November 16, 2018

Fair Trial

Bible Reading: Romans 14:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 Eliana looked up when she heard her mother sigh. “What’s wrong, Mom?” Mom sat down at the table. “I’m very confused by the testimony I heard in court today.” “Tell us about your jury duty, Mom,” Eliana said. “Maybe we can help you.” “No, I can’t do that,”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Genesis 18:25

November 15, 2018

Coals of Fire

Bible Reading: Romans 12:14-21 Lucinda’s mom was laying logs in the fireplace, but she turned around when she heard the door rattle as it slammed shut. Lucinda sank down onto the couch. Mom sat down next to her. “What happened?” “Jacob called me a blabbermouth. I don’t even want to go back to school,” Lucinda… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:44

November 14, 2018

A Go-Between

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 4:7 Thatcher rolled his eyes when his brother smugly waved a piece of paper in front of his nose. “Stop it, Nolan! You’re always bragging about your good grades.” Thatcher stuck his nose in the air and mimicked his brother. “I got an A in this and a 100 on… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:7

November 13, 2018

Small Gifts

Bible Reading: Luke 21:1-4 The tips of Riley’s fingers dug into his cheeks as he glanced at his mother, who was typing on her computer. She noticed his troubled face. “Is there a problem?” she asked. Riley sighed. “I’ve been trying to make money for the special missionary offering this week, but all I’ve got… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 12:6

November 12, 2018

Over the Edge

Bible Reading: Luke 12:22-34 Tymeria let the rope slide slowly through her hand as she backed over the edge of the cliff inch by inch. She made her body into an L shape with her feet resting on the side of the cliff. She gripped the rope as tightly as she could through her thick… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 12:25-26

November 11, 2018

Sacrifice for Freedom

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:10-14; Revelation 21:4 Navin winced as three gunshots tore through the air, piercing his eardrums one after another. He held back a sob as soldiers took the flag from his sister’s coffin and folded it tightly into a triangle. They presented it to Dad, who took it and gingerly placed it on… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 8:36

November 10, 2018

When Forgiveness Is Hard

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-14 “No!” Abby ran into her room and slammed the door. “She left us. I’m not forgiving her. Ever!” She dove head-first into her pillows and burst into tears. It had been three years since Mom left. It had been two years since her last phone call. Now she wanted to be… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:32

November 9, 2018

Really Free

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7 “Look, Dad!” Larissa said when Dad stopped at a traffic light one Saturday afternoon. “That sign says ‘Free car wash.’” Just then, a young man leaned toward the open window. “Would you like a car wash?” he asked, pointing to the parking lot behind him where a group of… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 6:23

November 8, 2018

No Big Deal

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6:16-19 “My baseball glove is missing!” Paxton said, scowling. “Derek probably took it. He’s always taking things that don’t belong to him.” “I heard that, Paxton,” Derek said, coming into the room. “You make me sound like a thief!” Mom raised her eyebrows. “So you don’t have Paxton’s glove?” “Well—yeah, I do,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 28:13

November 7, 2018

Fear the Lord

Bible Reading: Psalm 96:4-9 Tenley looked up from reading her Bible on the front lawn. “Lincoln, are you afraid of God?” she asked her brother. “No, I don’t think so,” replied Lincoln. “Why should I be afraid of Him?” “This verse says, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,’” said Tenley. “What… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 111:10