Bible Reading: Psalms 63:1-5; 143:5-6; John 4:7-14

Dad clapped the Bible shut and gave Geena a bear hug. They both jumped up and pumped their fists in the air.

"We did it!" Geena shouted.

Mom came in the back door. "I take it you two just finished reading the entire Bible. Look what I have for you." She handed them two tickets. "You can celebrate at tomorrow's ball game."

They had good seats at the game, ate lots of chips and hot dogs--and their team won. On the way home Geena was thirsty, but her water bottle was empty.

When they got home, Geena forgot about getting a drink as they sat at the table telling Mom all about the game. Dad pulled out the Bible and said, "Geena, you can pick which book we read next."

"We just finished the Bible yesterday. Why do we need to keep reading it?" She held up her empty water bottle. "I need some water."

Dad put up his hand. "Wait, didn't you just drink that whole bottle yesterday?" Geena nodded. Dad asked, "Why do you want more?"

"Probably because we ate three bags of chips at the game." Geena giggled.

Dad laughed and took her water bottle to the sink. "What if you never had anything to drink again?"

"I'd feel awful and always be thirsty."

"That's how it would be for your soul without Jesus," said Dad. "You'd be like someone lost in a desert with no water. Jesus calls Himself living water because we need Him to save us and fill our lives with His presence and peace. One of the ways He helps us feel His presence and peace is through His Word. Reading the Bible is like a drink from Jesus that refreshes your mind and spirit. It's not something to just read once--we need to keep reading the Bible and learning about it with others at church."

Geena nodded. "It reminds me how much God loves me--like when we read about how Jesus forgives us because He took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross. And I love reading the part about Jesus rising from the dead."

Dad handed her the full water bottle. Geena took a drink and opened the Bible to choose what they would read next.

–Laura Roesler

How About You?
Do you ever feel you don't really need to read the Bible? God's Word tells us that His mercies are new every morning. Each day Jesus has loving things to tell you and guidance to give. Through the truth of His Word, He can refresh your soul like cold water on a hot day by reminding you of His love and faithfulness. Read it and trust Him to help you hear whatever He wants to say to you.

Today's Key Verse:
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. (NKJV) (Psalm 143:6)

Today's Key Thought:
Stay thirsty for God's Word

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:11-18

As Amalia's youth group started on a nature hike, Pastor Jim pointed out wildflowers and various animals. After hiking a short time, Amalia gasped. "Is that a snake?" she asked, looking up at a tree. "I didn't know they could climb!"

"That kind can," said Pastor Jim. "I think it's headed for that hole up there." He pointed to a hole higher up the tree. "That's a woodpecker's nest."

The kids watched as the snake moved closer and closer to the hole. When it got quite near, it began to squirm. Then, to their surprise, it began to retreat down the tree. "It's leaving," said Amalia. "Why is that?"

"That hole is a red-cockaded woodpecker's nest," Pastor Jim explained. "They make nests in pine trees that have a thick sap that comes out around the woodpecker's hole. The snake doesn't like that sap on its skin, so it leaves."

"We should leave too," declared Amalia, "before that snake gets down here!"

After the hike, Pastor Jim gathered the kids for a short devotional time. "Seeing that woodpecker's nest made me think of a Bible verse," he said. "Red-cockaded woodpeckers resist predators by making nests in pine trees with sticky sap. It made the snake flee from the bird's nest. Like the snake, Satan is a predator--he tries to get us to believe his lies so we'll turn to sin instead of trusting God. Yet the Bible says if we resist the devil, he'll flee too. But how do we do that?"

"Well, we had lessons about the armor of God," said one of the boys. "So things like prayer and remembering that we belong to Jesus would be a way to resist him, right?" Pastor Jim nodded.

"When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He turned to the truth of God's Word," said Amalia. "Knowing what God says in the Bible helps us resist Satan's lies."

"Yes, all those things are important," said Pastor Jim. "Those birds build their nests on the west side of trees so the afternoon sun shines on the sap and keeps it fresh and moist, ready for the enemy. And prayer and studying God's Word keeps us fresh and ready to resist the devil by reminding us that Jesus has freed us from Satan's power and gives us victory over sin."

–Sara L. Nelson

How About You?
Do you know that it's possible to have victory over temptation? If you know Jesus as your Savior, He has freed you from sin's power and gives you the ability to resist Satan's lies. When faced with temptation, remember that you belong to Jesus. Talk to Him and remember the truth of His Word. As you trust and obey God, He'll give you victory over temptation, and Satan will flee.

Today's Key Verse:
Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (NKJV) (James 4:7)

Today's Key Thought:
Resist the devil

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:11-18

As Amalia's youth group started on a nature hike, Pastor Jim pointed out wildflowers and various animals. After hiking a short time, Amalia gasped. "Is that a snake?" she asked, looking up at a tree. "I didn't know they could climb!"

"That kind can," said Pastor Jim. "I think it's headed for that hole up there." He pointed to a hole higher up the tree. "That's a woodpecker's nest."

The kids watched as the snake moved closer and closer to the hole. When it got quite near, it began to squirm. Then, to their surprise, it began to retreat down the tree. "It's leaving," said Amalia. "Why is that?"

"That hole is a red-cockaded woodpecker's nest," Pastor Jim explained. "They make nests in pine trees that have a thick sap that comes out around the woodpecker's hole. The snake doesn't like that sap on its skin, so it leaves."

"We should leave too," declared Amalia, "before that snake gets down here!"

After the hike, Pastor Jim gathered the kids for a short devotional time. "Seeing that woodpecker's nest made me think of a Bible verse," he said. "Red-cockaded woodpeckers resist predators by making nests in pine trees with sticky sap. It made the snake flee from the bird's nest. Like the snake, Satan is a predator--he tries to get us to believe his lies so we'll turn to sin instead of trusting God. Yet the Bible says if we resist the devil, he'll flee too. But how do we do that?"

"Well, we had lessons about the armor of God," said one of the boys. "So things like prayer and remembering that we belong to Jesus would be a way to resist him, right?" Pastor Jim nodded.

"When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He turned to the truth of God's Word," said Amalia. "Knowing what God says in the Bible helps us resist Satan's lies."

"Yes, all those things are important," said Pastor Jim. "Those birds build their nests on the west side of trees so the afternoon sun shines on the sap and keeps it fresh and moist, ready for the enemy. And prayer and studying God's Word keeps us fresh and ready to resist the devil by reminding us that Jesus has freed us from Satan's power and gives us victory over sin."

–Sara L. Nelson

How About You?
Do you know that it's possible to have victory over temptation? If you know Jesus as your Savior, He has freed you from sin's power and gives you the ability to resist Satan's lies. When faced with temptation, remember that you belong to Jesus. Talk to Him and remember the truth of His Word. As you trust and obey God, He'll give you victory over temptation, and Satan will flee.

Today's Key Verse:
Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (NKJV) (James 4:7)

Today's Key Thought:
Resist the devil

Bible Reading: Psalms 33:13-14; 139:7-16

Blake stretched and yawned, lazily watching the campfire. He was on a camping trip with his church group, and he was tired. His head started to nod, and his eyes grew heavy. But suddenly he sat up, wide awake as an eerie sound came from deep in the dark woods. Whooo, hoo-hoo, whooo, whooo. Everyone peered into the darkness, and Blake and a few other boys scooted a little closer to the bright, comforting fire.

"That's just our friend Mr. Owl," said Mr. Lee, their group leader. "I guess he's ready to do a little hunting for his dinner. Now, let's see what you boys know about owls. What kind of beaks do they have?"

"Hooked beaks!" someone blurted out.

"Right," said Mr. Lee. "What are their claws like?"

"They're sharp!" someone else called out.

"Hey, you guys are pretty good," said Mr. Lee. "Owls have interesting eyes too. Who can tell me something about them?"

"They can see in the dark," offered one boy.

"Right! They have night vision, so they sleep during the day and hunt at night. Their eyes are very sensitive, and when they fly overhead, they can see even very small animals on the ground."

Again the hoot of an owl came from the woods. Whooo! Whooo! This time, Blake didn't feel as afraid. Talking about the owls made the sound seem friendlier.

"The good news is that owls don't eat boys," said Mr. Lee with a chuckle. "And although they have incredible vision, it's nothing compared to the way God can see. The Bible says the 'eyes of the Lord are in every place.' To be able to see everywhere at the same time--that's great eyesight, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but it's kind of scary too," said one of the boys.

"Well, it could be knowing that God sees when we do something wrong," said Mr. Lee. "But Jesus forgives us when we confess our wrongs, and He sees us and understands us when it seems like no one else does. He loves us and helps us, and He also sees the good things we do out of our love for Him. I find that very comforting." Mr. Lee stood and stretched. "Time to turn in," he announced. "God will be watching over you all night. Remember that, and sleep well."

–Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?
Are you glad God can see everything in the whole world at the same time--even into the heart of every person? He knows all you think, feel, and do and understands everything about you. Best of all, He offers you forgiveness for the wrong things you do and promises to take care of you and help you do what's right. Take comfort in the fact that He sees you, loves you, and is always watching over you.

Today's Key Verse:
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (NKJV) (Proverbs 15:3)

Today's Key Thought:
God sees everything

Bible Reading: Psalms 33:13-14; 139:7-16

Blake stretched and yawned, lazily watching the campfire. He was on a camping trip with his church group, and he was tired. His head started to nod, and his eyes grew heavy. But suddenly he sat up, wide awake as an eerie sound came from deep in the dark woods. Whooo, hoo-hoo, whooo, whooo. Everyone peered into the darkness, and Blake and a few other boys scooted a little closer to the bright, comforting fire.

"That's just our friend Mr. Owl," said Mr. Lee, their group leader. "I guess he's ready to do a little hunting for his dinner. Now, let's see what you boys know about owls. What kind of beaks do they have?"

"Hooked beaks!" someone blurted out.

"Right," said Mr. Lee. "What are their claws like?"

"They're sharp!" someone else called out.

"Hey, you guys are pretty good," said Mr. Lee. "Owls have interesting eyes too. Who can tell me something about them?"

"They can see in the dark," offered one boy.

"Right! They have night vision, so they sleep during the day and hunt at night. Their eyes are very sensitive, and when they fly overhead, they can see even very small animals on the ground."

Again the hoot of an owl came from the woods. Whooo! Whooo! This time, Blake didn't feel as afraid. Talking about the owls made the sound seem friendlier.

"The good news is that owls don't eat boys," said Mr. Lee with a chuckle. "And although they have incredible vision, it's nothing compared to the way God can see. The Bible says the 'eyes of the Lord are in every place.' To be able to see everywhere at the same time--that's great eyesight, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but it's kind of scary too," said one of the boys.

"Well, it could be knowing that God sees when we do something wrong," said Mr. Lee. "But Jesus forgives us when we confess our wrongs, and He sees us and understands us when it seems like no one else does. He loves us and helps us, and He also sees the good things we do out of our love for Him. I find that very comforting." Mr. Lee stood and stretched. "Time to turn in," he announced. "God will be watching over you all night. Remember that, and sleep well."

–Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?
Are you glad God can see everything in the whole world at the same time--even into the heart of every person? He knows all you think, feel, and do and understands everything about you. Best of all, He offers you forgiveness for the wrong things you do and promises to take care of you and help you do what's right. Take comfort in the fact that He sees you, loves you, and is always watching over you.

Today's Key Verse:
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (NKJV) (Proverbs 15:3)

Today's Key Thought:
God sees everything