Read: Matthew 18:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Mom, I’m really worried about Charlotte,” Anna said as she sat down at the table. Charlotte and Anna were best friends and did everything together. “What’s going on?” Mom asked as she added ingredients into the mixer. “Well, she’s been having a lot of headaches lately. I’m worried there…
Read: Matthew 11:28-30 Julian cheered in excitement at the tractor pulling contest. One of the contestants—a friend of Julian’s family—revved the engine as his tractor strained to pull the heavy load. It inched along, then gathered speed to the finish line. “He made it!” Julian shouted, and he clapped along with others in the crowd….
Read: Psalms 26:1-3; 139:23-24 “What’s wrong with the car, Daddy?” asked five-year-old Lydia as the family drove to their country home after a church service in the village. “It’s jerking.” “It’s sure running rough,” said Dad. “It’s been doing that lately, but it’s never been this bad before.” “Are we going to make it home?”…
Read: Matthew 25:14-29 “Yum, your mangoes are the best, Nenek!” Eyes sparkling, Kira chewed the scrumptious mangoes her Indonesian grandmother had just peeled for her. “You mean Kakek’s mangoes,” Nenek said, chuckling. “Your grandfather was the one who bought and planted the seeds in our backyard. The tree grew and grew, but no mangoes. Kakek…
Read: Isaiah 55:8-9 Gunner ran to the garage when he heard his parents drive in. “Is Grandpa okay?” he asked anxiously as they got out of the car. Dad put his hand on Gunner’s shoulder. “Your grandfather isn’t suffering anymore,” he said quietly. “He died this afternoon—he’s in heaven now.” Gunner swallowed hard, forcing back…
Read: Psalm 42:1-4 “It’s still raining,” said Hayley. “Isn’t the sun ever going to shine again?” “We need rain to make the garden grow,” said Mom. She smiled at her daughter. “This might be a good time for you to pray and read your Bible. You haven’t done that yet today,have you?” “No—but I have…
Read: Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 1:35-39 Micah ran into the house and threw his backpack on the kitchen table. “Mom! Do we have any frozen pizza?” He cocked his head. The house was silent. He looked down and noticed Mom’s phone on the counter. That’s weird, he thought. She usually carries it with her. Micah walked…
Read: John 14:25-27 Ian and Matilda’s new golden retriever puppy gnawed on an old shoe. “Ringo sure played hard today,” Ian said. “He never rests!” “Kids!” Mom called. “It’s time to put Ringo to bed.” Ian and Matilda had promised they would take care of their new puppy. This was Ringo’s first night with the…
Read: Psalm 23:1-6 Madison’s dog nuzzled up against her hand, whining anxiously. Madison closed her history textbook and looked down. “What’s wrong, Buddy?” she asked, even though she knew Buddy couldn’t answer. Then she heard thunder booming in the distance. Buddy perked up his ears, then whined again. Madison looked out the window at the…
Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10 Jude was doing his schoolwork at the kitchen table when Dad got home. They talked for a little while, and then Dad had a question for Mom. “Are you getting as much as I am out of that devotional we both decided to use?” he asked her. “Today’s Bible…
