Shiny Flashy Things

Kids Bible Devotional for October 29, 2026

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Focus Verse

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV)

Jump Start

Okay…Today…I’m going to stay focused. But first, a little peek at the TikTok feed.

There is a lot trying to grab our attention these days. Influencers pour out social media content at a fast pace just to snatch a piece of your time. Advertisers work hard to get you to notice their products so that you buy them. Then, you’re constantly going from one task to another. It’s hard to stay focused.

Because there is so much vying for our attention, it’s not always easy knowing what we are supposed to focus on. We are flooded with distractions.

I think this is one of the cleverest tactics of the enemy. If he can keep you distracted, you’re less likely to hear the voice of God. You’re more likely to follow your own path than what God has planned for you.

In today’s devotion, “Shiny Flashy Things,” we learn from a simple video game how distractions can keep a gamer from reaching the next level. The same is true in our walk with God. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Everything else is loot-bait..  

Today's Devotion

"Not again!" Maya groaned. She tossed the game controller on the couch in frustration as her game character dissolved into pixelated dust. GAME OVER flashed mockingly from the monitor screen. “I never get past Level 10 with this stupid game.”

Her brother Caleb looked up from his phone. “Diamond Quest got you pestered, sis?”

“I hate this game. I always fall into the firepit on this level. How far have you gotten in this game?”

Caleb shrugged his shoulder. “Level Twenty-Two or Twenty-Three, I think.”

“Show off,” she said, tossing a pillow at him. “It’s impossible! How did you get past the firepit at the end of the cave?”

“The trick is ignoring the gold bonus coins. They are meant to distract you and veer you off course.”

Maya’s mouth dropped open. “Wait, you don’t collect the coins? But what about all those bonus points?”

“Do you want to make as many bonus points before you die, or do you want to get to Level 11?” Caleb asked.

“I want to get to the next level.”

“Then ignore the shiny, flashy things and keep your focus on the path,” he said. “Start over and get back to that level and I’ll show you.”

Maya reset the game and worked quickly to get back to the level that troubled her. When she did, Caleb gestured to the screen.

“Okay, get back into the cave. Instead of running toward the shiny gold coins, watch closely on the foot path,” Caleb said.

“What am I looking for?”

“You’ll see it soon enough.”

Caleb no sooner got the words out of his mouth before the faint outline of a hidden trapdoor came into frame. Maya instinctively went through the trapdoor and came out the other end on the next level.

“I did it!” she said, fist-pumping the air.

“Told you. Ignore the loot bait. Keep your eyes on the prize."

Wrap Up

Hebrews 12 describes a great company of witnesses who endured trials, tribulations, and impossibilities to pave a way for us to follow. Yet, there are things that can hinder us and weigh us down, if we are not careful.

The fix? Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He endured the cross to help us overcome needless distractions. Ignore the loot bait. Keep your eyes on the prize, which is ultimately heaven.