#400: Man in the Mirror

Today we begin a brand new series through the Gospel of Mark! Because we’re starting a new series, this episode is all about helping kids understand the book before we dive into the stories. When we read a book of the Bible, it’s important to ask: Who wrote it? Who was it written to? And why was it written? In this episode, we discover what a “gospel” is, why there are four Gospels, and that Mark wrote down the apostle Peter’s eyewitness stories about Jesus. We also learn that Mark’s big question is: Who is Jesus? This episode is like laying the foundation before we start building. It prepares us for everything that’s coming next as we begin this journey. ------------ 2 Minute Survey We’re running a very short, listener survey to help us understand our audience and keep Kids Bible Stories going strong. While this podcast is mostly funded by listener support, our sponsors help keep it free for families, and this survey helps them help us. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s a really practical way you can support the show. Thanks for helping ------ To connect with me go here

📖 Scripture Matthew 2 & John 10:10 In today’s episode of Kids Bible Stories, we continue the Christmas story and discover that not everyone was happy about Jesus’ birth. While the Magi followed the star and worshiped Him, King Herod felt threatened and refused to bow down to the true King. When Herod realized that he had been outsmarted by the Magi, he was furious and gave orders to destroy all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding towns—hoping this terrible plan would get rid of Jesus. Through the story of the Magi, King Herod, and God’s unstoppable plan, kids will learn one important truth: not everyone wants to follow Jesus—some want to be their own king. Of course, there are many reasons people resist God, and it would take far more than one episode to explore them all. In this story, we focus on just one: the human desire to be our own god- thinking we know best. Jesus reminds us that He came to give us life to the full (John 10:10). Following Him isn’t about losing freedom—it’s about being rescued into a life filled with forgiveness, love, and joy. This episode invites kids to reflect on everyday choices—like patience, honesty, and humility—and to consider what it means to let Jesus be King of their hearts. ****PARENTS: I also want  you to know that I believe Scripture clearly teaches that only God can change a heart. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.   ‘“The biblical picture is that God does the decisive work of heart transplant and heart circumcision and heart unhardening, and we are immediately participants in this miracle as conscious, intentional, willing actors renouncing the old heart, cutting away with all of the opposition we can muster the old life, and embracing the new and feeding the new tenderness of heart on God’s word and by God’s Spirit.”-John Piper.  **** This is a great article you can read on this topic!***** with scripture cited so you can reference it.  🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here.⁠⁠⁠ ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

James 1:19-25 Today's story reminds us that if we hear God's word but don't actually obey, then we are like a man who looks in the mirror, walks away, and forgets what he looks like.  I try to connect the dots for the kids in a way they will understand and be able to apply this story to their own lives.  I hope you all enjoy! ---------------------- 🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here.⁠⁠ ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

📖 Scriptures Referenced Numbers 24:17, Matthew 2:2, Luke 2:11, & John 3:16–17 🐪 Summary In this special Christmas  episode, we take a break from our usual Kids Bible Stories format to explore the story of Jesus’ birth from a fresh and cozy perspective—through the eyes of three very curious camels. We begin by helping kids understand an important and often-missed detail of the Christmas story: While the shepherds visited Jesus the night He was born, the Wise Men arrived later, when Jesus was a little older. Even so, everyone who came—shepherds and Wise Men alike—came for the same reason: to worship the Savior God promised. From there, we invite listeners into a gentle imagination story, wondering what it might have been like for the camels who carried the Wise Men’s treasures across deserts, followed the brilliant star, and witnessed the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. As the camels travel beneath the shining star, kids hear Scripture woven throughout the story, including the prophecy of the coming King, the Wise Men’s search for Jesus, and the beautiful truth that the greatest King arrived in humility—not in a palace, but in a manger. The episode closes by reminding listeners that God’s greatest gift is Jesus, sent out of love to rescue and save the world. ----------------------- 🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here.⁠ ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

Luke 2:1–12, Isaiah 11:1–2 , & 2 Corinthians 8:9 In today’s Advent story, we step into the peaceful, wonder-filled night when Jesus was born. Your children will hear Luke 2 come to life with rich imagery—dusty roads, crowded Bethlehem streets, gentle animals in the stable, and the breathtaking moment when Jesus was born. We explain what a census is, why it sent Joseph and Mary on their journey, and how Isaiah promised Jesus’ birth long before it happened. His humble arrival shows kids that God’s kingdom is often at odds with what the world values and that through such a simple beginning came the greatest gift we could never earn: salvation. This episode ends with a short, meaningful application for kids and a simple prayer. Then stay for our special thank-you segment—you might hear a familiar name! Other Christmas episodes your family will enjoy are: #357 The Wisemen  and #311: LOVE: advent week 4 (about the shepherds) ----------------- 🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here. ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

Luke 1:5–45 In this Advent episode, we step right into the true story of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and the angel Gabriel. Kids will hear how God used two ordinary women—one older and overlooked, the other young and unknown—to bring His rescue plan into the world. Packed with character voices, and immersive storytelling, this episode reminds children that God often chooses people no one else would expect. What Your Kids Will Learn: God uses ordinary, unexpected people to accomplish His plans             Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it's trusting God and obeying Him anyway God gives us encouragers (like Elizabeth) We can be encouragers to others through small, everyday kindnesses 🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠⁠kbspodcast.com and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here. ---------------------SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS:----------------------- Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠ ⁠Visit OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

Isaiah 7:13-14 and 9:6-7  Welcome to our very first Christmas episode of 2025! Whether you’re a long-time listener or brand-new, we’re so glad you’re here. Today we begin Advent, a special four-week season where Christians prepare their hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth and look forward to His promised return. We’ll explore what “Advent” means, why it’s important, and how this season invites us to slow down, reflect, and wait with hope. We’ll also hear an incredible true story from 1947—when a young shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the oldest copies of the Bible ever found. Among them was the Book of Isaiah, matching what we read today almost word for word. This amazing discovery reminds us that God’s Word has been faithfully preserved for thousands of years and that we can trust His promises. Through Isaiah’s ancient prophecies, we’ll see how God foretold the coming of Jesus long before He was born—and how Advent helps us celebrate that promise fulfilled. Perfect For: Kids ages 4–12 Family listening Advent devotions Homeschool or classroom Bible time Sunday school preparation 🎁 This podcast is free because of the generosity of families like yours. Visit ⁠⁠kbspodcast.com⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠⁠Learn more about advertising here. ----------------------------------------------- SPECIAL THANKS and LINKS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.

John 4:43–53 In today’s story, Jesus meets a royal official whose young son is gravely ill. The father begs Jesus to come heal him—but instead, Jesus simply says, “Go, your son will live.” At that moment, the man faces a choice: will he demand proof, or trust Jesus’ word alone? Without any signs or dramatic displays, he believes—and begins the long walk home. Along the way, his servants run to meet him with incredible news: his son is healed! This story reminds us that Jesus’ power is not limited by distance or circumstance. His word alone brings life, hope, and healing. Parent Reflection: Faith often grows when we trust before we see. Talk with your child about times they’ve had to believe God’s promises even when they didn’t see the answer right away. You might share a personal story of your own—something you prayed for that required patience and trust. ---------------- 🎁 Be part of what makes this podcast possible! Visit ⁠KidsBibleStories.com⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? ⁠Learn more about advertising here.

📖 Scripture: Matthew 1:18–23 & Isaiah 7:14 In today’s episode, we discover one of the most comforting names of God — Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Through the story of Joseph’s dream, children learn how God’s ancient promise through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) was fulfilled when Jesus was born. This episode connects the prophecy of old with the miracle of Christmas, showing that God always keeps His promises and is with us. Kids will be able to connect this story to their own lives—knowing that God is with them on both the good days and the hard ones. Through simple, relatable examples—like going out for pizza or having to say goodbye to a loved one—I help children see what faith looks like in their everyday experiences. Even when they’re nervous about a doctor visit or feeling sad, this episode reminds them that God’s presence never leaves. ------------------------ 🎁 Be part of what makes this podcast possible! Visit KidsBibleStories.com and click Support & Bonus Content to: 💛 Give a one-time gift of any amount 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and enjoy weekly bonus episodes and AD FREE! 📅 Or choose a discounted annual plan ✨ Plus, don’t miss Kids Bible Stories Bedtime and Kids Bible Stories Español — both free wherever you listen! 📣 Interested in partnering with us? Learn more about advertising here.

Scripture: Exodus 3:1–14 🕊️ In this episode, kids will discover one of the most powerful names of God — Yahweh — through the story of Moses and the burning bush. Together, we’ll explore what God meant when He said, “I AM who I AM,” and why that name tells us something incredible about who God is: that He has no beginning and no end. Children will learn that when they see LORD written in all capital letters in the Old Testament, it’s the translated form of God’s name, Yahweh. Through vivid storytelling, they’ll hear how Moses encountered God on holy ground, felt awe and wonder at His presence, and learned that Yahweh is the God who always is. This episode helps kids wrestle with the big question, “Who made God?” and gently leads them to understand that nothing and no one made Him — because He always was. It ends with a comforting truth: the same Yahweh who spoke to Moses is still with us today — unchanging, loving, and faithful. -------------------- 🎁 Join the team: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kbspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click Support & Bonus Content You can: 💛 Give a one-time gift 🙌 Join Patreon for just $5/month and receive weekly bonus content 📅 Or choose a discounted onetime payment annual plan I also have Kids Bible Stories Bedtime & Kids Bible Stories Espanol now available, FREE, wherever you get your podcasts!  -------------------- Interested in advertising on the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here