Read: John 1:4-5; 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16

Corey shivered as the lights went out in the restaurant where he and his family were eating. “What’s going on?” The room was completely dark and everyone around them mumbled nervously. He heard babies and little kids whimper and cry, probably scared of the dark like he had been when he was younger.

“The storm must have knocked out the power,” Mom said. A moment later, light spilled across the table from her phone’s flashlight. “This isn’t much, but it will help until they get things figured out.”

“If you had bought me a phone when I asked, I could help make it lighter in here too,” Corey’s sister said. Mom chuckled. “Right, Leah. I should have done that, huh?”

Corey looked around him. Little by little, the room began to light up as people got out their phones. The voices started to sound less nervous, the little kids quieted down, and things didn’t seem quite so scary. The small lights worked together to brighten the room until the power came back on.

The next morning Corey listened as his pastor talked at church. “You are lights,” the pastor said. “If you trust in Jesus, His light shines in you, and you can shine His light to others through what you say and do. The Bible calls Jesus the light of the world because He came to rescue us from the darkness of sin and death and give us eternal life. As we shine His light together for others to see, each little light makes a difference.”

Leah nudged her brother. “Like the phones yesterday,” she whispered. Corey nodded, remembering how the restaurant had brightened as the little lights came on one by one and everyone calmed down.

“You might not feel powerful or capable of doing a lot,” the pastor continued. “But Jesus has given each of us the Holy Spirit so we can shine His light to those around us. The world is a dark place, and people need Jesus. When we do what we can to share His love and hope with others—even just through small things—the Holy Spirit works through us to bring more people out of darkness and into Jesus’s light.”

Corey smiled. He knew just what shining a little light could do.

–Emily Acker

How about you? Has the darkness of the world ever scared you? Jesus came to be the light of life and hope in a world full of sin and death. When we trust in Him, our wrongs are forgiven and we are given life and a relationship with God that lasts forever. He also gives us the Holy Spirit so we can shine the light of His love and hope to others. How can you be a light to someone in your life today?

Today's Key Verse: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV) Matthew 5:16

Today's Key Thought: Small lights make a big difference

Read: Psalm 96:1-6; Isaiah 41:9-13

Brook loved to sing. Whenever there was an opportunity to sing at church, she took it. It felt good to be on the stage singing in front of everyone, and she loved singing for God too. She felt close to Him when she sang songs in church.

One day when she was up on stage singing a solo, Brook messed up on some of the words. She felt her face flush and was tempted to step away from the microphone, but she somehow carried on.

“You did great,” her family said when she finished. Brook shook her head, wanting to run away and hide.

A few days later, her mom came into her bedroom. “They’re looking for volunteers to sing next Sunday,” she said. “I didn’t see your name on the list yet.”

“I don’t want to sing again.” Brook pulled her knees up to her chest.

Her mom’s brows rose. “You’re not going to sing again?”

“I messed up last time. It was embarrassing,” Brook said.

Mom touched her hand. “It wasn’t so bad, and even if it had been, you can’t give up just because of that. You love singing up there.”

“But I let everyone down,” Brook said.

Mom shook her head. “You didn’t let anyone down.”

“But I always want to do my best for everyone in the audience and especially for God.”

“And you did,” Mom said. “Everyone makes mistakes, honey. God knows that, we know that, and no one is disappointed in you. It’s not important that you messed up the lyrics, and it wouldn’t matter if you did again—all that matters is that you want to sing for God. You want to, right?”

Brook nodded. “I love singing for Him.”

“I know. God has given you that gift so you can use it to worship Him and point others to Jesus and what He did to save us. So, you just need to do it again.”

Brook sighed. “It will be scary.”

“God can help you do scary things.” Mom squeezed her hand. “And we’ll be rooting for you.”

Brook did love singing and would miss it if she quit. “Okay,” she finally agreed. ”I’ll ask God to help me be brave and try again.”

–Bethany Acker

How about you? Have you ever wanted to quit something because you messed up? Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t let them stop you from doing something you believe God wants you to do—mistakes often teach us what we need to learn to do better. When you mess up, remember that Jesus is always with those who trust in Him and promises to help us. Trust Him to help you be brave and try again so you can use your gift for Him.

Today's Key Verse: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV) Joshua 1:9

Today's Key Thought: Be brave and try again

Read: Romans 8:14-17; 9:25-26

Sophie sat on the kitchen floor petting her new golden retriever puppy while Mom snapped the stems off green beans. “Mom, you’ll never guess what happened today,” Sophie said. “Mira told our class she’s a real-life princess.”

Mom let out a little chuckle, but when she looked at her daughter’s face she could tell Sophie was serious.

“Don’t you think that’s a little—foolish?” asked Sophie. “I mean, we’re not little kids anymore.”

“Oh, honey, I’m sure she was just kidding,” said Mom.

“No, she means it!” Sophie insisted. “She said that since God is her Father that makes her a real princess. She was calling herself Princess Mira!”

“Hmm,” said Mom. “You know, it may not be as foolish as it sounds.”

Sophie raised her eyebrows and tilted her head down. She couldn’t believe what her mom was saying.

“It reminds me of Goldie,” added Mom. “Some people might not accept Goldie as her real name.”

“What?” asked Sophie in disbelief. She looked down at the sleeping puppy curled up in her lap and stroked her soft golden fur. “But that’s what we named her!”

“Well, when Goldie was rescued by the animal shelter, what did they call her?” asked Mom.

Sophie thought a moment. “Molly,” she answered.

“Right. Just like Molly’s name changed when we adopted her, our name also changes when we’re adopted into God’s family. In the Bible, God says, ‘Those who were not my people, I will now call my people.’ And do you know what He says next?”

Sophie shook her head. “No, what?”

“The very next verse says that ‘they will be called children of the living God,’” said Mom. “I think Mira has figured something out—something really special. When she trusted Jesus as her Savior, she was adopted into God’s family. Just like Molly was adopted into ours and—”

“And became Goldie!” Sophie gently removed the sleeping dog from her lap. “Well, you and Goldie will have to excuse me—this princess has homework to finish!”

–Nichole Gatten

How about you? Have you been adopted by God? Have you become part of His family by trusting in Jesus? If so, you are now one of His children. Your heavenly Father has given you a new name and a new life! If you’re not yet one of God’s children, you can be adopted through Jesus, who sacrificed His life to save you and welcome you into His family. Trust in Him today! (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today's Key Verse: You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Embrace your new name

Read: 1 Samuel 3:4-11; Psalm 103:13-14

When the school bell rang, Xavier tossed his bag over his shoulder and headed for the door. He spotted his older brother, Malik, standing on the sidewalk.

“Hey, what’s up?” asked Malik as they headed for home.

“Not much.” Xavier kicked a plastic bottle, and it hit a parking meter.

“Did you get to shoot some hoops at recess?” asked Malik. Xavier nodded. “Sink any threes?”

“Yeah, but…” Xavier looked through the window of a coffee shop at all the people on their computers and cell phones. “There’s a new kid at school named Devon. I saw him when we were playing ball.”

“And?” Malik raised his eyebrows.

“Well, now I’m thinking he wanted to play. He just stood by the court watching us the whole time.”

“But you didn’t ask him to be on your team?”

Xavier shook his head. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it then.” He sighed, breathing in the smells of a Greek restaurant as they passed by.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it.” Malik stopped at the crosswalk and turned his head to look down the street. A city bus whizzed by, then the light changed and they stepped into the road. “Do you remember that Bible story about the boy named Samuel? God called to him three separate times, and each time Samuel thought it was the priest calling him.”

“Yeah, I remember,” said Xavier.

“Well, what happened with the new kid at school today is kind of like that.”

Xavier gave his brother a puzzled look. “How?”

“Samuel didn’t realize it was God calling him the first three times he heard His voice,” said Malik. “But the fourth time, after the priest told him who it really was, he got it. He knew God was calling him and was able to listen and obey.” Malik waved at a guy with ear buds walking down the other side of the street.

“You didn’t realize Devon wanted to play at first, but now you know he did. So now you can do what God is calling you to do.”

“You mean I can ask Devon to play ball with us tomorrow,” said Xavier.

Malik clapped Xavier on the back. “Exactly.”

–Annika Klanderud

How about you? Do you ever wish you could go back and take advantage of a missed opportunity to be kind to someone? Jesus knows we’re only human and don’t always recognize ways to show His love to others. He forgives our mistakes and always gives us another chance. Ask Him to show you something you can do to share His love with someone today. Once you know what it is, do it!

Today's Key Verse: For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (NKJV) Psalm 103:14

Today's Key Thought: Do what you know is right

Read: Luke 19:1-10; Romans 3:23-24

“Hey buddy, what’s wrong?” Dad asked when it was time for Nolan’s bedtime prayers.

“It’s Grandpa,” said Nolan. “He doesn’t believe in Jesus. That means he’s not going to heaven.”

“He needs to have a relationship with Jesus,” said Dad. “Shall we pray for him?” Nolan nodded, and he and his dad prayed for Nolan’s grandfather.

The next morning Dad took Nolan and his sister on a walk in the woods. As they went along, colorful leaves rustled under their feet. “A lot of leaves are still falling,” said Nolan. “They’re gonna get trampled on.” He grinned at his sister. “I bet I can catch more before they hit the ground than you can.”

“You’re on!” said Liliana. So as they walked, they tried to catch every falling leaf.

“Okay, let’s count them,” Nolan said as they headed back home.

“All right.” A few moments later, Liliana grinned. “I’ve got seventeen!”

“So do I!” said Nolan. “We rescued a bunch of them, didn’t we?”

Dad smiled. “I’m glad you were able to rescue those fallen leaves. It reminds me of what Jesus does—He rescues fallen people.”

“Fallen people?” asked Liliana. “I know Jesus found Zacchaeus in a tree, but he didn’t fall from it.”

“No, but he was fallen in other ways. Zacchaeus was a lost sinner, but Jesus saved him and changed him. All people are fallen sinners—we all fall short of God’s perfect standards by doing wrong things, so Jesus came to rescue us. And He wants those of us He’s already saved to help bring others to Him so they can be rescued too.”

“People like Grandpa,” said Nolan. “I know Jesus can save him, but Grandpa’s already pretty old. We pray for him a lot, but what else can we do to help bring him to Jesus?”

Liliana looked at the leaves in her hand. “Let’s press these leaves and put them in different places around the house. We can pray for Grandpa every time we see one of them.”

“Okay,” said Nolan. “We could also invite him to the program at church next week.”

“And help him rake his yard!” said Liliana.

Dad nodded. “Those are good ways to help him know how much Jesus loves him—and how much we love him too.”

–Steve Hulet

How about you? Do you have family or friends who don’t believe in Jesus? Share His love with them through your words and actions. Jesus came to save people who are fallen and lost, and if you’ve been saved by trusting in Him, He wants you to be part of the process as He rescues others. He loves your family and friends even more than you do, so don’t give up. Keep reaching out to those who need Jesus.

Today's Key Verse: For the Son of Man [Jesus] came to seek and save those who are lost. (NLT) Luke 19:10

Today's Key Thought: Reach out to those who need Jesus

Read: Leviticus 19:17-18; Matthew 5:43-48

After school Declan walked to the nearby dentist’s office where his mom worked as a receptionist. “Hi, Mom,” he said as he walked in. He plopped down onto a chair in the waiting room while she got ready to leave. His book bag slid to the floor beside him, and he gave it an angry little kick. Mom noticed.

“What’s wrong, Declan?” she asked as they headed for the car.

“I don’t like Isaiah,” said Declan. “In fact, after what he did at school today, I hate him!”

“Whoa!” said Mom. “Hate is not a word I like to hear. What happened?”

“Isaiah threw an eraser and hit Aaliyah in the back of the head. Since I sit right behind her, she thought I did it and told Mrs. Cramer. I told Mrs. Cramer I didn’t do it, but she didn’t believe me, and I had to stay in during recess. After school Isaiah tried to apologize, but it was too late then. He should have admitted he did it right away!”

Mom looked at Declan thoughtfully. “Sounds like you need a filling.”

“A filling! What does this have to do with teeth? Besides, I just had a filling. My teeth are fine!”

“What did the dentist do when you had that cavity?” Mom asked.

“Well, first she drilled out the decay, and then she filled the space with a special material,” said Declan. “But why are we talking about fillings? What about Isaiah?”

“I was thinking of the problem you’re having with him,” said Mom. “It seems a lot like the problem you had with your tooth. They both need drilling and filling. Isaiah was wrong, but I think you need to drill the decay—the hate—out of your heart and fill the space with forgiveness.”

“Drill out the hate?” asked Declan. “How can I do that?”

“You need a much more powerful tool than a dentist’s drill,” said Mom. “You need prayer. Only Jesus can help you get rid of the hate and forgive Isaiah.” Declan sighed and didn’t say anything. “Pray about it and trust Jesus to help you love and forgive Isaiah, Declan,” added Mom. “I’ll be praying for both of you.”

–Dorothy R. King

How about you? Do you find it hard to forgive people who have wronged you? It’s not easy, but with Jesus it can be done. Pray and tell Him how you’re feeling, and trust Him to replace any hate in your heart with love. Remember that He loves you so much that He died for your sins so you could be forgiven. He loves everyone that much—including those who have wronged you. Trust Him to help you show them His love by forgiving them.

Today's Key Verse: But I [Jesus] tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. (ERV) Matthew 5:44

Today's Key Thought: Drill out hate with prayer

Read: Matthew 7:7-11

Brecken was doing his homework on the couch when his dog, Winston, brought his toy over and set it at Brecken’s feet. Brecken picked it up and threw it into the kitchen. Winston immediately ran after it and brought it back. This time Brecken threw the toy a little harder, and it landed in the middle of the kitchen table. Winston ran to the table, looked up, and began to whine. He then began to run back and forth between the table and Brecken.

“I think he’s trying to ask you to get it down,” Mom said.

Brecken got up and grabbed the toy. “Here you go, Winston,” he said as he threw it toward the couch. Winston ran to get it and then took off down the hall, squeaking it loudly.

Brecken went back to the couch and pulled out his math book. “Ugh! I don’t get this,” he said a few minutes later.

“Do you need some help?” Mom asked.

Brecken tossed the math book onto the floor. “It’s no use. My teacher already tried to explain it to me, but I still don’t get it.”

“Have you tried praying about it?” asked Mom.

“I think God has bigger things to worry about than my math homework,” Brecken said.

Mom smiled. “Why did you get Winston’s toy for him earlier?” she asked.

Brecken shrugged. “I knew he was upset he couldn’t reach it and was asking me to get it. But what does that have to do with my math homework?”

“Well, just like you wanted to help Winston because you care about him, God wants to help us with our problems—no matter how small,” Mom explained. “Because Jesus already took care of our biggest problem of all by dying for our sins, we can go to Him with any problem we have. He cares about the problems you’re having with math and wants you to ask Him for help. That doesn’t mean you won’t still struggle with math, but He can give you the strength you need to keep at it. He wants you to go to Him for help with all your problems.”

“Even math problems?” Brecken picked his math book up off the floor and smiled. Then he bowed his head to pray.

–Melissa Yeagle

How about you? Do you ask God for help with all your problems? Or only if it’s something really big? Jesus definitely wants to help you with the big problems in your life, but He wants to help you with the small ones too. He loves you so much He died for you, and He cares about everything you’re going through. Ask Him for help with all your problems, big or small.

Today's Key Verse: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (NKJV) Matthew 7:7

Today's Key Thought: Pray about all your problems

Read: Luke 6:43-45

Willow slammed the door and threw herself onto her bed sobbing. It wasn’t fair! She had practiced just as hard as Lailani did for the play tryouts at school. While her best friend was chosen for the lead part as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Willow was just one of the many Munchkins in Munchkinland who might get to sing about lollipops.

Knocking softly on the door, Mom came in and sat down beside Willow. “Your brother told me what happened.” She leaned over and gave Willow a hug. “You know, I think my favorite character in The Wizard of Oz was the Tin Man.”

Willow sniffed. “Why?”

“Well, he wanted a heart so he could feel things. Can you imagine living life without feeling things?”

Willow shook her head. “But my heart doesn’t know how to feel right now.”

“That’s why we need to keep close watch over our hearts,” Mom said. “There’s a Bible verse that talks about guarding your heart above all else because every single thing you do flows from it.”

“What do you mean?” Willow asked, sitting up and wiping the rest of her tears away.

“Your words and actions show what’s really in your heart,” Mom explained. “We all experience difficult feelings in life, but we need to make sure they don’t take control of our hearts and make us act in ways that are wrong. That’s what it means to guard our hearts.”

“So what should I do about the play tryouts and Lailani?” Willow asked.

“Pray,” Mom said. “Jesus understands your feelings because He experienced human feelings too, but He never sinned by letting them take control. Share your feelings with Him and pray that He would help you guard your heart and know what to do next.”

Closing her eyes, Willow prayed and asked Jesus to help her guard her heart and treat others in a loving way even though she felt sad and upset. Then she had an idea. “Can I invite some friends over to watch the Wizard of Oz movie so I can get a head start on being the best Munchkin I can be?”

“Lailani too?” Mom asked.

Willow smiled and nodded. “Lailani too.”

–Kelly Hope

How about you? Have you ever felt sad or upset by something? Maybe you worked hard for something but it didn’t turn out the way you wanted, or someone said or did something that hurt your feelings. It’s okay to feel bad about those things, but don’t let your feelings take control of your heart and determine how you treat others. Jesus understands how you feel, and He will help you guard your heart so His love can flow from it into your words and actions.

Today's Key Verse: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV) Proverbs 4:23

Today's Key Thought: Guard your heart