Keys for Kids Devotional: April/May/June 2018

By Keys for Kids Ministries

Is the fast pace of everyday life taking a toll on your family's spiritual health? It's important to spend time in God's Word each day, but it's often hard for kids and families to do. That's where the Keys for Kids devotional can help. In just a few minutes each day, kids can learn about God's Word and be encouraged in their faith. It all starts with a short Scripture reading and an engaging story about kids facing real-life situations. A few questions at the end help kids think about God's message in the context of their own lives, and a key verse and key phrase give them something to take with them as they go about their day. Fun extras like activities, journal pages, and a creature feature are also included. Take a break as a family and spend time in the nourishing truth of God's Word!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9780997399882

Book preview

Getting the most out of your devotional

Keys for Kids is a daily devotional created to read with your Bible. Try not to miss one day of devotions! It will help keep you closer to God’s path for your life.

We recommend reading the guiding Bible passages before and after reading the contemporary story. Really think about your answers to the questions that follow the stories.

Read the Key Verse. Then read it a few more times! Later, try to repeat it during your prayer time, and ask God to help you keep His Word in your heart.

Millions of little reasons to give

Your donations help us continue to publish this devotional. To give, visit: keysforkids.org/donate or call 888-224-2324 or 616-647-4500.

Would you like to receive a free Keys for Kids devotional at your house four times a year?

U.S. and Canada: Sign up for your free subscription by

a. calling toll free 888-224-2324 to order

b. placing the order on our website: keysforkids.org

Quantity orders, samples, or books to be sent to other international addresses can be ordered at our website: shop.keysforkids.org. (Or call for information.)

Note: Our mailing list is confidential and is not sold or given to others.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked ERV taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version © 2014 by Bible League International. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLV are taken from the New Life Version, copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio, 44683. All rights reserved.

© 2018 Keys for Kids Ministries, Box 1001, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-1001. Printed quarterly in the USA.

Internet radio, just for kids!

Hear your favorite radio stories, Christian music, and more. Faith and fun for everyone at radio.keysforkids.org

Table of Contents

APRIL 1

Easter Every Day

READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:10-11; 1 PETER 1:3-9

Who’s that guy on TV?" Ashton asked as he joined his dad in the living room.

That’s the father of the boy who went missing last year, Dad said.

Oh yeah, I remember that. He went missing on a camping trip, and they never found him. Ashton sighed. It’s so sad.

Yes, it is, Dad said. I can’t imagine what his family must be going through. It was a story we heard on the news and quickly forgot about, but for them, it’s been their everyday reality for the past year.

On Sunday, Ashton was quiet on the way home from the Easter church service. You look like you’re thinking about something pretty hard, Dad said.

Ashton shrugged. I was just thinking about what Pastor Edwards said this morning—that Christians celebrate Easter every day, not just once a year. What did he mean by that?

Well, think of it this way, said Dad. If we heard on the news tonight that the boy who went missing last year had been found and was okay, how would we feel?

I’d be happy to hear that! said Ashton.

Me too, said Dad. But would it change our lives?

Well, no, said Ashton. We didn’t know him, so even though we’d be happy for him and his family, we’d probably forget about it eventually.

Right, said Dad. We didn’t have a relationship with him, so it wouldn’t change our day-to-day lives very much. But if his family got the news that he was alive and safe, their lives would change a lot, wouldn’t they?

Yeah, Ashton said. Because they know him and love him.

Dad nodded. "That’s how it is with us and Easter. For many people, it’s just a yearly holiday that quickly passes by, but for those who know Jesus, it’s our everyday reality. Because we have a relationship with Him, His resurrection gives us new life and affects every part of our lives. When we sin, we know He’ll forgive us. When we’re hurting, we know He’s with us. When we experience sadness or loss, we can find strength and joy in His promise that one day He’ll make everything right and that we’ll live with Him forever.

COURTNEY LASATER

EASTER IS AN EVERYDAY REALITY

KEY VERSE: JUST AS CHRIST WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD THROUGH THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, WE TOO MAY LIVE A NEW LIFE. ROMANS 6:4 (NIV)

Did you know that Easter is an everyday reality for those who trust in Jesus? It’s more than just a holiday that comes once a year. Jesus died and rose again so we could have a relationship with Him that lasts forever. He saved us from sin and will always be with us, no matter what we go through. If you trust in Him, you can celebrate Easter every day! (See Have You Heard the Good News? at the end of this book.)

Activity

Empty Tomb Resurrection Rolls

Today is Easter—celebrate that Jesus is alive with these yummy treats!

Things you’ll need:

•An adult’s help because you’ll need an oven and other baking supplies/tools

•Marshmallows—each one symbolizes Jesus’ body

•Melted butter

•Cinnamon sugar

•Dough for rolls

What you’ll need to do:

1. Cover each marshmallow with melted butter and then cinnamon sugar. After Jesus died on the cross for our sins, people prepared His body for burial with oils and spices, similar to how you’re preparing the marshmallows.

2. Wrap each marshmallow individually in dough. Cover the marshmallow, getting rid of cracks in the dough. It needs to be sealed, just like Jesus’ tomb was. A pinching motion works well.

3. Bake the rolls according to the instructions for your chosen dough.

4. When the rolls are finished and have cooled, gently poke a hole in them. Do you see the marshmallow?

Just like the marshmallow is gone, Jesus was gone from the tomb when the disciples came three days later. He rose again—He’s not dead anymore! He beat death by coming back to life, and one day He’ll bring everyone who trusts in Him back to life too so we can all live with Him forever. Celebrate this wonderful truth by eating the scrumptious rolls you just made!

APRIL 2

I Do Love You

READ: JOHN 13:35; 14:21-24

Bye! Have a great time! Take lots of pictures!" Everyone was waving to Leanne and Logan as they left their wedding reception to go on their honeymoon.

Joanna noticed Leanne’s little sister Bryn sitting off by herself and looking unhappy. What’s the matter? Joanna asked the little girl.

Bryn sniffed. I don’t want Leanne to go. I’m gonna miss her.

But she’ll be back soon! Joanna said. Maybe you can make a ‘Welcome Home’ poster to put up when she gets back. Won’t that be fun?

On the way home, Joanna told her parents about her conversation with the little girl.

Mom smiled. Bryn doesn’t understand that Leanne’s place is with Logan now. But imagine how hard it would have been for Leanne to convince people she loved Logan if she hadn’t wanted to go with him today.

Joanna laughed. I guess it would have been awkward if everyone had heard Leanne say I do to Logan during the wedding ceremony but then not want to go with him on their honeymoon. They’d think she didn’t really love him after all!

So we could tell that Leanne loves Logan by what she said and by what she did, couldn’t we? Dad said as he turned into the driveway. Speech and actions are both important in showing that we love others.

And also in showing that we love Jesus, added Mom.

Yes, said Dad. He loves us so much He willingly died for us. But do you think others will believe us when we say we love Him but don’t show it through our actions?

You mean if we say we love Jesus but don’t do what He says or treat people the way He wants us to, we’re not acting like we love Him very much? Joanna asked.

It seems that way to me, Dad said. After all, real love is more than words. It’s showing your love through your actions.

BARBARA WESTBERG

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR JESUS

KEY VERSE: [JESUS SAID,] IF YOU LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. JOHN 14:15

Do your actions show that you love Jesus? Or do you just say you love Him but not do what He says? The Bible says that those who love Jesus keep His commands. That means obeying Him and treating others with kindness and love, even if other people don’t like it or make fun of you for it. Let your actions show others how much you love Jesus.

APRIL 3

Sweet Timing

READ: PROVERBS 3:5-6; PHILIPPIANS 1:6; HEBREWS 13:20-21

I can’t wait to taste maple syrup!" Brody said, smacking his lips.

Mom laughed. She was chaperoning his field trip to the nature center to