present," Janie complained to her mother, "but he hardly ever plays with it." Mom raised her eyebrows. "I think you're rather like Dylan yourself," she said. "Someone made something for you, too, and you don't seem to care to use it, either." "For me?" asked Janie in surprise. "What did anybody make for me lately?" "This day," replied Mom. "Each day is a gift from God. We should rejoice in the days God gives us and use them in a way that honors Him--whether they're school days, work days, or play days. Whether they're sunny days, rainy days, or snowy days!" Mom smiled. "Since there's nothing you especially want to do today, why don't you dedicate your day to helping others?" "Doing what?" Janie asked. "Well, you like to bake, so why not make cookies for Aunt Barb?" suggested Mom. "And maybe you could send an email to someone--or even make a card to send. I know Grandma loves to hear from her only granddaughter." "You could even help me--you could play the beanbag game with me," said Dylan hopefully. "Shall I get it out?" With a little smile, Janie slowly nodded. How About You? Do you recognize that every day is a gift God has given you? Are you glad for each one--even when you can't spend it exactly the way you'd like? Thank God for the days He gives you. Use them to help others, to enjoy the blessings He gives, to witness for Him, and to praise Him. Use each day to bring glory to God. Today's Scripture reading tells many practical ways to do that. Today's Key Verse: This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) Today's Key Thought: Thank God for each dayhttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key020212.mp3Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8500"Oh, no!" exclaimed Emily as the railroad crossing arms came down and a very slow-moving train began passing by on the tracks in front of them. "Looks like we'll be sitting here for a while," said Mom, and she turned off the car engine. Emily sighed and watched the train as car after car rattled past. "I don't think this train will ever be gone," she complained. "Really? You mean it will never end, and we'll be stuck here forever?" Mom teased. "Dad will miss us, don't you think?" Emily grinned. "I think he must miss us already," she said, "and I miss him, too. It's been two whole months since Dad moved to Newton for his new job." She sighed. "Do you think our house is ever going to sell so we can move, too?" "It will sell sooner or later," replied Mom. "We need to be patient." "But it seems to be taking forever--just like this train," said Emily. "Well, every train has an end," said Mom, "and so does every problem." Just then a bright flash of blue darted past the windshield. A bird perched high up on a wire. "Look--a bluebird!" exclaimed Mom. "Maybe he can see the end of this train already, just like God can see the end of our problem. God knows exactly when our house will sell. We just have to trust Him and wait." "I don't like waiting," said Emily. "No one does," replied Mom, "but do you know what makes it harder?" "No. What?" asked Emily. "Impatience," said Mom. "Instead of sitting here thinking how much we hate to wait for this train, let's sing. How about 'I've Been Working on the Railroad'? Or maybe 'You Are My Sunshine'?" "Okay," agreed Emily, and they sang both of the old songs. "I should teach you a chorus called 'Heavenly Sunshine.' We sang it years ago in my church youth group," said Mom. Emily laughed. "That would be a lo-o-ong time ago," she teased. But just then, the last car of the train rumbled by. Emily grinned. "That didn't take so long after all," she said. "I'll try to keep busy while we wait for our house to sell, too, and not be impatient with God." How About You? Do you wait patiently for God to work things out? Being upset won't make problems go away, but it will make you miserable. Remember that every problem has an end, and God sees and knows just when that end will come. Trust Him and be patient. He'll help you with all of your problems--big or small. Today's Key Verse: Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. (Psalm 37:7) Today's Key Thought: Wait patiently for God to workhttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key020112.mp3Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8499"Bees are really very interesting," Grandpa said as Juan helped him gather honey one morning. "There's only one queen bee but many worker bees and drones, and they need each other to make a hive run smoothly. They all have a special job to do. The workers gather honey, build and guard the hive, and feed the baby bees. And the . . ." "Look, Grandpa!" Juan shouted, pointing at a bee that was swaying back and forth. "Is that bee okay? Or is it sick or something?" "No, it's doing a honey dance," Grandpa said. "It's also called a waggle dance." "The bee is dancing?" Juan asked in surprise. Then he laughed. "Oh, Grandpa," he said, "quit teasing. I'm serious. What's wrong with it?" "I'm serious, too," answered Grandpa. "A bee will often do that when she has found a good source of nectar. She comes back to the hive with pollen and nectar and then uses that method to call the others to help her. Watch! Soon other bees will follow her." Juan watched in fascination, and Grandpa spoke again. "Watching the bees reminds me of the lesson I'm preparing to teach in my Sunday school class this week," he said. "Really? What is it about?" Juan asked. "It's about how God has work for each Christian to do," Grandpa replied. "Some have what we might call big tasks--like preaching, singing, or playing instruments. Their jobs are the ones that are noticed. Others have tasks that are hidden--like cleaning up or printing the bulletins. Their jobs are like work done inside the hive." "I guess those jobs aren't as important," observed Juan. "Oh, yes, they are!" exclaimed Grandpa. "Each one's work is equally important. Take someone whose job is easily seen--a pastor, for example. Imagine what it would be like if he had to preach in a dirty, messy church that nobody ever cleaned." Juan made a face at that idea. "God uses many of us to take care of the ordinary chores of everyday living, but each one has a job that is needed. Sometimes we forget that." "So we should all keep busy as a bee and do our share," said Juan with a grin. "Okay. I'll try to remember." How About You? Do you realize that all tasks, big and small, need to be done by someone? Even the ordinary, everyday jobs are important. Doing your chores, practicing music lessons, and doing schoolwork are just a few of the things God has given you to do at this time of your life. Be faithful in performing them even if you don't entirely understand their value right now. At each stage of life, faithfully do the work God gives to you, and never consider anyone's work unimportant. Today's Key Verse: Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (1 Corinthians 12:22) Today's Key Thought: Your tasks are importanthttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key013112.mp3Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8498Juan ruffled the collie's ears when he arrived at his grandparents' home in the country. "Shep," said Juan, "we're gonna have fun together this summer." Shep barked in agreement. The next morning Juan was awakened by the smell of bacon. Um-m-m--that smells so good, he thought sleepily. But when he went to the kitchen, he frowned. "I don't see why we have to have breakfast so early!" he grumbled. After breakfast, Juan heard about the chores he was expected to do. He reluctantly helped Grandpa feed the chickens and the animals in the barn. "Work, work, work," he sputtered as he and Shep took the cows out to the pasture. "Aren't we ever going to just have fun?" When Juan returned, he saw that Grandpa had put on a special hat with a veil. "I'm ready to go and check the beehives," said Grandpa. "Do I have to help? I hate bees!" Juan exclaimed. "All they do is sting!" "Oh, that's not all. They're very busy little creatures," said Grandpa. "But for now, you can just play with Shep a little while." That evening, the supper table was loaded with fried chicken, potatoes, and thick slices of homemade bread. "Please pass the honey," Juan said. "I love it with bread and butter!" "I thought you said all bees do is sting," his grandpa teased. "Did I say that?" Juan grinned. "I sure was wrong. I must have forgotten about the honey." "We grumble about bees, but we love honey," said Grandpa. "We complain about chores, but we like the food we get as a result of hard work." Juan knew Grandpa's words could be said about him. "We all tend to grumble, but the Bible says blessing and cursing shouldn't come from the same mouth," Grandpa added. "I didn't curse!" protested Juan. Grandpa smiled. "No, but I think we can apply that principle to grumbling, too, don't you? Thankfulness and grumbling don't go well together." "Well . . . okay, Grandpa," agreed Juan. He grinned. "I'll remember this good food when I do chores tomorrow. I'll even help you with the bees--I'll keep thinking about the good honey they make for me." How About You? Do you enjoy the same things you complain about? For example, do you like performing at recitals, but you grumble when you have to practice music? Do you let your friends know your mom and dad do special things for you, but then you're annoyed when your parents correct you? Do you enjoy a nice home and yard, but complain when you're asked to help dust the furniture, mow the lawn, or shovel the sidewalk? Thank God for the ability to work, and don't complain. Today's Key Verse: Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing . . . these things ought not to be so. (James 3:10) Today's Key Thought: Be grateful; don't grumblehttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key013012.mp3Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8497"You know what Janelle did, Mom?" asked Ellen as she came into the house. Mom looked up from her work. "No, I don't. What did she do?" she asked. "She swore at Colby when he bumped into her," replied Ellen as she hung up her coat. "I was so glad when Janelle became a Christian a month ago, but now she's getting tiresome! One day she acts like a Christian, and the next day she lies or cheats or uses bad language! I'm giving up on her." "I hope you won't really give up," said Mom. "Instead, pray for her. Pray that as Janelle attends church and Sunday school and learns more about the Lord, she'll develop a desire to please Him in the things she does and says each day. Be a friend and help her all you can." "Oh, I don't know," muttered Ellen with a sigh. "I think it's hopeless!" As Ellen played with her baby brother after supper that evening, she stood him on his feet. "Mom! Look at Davie!" she exclaimed. "He wants to walk!" Sure enough, when Ellen let go of Davie, he took a tottering step toward her before falling down. "That's the first step he took alone, isn't it?" Ellen asked excitedly. "I'm going to help him take more." Ellen gave Davie a hug, then set him back down. "Come to Ellen, Davie," she coaxed. "Come on, honey. You can walk!" Ellen put the baby back on his feet several times, but he was never able to take more than a step or two before he tumbled to the floor. "Better give up," advised Mom. "He'll never be able to walk. He just keeps falling down." Ellen looked at her mother in surprise. "Give up? You're kidding!" She picked up the baby. "He just needs more help and more time. Isn't that right, Davie?" Ellen put him down and again patiently encouraged him to walk. Mom chuckled as she spoke. "You're exactly right, Ellen," she agreed. "Davie does need help and more time--and so does Janelle. She's a baby Christian. She's going to need lots of help taking those first steps as she learns to walk with God--to live the way He wants her to live." As Ellen again coaxed Davie to walk to her, she thoughtfully considered what her mother had said. In her heart, she knew Mom was right. How About You? Do you know a baby Christian--someone who hasn't been a Christian very long? Does it annoy you when that person does things you feel a Christian should not do? Pray for new Christians and encourage them. Remember that they need the help--just like you do--of more mature Christians. Today's Scripture reading records some things the Apostle Paul prayed for new believers. Make them your prayer for the baby Christians you know. Today's Key Verse: We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples (failings) of the weak. (Romans 15:1) Today's Key Thought: New Christians need helphttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key012912.mp3Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/KeysforKids/ReadListen.aspx?ID=8496"What are you doing, Dad?" Ella asked as she entered the garage where her father was working on the car. Dad looked up and smiled at Ella. "I'm putting antifreeze in the car's radiator," he replied. Ella leaned against the car as she watched. "Why do you put that stuff in there?" she asked. "What does it do?" "Antifreeze keeps the water from freezing," Dad explained. "I'm making sure the car is ready for the cold snap the weatherman says is coming." There was silence as Ella's father finished working on his car. "You know," Dad said at last, "I'm preparing for cold weather, and I've been thinking--there's something you should prepare for, too." "I should?" Ella looked up at him, a question in her eyes. "Like what?" she wanted to know. "Like the future--eternity," answered Dad gently. "Both your mother and I have admitted we've sinned, and we've asked Jesus to be our Savior. We're trusting in Him, so we're prepared to be with Him forever. But what about you, honey? Where will you spend eternity?" Ella was quiet. She had heard about eternity--in either heaven or hell--almost as long as she could remember. Her parents had talked about it, and so had her pastor and Sunday school teachers. But she was not at all sure what would happen if she died. Would I go to heaven? she wondered. I hope so, but I'm not really sure. "Honey," Dad was saying, "how about getting ready for eternity right now?" Ella nodded her head. "I want to, but I'm not sure how to do that. Will you help me, Daddy?" she asked. Ella's father smiled. "I sure will," he answered. "Nothing would make Mom and me happier than to know that you will be with us through all eternity. Let's go in and we'll talk about it and look up some Bible verses, okay? You can know for sure that you're ready to spend eternity with us--and best of all, with the Lord Jesus." How About You? Have you heard often about eternity and the need to prepare for it? Are you prepared? Your family prepares for changes in the climate, for food, and for work. You prepare for a test, for daily assignments, and for school games. Be sure to prepare for eternity, too. Admit that you have sinned and need a Savior. Accept Jesus into your life today. (See the ABCs of Salvation by clicking here: http://www.cbhministries.org/ForKids/ABCsofSalvation.aspx.) Today's Key Verse: Prepare to meet your God! (Amos 4:12) Today's Key Thought: Prepare for eternityhttp://media2.cbhministries.org/audio/website/kfk/podcast/key012812.mp3Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMT