Bible Reading: James 2:14-17

Hadley watched as Clemence hurried into their church classroom. The loose sole of her worn shoe slapped against the floor. Flap…flap...flap. She looked like she was trying to enter without anyone noticing her. Hadley knew Clemence's brother had been sick for a while and most of her family's money went toward doctor bills.

Mrs. Perez, their teacher, held up her Bible. "Who will read today's verse for us?" A boy named Adam raised his hand.

"Luke 3:11," Adam began. "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

"Now, what do you think this verse means?" asked Mrs. Perez.

Hadley raised her hand. "It means that we should share with others in need. If you have something you don't need and know someone who needs it, give it to them."

"That's right," said Mrs. Perez. "As believers, we have the power to be generous because Jesus was so generous to us, giving up His own life as a sacrifice for our sins. We could never give as much as Jesus has given to us, but we can be generous with what we have and share with others."

Hadley thought of Clemence and her flapping shoe. She was much taller than Clemence and had outgrown several pairs of shoes, as well as many clothes that were still in great shape. Suddenly, she had an idea.

"Mrs. Perez, that Bible verse made me think of a big box I have at home where I put things I don't need anymore," said Hadley. "What if I brought it in so it could be our giving box? We could use it to collect clothes, shoes, books, toys, or anything else we don't need anymore and then give those things to people who need them."

"Yeah," said Adam. "We could even paint shirts on the box to help us remember the verse we read today!"

"I love that idea!" said Mrs. Perez. "Okay, Hadley, you bring the box to class next week and I'll bring painting supplies." The kids cheered.

Hadley smiled. When she thought of all Jesus had given her, she was excited to share what she had with others. After class, she'd let Mrs. Perez know that she wanted Clemence to have first pick of whatever was in the box.

–Christine Collier

How About You?
Do you give to people in need? The Bible says that Christians show their faith in Jesus by helping others in need. Because Jesus has given us so much, we can give to others. Maybe you know someone who needs something in particular that you could help with. Even if you don't, there are lots of ways to give to people in your community and around the world. Ask God to show you what you can do to help.

Today's Key Verse:
Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. (NIV) (Luke 3:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Give to those in need

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-14

"Mom, my skin is getting all itchy!" said Tate, holding out his arms. "There are bumps on my legs too."

"Oh no!" said Mom. "I wonder why your allergies are acting up again. I haven't changed the laundry detergent or any of our soaps. I can't imagine what's causing an allergic reaction this time, can you?"

Tate rubbed his arms. "When I was over at Barrett's this morning, we dressed up in some of his dad's old camouflage clothes. Maybe they were washed in something that's causing my reaction."

"That's probably it," said Mom. "Well, go take a shower, and then we'll go get your prescription refilled."

As Tate and Mom drove home after picking up the medicine, Tate sighed. "It's hard to remember that I always need to be so careful about stuff that touches my skin."

"I know," said Mom. "You were just having fun when you put on those old clothes, and it's too bad you have to avoid things like that. But if you don't, you'll be sorry later on because of the negative reaction with your skin."

"Yeah," said Tate. "We were just having so much fun this morning that I didn't even think about it." He rubbed his arm. "My allergies are reminding me now though. It's too bad they don't remind me ahead of time!"

"Isn't that the truth!" said Mom. She smiled at Tate. "You know, all of us should think ahead about the consequences of what we do. There are other things we all need to avoid, even though they may seem like innocent fun."

"Other things?" asked Tate. "Like what?"

"Well, things we watch or do online, or going places where we might be tempted to do something wrong," replied Mom. "If we give in to temptation, it causes a negative reaction in our lives and hurts our relationship with God, and other people can be negatively affected by our sin too. That's why we need to confess our sins to Jesus and trust Him to help us avoid things that are harmful. He saved us so we could enjoy eternal life with Him, and He will help us turn from sin and live in a way that shows others His goodness and love."

–Nance E. Keyes

How About You?
Are you allergic to anything? Some kind of food, or maybe pollen, bees, or soap? If so, you know it's best for you to avoid those things. As Christians, we need to avoid sin--it is harmful and can cause a very bad reaction in our lives and relationships. Before going into a situation where you may be tempted to sin, think carefully about the consequences. Then trust God to help you make a wise decision.

Today's Key Verse:
Stay away from every kind of evil. (CSB) (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

Today's Key Thought:
Avoid sin

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Revelation 21:1-4

Addison gazed at the glistening night sky and frowned. This family camping trip hadn't cheered her up a bit. She still felt sad about all the terrible things going on in the world.

She sniffled when Mom came and sat beside her on the large tree stump. "I don't think I'm going to pray anymore. It doesn't seem to be making a difference."

Mom took a wrinkled tissue out of her jeans pocket and gently wiped away Addison's tears. "Don't give up. Sometimes it takes a while to see our prayers answered."

"How much longer will it take?" asked Addison with a deep sigh.

"It depends. God answers prayer in His own time. Some prayers get answered in a day, some in a month, others take years. In fact, many of the blessings we enjoy today are the answers to people's prayers from long ago."

Addison's eyes widened. "How can prayers prayed long ago be helping us today?"

Mom pointed to the night sky. "See those brilliant stars we're enjoying tonight? Astronomers say that when we look at those stars, we're seeing light that took many years to reach our eyes." Mom pointed to a bright, twinkling light in the sky. "See that star? That's the North Star, and the light we see coming from it right now started its journey to earth hundreds of years ago." She smiled at Addison. "Now, I'm not saying you have to wait that long to see the results of your prayers, but sometimes there are prayers that take a long time to be answered. It's even possible you won't ever see the result of some of your prayers, but the light of those prayers will eventually reach the hearts of those they're meant to help."

"Just like the light from the North Star eventually reached us," said Addison.

"Exactly. Even though God doesn't always answer our prayers when or how we want Him to, we know He cares about what's going on in the world and about people who are hurting. He's at work, and one day Jesus will make everything right. Until then, we can trust Him to answer our prayers in the way and at the time He knows is best."

Addison relaxed and observed the beautiful starry night. "I'm going to keep praying," she said thoughtfully, "because someday I know it will help someone."

–Suzanne Daly

How About You?
Do you feel discouraged because your prayers don't seem to make a difference? Don't give up. God answers prayer in His own way and time, but you can be sure your prayers are never wasted or lost. They are like the stars in the sky that many generations will see and benefit from. So keep praying! Someday you'll be surprised by how many people you've helped

Today's Key Verse:
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV) (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

Today's Key Thought:
Keep praying

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:7-12

Kiara wanted a pet bird--a green-winged macaw she could train and teach to talk. She prayed for one every night.

Mom and Dad always shook their heads. "Macaws take a lot of work," they'd say. "And space."

Kiara only wanted one gift. Why wouldn't they listen? Why wouldn't God answer her prayers?

One morning, Dad knocked on Kiara's door. "Wake up! We're going somewhere special."

Kiara jumped out of bed. After breakfast, they started driving. Kiara's heart sank when they passed the pet store. "I'm not getting a macaw?"

"No," Dad said. "We don't think that's the best choice."

Kiara blinked fast, holding back tears.

"Here we are!" Mom said.

They got out of the car and passed beneath an arch with the word Aviary on it. Kiara gasped. A walkway led between large enclosures that were fenced in from top to bottom. Each enclosure had its own sign--and its own type of bird. The aviary was a zoo for birds!

"Do they have a green-winged macaw?" Kiara asked.

"They sure do," Mom said.

Kiara ran to the macaw enclosure. She read the sign and learned the macaws used to live in a house, but when their owner couldn't care for them, the aviary took them in.

"They're probably happier here," Kiara said. "They have more space and lots of visitors."

Mom and Dad nodded. "We thought you'd like coming here," Dad said. "If you want, we can get a membership. Then we can come a few times a month. What do you think?"

"Yes, please!" Kiara beamed and pulled her parents into a family hug.

As she watched the macaws, Kiara thought about how Mom and Dad didn't always give her the gifts she asked for, and neither did God. Kiara remembered the Easter story, how Jesus died and His friends were sad because they thought they'd never see Him again. But Jesus dying and rising again was the best gift of all. I guess we don't always know what we need, Kiara thought. But God sure knows how to give good gifts. She smiled. Thank you, God, for answering my prayer.

–Becca Wierwille

How About You?
Have you ever felt like God didn't answer your prayer the way you wanted Him to? God wants us to talk to Him. He wants us to share our desires. But He doesn't always give us what we ask for. Sometimes, He has something better in mind--like how He sent Jesus to die for us so that we can enjoy His love forever. Enjoy the good gifts God gives you, even when they're unexpected.

Today's Key Verse:
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (NKJV) (Matthew 7:11)

Today's Key Thought:
God gives good gifts

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:26-27; 7:24-27

What a horrible week, Ella thought as she dropped her school bag on the table. First I failed my science test, then Aria got mad at me and now she won't talk to me. Just then Mom's voice drifted in from the back porch. "Ella, come look! A bird's making a nest in our yard."

Ella walked out and saw a bird gathering twigs on the branch of an old oak tree. "Mom, that tree's no good! It's dying, isn't it? Almost all of its leaves have fallen off!" She called to the bird. "Make your nest in the apple tree!" It ignored her.

Mom laughed. "It's no use. It's made up its mind to nest there."

That night, the wind howled outside Ella's window, and rain fell down in great torrents. When Ella looked out the window the next morning, she saw the branch from the oak tree lying flat on the ground with bits of straw and twigs scattered around it. "Mom, the bird's nest fell down!" she cried. "Poor bird! What will it do now?"

"I'm sure it will build another one," said Mom.

Ella watched the bird fly around the fallen branch, twittering and chirping. Then it began to collect twigs and straw, and to Ella's surprise, flew across to the apple tree. "Well! I guess it's a good thing the nest fell down before it had eggs in it. Now the bird will have a home with lots of leafy branches for protection from rain and wind."

Mom nodded. "It reminds me of a story Jesus told about a man who built his house on rock and another who built his on sand. When the storms came, the house on sand fell--just like that nest. But the one built on rock held firm. The Bible tells us Jesus is the Rock. When we build our lives on Him by trusting Him as our Savior, we can stand firm in life's storms knowing He is with us and promises to work everything out for our good."

Ella smiled as she watched the bird rebuild its nest in the apple tree. I'm glad I've built my life on Jesus, she thought, and that He will help me through the bad week I'm having.

–Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
What is your attitude when bad things happen in your life? Do you think everything looks hopeless? Or are you able to stand firm in life's storms because you've built your life on the Rock--Jesus? Even in disastrous circumstances, we can stand firm on His promise of eternal life and the peace and hope He offers us in every situation. Trust Him to be with you through all of life's storms.

Today's Key Verse:
All things work together for the good of those who love God. (CSB) (Romans 8:28)

Today's Key Thought:
Build your life on Jesus