October 31, 2020

The Scented Candle

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 Sunny took a deep breath as she came into the house. “I smell coconut,” she said and hurried into the kitchen. “Can I have a piece, Mom?” Mom looked up from fixing a salad and handed Sunny a carrot. Sunny laughed. “No, I don’t want a carrot. I want a piece… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:16

October 30, 2020

No Doubt About It

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-12; Micah 7:18-19 Damitri sighed as he sat on the beach and watched big waves come in and go out. He was thinking of something he had done earlier that week—something bad. He knew it was wrong, and he had asked Jesus to forgive him. But was his sin really gone forever?… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:12

October 29, 2020

A Puzzling Gift

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-8 “Puzzles!” Camila exclaimed when she and her brother opened the package that had just been delivered. “Grandma sent one for each of us.” “She sent us a letter too,” Santiago said, holding up an envelope. “Look! It’s taped shut, and she wrote a message on it. It says, ‘Don’t open this… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1

October 28, 2020

In the Dark

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; John 3:19-21 The dining room at Camp Macoma rang with singing as the youth group gathered for bedtime devotions. A storm had been brewing over the lake, and soon thunder and lightning interrupted the singing. Suddenly the dining hall was enveloped in darkness. “Sit tight,” Mr. Mike said. “Mr. Scott will… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 John 1:7

October 27, 2020

The Best Kind of Beauty

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:6-12 “Mom, how can I know if I’m beautiful?” Keira asked as she climbed into their blue minivan. “What makes you ask that?” her mom questioned. “At lunch, some of my friends were talking about the girls in our class. They said that Isabelle is so beautiful. Am I beautiful too?”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7

October 26, 2020

Not a Mistake

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:13-18 (Editor’s note: Providing a Christian perspective on this story’s subject matter is important. However, it may not be suitable for young children.) Kaden walked slowly up to home plate when it was his turn to bat. The pitcher threw the ball. “Strike one!” the umpire called. Kaden sighed, then watched the… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:16

October 25, 2020

Too Much Work

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:13-16 Amelia put the last plate in the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen sink. “I’m tired of doing all this work,” she grumbled. “Dishes, laundry, cleaning the bathroom, straightening things up—there’s no end!” “Hey, you’re not the only one who works around here,” her brother, Patrick, reminded her. “Dad and I made… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:14

October 24, 2020

A Human Bouquet

Bible Reading: Revelation 5:9; 7:9-10 “I love flowers! And you make such pretty bouquets and centerpieces, Mom,” said Stella as she and her mother worked in the flower garden, selecting and cutting flowers for bouquets. “It’s fun to help you with your florist business,” Stella added. “You’re so creative.” Mom smiled. “Thanks, honey,” she said,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Revelation 7:9

October 23, 2020

Locker Trouble

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:1-9 For what seemed like the fiftieth time, Mike twirled the dial on his locker and silently prayed it would work. He glanced around nervously, hoping nobody noticed how long he’d been trying to get the locker open. This is a lousy way to start middle school, he thought, his stomach tightening… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:27

October 22, 2020

The Masquerade

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-7; Philippians 1:9-11 “What is a masquerade, anyway?” asked Lindsay, holding up a flier from school. “It’s just a fancy word for a costume party,” replied Mom as she sifted through old clothes and random items from the attic. “I’m hoping we can find some costume ideas in this heap of forgotten… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:14