Read: Psalm 119:9-12; 2 Timothy 3:14-17

“Your Bible’s getting a bit dusty,” Dad remarked one day when he came into George’s room.

George shrugged. “I haven’t moved it in a while.”

“No?” Dad asked.

“I’ve been busy.” George put the finishing piece on the castle he was building. He loved making all kinds of cool buildings with his blocks.

“That’s too bad.” Dad stepped over to examine his newest creation. “I know you love a good story.”

“Especially about bad guys and good guys and a good fight.” George grinned as he grabbed a toy soldier to defend his block tower.

His dad picked up another toy and played with him for a few minutes. Then he walked back over to the bookshelf. “You’re missing out.”

George glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”

“The Bible has many stories about bravery and strength,” Dad said.

George set down the toy soldier. “Like what?”

“There’s a story of a young boy killing a giant. Another story of a city falling to the ground after the good guys march around it.” Dad gently wiped the dust from the cover of the Bible. “The Bible is one big story of God’s love for us. Every story points to Jesus—our Savior. He’s the hero because He died and rose again to save us from sin and conquer evil and death.”

“Maybe I should read it more.” George had heard some of the Bible stories before, but now his dad made them sound more interesting.

“Maybe we can start reading it together,” Dad said. “I think it would be fun—and it will help us learn more about Jesus too.”

“Sure,” George said.

They sat together on the bed, and Dad read the story of Daniel, who was thrown into a den of starving lions because he trusted and obeyed God. It was an exciting story, and George was amazed to learn how God protected Daniel and saved him from the lions. When his dad had finished reading, George smiled and said, “I don’t want my Bible to get dusty again.”

–Bethany Acker

How about you? What kinds of stories interest you? Do you like action stories? Or ones about friendship? Or stories where the hero saves the day? The Bible has all kinds of stories in it, but they all point to one big story—the story of God’s love and how Jesus came to rescue us from sin and destroy evil forever. As you read or listen to the stories in the Bible, think about how each one points to Jesus and teaches us to trust and obey Him.

Today's Key Verse: These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31 (CSB)

Today's Key Thought: The Bible is the story of God’s love