December 31, 2021

End of Vacation

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14; John 19:28-30 When Jack sat down for lunch, his mom noticed his glum mood. “What’s wrong, Jack?” she asked. Jack just shrugged. Mom placed sandwiches and chips on the table. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said after they thanked God for their food. “You have several Christmas gifts to keep you… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:18

December 30, 2021

Why So Snappy?

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:8-12 “Taelyn is so mean!” Niyah said as she came into the kitchen. “She’s been rude to me all week!” A tear slipped down her cheek as she slumped into a chair. “I’m sorry,” said Mom. “What’s going on? Taelyn’s been a good friend for a long time.” “I don’t know,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:9

December 29, 2021

Mid-Flight Refueling

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:33-38 “Can we please skip family devotions tonight?” Anson asked after dinner. “Max is at Wyatt’s house, and they said they’d wait for me before starting a video game. Besides, we already learned about God this week—we were just at church yesterday. So can’t we skip devotions this one time?” Dad looked… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:12

December 28, 2021

Strings Attached

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-6 “Come here, little crab. I have something you’ll like. Come on. Try it,” Paxton coaxed softly. “A little closer now. That’s right. Keep coming. Another nibble. Closer…closer…” There was a sudden splash in the water. “Gotcha!” shouted Grandpa. He held up the dip net. “This one is huge, Pax! Good job!… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 5:22

December 27, 2021

The Domino Effect

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:26-31 Kai watched in horror as his little sister reached for the dominoes he had spent the last two hours setting up. “Halia! Don’t touch those!” But it was too late. Halia pushed the first domino, and they all quickly tumbled down. Halia giggled, clapping her little hands. “You are so stupid,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:29

December 26, 2021

Quiz Out of Season

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 “Today we’re going to start out with something different,” Mr. Prescott told his class at church. “I’m going to give you a little quiz.” The kids groaned. “Don’t look at your paper until I say you can,” said Mr. Prescott with a smile. He walked around the table and placed… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 4:2

December 25, 2021

Not Alone

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:5-7; Matthew 1:23 Through the door, up the stairs, and into a new room again. Ruby had been to so many foster homes, and this one was no different. Why did I have to move on Christmas Day? she thought as she put her bag down on the floor. She’d felt so… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:23

December 24, 2021

The Missing Meat

Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 “Hi, Aunt Julie!” exclaimed Victoria when her aunt and uncle arrived for Christmas Eve dinner. “Hi, Uncle Joe.” “Hi, yourself,” said Uncle Joe as Aunt Julie gave Victoria a hug. “All day we’ve been so busy wrapping gifts and baking goodies that we were almost late getting here,” Aunt Julie… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:14

December 23, 2021

Give Glory to God

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:20; Luke 2:1-20 “I don’t want to go.” Susan was sulking because her mom wanted to spend the day at a nearby Native American pueblo. “I promised Miriam we’d be there,” Mom said. “Christmas is special to her, and she wants to share her traditions with us. Now, get ready so we… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 2:14

December 22, 2021

Same Old Story

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-20 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields,” Abby’s Sunday school teacher read from the second chapter of Luke, “keeping watch over their flock…” Mrs. Peters’ voice started to fade away as Abby daydreamed about the new bike she expected to get for Christmas. I can… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:15