Kids Bible Devotional for February 8, 2024
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Focus Verse
I Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)
Jump Start
Eureka! I struck gold.
When a pea-sized gold nugget was found in Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California on January 24, 1848, the rush was on. News quickly spread that there was gold in “them thar hills”. Would-be gold seekers loaded up their families and gear and headed west in search of easy fortune. It’s true that in just under 5 years, $81 million worth of that precious metal had been discovered. But, there was a very steep price paid. Many did not find wealth, but hardship and loss. The gold also attracted outlaws of all kinds, there were Indian conflicts, and disease broke out in many settlements. The cost was far more than most had considered.
There are riches that are worth seeking though, like streets of gold, gates of pearl, and heavenly mansions.
Today's Devotion
Chris grabbed his pirates’ history book and raced to Jacob’s house next door. He rushed up the steps to his friend’s beach bungalow and knocked on the front door. He could not wait to share with Jacob what he just read.
Jacob eased the door open, pushing back his barking Chihuahua, Muscles, with his foot. “Hey Chris, what’s up?”
Chris handed the opened book to Jacob, tapping lightly on the marked page. “It says here that pirates landed on our beach three hundred years ago after stealing gold coins from a Spanish ship. Some believe they buried it near the cave at Fisher’s Hollow. Let’s grab some shovels and check it out.”
The two explorers set off on their bikes to hunt for buried loot only to return empty-handed hours later coated in mud and sand.
“You want to come in for a soda?” Jacob asked as they neared his house.
“Sure, why not,” groaned Chris. “At least we’ll get something for all the trouble we went through today.”
They walked into the house welcomed by the savory aroma of dinner in the making. They found Jacob’s mom in the kitchen taking a rib roast out of the oven.
She set the heavy pan on the stove top. “There you boys are,” she said. Her gaze fell on their filthy clothes. “You look like you’ve been planting a garden. Why are you so dirty?”
Jacob pulled the refrigerator opened. He reached for two cans of soda, handing one to Chris. “We’ve been out by the caves looking for pirates’ treasure, but we didn’t find squat.”
“Ah, I’m sorry boys.” Mom nodded sympathetically. “But I have a feeling you’ve been looking in the wrong place.”
Chris’s eyes widened. “You know where there’s buried treasure, Mrs. Andrews?”
“Sure do. But you can’t find it out there. It’s right here.” She pointed to her heart. “And it’s up there,” She cast a finger skyward.
The boys looked at one another, perplexed.
“You’re already rich beyond imagination knowing that Christ is in your heart. And you have a treasure in Heaven that will blow your mind. No use looking for riches here. We’ve got food on the table and a roof over our heads. What more do you need?”
Jacob took a long gulp of his cold drink and smacked his lips. “Ah. I have to admit, life isn’t too bad.”
Wrap Up
In chapter 6 of I Timothy, Paul warned about those that were rich because they had twisted the gospel for their own gain. He told Timothy to focus on eternal life and not get caught up in the trivial things of this earth. One day we will see Jesus and live with Him forever in a place that is beyond our wildest imagination.
Are you on the hunt for eternal riches?
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