Bible Reading: Malachi 3:8-12; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7

As church began, Ginny was thinking about how she had finally earned enough money for a whole week at summer camp. For weeks she had been putting every cent she earned into the bank.

Ginny's thoughts were interrupted by a nudge on her elbow. The offering was being taken, and she hadn't given anything for a long time. But my money will be used for camp where I'll be learning more about Jesus, she thought, so she let the plate pass her by.

The following Saturday, Ginny's youth group had a cookout at their teacher's house. After they had eaten, the kids played with Miss Harper's little dog, Pixie. "Watch this," Miss Harper said, throwing a ball far across the lawn. Pixie sprinted after it, then ran back and dropped it into Miss Harper's hand. Each time Miss Harper threw the ball, Pixie got it and brought it back.

"This game wasn't much fun when I first got Pixie," said Miss Harper. "When I'd throw the ball, she'd grab it and run. She finally learned to bring it back, but for a while, she wouldn't let it go."

"Maybe she didn't know you'd throw it for her again," said Ginny. "Maybe she was afraid the game would be over if she gave up the ball."

Miss Harper nodded. "I think we're all a little like that sometimes. I know I was. I used to be afraid to let go of my money. I was afraid that if I gave any of it to the Lord, I wouldn't have enough left for myself." She smiled. "Pixie learned to trust me and let go of the ball, and I finally learned to trust God and let go of my money. And you know what? The more I gave, the more I felt His blessings and care in my life. When we needed a Savior, God didn't hold back--He gave us His Son, Jesus. He loves us that much, and we can trust Him to provide for our needs. When I was selfishly holding on to my money, I was only cheating myself, but God helped me trust Him so He could use my generosity to bless others."

Ginny thought about the money she had saved. I want to give part of that money back to God, she thought, and trust that He'll provide everything I'll need for camp!

-Catherine Runyon

How About You?
Do you give part of the money you receive to God? Maybe you think whatever amount you can give is too small to matter. But it does matter. God is the one who provides you with that money in the first place, and giving part of it back shows that you depend on Him for your needs. He loves you and wants to use your willingness to give to bless you and others. Give to God and trust Him to take care of you.

Today's Key Verse:
Give, and it will be given to you…with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (NKJV) (Luke 6:38)

Today's Key Thought:
Give faithfully

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:2-5; Romans 8:38-39

Waiting for the parade to begin, Evelyn watched as her sister buried her face in Mom's shoulder. Evelyn used to do that too when she was little. There was a woman talking to Mom, and Elise was scared of the stranger. Mom motioned Evelyn over.

Evelyn straightened up. It was okay for a toddler to bury her face, but Evelyn was ten, and she wasn't going to hide. She walked over and smiled when Mom introduced her to her friend.

The parade started with a loud siren ringing out. Evelyn covered her ears with her hands. She saw Elise bury her face in Mom's shoulder again. Part of her wished she could join her.

Evelyn watched as a band marched through the street. The clashing cymbals were her favorite. She hoped that she could be in a band like that one day. Next, there were horses, then a decorated truck.

Evelyn was enjoying the parade and barely noticed the rain as it started to fall. Then it started to thunder. Everyone scattered. She turned to where her mom had been, but she wasn't there.

Evelyn started to look around frantically for her family. "Mom! Where are you?"

A million thoughts went through Evelyn's head. She thought of all of the bad things that could happen. Then she heard her Sunday school teacher's voice in her head telling her that God was her safe place--that Jesus died for her sins so she could be safe with Him forever. She thought of her sister in Mom's arms. She wanted God to hold her like that.

Evelyn started to walk down the street, calling out for her mom. She prayed, asking God to keep her safe and help her find her family.

Finally, Evelyn heard her mom's voice. She turned and ran to her. This time, she let herself bury her face in her mom's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry," Mom said. "I thought you heard me tell you we were going to the shelter."

Mom had her arms wrapped tightly around her, and Evelyn didn't want to move. Ever. She realized that's how it felt to be sheltered by God. She smiled, glad that the safe place she had in Jesus felt as secure as being held by her mom.

-Emily Acker

How About You?
What is the safest you have ever felt? God can shelter you so you feel safe like that. Even though bad things happen in the world, we can feel safe because Jesus promises eternal life to those who trust in Him. Nothing can separate us from Him--not even death. If you don't yet know Him as your Savior, trust in Him today so you can feel the peace of being safe in His arms. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)

Today's Key Verse:
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (NIV) (Psalm 32:7)

Today's Key Thought:
God offers us shelter

Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-11

The somber black wall, engraved with rows and rows of names, filled Wylder with awe. He was visiting Washington, D.C. with his family, and he was standing in front of the monument honoring the men and women who had died while serving in the Vietnam War. All their names were listed on the wall.

An older man wearing a veteran's hat stood nearby. He seemed to be looking for something as he read the names. Then he placed a finger on one of them and began tracing the letters. Over and over he traced the letters of that name. Curious, Wylder edged closer. He was surprised to see tears on the man's cheeks. The man noticed him, and feeling embarrassed, Wylder backed away.

"It's all right, son," said the man. "Let me explain the reason for these tears." He squatted down and looked Wylder in the eye. "The name I was tracing belongs to a good friend of mine--a man who fought with me in Vietnam. We were together when a grenade landed right beside us. Glenn threw himself on it and took all the fury of the explosion. He died for me. Because of him, I'm alive today." The man gave Wylder a trembling smile and turned to go.

Wylder later told his parents what the man had said. "It must be a strange feeling to know that somebody died to save your life," Wylder said.

"I'm sure it is," said Dad. He nodded thoughtfully. "Actually, that happened to you too, Wylder. Someone did die to save you."

Wylder was stunned. "Someone died to save my life? Who?"

"Jesus," replied Dad. "All that He suffered on the cross was for you, Wylder. It was to pay for your sins and mine and those of everyone else in the world. He sacrificed His life to save us."

"Wow!" said Wylder. "I knew that, but it seems more real now after talking to that soldier." He looked down the length of the wall. "If I see him around here again, maybe I'll get a chance to tell him that someone died to save me too."

-Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?
Did you know that Jesus sacrificed His life to save you? By dying on the cross, Jesus took the punishment for your sin--the wrong things you've done--so you could have eternal life. That's how much He loves you. Trust Him as your Savior so you can have eternal life with Him. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)

Today's Key Verse:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NKJV) (Romans 5:8)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus died for your sins

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-26

"I hate being cooped up with this dumb broken leg," Jack complained to his uncle. "All my friends are out having fun without me. It's not fair!"

"Well, I brought something that might help." Uncle George handed Jack a paper bag. Eagerly, Jack opened it. He found a jar containing a little green creature about three inches long. "It's a chameleon," said Uncle George. "Here--you can let him out of the jar. He'll enjoy running through your mother's houseplants on the windowsill."

Jack laughed. "Not if Mom sees him, he won't," he said as he carefully placed his new pet on the stem of a large plant. "Hey! He looks different, Uncle George! His color is changing."

Uncle George chuckled. "He must know he's in a new environment."

"Cool!" said Jack. "I knew they changed colors, but I never saw it happen before. My teacher says people sometimes think chameleons only change color to blend in with their surroundings, but they also change color based on what kind of mood they're in or on how they feel…like if they're too warm or too cold."

Uncle George nodded thoughtfully. "People can be like that too, can't they?"

"You mean like when someone's angry or embarrassed and their face turns red?" asked Jack.

Uncle George laughed. "Actually, I was thinking about changing colors in another way. As Christians, it can be easy to smile and praise God when everything is going our way, but when something bad happens, we sometimes change colors fast. You wouldn't always know by watching us that we believe in a loving Savior who cares about us."

Jack blushed. Ever since he'd broken his leg, he'd been pouting and feeling sorry for himself, and he hadn't been acting very nice toward his friends.

"Life is hard sometimes," Uncle George continued. "Jesus understands that--He experienced hard things too when He came to earth to save us. When bad things happen, we can share our feelings with Him. He'll remind us that He loves us, and the Holy Spirit will help us reflect that love in our attitude." Uncle George got up. "I'd better go. Enjoy your new pet. Watch and see what other colors he'll change to."

Jack smiled. "Thanks, Uncle George. And thanks for reminding me that I can change colors too."

-Matilda H. Nordtvedt

How About You?
Does your attitude consistently reflect your faith in Jesus? Or does it constantly change based on your mood or circumstances? When faced with a hard situation, you may feel sad or angry, and that's okay. But remember that Jesus understands what you're going through and promises to be with you. Share your feelings with Him, and let your attitude and the way you treat others show that you have faith in His promises.

Today's Key Verse:
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. (NLT) (Galatians 5:25)

Today's Key Thought:
Reflect Jesus in your attitude

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3

"Did I really wear this?" asked Rylee as she and her mother were sorting through a

box of memories. Rylee held up a tiny knitted bonnet. "It's so small!"

Mom smiled. "It's amazing how much babies grow, isn't it?" She picked up a pair of baby shoes. "You wore these when you were just starting to walk." Mom rubbed the soft leather. "Before long, you were running everywhere and ready for a larger pair of shoes."

Rylee found a small scrapbook and opened it. "Look what you wrote here, Mom! It says, 'Rylee's drawings from ages three to six.'" She examined the pages. "I'm glad to see they got better each year! The more I grew, the better I drew." Rylee grinned at her mom. "I'm a poet and you didn't even know it!"

Mom laughed and turned to another page in the book. "Look. Here's a list of questions you asked when you were in kindergarten."

Rylee eagerly looked at the list. "Listen to these, Mom. 'Are clouds made out of cotton candy?' 'Is God everywhere all the time?' 'Why did Jesus have to die?'"

"All good questions," said Mom. "Do you know the answers now?"

"Sure," said Rylee. "I've learned a lot since kindergarten."

Mom nodded. "Good. You grew physically and mentally, and you grew spiritually too. That's how it should be."

Rylee thought for a moment. "I know I grew physically and mentally by eating food and going to school, but how did I grow spiritually? Just by going to church?"

"Church was a big part of it--the things you learned in Sunday school and from the pastor's sermons about Jesus and how much He loved you. Reading the Bible was also important, and so was prayer. God used all those things to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and make you more like Him."

Rylee held up the scrapbook. "It's like these drawings. The more I grew, the better I drew. And the more I, uh…" She laughed. "Oops! Guess I'm not a poet after all. I can't think of a rhyme for how I grew spiritually."

Mom laughed too. "That's okay," she said. "You're still growing."

-Sandra L. Ardoin

How About You?
Do you wear the same clothes as you did a few years ago? They probably don't fit you now, do they? You're probably better at sports than you used to be, and you're able to solve harder problems too, right? That's because you're growing physically and mentally. Have you also grown spiritually? Do you know more about Jesus? As you get to know Him better, He will help you grow spiritually so others can see Him in your words and actions more and more.

Today's Key Verse:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV) ( 2 Peter 3:18)

Today's Key Thought:
Grow spiritually