August 12, 2020

Sticking Your Neck Out

Bible Reading: Psalm 23:1-6 “I like our new church, don’t you?” said Claire’s mom. “And don’t forget, your kids’ class will be starting soon.” Claire walked over to the aquarium where her pet turtle Shelley lived. As she dropped some fresh greens into the aquarium for Shelley to eat, she said, “Mom, I’m nervous about… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:9

August 11, 2020

Hungry Again?

Bible Reading: John 6:28-37 “When are we going to eat?” Henry asked as he and the others in his Sunday school class hiked down a trail in a national forest. For weeks the class of sixth-grade boys had been planning this outing—a couple days of backpacking, cooking over a campfire, and sleeping under the stars…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 6:35

August 10, 2020

The Coffee Can

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “Close your eyes, Eric, and tell me what this smells like,” said Aria. Her brother did as directed, and Aria held a stack of papers under his nose. Eric sniffed cautiously. “Coffee,” he said, making a face. He opened his eyes and stared. “Wow! I thought you had a cup… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:15

August 9, 2020

Sweet Like Honey

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:24; James 3:3-5, 7-10 The peace and quiet upstairs was suddenly shattered by accusing voices. “You’re a crybaby!” Will told his sister, Chloe. “Oh yeah? You’re a tattletale!” Chloe replied. “Will! Chloe! Come down right now!” Mom called from downstairs where she and Aunt Susie were cooking. Two red-faced kids trudged into… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:103

August 8, 2020

Sir Brendan

Bible Reading: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11 Brendan stared at the rain pouring down outside his living room window. “Something on your mind, son?” asked Dad. “I’m just thinking about spiritual gifts. I don’t think I have one,” Brendan said. “Hmm,” Dad said thoughtfully. “Well, think about things that give you energy and joy. What… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:10

August 7, 2020

Not a Gumball Machine

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 Asher put a quarter into the gumball machine at the grocery store. The colorful balls in the machine shifted around. Then Asher heard a plunk as a yellow gumball fell into the slot. Asher picked it up, popped it into his mouth, and walked with his mom to their car. On… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 5:20

August 6, 2020

Part of the Family

Bible Reading: Hebrews 2:10-12 “Look out!” Caroline ducked as a football sailed over her head. Her older cousin Jacob ran past to retrieve the ball. “Sorry about that,” he said as he scooped it up. Caroline laughed. “No problem. It missed me!” “Want to join us?” asked Jacob as he turned to resume his game… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 2:11

August 5, 2020

The Sin Tester

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:7-11 “Oh no!” moaned Drake as he looked at the swimming pool. “There’s green stuff in the water!” He and Amaya had the responsibility of putting chemicals into the pool when needed. But they hadn’t done their job. “Now we’ll have to put in extra chemicals to kill all that algae, and… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9

August 4, 2020

The Hopeless Case (Part 2)

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:10-12 Tessa decided to go with her mother to visit their elderly neighbor a second time—and several times after that. “Don’t you think we might as well give up?” Tessa asked at last. “I don’t think Mrs. Bennett will ever have any interest in God.” “Don’t forget, being a friend is a… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:11

August 3, 2020

The Hopeless Case (Part 1)

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13-14 “Poor Mrs. Bennett,” said Mom. “I think she must be very lonely. She told me last week that all three of her children live across the country with their own families now, so she hardly sees them.” “Is that the old lady who lives on the corner?” asked Tessa…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Acts 1:8