Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10, 13

"Mr. Robinson asked me to give my testimony at our youth group meeting Sunday night," Olivia told her mother as they walked along a path in the woods. "I'm going to tell him I just can't do it! I'm too scared!" She pointed toward a nearby hill. "There's the old fire lookout tower, Mom. Looks like somebody's on duty there today. Do you think they'll let us climb it? I've never done that."

"Let's check it out," said Mom.

When they walked over to the tower, Olivia hesitated. "I don't know," she said as she looked up at flight after flight of stairs leading to the top of the tower. "It looks scary! I don't really like being up so high."

"I'll be behind you to make sure you don't fall," Mom assured her. So after they got permission, Olivia and her mother began climbing.

The higher they climbed, the scarier it seemed, but Olivia could feel her mom's presence right behind her. And when they finally reached the top, Olivia was amazed as she looked out over the forest. Brilliant colors from the setting sun clung to clouds on the horizon. It made a spectacular canopy over the trees and hills below. "Wow, this is awesome!" said Olivia.

"Was it worth being scared?" Mom asked.

"It sure was," said Olivia. "Besides, even though I was scared, I knew you were with me."

"You know," said Mom, "if you let fear keep you from giving your testimony, you might miss something as awesome as this view."

"What do you mean?" asked Olivia.

"It's awesome to see what God does when we share how He's working in our lives with others," replied Mom.

"But what if I get so scared I can't even talk?" asked Olivia.

"I'm not saying you'll breeze right through it, but just like I was with you and ready to help you on these stairs, God will be with you and help you speak about Jesus and how He's changed your life. Even if you mess up, He'll be there to support you and use what you say to bless others."

Olivia hesitated, then nodded. "Okay," she said. "Even though it's scary, I'll trust God to help me."

–Katherine R. Adams

How About You?
Is there something you believe God wants you to do? Someone you should reach out to or talk to about Jesus? If you feel afraid, remember that God will be with you and help you. He is working in your life so that you can point others to Jesus and help them know He loves them and gave His life to save them. Trust Him to help you serve Him and share His love with others in spite of your fear.

Today's Key Verse:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT) (2 Timothy 1:7)

Today's Key Thought:
Don't be afraid to serve God

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Javier looked out the window. Rain rattled on the roof, and thunder jolted his eardrums. "Why is it so loud, Mom?" he asked.

"The storm is getting closer," replied Mom. "The reporter on TV said the basement is the safest place in storms like this, so let's go." Mom handed Javier a jug of water and a couple of flashlights. "You can carry these," she said. "I'll grab some snacks and our emergency pack."

They hurried down the stairs and huddled in a corner of the basement as the wind shook the house. "The wind is so strong," said Javier nervously.

"Yes," said Mom, "but we're sheltered from it. And we have snacks and lights and other supplies to keep us comfortable." She handed him a granola bar.

"Thanks--peanut butter's my favorite!" Javier bit into the bar and chewed thoughtfully. "It's good to be prepared for storms like this, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," said Mom. "Did you know God wants us to also prepare for storms that may come along in life?"

"So we'll be ready for whatever happens to us?" asked Javier.

"Exactly. Can you think of ways we can be ready for whatever happens in our lives here on earth?"

"Well, we believed what the weather reporter said and came to the basement, and we also need to believe what God says and trust Jesus to save us from sin," said Javier.

"Good," said Mom. "That's most important. What else?"

"We brought lights," said Javier. "And the Bible is called a light, isn't it?"

"Yes," said Mom. "It shows us our need for Jesus and the sacrifice He made to save us, and it shines on our lives so we can follow the path God wants for us as His children. Any more ideas?"

"Uh…we brought food and water," said Javier. "Is that like the Bible too?"

Mom nodded. "As we get to know Jesus through what He says in the Bible, He will nourish us spiritually and remind us to trust Him for strength when life brings hard times."

Javier sat up straight. "Hey, Mom, it's not blowing so hard anymore! Shouldn't we pray and thank God for protecting us?"

"You bet!" said Mom, and together they bowed their heads.

–Jaclyn S. Miller

How About You?
Are you prepared for life's storms? Everyone experiences hard times in their lives, but you can be ready for them before they come. Do you trust in Jesus? That's most important. Jesus promises to always be with those who trust in Him and give us strength in tough times. Talk to Him and let Him encourage you and guide you through the light of His Word. When you face hard times, trust Him to help you weather the storm.

Today's Key Verse:
Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. (ERV) (2 Timothy 3:17)

Today's Key Thought:
Prepare for life's storms

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-32

"It's hard to believe you're already old enough to be in middle school this year, Mateo," Mom said as they drove home after shopping for school clothes.

"Don't remind me," Mateo said miserably. "I wish I could stay at my old school forever."

"Why?" asked Mom.

"Last year there weren't any older kids to pick on us," replied Mateo. "I liked being one of the oldest kids in the school."

"Sounds like you have the middle school blues before you even get there," said Mom.

"Well, this year my class will be the youngest, so we'll have to deal with all the older kids," said Mateo.

Mom pointed to a little girl on a tricycle crossing the street with her mother. "Remember your tricycle?" she asked. "Why don't you ride it anymore?"

"Ride my tricycle?" asked Mateo in surprise. "That would look weird!" He grinned at the thought. "I'm too big to ride that thing now."

"Remember how you prayed every night for weeks that you could take the training wheels off your first two-wheel bike?" Mom asked as the traffic light turned green and they went through the busy intersection.

Mateo laughed. "I remember that. I didn't want to be a baby forever."

"It seems like you do now," said Mom. "At least when it comes to school."

Mateo frowned. "School is different."

"Somewhat different," Mom said as they turned into their driveway. "But in a way, going from your tricycle to a bike with training wheels to a bike without them is a lot like going from elementary to middle school to high school."

Mateo sighed. "I guess."

"And whenever you fell off your tricycle or bike, Dad and I were there to help," Mom reminded him. "We're still here to help you--we'll support you and pray for you every day. And you should pray too! Give your worries to Jesus, and trust Him to help you deal with new situations. Even though middle school seems scary, He promises to be with you and use this new phase of your life to help you grow in your relationship with Him. Trust Him to help you one day at a time, and enjoy today!"

–Ruth McQuilkin

How About You?
Do you worry about going to a new school or moving to a new place? Do you wonder how things will turn out even further down the road--like finding a job or getting married? It's good to pray about future events in your life, but don't worry about them. Trust Jesus to guide you through the years ahead and help you through whatever changes you face. Then enjoy life with Him today!

Today's Key Verse:
Do not worry about tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34)

Today's Key Thought:
Give worries to Jesus and enjoy today

Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:24; Philippians 2:3-8

Luke sat in the pew and stared off into space as his parents talked to some friends nearby. His stomach growled loudly, and he hoped his family would leave soon.

"What are you doing sitting here by yourself?"

Luke looked up as Mr. Bryant sat down in the pew in front of him. "Nothing," Luke said with a smile. He liked talking to Mr. Bryant.

"Why don't you go talk to someone?" Mr. Bryant asked.

Luke shrugged. "I don't have any friends here," he said.

"What do you mean you don't have friends?" Mr. Bryant looked around the church. "I bet the kids over there are your age." He pointed to someone up front. "And I know he's your age!"

Luke looked and saw that Mr. Bryant was pointing to his grandson standing by the piano. "It's just--it's hard to know what to say to other kids," he told Mr. Bryant. "I don't mind being by myself."

Mr. Bryant cleared his throat. "Remember when you first started coming to church here with your family? I totally ignored you, and that's how we became friends, right?"

Luke laughed. "No! You were one of the first people to say hello, and we talk all the time now."

Mr. Bryant nodded and leaned his arm on top of the pew. "Listen, Luke. You want friends, don't you?" Luke nodded. "Well," Mr. Bryant said, "to have friends, you have to be friendly and take an interest in others. You have to go right up and introduce yourself, like I did when I first met you."

"But it's hard," Luke said.

"So's math," said Mr. Bryant with a grin. "But you don't have to do it on your own. Jesus is the greatest Friend there is--He became one of us and died to save us so we could be His friends forever! With His help, I think you'll make one of those friends the Bible talks about--one that sticks closer than a brother."

Luke thought about that and smiled. "I guess that'd be cool."

Mr. Bryant leaned over and gave Luke a friendly slap on the shoulder. "Now you're talking." He looked at his watch and got up. "See you later, Luke." He jerked his thumb toward his grandson. "Now go say hello."

–Katlyn Traxler

How About You?
Do you need a friend? Trying to make friends can be scary, but it gets easier the more you practice. Trust Jesus to help you be the kind of friend He is--one who cares about others and takes an interest in their lives. Ask Him to give you the courage to reach out to those around you and be friendly. Just saying hello to someone new could be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Today's Key Verse:
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV) (Proverbs 18:24 )

Today's Key Thought:
Be a friend

Bible Reading: Psalm 130:5-7

It felt like forever before it was Daisy's turn to ride the swinging ship. She watched the line slowly move forward each time a new group got on the ride. Finally, it was her turn!

"Ready?" Dad grinned.

"More than ready!" Daisy hurried to find a seat.

The ride was just as fun as she expected, and she screamed each time it went down. Her stomach flip-flopped a little, but she still loved it.

"Can we go again?" Daisy asked as soon as they were finished.

Dad pointed toward the line. "It's still long."

"I don't mind," Daisy said. Now that she knew how fun the ride was, she could wait forever.

"You're sure you wouldn't rather ride something else?" Dad asked, pointing toward a shorter line. Daisy quickly shook her head. Dad smiled and led her to the end of the long line. "Some things are worth waiting for, huh?"

"Yeah," Daisy said.

Dad put his hand on her shoulder. "As you get older, you'll realize other things are worth waiting for too. Sometimes we have to be patient to get something good."

"Like a ride on a swinging ship?" Daisy asked.

"And things even better than that," Dad said as they slowly moved forward in line. "God has good plans for you, Daisy. He loves you so much He sent Jesus to save you from sin and give you eternal life! You can trust Him to bring good things into your life at the right time. Be patient as you wait for Him to show you what they are."

"What kind of things?" asked Daisy.

"Well, for example, it took a while for me to figure out God was calling me to be a pastor. Waiting for Him to lead me where He wanted me to go wasn't easy, but it helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus." Dad smiled. "You can trust God to lead you in what's best for your life too."

Daisy nodded. The line didn't seem so bad when her dad was talking, and she knew how much fun she was going to have at the end. She was glad she could trust God to help her be patient and wait for the good things He had planned for her too.

–Bethany Acker

How About You?
Do you ever get impatient? Think of something you know is worth waiting for--like a fun ride or cookies baking in the oven. The good things God has planned for you are worth the wait too. He loves you so much that Jesus died and rose again to save you, and He has good plans for you. Be patient as you wait for Him to show them to you.

Today's Key Verse:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV) (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Wait patiently for God's plan