Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:6–7; Hebrews 11:1–6 “Oh, it smells good in here,” said Presley as she and Kenna stepped into the kitchen. “Thanks for inviting me for dinner.” “What’s cooking, Mom?” Kenna asked. “It’s a chicken and rice casserole.” Mom lifted the cover off a crockpot. “I hope you like it, Presley.” When Presley…
Bible Reading: Revelation 20:11–15 “Wow!” Greyson whispered to his sister as they listened to the pastor’s sermon on hell. “Do you think he’s trying to scare us or what?” Rosalie shrugged. The kids didn’t usually attend church, but they were spending a few days with their aunt. Later that day, Aunt Ella set a box…
Bible Reading: Luke 12:37–43 “Who wants to go to a movie this afternoon?” asked Dad as he opened the door to leave for work. “Me!” chorused Liv and Shaylee. “Okay,” said Dad. “Have your rooms cleaned by the time I get home, and then we’ll go.” After Dad left and Mom went downstairs with a…
Bible Reading: Mark 4:35–41 The streetlight in front of Grandma’s house shone through the bare branches of a tree outside the window and cast eerie shadows across Mia’s bed. As the wind tugged at the branches, twisted black shadows inched their way over the covers. They look like big, black teeth, Mia thought fearfully. She…
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19–21; Hebrews 11:24–26 “Hey, what are you doing with that twig?” Noah asked, pointing to a small plant inside the pail his friend Trent was holding. “It’s an apple tree,” replied Trent. “No kidding? Looks like a dead stick to me.” Noah shook his head and changed the subject. “I’m going to…
Bible Reading: Romans 8:28–29 David trudged into the room where his teenage sister, Rachel, sat pinning a beetle into her insect collection display. Rachel twirled around in her wheelchair and immediately noticed her brother’s frustrated expression. “What’s wrong?” Rachel asked David groaned. “Today was terrible! I got a D on my math test. I’m just…
Bible Reading: Luke 12:22-31 “Deja, what do you think of all this?” Grandpa asked. Deja looked around at the beautiful landscape: the river rippling past the prow of the canoe, the tall pine trees, the fluffy clouds, and a blue, blue sky. “It’s okay,” she said, dipping her hand in the water. “You don’t sound…
Bible Reading: James 1:21-25 “How are you feeling, Aunt Eva?” asked Toby’s mom when they stopped at the elderly woman’s home to drop off a casserole. “I feel just miserable,” replied Aunt Eva. “I went to a new doctor, but he hasn’t done me a bit of good. It’s been a waste of money to…
Bible Reading: John 12:44-50 “Hey, Joel, come look at this cool bird,” Adam called to his friend. “He’s pretty neat. Especially with the green and purple colors on his wings,” Joel observed. “I sure am glad your dad brought us to the pet store. Especially after the last stop.” “You mean when we stopped to…
Bible Reading: Revelation 21:23-27 Jaxton’s dog raced around the living room, barking at the men who were carrying out the tattered old couch and chair. He romped across the faded, threadbare rug while the workmen were trying to roll it up. “Jaxton,” Mom called, “please take Buttons outside until the men are finished.” “All right,”…
