Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:11-17

Lilly and her family lived in Florida out in the country. Her neighbors were horses on one side and cows on the other. Lilly loved it, but her older sister--not so much. Cora preferred the big city nearby.

Lilly spent most of her time outdoors. She loved to run around their farm and play in the creek on their property. But one thing she didn't love doing was wearing shoes. It was almost always hot outside, so Lilly really didn't see the need.

"Ouch!" Lilly cried out one day. She had stepped on a small cactus again, and a thorn was poking out of her foot. Lilly sat on the ground and carefully pulled it out.

After playing in the creek most of the afternoon, she took off back toward the house. Ouch again! This time she stepped on some sand spurs.

"Did you have fun down at the creek today?" Mom asked when Lilly got home.

"I don't know how you can stand being outside in the heat, playing with who knows what," Cora interrupted.

"It's fun. Today I caught some crawdads, minnows, and baby frogs. But I also caught a cactus thorn and some sand spurs in my feet."

"I hope you left all your creatures at the creek," Cora said.

"I did, and I left the thorn and sand spurs too."

"That's why I always tell you to wear your shoes," said Mom. "It helps keep your feet protected."

After dinner that evening, Mom said, "Our conversation about wearing shoes made me think of some verses I'd like to read to you." Mom opened her Bible and read some verses from Ephesians that talked about putting on the armor of God.

"These verses remind us that the truth and promises of God offer us spiritual protection," said Mom. "When we read the Bible and learn about what it says in church, we are filling our hearts and minds with God's truth. Then when Satan or the world try to throw their lies at us, we are better prepared to fight them off. We can stand firm in the truth that we belong to Jesus and that He is more powerful than evil."

Cora nodded thoughtfully. "I understand those verses better now."

"Me too." Lilly giggled. "And I understand why you tell me to wear my shoes!"

–Lisa Fuller

How About You?
Did you know there is a spiritual battle going on for your heart and mind? This is why the Bible tells us to prepare ourselves by putting on the armor of God. Spend time with Jesus each day praying and reading His Word and spend time with other Christians learning about His truth and promises in the Bible. Fill your heart and mind with God's truths so that you are better prepared to resist Satan's lies.

Today's Key Verse:
Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NLT) (Ephesians 6:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Stand firm in God's truth

Bible Reading: Matthew 20:1-15; Ephesians 2:8-9

Jonathan and Maeve ran next door to show their report cards to their grandma. "Good job!" she exclaimed and gave them each a candy bar.

"Grandma gave Maeve the same thing she gave me," Jonathan complained to his mom when he and his sister returned home. "That's not fair! I got better grades than she did, so I should have gotten more."

"That decision was up to Grandma," replied Mom. "Maybe the reward is the same because she loves you both and knows you did your best."

After dinner, Mom baked some cookies. As she took the last pan out of the oven, Jonathan came to the kitchen to see what was baking. "Anyone who wants to try my cookies has to help clean up first," said Mom, so Jonathan started washing bowls and utensils. When Maeve followed her nose into the kitchen a little later, Mom repeated the message. "Anyone who wants cookies has to help clean the kitchen." There wasn't a lot left to do, but Maeve got busy.

"Are the cookies ready?" asked Dad a little later, and Mom repeated the message one more time. Dad looked around, but everything had been washed--even the cookie sheets. Taking a sponge, he wiped the counters.

"Thanks for helping," said Mom, and she handed two cookies to each of them.

"Two for everybody?" objected Jonathan. "Maeve and Dad didn't do as much work as I did. Why do they get the same number of cookies?"

"They responded when I told them I'd give them cookies if they helped, just like you did," said Mom. But Jonathan continued to scowl.

"Time for devotions," called Dad a little later. "Would you read this parable in Matthew for us, Jonathan?" Dad handed Jonathan the Bible.

When Jonathan had finished reading, Dad said, "Grandma and Mom gave equal rewards today--not for equal work, but for equal kindness and generosity on their part. God is like that too. Even though none of us deserve His kindness because of our sin, He offers us forgiveness through Jesus. When we put our faith in Him, He gives us eternal life and helps us serve Him according to the abilities and opportunities He's given us." Dad smiled at Jonathan. "Aren't you glad God's grace isn't fair?"

–Nance E. Keyes

How About You?
Do you get upset when you think you deserve more than others but they get just as much as you? It might help to remember that God offers us a gift none of us deserve. There's nothing we could do to earn eternal life--Jesus earned it for us by dying for our sins so He could share His reward with us. God's grace isn't fair--it's generous and undeserved, and it's better than any reward you could earn yourself.

Today's Key Verse:
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift. (CSB) (Ephesians 2:8)

Today's Key Thought:
God's grace is generous

Bible Reading: Psalms 18:1-3, 31-32; 121:1-3

Lucy closed her book with a THWAP! "I've studied and studied until I can't even see the numbers on the pages anymore, Mom, but I just know I'm going to fail that math test tomorrow."

"But you've studied hard, and you've prayed about the test too," said Mom. "Now just do the best you can and trust the Lord to help you."

Lucy sighed. "It's just that I keep thinking about how terrible I am at math. I just know I'll do the problems all wrong."

"Lucy, do you remember the time we were out on that big rock at the ocean? It was so big, and we just stayed out there, enjoying all the space. We didn't notice the tide coming in, and we got caught out there, remember?"

"Yeah," said Lucy. "A storm came up before we could get back to shore, and the winds and waves beat against that rock. That was one of the scariest times of my life!"

Mom nodded. "It was scary, all right. Do you remember what Dad said?"

"He told me not to be afraid. He said something like, 'We may tremble on the rock, but the rock will never tremble under us.' And he was right--the rock held firm, and we were safe." She paused for a moment. "Dad said God is our Rock and that even when we face difficult times, we can rest on Him and don't need to be afraid."

"Right," said Mom. "Jesus died to save us from sin so we could have eternal peace and joy with Him, and He promises to be with us and help us in everything we face--in hard times like when Grandpa died last summer, but also in everyday situations like math tests."

"So I didn't even have to study after all?" Lucy said with a grin.

Mom smiled. "You know I don't mean that. You still need to study, and you did, so now you can trust God with the outcome. That doesn't mean things always turn out the way we hope they will--you might still fail the test even though you studied. But whatever happens, God is always faithful and will be there for us. We can trust Him to help us and to use our efforts to do good things."

–Mary Rose Pearson

How About You?
Do you pray about your concerns in life? Do you trust God to help you, or do you focus on your own abilities or circumstances? God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you, and He cares about everything that troubles you, no matter how big or small it seems. You can trust Him to help you with all your problems, even if it's in a way you don't expect. He's the immovable Rock. Rest on Him!

Today's Key Verse:
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. (NKJV) (Psalm 18:2)

Today's Key Thought:
Trust God in everything

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Emma, don't forget that you need to clean your closet," said Mom.

But the closet was the last thing on Emma's mind as she finished her snack after school. "Wren said she would sit with me at lunch today, but when I went to the lunchroom, she wasn't there. She's been doing lots of stuff like that lately. I'm never going to speak to her again!"

"I know it hurts when friends disappoint us," said Mom. "But instead of dumping her as a friend, maybe you could try to find out if something's wrong. Maybe she's having problems at school or at home."

Emma shook her head. "We're not friends anymore," she declared as she stomped off to clean her closet.

When Emma returned to the kitchen, she was clutching something furry in her arms. "Look what I found in the back of my closet!" she said, holding out her old teddy bear.

Mom smiled. "That old thing," she said fondly. "You used to take him everywhere."

"Teddy was my best friend," Emma said, hugging him closer.

Mom took Teddy from Emma's arms. "Yes, but look at him now. The color is rubbed off his nose, the fur is gone from the back of his head, and--pew! He doesn't smell very good. I think it's time to get rid of him." Mom walked toward the wastebasket.

"No, Mom!" Emma cried, reaching for the bear. "I can't throw him away! He's my friend."

Mom stopped. "Well, okay. But if you want to keep him, you'll have to clean him up a bit." She handed the bear back to Emma. "You're right--we shouldn't throw our friends away, should we?"

Emma hugged Teddy tightly. "You mean Wren, don't you?" She sighed. "I guess I don't want to throw her away either."

Mom rubbed at an old chocolate stain on Teddy's arm. "We all disappoint our friends at times. Sometimes we just need some extra attention like Teddy here--we need a friend who's there for us no matter what. That's the kind of friend Jesus is--He wouldn't ever throw us away. He loves us and forgives us and promises to be with us when things are hard. And because you know Him, you can be the same kind of friend to Wren. With a little extra love, I'm sure she'll be as good as new."

–Katherine R. Adams

How About You?
Have you ever wanted to throw one of your friends away? Maybe they said something mean to you or weren't much fun to be around. But a real friend loves at all times--even when it's hard. That's the kind of friend Jesus is, and because He's a good friend to you, you can be a good friend too. Trust Him to help you be there for your friends, even when things get tough.

Today's Key Verse:
A friend loves at all times. (NKJV) (Proverbs 17:17)

Today's Key Thought:
Be a faithful friend

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-12

"School was rotten today," Kevin said.

"Rotten? Why?" Dad asked. "Was there broccoli in your hot lunch again?"

"No." Kevin grimaced. "But I do hate broccoli. School was rotten because my teacher, Mr. Harper, got arrested for drugs. A bunch of parents are trying to get him fired."

Dad was stunned. "Kevin, are you sure? I've known Ron Harper for years. Is he still in jail?"

Kevin shook his head. "No, it happened fifteen years ago, when he was in college."

"Then why are people talking about this now?" Dad asked.

"Someone found out about it online, so now everyone's mad. I never liked Mr. Harper anyway. He gives tons of homework and quizzes. But the worst thing is, he always says, 'Don't use drugs, not ever, not even once.'"

"Maybe that's because he cares about you and knows from experience that drugs can destroy your life," said Dad. "You know, Kevin, it's easy to believe bad things about someone you don't like."

Kevin shrugged. "Some kids are transferring out of his class. Can I transfer too?"

"I want to hear about this from Mr. Harper himself. I'll see if he can meet me for coffee. Until then, you aren't to gossip about this with anyone, understand? You know the Bible warns against gossip."

"Even if it's true?"

"Especially if it's true," said Dad.

That evening, Kevin's dad called him for dinner. "Kevin, before we eat, let's talk. Mr. Harper told me that it's true he was arrested for drugs in college. He spent many months in jail and paid a big fine, and he deeply regrets doing what he did. He also told your school principal about his arrest before he was hired as a teacher." Dad sighed heavily. "Kevin, don't forget that as Christians, our sins have been buried in the deepest sea of God's forgiveness, and--"

"I know," said Kevin. "If Jesus can forgive us, we can forgive Mr. Harper."

"Absolutely. Forgiveness doesn't always mean we trust people to be in certain positions, but in Mr. Harper's case, I can see he's changed, and I trust him to be a good teacher."

Kevin nodded, then looked toward the stove. "Well, I'm starving. What's for dinner?"

"Broccoli," said Dad. Kevin frowned, but Dad smiled. "Just kidding. I made spaghetti."

–Teresa Ambord

How About You?
Have you heard gossip about someone you didn't like? It can be tempting to believe bad things about somebody else, even without proof. But even if it is true, remember that the only person who ever lived a perfect life without mistakes was Jesus. He forgave us, and we can show the same forgiveness to others.

Today's Key Verse:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) (Ephesians 4:32)

Today's Key Thought:
As Jesus forgives, so must we