January 25, 2017

Touched Up

Bible Reading: Romans 4:5-8 “We’re getting our school pictures tomorrow!” Andrea said one evening. “I hope mine turned out good.” “Well, how good can they be?” asked her brother Matt. “After all, the camera can only take a picture of what it sees.” He grinned, then ducked when Andrea threw a small pillow at his… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 32:1

January 24, 2017

No Mistakes

Bible Reading: John 9:1-7 As Emily and Zoe started home, they ran into Weston—a school bully. “Hey, Zoe, where’d you get this hat?” asked Weston as he grabbed the red cap from her head and tossed it down on the sidewalk. Zoe stared at him. “Stop that!” yelled Emily, darting toward the cap. She returned… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:11

January 23, 2017

Time to Celebrate!

Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-32 Evan stretched his neck and peered around the people in front of him. A teenager named Brad was on the platform. He had just spoken, confessing that he had strayed from the Lord but had now come back. He said God had forgiven him, and he asked the congregation to forgive… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 15:10

January 22, 2017

Diamond in the Rough

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-4 Noelle dropped her book bag in the corner of her grandmother’s kitchen. She shook her head when Grandma offered her apple slices and dip. “No, thanks, Gran,” she said. “I don’t feel like eating.” She sighed. “Nothing is going right! You even prayed with me that I’d pass my… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: James 1:2

January 21, 2017

Wrong Conclusions

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:13 “Don’t quit yet!” Jill begged her friend, but Emmy sat down and began unlacing her skates, saying she was cold. “It’s not that cold!” said Jill. Emmy didn’t answer, and Jill went back out on the ice. “Hey, Jill!” called Tia as she skated by. “My mom is driving some… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:29

January 20, 2017

Heart and Sole

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:1-12 Timothy beamed as he picked up a shoe from the display table. “This is the kind I want, Mom!” Mom looked doubtful. “They’re the best!” insisted Timothy. “All the guys are getting shoes like this. The ad on TV says the special soles reduce the pounding you get from the gym… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:12

January 19, 2017

Dangerous Bait

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8-10 Braelyn dropped her fishline over the side of the boat and watched the bait sink into the water. “That worm squirming on my fish hook looks so gross!” she said. “How could a fish possibly want to eat it?” Dad chuckled. “You’re right, Braelyn. It doesn’t look very… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:9

January 18, 2017

Just Kidding

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:17-22 Gabe sauntered into the house, letting the back door slam behind him. Raindrops glistened on his hair. His brother Emmett met him at the door. “You borrowed my bike,” he said. “Did you put it away?” “Nah,” said Gabe with a wave of his hand. “A little rain won’t hurt it.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:25

January 17, 2017

Sweet and Salty Similarities

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:15-25 Scurrying around the kitchen, Valentina gathered ingredients for sugar cookies. She opened the bag of flour and dipped a measuring cup into the fluffy whiteness. Mom came in to help. “I want to talk with you about that show you were watching,” she said as she cracked an egg into a… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 14:6

January 16, 2017

No Secret Friends

Bible Reading: Romans 1:14-17 Peter raced into the house after another day at his new school. “Mom!” he called. “Guess what! I made some more friends today—Josh and Rhett! They both live on the same block as us. Can they come over to play basketball?” “Sure,” said Mom. “What about the boy you were talking… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 1:16