Read: Proverbs 22:1; Isaiah 56:5; 1 John 3:1

Alexis rushed into the house. “Mom! Bree’s mom and new baby sister are home now! She’s so cute, and her name is Arabella. I love that name! How do people decide what to name their babies?”

“Well, some are named after a family member or a person the parents admire, and sometimes parents choose a name for its meaning.”

Alexis was surprised. “Names have meanings?”

“Most do,” said Mom. “For instance, Alexis means ‘helper’ or ‘defender.’ I can show you a website where you can search for names and their meanings if you want.”

“Oh, yes please!” So Alexis and Mom looked up several names together. Bree meant “strength,” and Arabella meant “yielding to prayer.” They even looked up Dad’s name—Matthew—which meant “gift of God.”

“Did you know the Bible says it’s better to choose a good name than to choose great wealth?” Mom asked as they got up from the computer.

“But we don’t choose our own names,” said Alexis. “Parents give them to us.”

“You’re right. You didn’t choose the name Dad and I gave you—you received it when you were born into our family. And there’s another name you’ve received that’s even more important.”

“There is?” asked Alexis. “What’s that?”

“When you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you became part of His family and received His name—Christian, which means ‘little Christ.’ That name means He’s made you a new person and that you have His righteousness, or goodness. Your new name means you belong to Him.”

“Really?” Alexis smiled. “I didn’t realize that’s what Christian meant.”

Mom nodded. “In the Bible, God even renamed some people when He called them to follow Him. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, and Simon became Peter. Their new names had special meanings that told others God had made them new people and was using them to show others who He was.” Mom smiled at Alexis. “He’s doing the same with us as Christians, shaping us to be like Jesus so we can point others toward Him. When we trust Him to help us speak and act in ways that show others who He is, we’re choosing to let people know us by the good name He’s given us.”

–Agnes Livezey

How about you? Do you know where your name comes from? Were you named after a special person or given your name because of what it means? We can’t choose our names at birth, but the best name of all is one anyone can have by trusting in Jesus and becoming part of God’s family. The name Christian means that Jesus has saved you and made you a new person. Let others know your new name by showing God’s love in all you say and do.

Today's Key Verse: A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 (CSB)

Today's Key Thought: Choose to have a good name

Read: Galatians 5:13-14

“Hey, Caleb!” Josh shouted when they got off the bus. “I almost forgot! Tomorrow I’m going to Planet Pizza, and I was wondering if you—”

“I’d love to go!” Caleb started running toward his house before Josh could finish his sentence. “I’ll ask my mom!”

That night, Caleb asked his mom about going to Planet Pizza with Josh. “Of course you can go,” said Mom. “I just spoke with Josh’s dad, and I’m glad you want to help.”

Help? thought Caleb. I’ll always help eat pizza!

The next day, a long line of people waited outside Planet Pizza. “Whoa!” said Caleb. “I hope we get a table. I’m starving!”

Josh gave Caleb a funny look. “Not like they are,” he said. “Follow me.”

They walked to the front of the line. “Hi, Josh!” said the man at the door. “Who’s your friend?”

“Hey, Pastor Eric. This is Caleb. He came to help serve lunch.”

“Help serve?” Caleb was confused. “I thought we came to eat!”

“We will.” Josh handed Caleb a pair of gloves. “After everyone else is served first.” Josh ran to the table of pizzas. “Our church is buying pizza and passing it out as part of our food drive this month. It’s why we’re here!”

“You mean we don’t get to eat pizza until after we’re done serving everyone else?”

Josh handed Caleb a stack of plates. “I think you’ll make it.”

Soon Pastor Eric let in the line of people, and Caleb and Josh helped serve slices of pizza to everyone who came in.

“My name’s Tommy,” one boy said. “I’ve never had pizza here before. Is it good?”

“Good?” exclaimed Caleb. “It’s the best! Here, sausage is my favorite.”

After everyone was served, Pastor Eric prayed for the meal. “Dear God, thank you for this pizza and for every person here, and thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for us. Help us see the ways we can serve those around us and show others Your love. Amen.”

Caleb lifted his head just as Tommy took his first bite. “This pizza is the best!” he said.

Caleb smiled and slid his own piece of pizza across the table. “Here, Tommy. You can have mine too.”

“Really?” asked Tommy.

“Really,” said Caleb. “It’s why I’m here.”

–Kelly Carlson

How about you? Do you serve others? Or do you always put your own needs before everyone else’s? Even though He’s Creator of the universe, Jesus came to earth to serve and give His life for us. Ask Him to help you see the ways you can serve others and show them His love. Today, find at least one person who could use your help and serve them before you serve yourself.

Today's Key Verse: For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Serve others

Read: Acts 16:19-25

Josiah felt like his head was going to explode. “Get married! You’re going to get married? To Ryan? But what about Dad?”

“Josiah, you know that after your dad left, he married someone else. He won’t be back,” Mom said quietly. “I thought you liked Ryan.”

“Not for a dad! And I definitely don’t want Brenner and Simon for brothers either.” Josiah stomped to his room, fighting back tears.

The next day they went to church, and Josiah, who normally loved going, was sad all morning. After class his teacher, Mr. Park, asked what was wrong.

“Mom’s getting married again,” Josiah told him. “The guy she’s marrying already has two sons. I don’t want someone else’s dad! I’ve got to get away.” He sank down into his seat. “I’m going to leave—for good! If they get married, I’ll never be happy here.”

“Do you think you’ll find happiness someplace else?” asked Mr. Park.

Josiah shrugged. “I sure won’t find it here!”

Mr. Park sat down next to him. “You know, Josiah, happiness isn’t something you find. It’s rooted in the joy that comes from trusting in Jesus—from knowing He’s good and rejoicing in all He’s done for you, even through tears. The Bible tells us that Paul and Silas sang even though they were in prison. You know Jesus and have the hope of eternal life with Him, so you can be joyful too, even when things are hard.”

Josiah sighed, and Mr. Park patted his shoulder. “I know it will be difficult at first, but I’ll be here if you need someone to talk to. And you can talk to Jesus about it too. Trust Him to give you patience and show your family His love. Your little sister will need her big brother, and your new stepbrothers will need help too—it will be difficult for them as well as for you.”

Josiah hesitated. “I guess you’re right,” he murmured.

“Give your future stepfather a chance to be part of the family,” said Mr. Park. “He loves the Lord, and I know he loves all of you.”

Josiah was quiet a moment, then asked, “Will you pray for me?”

Mr. Park smiled. “Of course.” They bowed their heads, and Mr. Park asked God to give Josiah comfort, peace, and joy.

–Agnes Livezey

How about you? Is something in your life making you unhappy? Are you doing all you can to get away from it? Running away from problems doesn’t bring joy. That only comes from trusting Jesus. Trust Him to be with you and help you through whatever is troubling you. Trust Him to help you show His love to those around you, even in difficult times. Trust Him to fill you with the joy of knowing Him.

Today's Key Verse: Those who trust the Lord will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus for joy

Read: Matthew 24:35-51

Madelyn picked up the tissues and old drawings off the floor and threw them in the trash can. As she was making her bed, her little sister Aria ran into the room. Madelyn’s dad followed her.

“Grandma’s coming!” Aria yelled. She had already told all her friends and teachers at preschool, and she still wanted to tell someone else the good news.

“I know, Aria.” Madelyn picked up a toy and set it on her shelf. “That’s why I’m cleaning my room.”

Aria bounced up on the bed, wrinkling the neatly spread covers.

“Aria,” Madelyn said, frowning as she watched her hard work being destroyed, “why don’t you go watch TV?”

The little girl beamed. “I can’t. I have to get ready for Grandma!”

“By bouncing on the bed I just made?” Madelyn asked with a sigh.

Dad smiled and lifted Aria off the bed. “That reminds me of someone else who’s coming too.”

Aria’s eyes grew wide. “Someone else is coming? Who?”

“Jesus!” Dad said. “We can be just as excited about His coming as we are about Grandma’s. And just like Madelyn is tidying her room for Grandma’s visit, we have to prepare for Jesus’s return. Like you said, Aria, we can’t just sit around watching TV when a visitor is coming!”

“How do we prepare for Jesus’s coming, Dad?” Madelyn asked.

“First we need to get our hearts ready. We do that by trusting Jesus to forgive our sin. Then we need to do what Aria’s been doing. We need to tell others about Him and let them know He’s coming again so they can get their hearts ready too.”

Aria looked around the room. “Madelyn’s room is ready for Grandma, but I know some of my friends at school aren’t ready for Jesus. I’ll tell them about Him on Monday so they can get ready too!”

“Good idea,” Dad said. “He’s the only one who can make our hearts as clean as your sister’s room.”

Madelyn smiled and grabbed Aria’s hand. “Come on, Aria. Let’s go watch for Grandma’s car!”

–Jessica Kleeberger

How about you? What do you do when a friend or family member is coming to visit? Clean your room? Plan fun things to do together? It’s exciting when someone comes to visit—and when Jesus comes again, it will be even more exciting! Will you be prepared for Him? Make sure your heart is ready by trusting Him to make you clean. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Then tell others the good news of what Jesus has done for you!

Today's Key Verse: Always be ready. You don’t know the day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 (ERV)

Today's Key Thought: Be ready for Jesus’s coming

Read: Isaiah 55:10-11; James 1:21-25

“Mom, I can’t get the toaster to work!” called William. Receiving no answer, he went to the small office where his mother was working on her computer. “I want to make some toast, but the toaster’s not working,” he said. “It won’t heat up.”

Mom shuffled through papers on her desk. “Is it plugged in?”

“Umm…it always is, isn’t it?” William sighed. “I’ll go check.” He went back to the kitchen. “Oops!” he said when he found the cord nestled against the wall. “No wonder it didn’t work.” He plugged in the toaster, put a piece of raisin bread into it, and was soon enjoying perfectly browned, buttered toast.

The next morning, William shared his toaster incident with his class at church. Their teacher, Mr. Scott, smiled. “William, your story reminds me of an important truth.” He picked up his Bible. “I’m sure you all know you should read your Bible every day, right?” Heads nodded. “While that’s good to do, did you know that just reading the Bible isn’t enough? What you read needs to be plugged into your life.”

“Plugged into my life?” asked Lena. “What do you mean by that? The Bible doesn’t have a cord!” She and some of the other kids giggled.

“When something is plugged in, it’s used to make a change,” Mr. Scott replied. “Toasters change bread. Vacuum cleaners change carpet. Phones and other devices change what we see and hear. When we trust in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, and He changes us. One of the ways He does that is by helping us understand and obey God’s Word.”

“So when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit plugs it into our lives?” William asked.

Mr. Scott nodded. “The Holy Spirit uses the truth of God’s Word to change us and make us more like Jesus. As you learn more and more about Jesus by reading the Bible, your thoughts and actions will be affected.” Mr. Scott smiled at the class. “So keep reading your Bible and learning more about what it says at church, but don’t stop there! Trust God to help you plug it into your life so others can see the love of Jesus in all you say and do.”

–Janice M. Jones

How about you? Is the Bible plugged into your life? It’s good to read it on your own and study it with others at church, but just reading and studying it isn’t enough. What it says needs to affect how you live your life, and that can only happen through the Holy Spirit. As you read and learn about God’s Word, trust Him to plug it into your life so your attitudes and actions reflect Jesus.

Today's Key Verse: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: The Holy Spirit changes you

Read: Luke 14:12-24

Connor stood beside his dad on the cracked, uneven sidewalk of Nairobi, Kenya, and watched in fascination at the hustle and bustle of city life around him. Horns blared, the sounds of people speaking other languages filled his ears, and the sour smell of diesel fumes from passing cars and buses made him want to hold his nose.

“Hey, Dad!” he called over the noise. “What do they call minibuses in Africa again? I forgot.”

“They’re called matatus.” Dad pronounced the word again slowly. “Muh-TAH-too.”

Just then a brightly colored matatu with writing and pictures on it sped around the corner and came to a screeching halt in front of them. Connor and his dad climbed in, and four more people crammed in behind them. A lady with a live chicken squeezed in and held it on her lap like she was giving it a big hug. Just as they were about to drive off, three more men hopped on and held on tight as the matatu sped up and started zigzagging from one lane to another. The ride was bumpy and fast.

“That was awesome!” Connor said after Dad paid the matatu driver and they climbed off. Dad looked a little dazed.

“Dad, why did more people keep getting on when we were running out of room?” Connor asked.

“Well, Nairobi is a big city, and it’s the cheapest way to get around if you have to get somewhere fast,” Dad explained. “A famous saying about matatus is ‘there’s always room for one more.’”

“That’s kind of like the Bible verse you read during family devotions last night,” Connor remarked. “The one that talks about God’s house being full.”

Dad nodded. “Good memory. Luke 14:23—‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in so that my house will be full.’ Jesus longs for each of us to have a relationship with Him and wants us to share that good news with others so we can all live with Him in heaven one day. He wants His house to be full.”

“But He’ll never run out of room or turn anyone away.” Connor grinned. “Sort of like a matatu.”

“Right,” Dad said with a smile. “Because in heaven, there’s always room for one more.”

–Kelly Hope

How about you? Do you tell others about Jesus? God’s love is so big that He sent His Son to die not just for you but for the whole world! He welcomes anyone who comes to Him, and He wants you to let others know they can live with Him forever. Pray for people who haven’t heard about Jesus—both where you live and around the world—and trust God to use you to help fill His house by telling others the good news.

Today's Key Verse: Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:23 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Tell others about Jesus

Read: Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32; James 1:19-20

“Mom!” Jessica cried. “Cassi hit me!”

“Because you pushed me!” cried her little sister.

Mom sighed. “Can’t we ever drive to school without you two fighting?”

Jessica felt her face flush with anger at her sister. She tried to ignore her by picking a book out of her bag to read, but before she even finished a sentence, she felt Cassi’s elbow in her side. She pushed back, and before long the girls were hitting each other again.

“Honestly, you two!” Mom brought the car to a stop in front of the school. “No more fighting!”

The girls got out of the car and headed their separate ways without saying goodbye to each other. Jessica held her lunch bag tightly in her hands as she walked to her first class, still fuming at her sister.

At lunchtime Jessica saw her sister sitting alone, looking troubled. “What’s wrong?” Jessica asked coolly as she came up to the table.

“I forgot my lunch,” Cassi said.

Jessica’s hands tightened around her lunch bag. “Too bad. Maybe if you spent less time fighting with me and more time getting ready for school, that wouldn’t have happened.”

Cassi looked down at the empty table sadly. Jessica turned to walk away, but Mrs. Gregory stood in her way. The teacher looked down at her and smiled.

“You’re holding on to your lunch bag very tightly,” she noted. “Are you afraid love and forgiveness might spill out?”

Jessica looked down at the bag in her hands, confused.

“Sometimes when we’re angry about something, we want to hold on to our anger like you’re holding on to that bag,” Mrs. Gregory said, pulling out chairs for herself and Jessica. “But the Bible tells us to let go of our anger and forgive others, just like Jesus has forgiven our sin and doesn’t hold it against us.” She smiled at Jessica. “Maybe it’s time to loosen your grip.”

Jessica looked over at her sister and then down at her lunch bag. She slowly opened her bag and took out part of her sandwich and a small bag of crackers. “Here,” she said, placing them in front of Cassi.

Cassi looked up and smiled. “Thanks, Jessica.”

Jessica smiled back. “You’re welcome.”

–Chandra Philip

How about you? Do you often find yourself fighting with your siblings or friends? Everyone gets angry sometimes, but the Bible warns against holding on to anger tightly and refusing to let go. Instead, remember the love and forgiveness Jesus shows you and trust Him to help you do the same for others. Then let go of your anger and act in love.

Today's Key Verse: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger…Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Don’t hold on to anger

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Daisy ran to the left as her sister Mia threw the ball toward her. Daisy bumped into a tall vase as she caught the ball. She yelped as the vase crashed to the ground. The sea-green glass hit the wood floor and splintered into a hundred pieces. Flowers lay on the ground, and water was soaking into the rug. Oh no! Daisy thought. Mom and Dad will be furious!

Just then Daisy’s parents came running in. Daisy quickly tossed the ball into the hallway, away from their view.

“Daisy, Mia, are you two okay? What happened?” Mom asked, frowning when she saw the hopelessly broken vase. Dad looked at Daisy and Mia with a raised eyebrow.

Daisy glanced at Mia, hoping she wouldn’t tell on her. Mia looked down, the floor suddenly seeming to be very interesting.

“Um, Mr. McFluffy Pants jumped on the desk and knocked over the vase!” Daisy blurted, pointing at their cat. Daisy’s face turned red as she realized the cat was sleeping. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. Tears streamed down her face. “I was trying to catch the ball when I bumped into it. And then I hid the ball in the hallway,” Daisy said, pointing at the ball.

“Mia, Daisy,” Mom said, “you two know better than to play catch indoors.”

“Sorry,” Mia said.

“Daisy, it’s okay that you broke the vase,” Dad said.

“It is?” Daisy said, looking up.

“Yes, but it’s not okay to lie,” said Mom. Daisy looked down again.

“Especially when Mr. McFluffy Pants is such an honorable member of the family!” Dad joked. “This reminds me of a Bible verse,” he said. “Second Corinthians 8:21 tells us to do what is right in God’s eyes and to make sure people can see we are honorable too—and that means being honest. When we do that, we bring honor to Jesus by letting others see the goodness and love He’s put in our hearts.”

Daisy turned red again. “I’m sorry I lied,” she said. “And I’m sorry for blaming Mr. McFluffy Pants too.” Daisy looked back at the orange-and-brown-spotted cat, who had managed to sleep through all the commotion. “At least now I know that Mr. McFluffy Pants isn’t a good cat to blame.” Everyone laughed.

–Ira Ool

How about you? Have you ever lied to get out of trouble? Lying not only makes things worse, it’s also wrong in God’s eyes and hurtful to others. As Christians, God calls us to be honorable and honest so others can see that we belong to Jesus, who died and rose again to make us God’s children. Trust Him to help you tell the truth and do what is right so others can see His love in your life.

Today's Key Verse: We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Be honest