Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-12

As Payton helped his mom clean the living room wall, he couldn't stop thinking about the day before. "I'm really sorry for what I did, Mom."

"Payton," Mom said. "It's over. You're sorry. You've asked for God's forgiveness. Once God has taken care of it, it's gone."

Payton frowned as he scrubbed at the wall. His little sister shouldn't have used it as her canvas. "I shouldn't have stolen that gum. I feel so gross. I never stole before. I never even thought of stealing. But…it was so easy."

"You're going to get tempted to do a lot of things like that." Mom smiled sadly. "And you're going to give in a lot. The important thing is that you never turn from God because of your guilt."

"Wouldn't He rather I do that?"

Mom shook her head. "No. Jesus loves you so much that He wants to wash you clean." She dropped her rag into the soapy bucket. "I think we're going to need something different to clean this wall. Let's take a break and go to the store."

A little while later, Mom started scrubbing again with the special sponge she had bought. "Wow! These really do work." She stepped back from the wall. "Can you even see where your sister's drawings were?"

Payton shook his head. It was like magic.

"That's how Jesus wants to clean you--how He did clean you when you asked for His forgiveness," Mom said. "Now, He wants you to move on. We're not going to keep looking at this wall and thinking about what was there. We're going to see it as new and clean."

"Why would God forgive me?" Payton wasn't ready to let go of what he was feeling.

"Because He loves you. Because Jesus died for your sins so you could be clean." Mom let out a soft laugh. "I'm not going to compare my love of a clean home to His love for you, but I cleaned this wall because I like my home and I like how it looks when it's clean. God loves you, Payton. He cares about you more than anyone ever could. He has forgiven you for your sin, and He wants you to let go of your guilt and shame."

Payton looked at the clean wall. Then he turned to his mom and smiled.

-Emily Acker

How About You?
Have you ever done something that you shouldn't and then felt really guilty about it? Did the guilt follow you even after you asked God for forgiveness? If you've trusted Jesus as your Savior, He has washed your sins away and made you clean. You'll still do things that are wrong sometimes, and when you do, confess them to Him. Then let go of your guilt, knowing you have been forgiven.

Today's Key Verse:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV) (1 John 1:9)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus has washed you clean

Bible Reading: Romans 8:18, 28, 31-39; Revelation 21:4

"Dad, do you know what the biggest rodent in the world is?" Conner asked, looking up from his homework.

"Beavers?" Dad guessed.

"That's what the beavers want you to think," Conner joked. "It's actually capybaras. We're learning about them at school."

"Huh! I've never heard of them," said Dad. "Tell me more."

"Capybaras live in parts of South America and can get up to a hundred and fifty pounds. They are semi-aquatic and can stay underwater for up to five minutes at a time! They are herbivores and live in groups of about ten or more."

"Wow, those sound like some capable critters!"

"Yeah. It's awesome that God made so many cool animals with different features they need to survive." Conner sighed. "But why hasn't God given you what you need, Dad?"

Dad placed his hand on Conner's shoulder. "Conner, I know you're struggling with this diagnosis I just got--we'll all have to lean hard on God to get through this."

"But Dad, it's not fair--your body will just get worse, and you may not even be able to move your arms and legs. I don't understand how you can think God is capable when He's let you down."

"I know it feels like God has let us down, but He hasn't. God never promised us a life free of pain and struggles--in fact, in John 16:33, Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble. The good news is that in Him we can have peace. As children of God, we don't have to fear whatever comes, because He is with us to strengthen, help, and comfort us. Remember, this life is not the end, Conner. God has already provided for our biggest need--He sent His Son to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead so we could live forever with Him. If He's capable of that, and promises to raise us from the dead one day too, we can trust Him to carry us through anything."

"In heaven, there's no more pain and suffering, right, Dad?"

"Not even any tears--except maybe happy ones," Dad said with a smile.

Conner took a deep breath. "Okay. I know this will be hard, but I'm going to trust that the God who made capybaras is capable of helping us through this too."

-Savannah Coleman

How About You?
Do you ever doubt that God is capable? When we or those we care about go through hard times, it can seem like God isn't there, or even that He is against us. But God loves us so much that He gave us His one and only Son, Jesus, so we could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life. In everything we experience, He promises to be with us. And one day, He will wipe every tear away.

Today's Key Verse:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV) (Romans 8:18)

Today's Key Thought:
God is capable

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 3:1-3; Titus 2:7-10

"Mom, it's just no use," said Mila. "I've tried and tried to get Freya to come to church with us, but she won't."

Mila's twin sister Adison nodded. "And I tried to give her a Bible and some Christian books I thought she'd like, but she won't even look at them."

"I even tried to tell her about Jesus," said Mila. "But she just said, 'Not interested!' She wouldn't even listen to me."

"So how's she ever going to hear the gospel and know that Jesus loves her and died to save her?" asked Adison.

Mom smiled at her daughters. "Well, she has both of you, doesn't she?"

"But, Mom," said Adison, "we just told you--she won't listen to us or read what we give her."

"Well, she may not hear the gospel the way we do--by hearing it in church or by reading the Bible," said Mom. "But I hope she will see it and hear it as she gets to know you better."

The girls looked at each other and frowned. "I don't get it," said Mila.

"You know that some of the New Testament books, called epistles, are actually letters to churches, don't you?" asked Mom.

"Yeah, I think our teacher at church told us that once," said Adison.

Mom nodded. "And all these letters--which are part of God's Word--are inspired by God Himself, right?" The girls nodded. "Well, did you know the Bible also says that each of you is a letter from Christ?" Mom asked.

Both girls raised their eyebrows. "What does that mean?" asked Mila.

"It means that talking isn't the only way to share the gospel," answered Mom. "As people see the way you live, it's like they're reading you. When you live in a way that shows others God's love, you touch people's hearts and make them want to know what makes you different. That may make it possible for you--or someone else--to tell them the good news of Jesus when they're ready to hear it."

-Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
Do you think the only way you can share the gospel is by talking--by telling someone that Jesus died for them? Telling others the good news of Jesus is a very important part of sharing the gospel, but you can also share it in the way you live. Next time a friend refuses to listen when you talk about Jesus, don't be discouraged. Instead, let them see how Jesus has changed your heart through kind words and loving actions. When your friend sees the gospel in action, they may eventually want to hear it in words too.

Today's Key Verse:
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. (CSB) (2 Corinthians 3:2)

Today's Key Thought:
Share the gospel in the way you live

Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:26-27; James 1:19

Jaden slouched through the living room doorway and dropped into a chair next to his mother, who was holding his baby sister Piper. "I have a problem," he said with a sigh. "I'm always losing my temper, and I don't make friends that way."

"No, I'm sure you don't," Mom said as she stood Piper on her feet. "Guess what? Piper took her first step today."

"Really? Good job, Piper!" Jaden held out his arms. "Come here! Walk over to me!"

He and Mom watched as the little girl took a few wobbly steps. Then down she went. Her face puckered, but she crawled to a chair and pulled herself up again. When she tried again, she walked a few more steps before she fell.

"Keep it up, and before you know it, you'll be running races with me!" said Jaden.

Mom smiled. "You know, Jaden, Piper took her first step today, and I think you took a first step too--you admitted that you have a problem."

Jaden sighed. "Yeah, I guess," he said grimly.

"Think of it as learning to walk," said Mom. "You had to learn to walk physically--and look how strong your legs are now!"

Jaden grinned. He loved running.

"Learning to walk takes time and practice," continued Mom. "That's true of learning to walk physically, and it's also true of the Christian walk as you learn to trust God and show others His love. When Piper falls, she has to get up--just as you did. And when you fall in your Christian walk, you need to keep working at it."

"So, if I just keep trying not to lose my temper, I'll get better at it?" Jaden asked.

"Trying isn't enough," Mom told him as she picked up Piper. "Your sister needs us to help her learn to walk, and we need God to help us grow as Christians. You need to look to Him. Remember that because you know Jesus, He's given you the power to turn from sin and respond to others in love instead of anger. Trust Him to give you strength and to help you control your temper--and ask Him to forgive you when you don't."

Jaden nodded. "Okay." He got up and headed for his room. "I'll trust Jesus to help me."

-Harriett A. Durrell

How About You?
Have you admitted that you have a problem--such as losing your temper, acting selfishly, or gossiping about others? Admitting it is the first step toward overcoming it. But don't try to overcome it on your own--admit that you need God's help and look to Him. Jesus has given you the ability to turn from sin and show others His love. Admit your weaknesses to Him and trust Him to give you strength.

Today's Key Verse:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV) (Philippians 4:13)

Today's Key Thought:
Admit your weaknesses

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7

"Oh, Dad!" said Owen. "I don't see why I have to be grounded! Can't I just do some extra chores or something?"

"I'm sorry, Owen," said Dad. "But I think being grounded this time is the best way to help you remember to obey." He patted Owen's shoulder. "I hope you know that I don't enjoy disciplining you. I do it because I love you."

"Yeah, right," Owen mumbled as Dad left.

The following week, Owen came down with a cold and a bad cough. He watched warily as his dad poured a spoonful of medicine for him to take, then gulped it down. "Ugh, it tastes awful! I don't want any more of that!" But during the night, Owen woke up, coughing again. His throat hurt, and he was actually glad when Dad came in with the medicine.

The next morning, Owen felt better. "Last week I was grounded, and this week I was sick. I felt like I'd never get to have fun again. But that medicine really helped. It sure doesn't taste good though!"

"I know," said Dad, "and I know you didn't like the punishment you received for disobeying, but discipline is a lot like bitter medicine--it's meant to make us better."

"I guess so," Owen replied.

"I know being disciplined isn't fun, but it's a sign of love," Dad said. "After all, the Bible says God disciplines us as His children, and He loves us more than anyone! He loves us so much that Jesus took the punishment for our sins Himself when He died on the cross. When we trust in Him as our Savior and become part of God's family, He uses discipline to teach us and help us grow."

"So does that mean you get disciplined sometimes too?" asked Owen.

Dad laughed. "Yes, it does. There have been times in my life when God has allowed me to suffer consequences for my sinful actions. When He has, it helped me realize that I had done that wrong thing because I was looking to the world or to myself for what I thought I needed instead of God. Though it wasn't fun, I was thankful He loved me enough to teach me that lesson."

Owen sighed as Dad poured him more medicine. "Then I guess I should be thankful for discipline too!"

-Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?
Do you enjoy being disciplined? No one does! But the correction you receive from your parents helps you grow into a mature, responsible adult. Disciplining a child for bad behavior is hard for a parent, but it shows their love. God also disciplines His children out of love so we'll learn to trust and obey Him. So don't resent discipline. Instead, be thankful for the loving correction you receive.

Today's Key Verse:
The Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. (CSB) (Proverbs 3:12 )

Today's Key Thought:
Be thankful for discipline