<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians 3:8-14&version=NIV">Colossians 3:8-14</a></p><p>"Grandma! Grandpa!" called Reagan and Vinny as they ran outside to greet their grandparents, who had just pulled into the driveway.</p><p>Grandma gave them each a big hug. "We missed you while you were on vacation!" she said. "Did you have a good trip?"</p><p>"We sure did," said Vinny. "Come see what we brought home." He and Reagan led their grandparents into the living room. "Look," said Vinny, pointing to a covered glass bowl filled with green plants.</p><p>Grandpa went over to look. "Nice plants," he said. </p><p>Reagan giggled. "Look again, Grandpa," she said. "Look right there." She pointed to a small branch resting on the bottom of the bowl.</p><p>Grandpa peered at the branch. "Oh, I see it now," he said. "It's a chameleon, isn't it?"</p><p>"It almost looks like a little leaf," Grandma said in amazement.</p><p>Reagan grinned. "My teacher at school says chameleons have camouflage uniforms so they can blend in with their surroundings. It helps protect them from predators."</p><p>"Know what else we learned about them?" asked Vinny. "Their skin doesn't grow like their bodies do. When they get too big for their skin, they begin shedding it. They get rid of the old stuff, and soon they have all new skin."</p><p>"It's kind of like what we need to do as Christians, isn't it?" observed Grandpa.</p><p>Reagan and Vinny stared. "How would we do that, Grandpa?" asked Vinny.</p><p>Grandpa laughed. "I guess I was thinking out loud," he said. "Chameleons shed their skin when they get too big for it, and we need to shed sinful habits. Things like lying, cheating, and gossiping no longer fit us because Jesus has saved us from sin and has given us a new life. Just like a chameleon puts on new skin, we need to put on new, godly characteristics that fit who we are as God's children--things like kindness, patience, and humility."</p><p>"That does sound a lot like a chameleon," Reagan said. </p><p>Grandpa nodded. "The Bible tells us to take off the old self and put on the new self--the person Jesus has created us to be." Lucinda J. Rollings</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Has Jesus given you a new life? If you trust Him as your Savior, He's made you a new person! That means your old, sinful ways no longer fit who you are because He's freed you from sin and given you His goodness. It's time to shed those old, sinful habits so others can see the new person He's created you to be--someone filled with His kindness and love. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (NIV) (Colossians 3:9-10)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Shed old, sinful habits

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis 12:1-5&version=NIV">Genesis 12:1-5</a></p><p>"Goodbye," Lily said as she looked around at the home she'd always lived in. "I'll </p><p> miss you."</p><p>As she got inside the car with Mom, Lily thought of the garden with its apple trees and the swing she loved. She swallowed back the tears, wondering how their new house could possibly match up. She bit her lip to stem the anxiety racing inside her at the thought of all she was leaving behind. </p><p>"I know how you feel, Lily," Mom said as they began driving. "I know change is unsettling."</p><p>Lily's lip trembled, and then tears rolled down her face. She wiped them away with her hand, hoping Mom wouldn't see them. </p><p>Mom passed Lily a tissue. "I believe we can all adjust with God's help. Brian has a new job, and it will be a new start for us all. I know moving can be scary, but remember that it's not just an ending--it's a beginning. It reminds me of Abraham and his wife, Sarah, in the Bible. God told them to leave their home and move to a new land. They obeyed, and God protected them, blessed them, and gave them a precious son named Isaac--the first in a long line of descendants that would eventually lead to Jesus being born. God used Abraham's obedience in His plan to bring us a Savior and a new beginning, and we can trust Him to bless us in our situation too."</p><p>Lily thought about her stepdad. It had been scary when he'd been laid off from his job. He'd spent hours applying for new ones, but he had never lost faith, even when facing countless rejections. Now this new position was even better than the last one, even though they had to move.</p><p>"Brian never gave up hope. He believed God would provide for us, and I will too," Lily said, drying her eyes.</p><p>When they reached their destination, Lily gasped. The house had a large garden to run around in. Her stepdad was waiting for them, smiling. </p><p>"So glad you had a safe journey," he said, hugging them both. "Come inside and I'll show you around."</p><p> "I love it, Mom," Lily said as they explored their new home. "You were right. We can trust God to bless this new beginning." Cindy Lee</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Are you facing a new start in life? Leaving behind what you know can be scary, but you don't have to be afraid. God worked through many people's lives to bless us all with a Savior, and you can trust Him to bring good from your circumstances too. As this year comes to an end and a new one begins, remember that He will help you in new situations and use them to bring you a new beginning.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (NLT) (Philippians 4:19)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>God blesses us

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 34:1-3, 8-9 &version=NIV">Psalm 34:1-3, 8-9 </a></p><p>"We're hungry!" announced Addison after she and her cousin Morgan helped their grandmother get her house ready for their family's New Year's Eve party.</p><p>"Then I guess you'd like something to eat," said Grandma. "What sounds good?"</p><p>"Pizza!" the girls sang out together.</p><p>Grandma smiled. "Don't know why I asked. It seems like pizza is America's favorite meal. Okay, pizza it is--we'll make it."</p><p>They got out the ingredients to make the dough. When it was ready, both girls helped spread the pizza sauce. Morgan tasted it as Grandma placed an assortment of cheeses and pizza toppings on the counter. "This sauce isn't great by itself," Morgan said. "Neither is the crust."</p><p>Addison laughed. "No, but it's good compared to onions. They're okay on pizza, but I don't like them raw<br/>or green peppers either." </p><p>The girls talked as they continued preparing the pizza. "I wish I didn't have to go to school," Morgan said. "All my subjects seem really hard this year. I have to study a lot, and I still have a hard time understanding it all." She popped a slice of pepperoni into her mouth. "Oh, yum! Pepperoni is good by itself!" </p><p>"So is this cheese," said Addison. She sighed. "At least you don't have to deal with little kids bugging you at a school building. Sometimes I wish I weren't homeschooled. My little brother and sister always come barging into my room when I'm trying to do schoolwork!"</p><p>Morgan grinned. "Yeah, but they're so cute! And you have so much fun playing with them when you're not studying. You've really got it good. Hasn't she, Grandma?" </p><p>"We all have it good," Grandma replied. "I was just thinking that life is a lot like pizza. We like some of the ingredients--or experiences--and not others. But God uses all of them to help us become more like Jesus. Difficult schoolwork can help us learn to apply ourselves and persevere when things aren't easy. Little brothers or sisters can teach us patience.God uses all of life's ingredients for our good."</p><p>Morgan sighed. "I guess you're right, Grandma. When we have to deal with things in life we don't like, we need to remember that all the pizza ingredients--even the onions--taste good when they're baked together." Lucinda J. Rollings</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>How does life taste to you? Are you really pleased about something that's happening in your life right now?Are you unhappy about something else? When you don't like the taste of one of life's ingredients, think of pizza and remember that God loves you and watches over you in everything you go through. Trust Him to help you through difficulties and work all your experiences together for your good.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (NLV) (Romans 8:28)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>God works all things for good

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 10:29-31&version=NIV">Matthew 10:29-31</a></p><p>Thomas's heart was heavy as he trudged down the road. Maybe I should run away, he thought. I bet nobody would even notice I was gone.</p><p>Lately Thomas had felt left out in his family. When his older brother got a home run in a ball game or a good grade on a report card, Mom and Dad made a big fuss over him. But when Thomas did something special, it seemed like his parents would just smile and say something like, "I remember when your brother did that two years ago."</p><p>Thomas's younger sister got even more attention. Everyone in the family, including Grandma and Grandpa, always said how cute she looked, and they laughed at the funny things she said.</p><p>Thomas sighed. But nobody ever thinks there's anything special about me. I'm just<br/>there.</p><p>His thoughts were interrupted by someone crying. Glancing ahead, he saw a small boy with a bike. "What's the matter?" asked Thomas.</p><p>"I'm st-stuck," the little boy answered through his tears.</p><p>Thomas saw that the boy's pant leg was caught in his bicycle chain. "I got stuck like that once too," Thomas said, kneeling to get a better look. "I think I can help you." He carefully worked with the material and chain. "Got it!" he exclaimed.</p><p>"Oh, thank you!" the boy said, sounding very much relieved. He looked up at Thomas with admiration. "You're great!"</p><p>Thomas felt better as he walked on. The boy's words reminded him of something his teacher at church had said. "God thinks you're great!" she had told the class. "There's nothing you can do to earn His love--He already loves you for who you are. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so you could be part of His family. Even though He helps us do good things for Him, that's not why He loves us--He loves us because we're His children. You are very special to Him." </p><p>God loves me because I'm His child, Thomas thought. He remembered something his mom had said when he'd gotten upset over a bad grade. And that's why Mom and Dad love me too--because I'm their son, not because of what I do. </p><p>Smiling, he turned around and started walking home, back to his loving family. Carolyn E. Yost</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Have you felt left out in your family? Does it ever seem like the accomplishments of other family members overshadow your own? You are important to other people--and especially to God. In fact, you're so important to Him that He sent His Son to die for you so you could become part of His family. He delights in each of His children--not because of what you do, but because of who you are. You are very special to Him.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will<br/>rejoice over you with singing. (NIV) (Zephaniah 3:17)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>You are important to God

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 147:3-5, 11 &version=NIV">Psalm 147:3-5, 11 </a></p><p>Sophia's whole body shook with sobs. "Sophia," said Aunt Kelly, comforting her, "please try to stop crying so you can tell me what's wrong."</p><p>With great effort, Sophia did her best to control her tears. Her breath caught in her throat as she said, "Mom and Dad just told me they're getting a divorce. I think it's all my fault." Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.</p><p>Aunt Kelly put her arms around Sophia. "I can understand how hurt you are, but you can't blame yourself, Sophia. You had nothing to do with your parents' divorce."</p><p>"But if I had been better, maybe Dad and Mom would have gotten along better too," Sophia said. "I haven't always obeyed them, and I can be difficult sometimes. I've caused them trouble and made them worry."</p><p>"When a couple gets divorced, their kids often blame themselves," said Aunt Kelly. "But they shouldn't. You are not the reason for your parents' divorce."</p><p>"Are you sure?" asked Sophia tearfully.</p><p>"Absolutely!" said Aunt Kelly. "I know this is a very painful situation, and when we feel overwhelmed with sadness, it can make us think we could have avoided it if we'd done something differently. But believe me, it's not your fault." She picked up her Bible from the coffee table and turned the pages. "God has comforting words for those whose hearts hurt deeply like yours does right now. Psalm 147 says the Lord 'heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.'"</p><p>Sophia wiped her eyes. "How would He do that?" </p><p>"One thing I believe He'll do is put people in your life--me and others--who will help you through this hard time," said Aunt Kelly. "But most importantly, Jesus promises to be with you when you're hurting. He went through great suffering Himself in order to save you when He died on the cross, and He offers comfort and healing for broken hearts. Pray every day and read your Bible so He can help you by reminding you of His love. Little by little, you'll begin to feel better." Aunt Kelly gave Sophia a hug. "Shall we pray together right now?"</p><p>Sophia nodded. Although she still felt very sad, she bowed her head as Aunt Kelly began to pray. Carolyn E. Yost</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Are you hurting because your parents got divorced? Do you blame yourself? Don't! It is not your fault. It's something between only them. Or maybe you're dealing with a different kind of painful situation, like the death of a loved one. Whatever it is, remember that Jesus is with you. He wants to offer you His healing comfort and peace. Trust Him to heal your broken heart. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (NKJV) (Psalm 147:3)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Jesus heals broken hearts

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 4:1-4; John 6:35-40; James 4:7&version=NIV">Matthew 4:1-4; John 6:35-40; James 4:7</a></p><p>"Grandma, look! A squirrel climbed up on your bird feeder and scared all the birds away. He's taking the food you put out for them. How can we make him leave it alone?"</p><p>"I don't know," said Grandma. "I've tried several things, but squirrels are very good at finding a way to get at the birdseed."</p><p>As Chloe watched, mourning doves came. The squirrel sat up and made a loud noise that frightened them away. Blue jays flitted around the feeder and tried to get the seeds. They shrieked at the squirrel, but he refused to move. Woodpeckers approached. When the squirrel ignored the sounds they made, they flew to the feeder anyway and began to eat. The squirrel seemed surprised and moved slightly to one side. The woodpeckers edged closer and closer to the squirrel until he scampered away, leaving the feeder available to all the birds.</p><p>"Oh, good!" said Chloe. "That squirrel wasn't gonna let the birds get to the seeds, but the woodpeckers just went after it anyway. The squirrel finally gave up."</p><p>Grandma nodded. "Do you know who that squirrel reminds me of?" Puzzled, Chloe shook her head. "It's Satan," Grandma said. "He puts all kinds of things in our way to keep us from getting the food we need."</p><p>"You mean the Bible?" Chloe asked. "That's like spiritual food, isn't it?"</p><p>Grandma nodded. "Reading God's Word feeds us spiritually because it contains the truth of Jesus. In the Bible Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life because, just like we need to eat to survive, we can't have eternal life without Him. Satan tries to keep people away from Jesus, and one of the ways he does that is by using distractions to keep Christians from spending time with Jesus so He can nourish our souls." </p><p>"But Jesus is stronger than Satan," said Chloe. "In church I learned a verse that says if we submit to God and resist the devil, he'll leave us alone."</p><p>"That's right," said Grandma. "Even with all his angry chattering, that squirrel couldn't do anything to stop those woodpeckers from coming to the feeder. And when we trust in Jesus, Satan has no power over us. When we resist the temptation to let the things going on in our lives distract us, Satan can't stop us from coming to Jesus." Ruth I. Jay</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Are you too busy with all the things going on in your life to spend time with Jesus? Don't let Satan distract you from getting your spiritual food. He's eager to help you find reasons to skip church or Bible club and make excuses not to read the Bible. Don't let him! Jesus wants to nourish you with the truth of His Word. Ask Him to help you plan out the time in your day and week so you can spend time with Him. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. (NKJV) (Psalm 119:16)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Spend time with Jesus

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts 10:1-2, 30-33&version=NIV">Acts 10:1-2, 30-33</a></p><p>Christmas was over. Colorful wrapping paper and bright ribbons had been cleared away, and the opened presents were sitting under the tree. Because Dad had been out of work for several months, most of the gifts were very practical--useful things like socks, sweaters, mittens, and boots. "God is good," Dad said. "My best Christmas present is that He has provided a job for me. It's an answer to prayer!"</p><p>Grandma noticed her grandson's frown as he got up and walked to the kitchen. She followed him. "Is something bothering you, Marcus?" she asked.</p><p>"God may have answered Dad's prayers, but He sure didn't answer mine! I prayed and prayed for a scooter, but did I get it? No! I hardly got any fun stuff at all!"</p><p>"Could it be that you missed God's answer?" Grandma asked. </p><p>"Is there another present somewhere?" Marcus asked in surprise. He started back to the living room to look, but Grandma stopped him.</p><p>"That's not what I mean. What would you think if your dad had turned down his job offer and then declared God wasn't providing for his family?"</p><p>"Why would he do that?" asked Marcus. "That would be silly."</p><p>"Yes, it would," agreed Grandma, "yet your mother told me Mrs. Brown offered you the job of shoveling her walkways this winter, but you weren't willing to do it." She paused for a moment. "You asked God for a scooter, and He gave you a chance to earn it. But now you're blaming God because you don't have it. Isn't that silly too?"</p><p>Marcus sat down at the table. "I guess it is," he admitted. </p><p>Grandma sat down next to him. "I know it's been a tough year for your family, and you just wanted to get something fun for Christmas. God understands that too. He loves you and promises to do what's best for you. Sometimes that means His answer to your prayers is no, but in this case, I think it may be a yes, but you need to take action. Perhaps He knows you'll appreciate your scooter more if you work to pay for it yourself." </p><p>Marcus nodded. "I'll see if Mrs. Brown still needs help. Maybe it's not too late to earn money for a scooter." Hazel W. Marett</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>When you pray for something, are you prepared to be part of God's answer by taking action? For example, do you pray for good grades and then study hard?Sometimes God answers prayer by providing you with the next step to take. In today's Bible reading, God answered Cornelius's prayer by instructing him to ask Peter for help. So pray, and then be ready to follow God's action plan.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV) (Matthew 7:7)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Pray and be ready to act

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 6:1-4 &version=NIV">Matthew 6:1-4 </a></p><p>Hannah and Gabe waited patiently while Mom unlocked the door to their apartment building. After working at the store all day, Mom walked wearily up the stairs. "I sure am tired tonight, and my feet hurt," she said. "I wish I didn't have to work on Saturdays. Did you kids have a good day at Gina's house?"</p><p>"It was fine," said Hannah. "Did you hear from Dad yet?" Their father had driven to a nearby city, hoping to find work. </p><p>"Yes. He had a busy day too,"said Mom, "but no promise of a job yet." She sighed. "Well, I'd better get dinner started." </p><p>Gabe sniffed the air. "Where is that good smell coming from?" </p><p>When they reached the top of the stairs, they saw a box outside the door to their apartment. Mom opened it, and the delightful smell of potatoes and ham became stronger. "Who could have done this?" Mom wondered. </p><p>"Look! Here's a card!" exclaimed Hannah. "It says, 'May God bless you and give you strength. All good gifts come from Him.' It isn't signed, but the card has our church name and logo printed on it."</p><p>"But who at church made all this?" Gabe asked. "We have to figure it out so we can thank them."</p><p>"That was my first thought too," said Mom as she carried the box inside and set it on the table. "But then I realized that whoever did this doesn't want us to know who they are. It wasn't done for praise or thanks. It was done as a service to God to encourage us and show us His love. I, for one, am very grateful."</p><p>"Well, I'd at least want a thank-you if I did all that work," said Hannah.</p><p>"Me too," chimed in Gabe.</p><p>Mom smiled. "It's nice to be appreciated for what we do, but this service was done in secret so all our thanks would go to God. Like the note says, all good things come from Him. Let's thank Him for sending this person to help us remember that. He's the one who will reward them, not us." </p><p>Gabe grinned. "Okay. I'll set the table, and then we can thank God for the food--and for the secret servant who brought it to us!" Catherine Runyon</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Can you do a kind deed for someone? Would you be willing to let God receive all the thanks and praise? Acts of service done in secret help bring people's attention to God and His love and care. Why not be one of God's secret servants? Think of a secret service project you can do today. God will reward your faithful service and use it to point people to Him. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>Your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (NKJV) (Matthew 6:4)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>God rewards service

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Samuel 20:41-42; Romans 12:10, 15-16&version=NIV">1 Samuel 20:41-42; Romans 12:10, 15-16</a></p><p>"I.can't believe Caleb's actually crying!" Gavin said in disgust. "Why does he have to be such a baby?" He picked up one of the Christmas cookies he had just finished decorating and took a bite.</p><p>"Caleb's best friend just moved to another state. They've been friends since kindergarten. They played on the same teams and did almost everything together," Mom said as she put another batch of cookies in the oven. "Caleb is your brother. You should have more sympathy for him."</p><p>"He's also a ten-year-old boy who should not be crying like a girl," Gavin said as he poured himself a glass of milk. "I know he's bummed about it, but boys shouldn't cry."</p><p>"Gavin, who do you always say is your favorite Bible character?" asked Mom.</p><p>"David, of course! He was a brave and mighty warrior-king!" Gavin pounded his right fist over his heart. </p><p>Mom picked up her phone and looked up a Bible passage. "Please read First Samuel 20:41 to me," she said, smiling. "It's about David moving away from his best friend."</p><p>Gavin took the phone and read it aloud. "After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together--but David wept the most."</p><p>"If you keep reading in Samuel, you'll find other instances when your mighty warrior-king David cried. And he cried openly and without shame--and he's not the only one. Jesus cried too when His friend Lazarus died, even though He was about to bring the dead man back to life." Mom slid another tray of cookies into the oven. "God gave us our emotions, Gavin. It's not wrong to cry--it's how we process the way we feel when we're hurting. Jesus promises to be with us in our sorrow, and you can let your brother know you're there for him too." </p><p>Gavin sighed and stood up. "Hand me two more of those cookies, please."</p><p>"I think you've had enough," Mom said.</p><p>"They're not for me. I thought I'd take them upstairs to Caleb."</p><p>Smiling, Mom nodded and gave him three cookies--two for Caleb and another for himself. Sally Matheny</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Do you get upset when someone cries? God created us to have emotions, and crying is a healthy way to release those emotions. You can read in the Bible about many people who wept, including Jesus (John 11:35). God loves His children and cares when they are hurting. Ask God to help you show compassion when others are sad and to help you feel better about sharing your own emotions.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (NKJV) (Romans 12:15)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>It's okay to cry

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians 2:4-10&version=NIV">Ephesians 2:4-10</a></p><p>"My Sunday school class is going to have a Christmas party!" Averi told her family on the way home from church. "Miss Weaver asked if I wanted to help with the decorations, and I said I would. I'm going to get pine tree branches, and she'll tie some bright red ribbons onto them. She says they'll make our classroom at church smell like Christmas."</p><p>"Where do you think you're gonna get them?" asked her brother. "We don't have any pine trees in the city. We don't even have a Christmas tree yet."</p><p>Averi shrugged. "It shouldn't be too hard to find some branches."</p><p>But finding branches was more difficult than Averi had expected. Some places that sold Christmas trees didn't have any, and others would only give her some if she bought a tree. Now what am I going to do? she wondered.</p><p>Walking home from school one day, Averi saw a pile of branches at a Christmas tree lot. She had an idea. Instead of asking for free branches, I'll buy some, she thought. They shouldn't cost much. Averi hurried home to get money from her piggy bank. Then she ran all the way back to the Christmas tree lot. </p><p>When Averi asked if she could buy some of the branches, she was disappointed. "They're not for sale," the owner told her. Sadly, Averi started to walk away, but the man called her back. "They're not for sale!" he said again. "They're free. Help yourself." Averi eagerly accepted all she could carry.</p><p>As Averi helped decorate for the party the next weekend, she told her teacher what happened. "That's a good illustration for salvation," said Miss Weaver. "You wanted to buy the branches, but you couldn't because they were not for sale. They were free! Some people think we have to buy--or earn--salvation by doing good deeds, but we can't buy it. The Bible says it's not for sale. It's a free gift. We can only be saved from sin and have eternal life by trusting in Jesus." Miss Weaver smiled. "I think that would make a good topic for devotions at our party, don't you?" </p><p>Averi nodded in agreement. Jan L. Hansen</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Are you trying to buy salvation--to earn it by being good, going to church or another place of worship, and helping others? That won't work! The Bible tells us salvation is a gift from God. You can't buy it--you can only receive it as a free gift. Jesus paid the penalty for your sin. You can have forgiveness and eternal life only by trusting in Him. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (NIV) (Ephesians 2:8)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Salvation is a gift

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts 12:1-10&version=NIV">Acts 12:1-10</a></p><p>Ashley moved a flower to a new location in the yard and carefully packed dirt around it. She remembered how careful she and Mom had been when they had transplanted flowers earlier. Even so, not all of those had lived, so now they were trying again.</p><p>"I hope these flowers do well this time," said Mom. "Let's make sure they get water and plant food when they need it."</p><p>Ashley nodded. "Ryan says he likes taking care of them, but if he's going to weed these, I hope he'll be more careful," she remarked glumly. "When we transplanted flowers before, it sure would have helped a lot if Ryan hadn't pulled some of them up, right along with the weeds."</p><p>"It wasn't just Ryan," said Mom. "Some of the flowers would have died anyway. Some plants are harder than others to transplant successfully."</p><p>"I guess so," said Ashley as she finished with the last plant.</p><p>Ashley and her mom put their gardening tools away and then sat down on the porch steps. "They really are doing well, considering that they've had so many problems," said Mom.</p><p>Ashley lifted an eyebrow. "These flowers?" she asked in surprise.</p><p>"No!" Mom laughed. "I mean our foster kids--Ryan and Ben." The two brothers had recently joined Ashley's family. "They actually are a lot like these transplants," Mom said thoughtfully. "It's hard for kids to be moved out of their own home and into someone else's. They need a lot of special care. You're being a big help, Ashley."</p><p>Ashley brushed some dirt off her knees. "Sometimes I still don't know what to do for them though," she said.</p><p>"Just continue to make them feel at home and let them know we love them," Mom replied. "Remember that God is the only one who can make transplants bloom--whether they're kids or flowers. So most of all, be sure to pray every day for your foster brothers, and keep taking care of them and showing them God's love. He will use your prayers and your kindness to help Ryan and Ben grow where He's planted them."</p><p>"Okay," said Ashley. "I will." Karen R. Locklear</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Does someone you know seem to have a lot of problems? Do you wish you could help? You can! You can show them the love of Jesus by being patient with them and treating them with kindness. Above all, you can pray for them. God acts when His children pray. Learn today's Key Verse, and remember that God, who answered the church's prayers for Peter, also listens when you pray.<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. (NLT) (Acts 12:5)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Pray and care for others

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 23&version=NIV">Psalm 23</a></p><p>"Get up, Logan!" called Grandpa. "The sheep are coming!"</p><p>Logan instantly jumped out of bed, pulled on his jeans and shirt, and grabbed his tablet. He was visiting his grandparents in Montana and was fascinated to hear about how shepherds led their sheep up into the mountains. "It's quite a sight to see and hear," Grandpa had told him, so Logan was eager to get some pictures. </p><p>As soon as Logan opened the front door, he heard the sheep. "It's a sheep choir!" he said with a grin. "Their baaas are all different." He saw a shepherd walking in front of the sheep and two sheepdogs running alongside. Logan quickly ran out into the path and aimed his tablet at the coming sheep to take a picture. </p><p>"Out of the way!" the shepherd called, motioning for Logan to move.</p><p>"Logan, come back!" Grandpa said. "If a stranger gets in front of the sheep, they can lose their focus on the shepherd and scatter."</p><p>Logan hurried back to the house and snapped several pictures from the porch. "That was cool," he said after the last sheep was out of sight. "I guess sheep can be easily distracted, can't they? That's why they need to keep their eyes on the shepherd." Logan frowned. "The Bible compares Christians to sheep, doesn't it? Does that mean we're easily distracted too?"</p><p>Grandpa smiled. "We certainly can be," he said. "That's why we need to stay focused on our Shepherd--Jesus. He saved us from sin and promises to care for us and provide for our needs, and He's the one we should always follow. When you feel distracted and start to look elsewhere for solutions to your problems, let the sheep remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Bring all your problems to Him in prayer and trust Him to lead you where He wants you to go." </p><p>"Okay, Grandpa," said Logan. He pulled up a picture of the sheep and shepherd he had taken on his tablet and showed it to his grandpa. "I'll save this as the background on my tablet to help me remember to keep my focus on Jesus." Linda M. Weddle</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Where's your focus? Are you looking to Jesus to guide you in your daily life? Do you go to Him in prayer and seek His help in tough situations? If you know Him as your Savior, He's your Shepherd, and He promises to take care of you. There's nothing in this world that can give you the peace and joy He does. Keep your eyes on the Shepherd and trust Him to lead you. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (NKJV) (John 10:27)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>Keep your focus on Jesus

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 107:1-8&version=NIV">Psalm 107:1-8</a></p><p>"Alison, would you be willing to share your testimony with the rest of the group next week?" Mr. Hilton asked after the Bible club meeting.</p><p>"Oh, I don't know," Alison said. "I don't really have anything to share. I mean, when people give testimonies, they tell about all the bad things they did before they were saved. They have a lot to thank Jesus for since He saved them from all that stuff." Alison sighed. "I didn't do a lot of bad things before I was saved, so what would I talk about?"</p><p>Mr. Hilton smiled at her. "What bad things do you wish you had done?" he asked.</p><p>Alison looked surprised. "None!" she exclaimed. "But when that speaker who used to be a professional football player came to talk to us, he told about his life as a drug addict before he was saved. And a woman who shared her testimony in church said she was going to take her own life when a friend came to her house and told her about Jesus. I'm glad I never did any stuff like that, but I don't have any interesting things to talk about."</p><p>"Alison, you have just as much to thank God for as any of the people you've heard giving testimonies," said Mr. Hilton. "Jesus did a great and marvelous thing for you, just like He did for them. Even though your experience wasn't anything like theirs, you were once just as sinful as they were and headed down a path to destruction. But Jesus saved you from sin and gave you a new life! Isn't that worth talking about?"</p><p>"Yes," Alison said hesitantly. "But<br/>won't that be boring?" </p><p>"I don't think so," said Mr. Hilton. "Other kids may also think their testimony isn't worth sharing. Hearing what you have to say may help them realize how much Jesus has done for them. Sometimes God works in dramatic ways like in those testimonies you heard. Other times He changes hearts quietly, but that doesn't make it any less amazing. Your testimony isn't about you as much as it is about Him."</p><p>"Well<br/>" Alison hesitated. "Okay. Plan on my testimony next week. I want to share with everyone the amazing thing Jesus has done for me." Raelene E. Phillips</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Does it seem like your testimony--the story of how you came to know Jesus as your Savior--isn't all that exciting? It is. Like everyone else, you were born a sinner, and He saved you from sin and has given you eternal life! What's more exciting than that? Whether you tell just one person or a whole auditorium, let your story be a testimony to the great and marvelous thing He's done for you. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story--those he redeemed from the hand of the foe. (NIV) (Psalm 107:2)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>All Christians have a testimony

<p style="text-align:center;font-weight:bold;">Bible Reading: <a target="_blank" style="color: black;text-decoration:underline !important;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Corinthians 1:18-21&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 1:18-21</a></p><p>"I'm glad we bought this," Rhea said as she and Mom inspected their flea market </p><p> purchase--a beat-up antique dresser. "It's old, but I really like it."</p><p>"I do too," Mom said. "And it will be beautiful once we've refinished it."</p><p>Rhea nodded and began pulling the drawers out to clean them. When she removed the second drawer, she thought she heard something fall. Seeing an envelope, she picked it up. On the front was one word: Harriet.</p><p>"Look, Mom. Someone left a letter in this drawer. There's no address, only a first name."</p><p>"Maybe there's something inside that will identify the owner," said Mom. </p><p>Rhea pulled out the letter and began reading. "Oh, this is dated years ago," she said. "It mentions some stuff that happened 'last week,' according to the letter, but I don't know what it's talking about. There's a couple of names, but no explanation of who those people are. And the guy who wrote this just signed his first name." Rhea handed the letter to Mom. "None of this makes any sense to me."</p><p>"I don't get it either," Mom said after scanning the letter. "Letters don't make a lot of sense if you don't know the people they're written to or who they're from."</p><p>"Probably the only person who would understand this letter was Harriet, whoever she was," Rhea observed. "Or maybe if you knew the author, you'd know what he was talking about."</p><p>Mom nodded and carefully placed the letter back in the envelope. "This makes me think of another letter that people sometimes say doesn't make sense." </p><p>"What letter is that?" asked Rhea. </p><p>"The Bible," Mom replied. "It's a letter to us from God. But in order for it to make sense, we need to have a relationship with Him--just like Harriet and the author of this letter had to have a relationship to know what was being said. We need God to open our eyes to His truth and show us our need for a Savior--Jesus. Once we have that relationship, God continues to help us understand what He says in His Word so we can know Him better." </p><p>Rhea took the envelope from her mom. "Let's keep this letter as a reminder of God's letter to us." Kelly M. Schaefer</p><b>How About You?</b><br/>Is the Bible a mystery to you? Do you have a hard time understanding it? You can never truly understand the Bible without knowing its Author--you need to have a relationship with God's Son, Jesus. (See "Have You Heard the Good News?" on page 102.) The Bible is His letter that tells us about God and His love for us. As you read the Bible and get to know Jesus better, trust Him to help you understand His Word more and more. <br/><br/><b>Today's Key Verse:</b><br/>And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. (NLT) (2 Timothy 1:10)<br/><br/><b>Today's Key Thought:</b><br/>The Bible is God's letter to us