Bible Reading: James 3:5-8

Miguel and Carlos were exploring the small stream in Miguel's backyard. "Hey, look over there!" Carlos pointed. "It's a poison dart frog! I wonder if we can catch it."

The boys ran back to the house to ask Miguel's dad for a bucket. "You're going to catch what?" Dad asked in surprise.

"A poison dart frog!" said the boys in unison.

"Maybe I should come to supervise this," Dad said. "Poison dart frogs can be dangerous if you don't handle them properly."

Dad and the boys, now armed with a bucket and gloves, went back to the stream in search of the frog. They quickly found the bright orange and blue frog perched on a rock. Together they captured the little creature in their bucket. "Boys, this tiny frog is oozing poison. In fact, animals that eat these frogs can get very sick, and many die from the toxic poison. Since it's on the frog's skin, touching it could be very painful if the poison got into a cut or open wound."

"Oh boy!" said Carlos. "These frogs are bad news!"

"They aren't all bad," said Dad. "Scientists are trying to develop medicine using some of these little guys. They think the toxins could be used in good ways like in anesthesia and muscle relaxants."

Miguel looked puzzled. "So these frogs can be both deadly and helpful?"

"That's right," said Dad. "It just depends on how they're used." He peered into the bucket to look at the little frog. "You know, poison dart frogs always make me think of our tongues," Dad said.

"I'm sure not going to lick this frog!" Carlos said with a laugh.

Dad smiled. "I wouldn't recommend that. But just like this poison dart frog can be both harmful and helpful, our tongues have the power to speak hurtful or encouraging words. The Bible says that both death and life are in the power of the tongue, so we have to choose to use our words in the right way. We need to remember that we belong to Jesus and speak in a way that reflects His goodness and love."

Miguel looked in the bucket. "Well, little poison dart frog, you will be a good reminder to use my words to help people, not hurt them."

-Kendra Angle

How About You?
Do your words bring help or harm to those around you? The Bible says our words are very powerful. We can use that power in a good way to show others the love of Jesus, or we can speak harsh, unkind words that hurt people's feelings. Jesus always helps and encourages us through His words in the Bible, and He wants us to speak words that lift people up, not tear them down.

Today's Key Verse:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV) (Proverbs 18:21)

Today's Key Thought:
Speak helpful words

Bible Reading: Psalms 19:1-4; 33:6-9; John 1:1-3

Luca and his dad were watching a cartoon about creatures from another planet. "That was fun," said Luca when it ended.

Dad grinned. "Fun, yes, but also pretty silly." He got up off the couch. "And now I'm going to go finish your bookcase."

"I wonder if there really is life on other planets," Luca said as he followed his dad to the workshop.

Dad picked up an electric screwdriver. "I read an article online about the space probes scientists have sent to Mars. The probes have helped us learn a lot about the planet, but they haven't found any evidence of life."

"What kinds of things are they looking for?" asked Luca.

"If I'd known I was going to be quizzed, I would have read the article more carefully!" Dad teased. Luca laughed as he held a shelf steady so Dad could drive in the screw. "I believe they're looking for signs of either animal or plant life," Dad said. "If they found a skyscraper or a farmhouse, I imagine they'd conclude there was intelligent life on Mars."

Luca grinned at the idea of a farmhouse on Mars. "What does that mean--intelligent life?"

"It means living beings that are able to think and reason," said Dad.

"Like humans?" asked Luca.

"Exactly. So why would a farmhouse on Mars make scientists think there was intelligent life there?"

"Because somebody would have had to design it and build it," replied Luca.

"That's right. I don't think scientists are going to find a farmhouse on Mars, but the universe is full of signs of intelligent life that are visible to everyone," said Dad.

Luca's eyes widened. "It is?"

Dad nodded. "Just look at the stars in the sky, or at a dog, or a dandelion, or a human. They're not here by accident; they were designed by the most intelligent life of all--God! The Bible tells us all of creation points to God, our Creator." Dad set down the screwdriver. "There! What do you think of this bookcase?"

Luca grinned. "It looks like someone put a lot of thought and work into it, so it must be a sign of intelligent life!" Dad laughed as they carried the bookcase to Luca's room.

-Holly F. Cepeda

How About You?
Have you ever been told that the world and everything in it just happened--that it all just came together by chance? When you think about it, that makes no sense at all. Everything you see and use each day required a designer and a builder--and that includes things in nature. God created everything there is, and it all points to His greatness and glory.

Today's Key Verse:
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (NKJV) (John 1:3)

Today's Key Thought:
God designed and created everything

Bible Reading: Psalm 23

Callie scooted into the passenger seat of her mom's SUV and gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I wanted to practice one more time."

Mom smiled. "Today's the day you recite Psalm 23 in front of your Sunday school class, isn't it?"

"Yes," said Callie with a sigh. "And for some reason I keep forgetting the fourth verse."

"Why don't you practice with me?" said Mom. She started the car and pulled onto the long, winding road to church.

Callie's face brightened. "Sure!" She cleared her throat. "'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though…though I…'" She shook her head. "It's no use. I always forget--Mom! Stop!"

Mom hit the brakes, and with a jolt, the SUV came to a halt.

"Look!" said Callie, pointing out the windshield. "A turtle!"

Sure enough, a small turtle with a greenish-gray shell was slowly trekking across the road.

Callie grabbed a pair of gloves from under her seat and opened the door. "I'll move him to safety before he gets hit by a car."

"Just watch out for traffic," replied Mom.

Approaching the turtle from behind, Callie firmly grasped its shell with both hands and gently lifted it into the air. "Hold on, little friend," she said softly.

She walked quickly toward the lake on the other side of the road. Within seconds, the turtle was safe and sound, swimming among the lily pads.

When Callie got back to the car, she was grinning from ear to ear. "Guess what? I remember the next verse! 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.'"

Mom laughed. "That turtle was literally walking through the valley of death, wasn't he?"

"Yes," said Callie. "And just like Jesus is always there to help us, His children, in times of trouble, I was able to help the turtle."

"You certainly did," said Mom with a smile. "Ready to head to church?"

"I am now," said Callie. "All thanks to a turtle!"

-Amanda Spino

How About You?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt scared and alone? Perhaps you were someplace new and unfamiliar. Or maybe you were lost. The Bible promises that Jesus is always with us, even in our darkest moments. Next time you are afraid, tell Jesus how you feel and let Him embrace you with His comfort and peace.

Today's Key Verse:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. (NKJV) (Psalm 23:4)

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus is always near

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-11

"Aw, Grandpa, why do we always have to read the Bible after dinner?" Mack complained. I want to go finish building my fort, he thought as he watched Grandpa pull his big Bible off the shelf in the dining room.

Suddenly a bolt of lightning split the sky outside the window. Mack ducked with his hands over his ears as thunder shook the house. The lights blinked and then shut off.

"Not the lights," Mack groaned. Well, at least now we can't read the Bible since Grandpa can't see well enough to read in dim light, so I can go make my fort, he thought. "Grandpa, can I have a flashlight?"

"What for?" Grandpa asked. Mack could hear shuffling as he returned the Bible to its shelf.

"So I can finish building my fort," Mack said.

"You don't need a flashlight for that," Grandpa said. "You can see well enough."

Mack huffed and gripped the edge of the table as he made his way toward Grandma's linen closet. His foot hit something cold and metal, and water splashed onto his pant leg. "Ew, dog water!"

Grandpa handed him a napkin and he dried his foot. After grabbing an armful of blankets from Grandma's closet, he headed down the hall toward the living room. As he turned the corner, he smacked into the edge of the wall. "Owww!" he howled, and his blankets fell to the floor.

He saw a light bobbing from the direction of the dining room, and soon Grandpa appeared, flashlight in hand. "Would you like this?" Grandpa asked, holding out the light.

"Yes please," Mack said.

"Did you know that the Bible is like a flashlight too?" Grandpa asked as he helped Mack gather his blankets.

"What do you mean?"

"God's Word shows us where to walk. It shines light into our lives by showing us our sin and our need for Jesus to free us from it. And it teaches us how to live as God's children. Without the truth of God's Word in our lives, we would be stumbling in the darkness, and that always leads to trouble."

"Like how I spilled the dog water and smacked into the wall?" Mack asked.

Grandpa nodded. He piled the last blanket in Mack's arms. "Now go finish that fort of yours," he said. "And with a light this time."

-Julia Lodi

How About You?
Have you ever wondered why you should read the Bible? The Bible shines the light of God's truth into our lives so we can see the path we should follow. It points us to Jesus, who died for our sins so we could have a relationship with God. It shows us how to live as God's children and share His love with others. Read and listen to its truth so it can light your path and show you the way you should go.

Today's Key Verse:
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. (CSB) (Psalm 119:105)

Today's Key Thought:
God's Word gives light

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:3-4

"Look!" said Mom. Isabel's eyes followed her mother's pointing finger. Her blue eyes sparkled as she spotted a striking orange and black butterfly flitting daintily from flower to flower.

"He's so pretty!" Isabel exclaimed. "Let's watch and see where he goes." Mom nodded, and they followed the butterfly's progress through Grandma's garden.

"Look at those red flowers," said Isabel a moment later. "They're the prettiest flowers in the garden. That butterfly will like them." She looked around. "Where did he go? I don't see him anymore."

Mom's eyes searched the area. Then she pointed toward a small cluster of weeds just below the red flowers. "He's there."

"On those weeds?" asked Isabel. "Oh yeah, I see him. I wonder why he's bothering with weeds when there are so many pretty flowers."

Mom smiled. "That's one wise little butterfly. He knows that the prettiest flowers aren't always the ones with the sweetest nectar."

"You mean those tiny purple flowers on the weeds taste sweeter to the butterfly than the big red ones?" asked Isabel.

Mom nodded. "It seems that they do."

Isabel frowned. "How odd!"

"We should be as wise as that butterfly," Mom said. "Sometimes, we get carried away by the way people look or how they dress. We forget that real sweetness and beauty comes from the heart--the kind of person we are on the inside."

Isabel thought about that. "So it doesn't matter how we look?"

Mom laughed. "I didn't say that. We should take care of ourselves and do our best to look nice. But when we focus more on our outer appearance than we do on the way we treat others, that's not good. We need to remember that our true beauty comes from Jesus. He has given us new, beautiful hearts, and that means we can show His love to others through our attitudes and actions."

"And letting people see the beauty He's given us on the inside is more important than what we look like, isn't it?" said Isabel.

"It sure is," said Mom. "Let's remember that how we are on the inside is what's important in God's sight and trust Him to help us show others how He has made us beautiful."

-Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
What kind of person are you? It's natural to want to look good and wear nice clothes, but remember that in God's eyes real beauty is on the inside. Real beauty is found in Jesus and the love He has put in your heart. If you are kind and gentle and loving in how you treat others, you are showing the kind of beauty that God loves to see--the beauty of Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
Your beauty…should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (NIV) (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Today's Key Thought:
Show your inner beauty