Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-7 “Take a look at this. This is a diamond!” said Mr. Billings, holding up a dull-looking rock. The kids in his Sunday school class looked surprised as they passed it around. The rock looked a lot like a rock they’d find on the side of the road. “Most diamonds look… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7; Malachi 3:16-18; Matthew 7:21-23 Mr. Billings opened the door to his shop and stood aside to let his Sunday school class through. “Welcome to my shop!” he said. “As you know, I’m a lapidary—a gem cutter. Look around and see which gems you like best.” The kids walked into a… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Garrett lay in the warmth of the bright sunshine and watched beautiful butterflies flit from one flower to another. “This is the saddest day of my life,” he said to his brother Wyatt, who was lying on the ground next to him. “Yeah, mine too,” Wyatt said as he dug… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 3:26 “I’m ready for my birthday adventure, Grandma!” Emily said. “Where are we going?” “You’ll see. But you’ll need this.” Grandma handed Emily a big box. Emily tore off the paper, opened the box, and gasped. “A dress?” Grandma nodded. “You’ll look so pretty. Go get changed, dear.” Emily… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 “Is your homework finished?” asked Gia’s mom after dinner one evening. “Yeah,” said Gia. “But you know what, Mom? I like our new apartment, but I wish I could have stayed at my old school. I don’t think there’s a single kid in my class here who goes to church except… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6; Lamentations 3:21-23 Manuel’s sneakers squeaked as he dragged his feet across the kitchen linoleum. Dad looked up from the pot he was stirring on the stove. “Looks like you had a rough day.” Dad brought him his favorite after-school snack—cookies and a glass of milk. Manuel took a bite of his… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 13:34-35 “Did Daddy give you those roses?” asked Chloe. Mom smiled. “They smell so good. He never forgets Valentine’s Day. He took some daisies and some cookies over to Grandma too. She may feel lonely today.” “Why would she feel lonely on Valentine’s Day? It’s so much fun—and delicious!” “Well, Grandpa always… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 7:19-25; 1 John 5:4-5 Jamar loved the smell of the pine forest mingling with the smoke from campfires as he and his dad sat in the outdoor amphitheater at the national park campground. They were listening to the park ranger talk about wolves. Near the end of his talk, the ranger said,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:22-27 Ella smoothed her dress out and reached into her purse to feel the worn pages of her book. She couldn’t believe she was going to meet her favorite author! One of Mom’s friends worked with the author and invited Ella and Mom to come to a special book signing event. Ella… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Colossians 2:6-10 “Aaagh!” screamed Olivia when she looked into a cup on her grandmother’s bathroom counter. “There are teeth in this cup!” She heard Grandma laugh and walked into her bedroom. “I forgot that you wear false teeth. They don’t look false when they’re in your mouth.” “Good,” said Grandma. “Then maybe only… Continue Reading…