Read: 1 Corinthians 10:13; 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 pulled out a book. “What do you think, Tommy? Should I?”

Tommy didn’t answer. He was staring at the lace curtain waving in the breeze from the window.

Sierra tossed the book onto the bed beside her. “I know Mom told me not to read these kinds of books, but all my friends read them. They can’t be that bad, can they?” She picked the book up again. The cover looked interesting. She flipped it over and read the back for the tenth time. A few pages couldn’t hurt.

Sierra opened the book and soon had read several pages. Then a quick movement made her jump. It was only Tommy, she realized with relief. He had pounced on the curtain. His claws were caught in the fabric, and he hung down, his full length stretched out. He was helpless.

“Silly cat, leave the curtain alone!” Sierra freed him, and he marched across the room and sat with his back to the curtain.

Sierra turned to her book again. She knew she shouldn’t read any more, but soon she was engrossed again. She had finished the first chapter when a sound caught her attention.

She looked up and stared in disbelief. Tommy was hanging from the curtain again. The temptation had been too great. Sierra began to laugh.

“Tommy, you should know better, after all the times you’ve gotten stuck. Resist the temptation! You should—”

Sierra stopped and stared at Tommy and then at the book in her hand. She dropped the book as though it were on fire. I’m acting just like Tommy, she thought. But he can’t resist temptation, and I can, because Jesus gives me the power to say no to sin.

She loosened Tommy from the curtain again, then picked up the book and placed it in her backpack. “I’m going to return this book and ask Jesus to forgive me for disobeying Mom,” she told her cat. “I don’t want to become ensnared like you!”

–Christa Long

How about you? Have you ever given in to temptation and regretted it later? When you give in to sinful desires, it’s easy to get stuck. But there’s good news—Jesus gives us the power to resist temptation. Confess the wrong you’ve done to Him, and He will forgive you and help you do what’s right.

Today's Key Verse: God is faithful…When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Resist temptation

Read: Psalm 40:1-5; Ephesians 2:4-7

The waves crashed as Graham sat on the beach. Even though he was vacationing with his friend Omar and his family, his thoughts were dark. Back home, things were anything but a fun day at the beach. No one wants me, Graham thought to himself. Mom and Dad are too busy fighting to notice me. Except when I get bad grades. That’s the only time my teacher notices me too. Graham held back tears as his thoughts ran on. I can’t do anything right. I wish I’d never been born!

Just then Omar’s grandfather came over. “Mind if I sit down?”

Graham nodded and watched as the elderly man began to chip small bits from an old piece of driftwood. “What are you going to do with that?” Graham asked.

“Oh, I have great plans for this old piece of wood,” replied the man. “I’m carving a whale this time. I like to carve sea animals.” He lifted a beautifully carved dolphin from his bag and handed it to Graham. “Here’s one I finished recently.”

“Wow!” Graham held up the dolphin, then looked again at the wood the man was carving. “That driftwood you’re working on now is so old and dirty. It looks worthless! How can something as cool as this come from junk like that?”

The man smiled. “It takes time, work, and skill to get rid of the dirt and make something beautiful from the wood. I carve it carefully, sand it, and polish it.” He turned the wood over in his hand. “This driftwood is something like me.”

“Like you?” asked Graham. “How’s that?”

“There was a time when I felt worthless—like all the things I did and said were wrong and I might as well give up. In fact, even though I know better now, I still feel that way sometimes. Ever feel that way yourself?” Graham nodded. “Well, we’re definitely not worthless—not to God,” said the man. “Whenever bad things happen in my life or I feel worthless, I remember that Jesus loves me so much that He died and rose again to make me His. When I trusted Him to save me, He made me into something beautiful. Have you asked Him to do that for you?”

Graham shook his head and sat up straighter. He was eager to hear more about how Jesus could make something beautiful out of his life.

–Harry C. Trover

How about you? Do you sometimes feel worthless, as if nothing you do is any good? Everyone does wrong, and there’s a lot of pain and hardship in the world because of it. But you’re special to God. He made you, He loves you, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you. When you trust in Jesus, He makes you into something beautiful. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today's Key Verse: But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (CSB)

Today's Key Thought: Jesus makes us beautiful

Read: Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:1-14

“Come on, Dad. We’re ready,” called Lina. They had all gathered for family night. It was storming outside, but in the den, they felt snug and cozy with plenty of games and popcorn.

“Coming,” Dad called from the bedroom.

Just then the power went out. “Oh no!” said Manuel. “No lights!”

“Now what do we do?” Lina asked.

“Honey,” Mom called, “bring that big candle from the bedroom, please. There are matches in the drawer there too.”

“Okay,” said Dad. “I hope I can find them in the dark—ouch! Stubbed my toe on the dresser!” A moment later they saw a glow in the bedroom as Dad lit a match, and he soon arrived in the den with the flickering candle.

“I hope the power won’t be off long,” said Manuel. He was eager to play games and munch on popcorn.

“I don’t even care. I like the room with just the candlelight,” Lina said.

Before long, they all agreed they could see well enough to play a game. “It’s amazing to see what a difference a small light makes, isn’t it?” said Mom.

Lina nodded. “When the lights first went out, the dark seemed kind of scary, but when Dad brought in the candle, it lit up the whole room.”

“A dark room may seem scary,” said Dad, “but it’s not nearly as scary as the darkness of sin. Without the light of Jesus, we’d have good reason to live in fear. But because He came into the world to save us and give us His light, we no longer have to go on stumbling in darkness.”

“Like you were in the bedroom when you stubbed your toe, Dad?” Manuel asked with a grin.

Dad chuckled. “Right. Jesus brings the light of His love into our lives, and we can share that light with others—just like I shared the light of this candle with you by bringing it in here from the bedroom.”

“So we have to let our lights shine, just like it said in the verse I learned at church last week,” Lina said. “We need to tell people about Jesus and let them know how much He loves them.”

–Robert Truesdale

How about you? Are you sharing the light of Jesus’s love with those around you? Don’t hide His light because you’re embarrassed about what others might think or say about you. When we were stumbling in the darkness of sin, Jesus came to save us even though He knew many people would reject Him. If you have His light in your life, share it with those around you. Tell others about Him and show His love in all you do.

Today's Key Verse: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Share the light of Jesus

Read: Psalm 18:31-36

“I knew I’d win a prize. I just knew it!” Jack stroked the shiny blue ribbon he was holding and grinned, remembering how quickly his horse had stood straight and still, with ears flicked forward. “Blaze was the best because he had the best trainer—me!”

“You did a good job training your horse,” Dad said. “But remember, you didn’t train him alone.”

“Yes, I did,” said Jack. “No one helped me—at least not much. I don’t need help. I know everything about…” He paused as Dad suddenly slowed down and stopped at the side of the road.

“Aha!” Dad said. “I thought I saw something odd.”

“What?” asked Jack, peering out the window.

“Come and see.”

Jack got out and followed Dad to a fence that ran beside the road. “Look.” Dad stopped beside one of the thick, round fence posts. A big turtle sat on top of it, sleeping in the sun.

Jack was flabbergasted. “How did he climb up there?”

“Well, I’d say someone must have put him there,” said Dad. “But he probably never even saw the hands that picked him up!” He lifted the turtle and set him on the ground. “Or the hands that put him down. When he sees his friends again, maybe he’ll tell them—in turtle language, of course—that he got up on that post and back down again all by himself.” Jack had a feeling Dad was talking about more than just the turtle. “Invisible hands,” said Dad softly. “I’d say that’s the help you had in training Blaze—God’s invisible hands.”

“You mean God helped me?” asked Jack. “God helped me train a horse?”

Dad nodded. “God gave you a brain and arms and legs and the ability to learn how to train Blaze—and people who taught you how to do it. Right?”

“Well, yeah,” Jack said thoughtfully. “So…”

“So maybe He deserves some credit?” suggested Dad. “After all, if Jesus hadn’t died and rose again to save us, none of our accomplishments would mean a thing. But He did save us, and He’s given us the abilities we have so we can use them to point to Him and everything He’s done for us.”

Jack sighed. “You’re right, Dad. I owe Him everything. He deserves the credit, not me.”

–Jane K. Chase

How about you? Do you give God the credit for your accomplishments, like getting good grades or winning at sports? Or do you let others think it’s all you? It’s okay to feel good about things you do well, but don’t forget to thank God for each success—after all, He’s the one who created you, saved you from sin, and blessed you with everything you have and are able to do. Nothing you do compares to what He’s done, so give Him the credit He deserves.

Today's Key Verse: If anyone wants to be proud, he should be proud of what the Lord has done. 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NLV)

Today's Key Thought: Give God credit for everything

Read: Psalms 95:1-7; 96:11-13

Gannon’s mom plopped the mushy, still-warm mound onto the coffee table for him to enjoy. After locating a recipe for homemade playdough online, Mom and Gannon gathered the ingredients and started creating. He was so excited to see the first batch!

Gannon pressed his small hands into the stretchy substance, pulling it this way and that. “It feels perfect, Mommy! I like it!” he exclaimed. “How did you do this?” Gannon asked. “You must be the goodest playdough maker in the world!”

Gannon’s mother smiled and settled on the rug beside the coffee table. “As much as you enjoy what I made for you, I’m just as happy about the playdough as you are,” she said.

“You are?” Gannon rolled the dough between his hands.

“Yep, I love to see how much joy it gives you. To know I made something for you that brings you pleasure is a blessing to me.” Then she picked up a lump of playdough and began pressing it into shape.

“I’m not the only one who likes creating things for their children to enjoy,” Mom continued. “I mixed together some items from our pantry to make the playdough—but think about what God created.”

“Yeah! Oceans, mountains, flowers…even koalas!” Gannon exclaimed.

Mom laughed. “Yes, even koalas. And God created all of that out of nothing.”

“Not even stuff from the pantry,” Gannon said.

“That’s right. God shows us His glory through His handiwork in the world, and He likes it when we enjoy His creation.”

“The world is a neat gift from God.” Gannon twirled his playdough into a bird’s nest.

“It is, and when we know God as His children—by trusting in Jesus, who lived a perfect life and then died to take the punishment for our sins—we understand how God loves to show us His love. He gives us good gifts, like the beautiful world we live in, and the gift of Jesus so we could become His children.”

“Mommy, we should say thank you to God for the world He made, for Jesus—and for this good playdough!”

–Allison Wilson Lee

How about you? When you play outside, do you notice the world around you? God created it for you to enjoy—the sun and moon to give you light, grass for you to play on, and animals for you to see and learn about. God not only created a beautiful world because He loves you; He also sent His Son, Jesus, so you could have eternal life. Next time you go outside, let the world God made remind you of His love!

Today's Key Verse: He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: God gives good gifts

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 18-20

“I can’t wait for our youth retreat!” Katie said. “Do you have permission to go yet?”

Tammy bit her lip. “Not yet.” If she went, she would have to invite her brother, Clint. Tammy loved Clint, but kids at school whispered behind his back because he didn’t understand when they were joking or when he should stop talking about his obsessions, especially with polar bears.

“Promise you’ll ask!” Katie called as Tammy got into Mom’s car.

Mom smiled at Tammy as they drove away. “What do you need to ask me?”

Tammy sighed. “There’s going to be a youth retreat at the ski lodge.”

“That’s awesome!” Mom said. “Of course you can go.”

“But if I go, then Clint will want to come. Remember the last time we went skiing? He almost got lost searching for polar bears. It was so embarrassing!”

“I see,” Mom said. “I’ll let you decide whether or not you want to invite him.”

Tammy was too surprised to respond. Suddenly, Mom pulled into an empty parking lot. Tammy gasped as Mom shut her eyes. “What are you doing?” Tammy cried.

“What?” Mom asked. “I thought it would be fun to drive with my eyes closed. I still have my foot to press the gas and my hands to steer the wheel.”

“But you can’t see where you’re going! What if we hit something?”

Mom opened her eyes. “What if I try driving without my feet? Or taking my hands off the wheel?”

“No!” Tammy said. “You need your whole body to drive.”

Mom nodded. “That’s right. Have you ever heard Christians described as a body?”

Tammy shook her head. That sounded weird!

“The Bible says we are the body of Christ,” said Mom. “God created each of us with unique gifts so we can show people who Jesus is and help each other grow in our faith. And every single person is needed. We’re all part of the wonderful purpose Jesus has given us as His people.”

When they got home, Clint ran to give Tammy a hug. “Clint, I have something important to ask you,” Tammy said. “Do you want to come on a ski retreat with me?”

Clint danced down the hallway as Tammy laughed. She already knew what gift Clint had—joy.

–Hannah Chung

How about you? Do you struggle to include kids who are different from you? Or maybe you’re often left out because of your differences. God created and loves each one of us, and He has given each of His children unique gifts that allow us to show others the love of Jesus. Even if others don’t recognize your gifts, God always sees you, and He will help you see and encourage others in the body of Christ.

Today's Key Verse: Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Everyone has God-given gifts

Read: Colossians 4:5-6; 1 John 4:7-11

“I love being out in the snow,” said Addison, catching a snowflake on the tip of her tongue.

Dad smiled. “I know—you never want to come in! But Mom sent me out to tell you dinner is hot and ready.” So Addison and Dad went in and washed up for dinner.

“Did you have a good time playing with the new neighbor girl?” Mom asked as they sat down to eat.

“Not really,” said Addison. “She’s from another country, and she’s hard to understand. I don’t think I’m going to play with her again.”

“But you don’t even know her very well yet,” said Mom. “Give her a chance.”

Addison shrugged. “I don’t know. I think she’s just too different.” She glanced out the window. “Look! It’s snowing again—great big snowflakes! Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike? At school we learned that each one is made up of different patterns and designs.”

Dad nodded. “Did you know that even though no two snowflakes are alike, all of them have something in common? Each one has six points. That’s like people too.”

“How is that like people?” Addison asked.

“Well, we know that no two people are exactly the same or have the same experiences, but we often forget that we’re also alike in many ways,” Dad explained.

“You mean we all breathe and eat and sleep and grow hair?” Addison asked. “Stuff like that?”

“Well, yes, that too,” Dad replied. “But I was thinking about how people from different parts of the world have their own languages and customs, but deep down we all have the same feelings and desires. We all want to feel loved and accepted, and we feel sad and upset when others make quick judgments about us.”

Addison sighed. “You’re talking about the new neighbor girl, aren’t you?”

Dad nodded. “Another thing all people have in common is that we’re all created in God’s image, and He loves us all so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. As His children, He wants us to share His love with others—even those who seem different—because we all have the same need for Him.” Addison looked out at the falling snow and nodded.

–Janice M. Jones

How about you? How do you treat kids who are different from you? Do you avoid them—or include them? If they moved from somewhere else, do you do your best to help them? No two people are exactly the same—God created each of us to be unique. But we’re all created in His image, and Jesus died for each one of us. Share His love by reaching out to those who are different from you.

Today's Key Verse: If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Show love to everyone

Read: Psalm 119:9-12; 2 Timothy 3:14-17

“Your Bible’s getting a bit dusty,” Dad remarked one day when he came into George’s room.

George shrugged. “I haven’t moved it in a while.”

“No?” Dad asked.

“I’ve been busy.” George put the finishing piece on the castle he was building. He loved making all kinds of cool buildings with his blocks.

“That’s too bad.” Dad stepped over to examine his newest creation. “I know you love a good story.”

“Especially about bad guys and good guys and a good fight.” George grinned as he grabbed a toy soldier to defend his block tower.

His dad picked up another toy and played with him for a few minutes. Then he walked back over to the bookshelf. “You’re missing out.”

George glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”

“The Bible has many stories about bravery and strength,” Dad said.

George set down the toy soldier. “Like what?”

“There’s a story of a young boy killing a giant. Another story of a city falling to the ground after the good guys march around it.” Dad gently wiped the dust from the cover of the Bible. “The Bible is one big story of God’s love for us. Every story points to Jesus—our Savior. He’s the hero because He died and rose again to save us from sin and conquer evil and death.”

“Maybe I should read it more.” George had heard some of the Bible stories before, but now his dad made them sound more interesting.

“Maybe we can start reading it together,” Dad said. “I think it would be fun—and it will help us learn more about Jesus too.”

“Sure,” George said.

They sat together on the bed, and Dad read the story of Daniel, who was thrown into a den of starving lions because he trusted and obeyed God. It was an exciting story, and George was amazed to learn how God protected Daniel and saved him from the lions. When his dad had finished reading, George smiled and said, “I don’t want my Bible to get dusty again.”

–Bethany Acker

How about you? What kinds of stories interest you? Do you like action stories? Or ones about friendship? Or stories where the hero saves the day? The Bible has all kinds of stories in it, but they all point to one big story—the story of God’s love and how Jesus came to rescue us from sin and destroy evil forever. As you read or listen to the stories in the Bible, think about how each one points to Jesus and teaches us to trust and obey Him.

Today's Key Verse: These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 (CSB)

Today's Key Thought: The Bible is the story of God’s love