February 20, 2018

Plug It In

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:12-13; James 1:21-25 “Mom, the toaster isn’t working,” said Jason. “It won’t heat up.” “Is it plugged in?” asked Mom. “Oops!” Jason plugged in the toaster. “No wonder it didn’t work.” The next morning, Jason shared his toaster incident with his class at church. Their teacher, Mr. Scott, smiled. “Jason, your story… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:13

February 19, 2018

As the Ball Bounces

Bible Reading: James 4:13-16 Trey faked to the right, then quickly changed directions and drove to the basket for another score. “That makes it 12-2, Dad,” he said, trying not to smile. Dad shook his head, breathing heavily. “I remember when the only time you ever beat me was when I let you win. I… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6

February 18, 2018

To Read or Not to Read

Bible Reading: James 1:12-15 Sierra shut her bedroom door and tossed her backpack onto the bed. She set her cat, Tommy, on the floor. “Stay away from the curtains, Tommy,” she warned. “You know you always get stuck in them.” Sierra flopped onto her bed and opened her backpack. After digging around a moment, she… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: James 1:12

February 17, 2018

Be Careful, Charley!

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:1-3 Charley toddled happily around the living room. He had just learned to walk, and it was Lacie’s job to keep an eye on him while Dad was cooking dinner. He was a very curious little boy and almost always found a way to get into trouble. “Charley, get out of there!… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:1

February 16, 2018

A Son Forever

Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-24 Brock was sprawled on his bed with a book when Seth, his older brother, came into the room. “Hey, Brock, did you know that Dakota Smith talked with Pastor Briggs after church yesterday and decided to trust Jesus as his Savior?” “That’s good,” Brock said halfheartedly. “Maybe he’ll stay out of… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 10:28

February 15, 2018

A Feast of the Heart

Bible Reading: Psalm 33:20-22 Aisha very carefully rolled onto her side, trying to get a little more comfortable. At least she was feeling a little better than earlier. A quiet knock sounded on her door, and Dad came in. “Do you think you could handle some soup?” he asked. Aisha shook her head. “I’m sorry… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:15

February 14, 2018

Roses Are Red

Bible Reading: James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:18 Bobby was so focused on coloring the big red heart that he didn’t hear his dad come into his room. Dad stood behind him and read the poem written on the card Bobby was working on out loud. “‘Roses are red, the snow is white…you light up my… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 John 3:18

February 13, 2018

Change of Plans

Bible Reading: James 4:13-15 When Emily and her dad clapped their hands and shouted loudly, two barn swallows quickly flew out of the garage, their tails looking like forks against the blue sky. “Why can’t we let them nest in the garage, Dad?” Emily asked as she watched the birds fly over a neighbor’s house… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16:9

February 12, 2018

Building Blocks

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 “Hey, Billy, what are you working on?” Dad asked as he walked into Billy’s room. “I’m making a building out of connecting blocks for the library contest,” Billy said. “If I post a picture on their website, I could win a free meal at a local restaurant.” Suddenly, he frowned. “Hey,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:22

February 11, 2018

Bitterness Blotches

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:26-32 Mei hung up the phone and walked into the living room with her arms crossed and her jaw clenched. “That was Everly.” Mom frowned. “You’re not still angry with her, are you?” “Of course I am!” said Mei. “She shouldn’t have made fun of me that way. She did it right… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 37:8