Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

"We have to defeat the monsters!" Max shouted, swinging his imaginary sword. "Let's go get them!" Max and his dad started charging across their backyard toward the imaginary monster lair, swinging their swords and shouting their war cries as they played heroes.

"But wait!" Max's dad stopped short. "We have to put on armor first!"

"Oh yes, you're right. To protect us!"

"Yes! What armor do you think we'll need?"

"A helmet!" Max declared. "And a breastplate!"

"That's exactly right! And don't forget a shield."

Max and his dad started putting on their imaginary armor, making sure their breastplates fit them well and their helmets were securely fastened.

"Now we have our full armor on!" Max said when they were ready.

"You know," Dad said, "the Bible talks about putting on the full armor of God."

"What does that mean?" Max asked.

"It means we should protect ourselves against the devil. Satan wants to lead us away from God, but the Bible gives us ways to stand against him. It says to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness."

"What about our shields and helmets?" asked Max.

"Great point. The Bible talks about taking up the shield of faith, which is faith in Jesus, and putting on the helmet of salvation. Our salvation comes from God when we place our faith in Jesus. Because of Jesus's death and resurrection, God forgives our sins and gives us eternal life when we trust Jesus as our Savior, and we receive Jesus's righteousness--His goodness. The Bible also talks about taking up the sword of the Spirit"--Max's dad held up his imaginary sword--"which is the Word of God."

"Is that the Bible?" asked Max.

"Yes!" said Dad. "Putting on our armor helps us remember the truth and power we have in Jesus so we can stand against the devil's lies."

"Well, I want to put on the armor of God!" Max said. "Let's finish defeating these monsters with our pretend swords and then we can go inside and take up the sword of the Spirit by reading the Bible!"

"That sounds like a great idea, Max!" Dad smiled as they started charging toward the imaginary monster lair again.

–Elizabeth Cooper

How About You?
Are you wearing the armor of God for protection against the devil? When we place our faith in Jesus, He saves us from sin and Satan and makes us right with God. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) Satan has no power over us, but he still tries to get us to stray away from God and His truth. Put on the full armor of God so you can stand firm against Satan's temptations and lies.

Today's Key Verse:
Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. (CSB) (Ephesians 6:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Put on the full armor of God

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:14-22, 27

Mason's uncle, who raised sled dogs, had harnessed his team, and they were ready for action. "Now, Mason, which dog do you think is most important in getting this sled to the finish line?" asked Uncle Sean.

"The one in front," answered Mason.

Uncle Sean smiled. "That's Silver. He's called the lead dog. Now, which one do you think is least needed?"

"Well, I guess the one way in the back. He probably can't even see where he's going."

Without a word, Uncle Sean unbuckled the harness of the last dog. "Now which is least needed?" When Mason pointed to one of the smaller dogs, Uncle Sean unharnessed that one and asked the question again.

"You're not going to unharness them all, are you?" asked Mason as he pointed to another dog.

Uncle Sean grinned as he went to unharness that one. "I'll certainly leave the lead dog. You already said Silver was important. Now, which is next?"

"But Silver needs the other dogs to help pull the sled!" said Mason. "He can't do it alone. The other dogs might not be as important as the leader, but he needs their help."

"Yes, he does," said Uncle Sean. "But if the others are needed, doesn't that make them just as important as the lead dog?"

"I…I guess so," said Mason thoughtfully. "It seemed like the one in front would be more important than the others, but I guess he really isn't."

"He seemed more important because he's in a more prominent position," Uncle Sean explained. "But always remember that the smallest or least noticed member of a team is just as important as the one who gets the most attention. They all work together." Uncle Sean began harnessing the dogs again. "People are a lot like that. Sometimes we think the leaders are the only ones needed, but that's not true."

"Our sermon last week was about that," said Mason. "Pastor Donovan said God's church is like a body and every part is needed."

"That's right," said Uncle Sean. "In God's sight, what you do for Him is just as important as what anyone else does. We all need to work together as a team to show the world how good it is to know Jesus."

–Deborah S. Marett

How About You?
Do you ever feel like what you do isn't as important as what other people do? Even if the things you're asked to do aren't the things people tend to notice, God notices. He gave you the gifts and talents you have so you can serve Him right where He wants you. Trust Him to help you do your part, knowing that your role is just as important as anyone else's.

Today's Key Verse:
Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 12:22)

Today's Key Thought:
Your role is important

Bible Reading: John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; Colossians 3:15

Kristy plopped down on the couch. The wintry sky was gray, and it matched her mood perfectly. She kicked away the plastic ball her baby brother had gotten for Christmas and sighed. If only she had gotten the game she'd been hoping for since her birthday in October. It was bad enough the whole world still seemed drenched in the cheerfulness of the season. Now she had to wait ten whole months before she had any chance of getting the one thing she'd wanted for so long.

She stared as little Jake balanced on his tiny belly, straining with all his might to reach the plug of the lamp that hung just out of reach. Drool dribbled from his toothless mouth as he concentrated. Kristy reached for the ball and rolled it toward him, but he ignored it, still determined to grasp the dangling cord.

"Come on, Jakey," Kristy said, wiggling the ball to distract him. "That cord's not good for you. That heavy lamp could fall." She tried pulling him out of sight of the cord, but he screamed in angry protest. "Shh." She rubbed his back, but it only made him angrier. "You don't understand. You have so many fun things over here in your basket. Why do you cry over the one thing you can't have?"

Suddenly a small voice pierced Kristy's heart, and she winced. She'd been acting no different than Baby Jake. Why do I mope over one thing I can't have? she thought.

Kristy looked around the room. The Bible Grandma had given her still sat in its box. She tugged it out of the packaging and let it fall open. Her eyes fell on a verse that said, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" Her eyes moistened as she pictured Jesus on the cross, arms open wide, loving her as He gave the gift of His life to pay for her unthankfulness and every other sin.

Across the room, Jakey sat watching her, his drooly thumb half sticking out of his mouth. She caught his eye, and he broke into a toothless grin.

Suddenly Kristy felt like the world's richest girl. "Thank you, God, for giving me the gift of all gifts--Your Son, Jesus!"

–Rebekah Love Dorris

How About You?
Have you ever been so focused on what you didn't have that you forgot all that God has given you? It's easy for us to compare what we have with what our friends have, but that doesn't make it right. It's always more satisfying to count your blessings than to write a wish list. This Christmas, thank God for giving you the best gift of all--the gift of Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NKJV) (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Today's Key Thought:
Be thankful

Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7; Matthew 1:18-25

"I can't believe it's almost Christmas and there's no snow!" Alaina looked out the car window as they drove to church and frowned. "It just doesn't feel like Christmas without snow," she grumbled. For weeks the weather had been just above freezing. Instead of snow, storms of rain and sleet left a wet, muddy mess behind.

When they pulled into the church parking lot, Alaina hopped out of the car and landed in a mud puddle. Her church shoes and tights were covered in mud.

"Ahhhh!" she cried. "It's freezing, and I'm a mess!"

"Come on, honey," said her mom. "Let's run to the bathroom and dry you off before church starts."

A few minutes later Alaina was dry and warm, but her legs were still speckled with mud and dirt. Before she could complain, her friend Hadley excitedly ran up to her. "Alaina! Have you seen outside? It just started snowing!"

The two ran to the window and saw a few flurries starting to fall. Alaina giggled with excitement and forgot her muddy clothes. "Finally! I've been waiting forever!"

After church Alaina ran to the window again. The ground was already covered with a sparkling blanket of fresh snow.

Her mom came up behind her. "It does look beautiful. Why do you think fresh snow is so exciting?"

"Well, it finally covers up all the gross mud!" Alaina exclaimed, looking at the spots on her legs.

Mom nodded. "I think that must have been what the first Christmas felt like."

"What do you mean?" Alaina asked.

Mom smiled. "Just like the muddy mess outside that covered your clothes today, without Jesus our hearts look like a muddy mess full of sin. But just like you were waiting for the snow to cover up the mess, the world waited and waited in anticipation of the Savior God had promised. Can you imagine how exciting it must have been to hear that Jesus was finally here to make our hearts as white as this snow?"

Alaina looked surprised. "Wow, I didn't realize the world had to wait so long for Jesus to come." She looked outside. "Now the snow will remind me just how special Christmas is."

–Bethany Den Boer

How About You?
Do you ever feel impatient waiting for something you really want? Perhaps you couldn't wait for Christmas vacation or opening your presents on Christmas morning. How do you feel when the day finally arrives? The world waited in the same way for a Savior to come. This Christmas, think about that first Christmas when baby Jesus finally arrived and how exciting it is that He came to make our hearts as white as snow.

Today's Key Verse:
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (NKJV) (Isaiah 1:18 )

Today's Key Thought:
Jesus covers our sins

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

"Mom! Dad just drove in," said Millie. "He probably brought a Christmas tree!" But as she opened the door, Dad came in, and he didn't have a tree.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Dad said, giving Millie a hug. "I know how much you wanted a tree, but…"

Millie shrugged away and hurried to her room. She didn't feel like celebrating Christmas.

As she lay on her bed, the sound of voices drifted down the hall. Millie went to her door and listened. "I wish we could afford a Christmas tree this year," Dad said. He sounded very sad. "Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought they'd be marked down, but the prices were still pretty high. And with all the extra expenses we've had, I didn't think it was a good idea. But I know Millie's disappointed."

The hurt in Dad's voice brought tears to Millie's eyes. Then a plan began to form in her mind. Christmas is all about God's gift of Jesus and the joy He came to bring us, she thought. Maybe I can give Dad and Mom a gift of joy too.

Millie went out to join her parents. "Mom, can we bring out that little artificial tree we used in Grandma's hospital room last year?" she asked.

"Sure," said Mom, and she got the tree.

Millie pretended to be thrilled with it. "Help me decorate it!" As they worked, Millie continued her cheerful act. "I remember when you and I went shopping and bought this ornament, Dad," she said as she hung a wooden bird on the tree. "We had so much fun."

The angel they had used in years past seemed too big for the tiny tree, but they put it on the top anyway. "Mom and I bought this angel for your first Christmas," Dad reminded Millie--just like he did every year.

By the time they finished, Dad's spirits had lifted, and Millie was surprised to find that she no longer had to pretend to be happy. Her joy was real, and she looked forward to Christmas morning. She didn't expect to get many presents, but it didn't matter anymore. She had already received a wonderful gift--the joy of making another person happy.

–Esther M. Bailey

How About You?
Is there something you can do to make someone's Christmas more joyful? Maybe you won't be getting all the presents you hoped for, but bringing joy to someone else beats anything you'll find under the tree. God brought joy into the world when He gave us the greatest gift of all--His Son, Jesus. Remember that wonderful gift this Christmas as you look for ways to bring joy to others.

Today's Key Verse:
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (NKJV) (Acts 20:35)

Today's Key Thought:
Giving brings joy

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-8

After breakfast, Thatcher sat quietly as his dad read a passage of Scripture. "Well," said Dad as he closed his Bible, "these verses tell us that God is working to help us develop the same character traits Jesus has and become more like Him." Dad looked at his family. "Has anyone noticed ways He's been helping you do that in your life?"

No one said anything for a moment. Then Thatcher spoke up. "I don't get in fights as much as I used to, and I don't cheat on spelling tests anymore. And I like church better now too." His brows furrowed. "But I haven't been changing much lately."

"Well, we never stop growing as Christians," said Dad. "But often it's hard to pinpoint where the changes are taking place." After they discussed the verses a little more, Dad led them in prayer. Then they all gathered their things for a trip to visit Grandma, who lived several hours away.

When they got there, Grandma greeted them eagerly. "You've grown!" she exclaimed as she hugged Isla. "I see you've lost some teeth too!"

"Thwee teeth," lisped Isla.

"And Thatcher, you must be six inches taller," said Grandma, hugging him. "My! You're a young man now!" Throughout the day, she frequently commented on how much they had changed.

As Mom tucked Thatcher into his sleeping bag that night, he said, "I didn't think I had changed much since the last time we saw Grandma, but she couldn't stop talking about how much I've grown."

Mom laughed. "I know. I often don't notice how you and Isla grow either--until you grow out of your clothes, that is! I guess I see you too much to notice the gradual changes." She gave Thatcher a hug. "That reminds me of what we were talking about this morning. Maybe we're too close to ourselves to notice gradual changes that make us more like Jesus. But Grandma saw them. She mentioned how you and Isla played together without fighting and were quick to help when asked."

"Really?" asked Thatcher.

"Really," said Mom. "Trust that God is working in you to make you more and more like Jesus every day."

–Hope L. Aderman

How About You?
Did you know that if you're a Christian, God is helping you grow spiritually? Growth takes time, so you might not see a lot of change from one day to the next. But know that God promises to work in your life and help you develop character traits that show others the love of Jesus. As you continue to learn more about Jesus, trust God to work in your heart so you'll grow to be more and more like Him.

Today's Key Verse:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV) (2 Peter 3:18)

Today's Key Thought:
Growth takes time

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:14-16; John 3:16-21

Emily licked the icing off her fingers and carefully added another snowflake sprinkle to her Christmas cookie. Christmas parties were the best! She grinned as she looked around the table at her friends. Some of them were already devouring their cookies piled with sweet decorations.

"All right, kids! While you finish decorating your cookies, I have a special story to tell you," said Emily's mom. One of the other moms started passing around oranges while Emily's mom answered a question. "No, they aren't to eat just yet. We have to do something with them first! I was looking up different Christmas traditions from other countries and found this really cool one from Germany in the 1700s."

The children now each had a candle, four toothpicks, dried fruit, and a red ribbon next to their oranges. "This is what they did," Emily's mom said, holding up an orange. "The orange stands for the world. God loved our world so much that He sent His Son to save us. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of our sins and then rose from the dead so we could have eternal life. That's what the red ribbon stands for--the blood of Jesus. Take your ribbon and glue it around your orange."

"What are the toothpicks for?" Emily asked curiously.

"We put the four toothpicks in our orange pointing different directions for north, south, east, and west," her mom explained. "Jesus wants us to spread the good news that He saves all over the world! The dried fruit go on the ends to remind us that when Jesus is our Savior we have the fruit of the Spirit. What are they?"

Some of the kids murmured, "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

"Is the candle for 'this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine'?" Wyatt sang with his eyes sparkling.

"How did you know, Wyatt? Yes, we're all going to place our candle inside the top of our orange and the grown-ups will light them. This thing you created is called a Christingle, and it's a symbol of Christ's light in us. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are the light of the world. Kids, let your light shine for Jesus this Christmas!"

–Savannah Coleman

How About You?
Did you know that the Bible says if you are a child of God, you are the light of the world? Light was made to shine, not be hidden! Share with others the good news of Jesus coming into the world to save us. Trust Him to empower you to show the fruit of the Spirit in the way you treat others. Shine Jesus's light to those around you so they can see His goodness and love in you.

Today's Key Verse:
You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV) (Matthew 5:14, 16)

Today's Key Thought:
Let Christ's light shine in you

Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Jade squeezed her new teddy bear tight as she ran to the living room. She waded through piles of wrapping paper to find the family Bible on the coffee table.

"Momma," she said as she walked into the kitchen and found her mother rolling out pie dough on the counter. "We almost forgot to read the Christmas story! We always read it on Christmas after we open our presents."

"I didn't forget, Jade. We just don't have time this year," Mom said. "I need to finish making the pecan pie we're taking to Grandma's and shovel the driveway so we can get the car out of the garage, and we need to leave in forty-five minutes or we'll be late." Mom punctuated her list with a sigh. "Maybe we can read it tomorrow instead."

Defeated, Jade walked back to the living room. She plopped down in the crumpled wrapping paper and looked at her teddy bear.

"What should I name you?" Jade asked the stuffed animal as she touched the pink bow on the bear's head. "I know," she said, "Martha!"

Jade furrowed her brow. She thought about the story of Mary and Martha she learned in Sunday school and realized Martha sounded a lot like her mom.

Jade returned to the kitchen. "I think you're being Martha," she timidly told her mom as she sat down at the counter.

"Martha?" Mom asked. "Who is Martha?"

"In the Bible, Jesus visits two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha spent so much time cleaning and cooking that she didn't get to spend any time with Jesus. But Mary decided spending time with Jesus was more important than anything else." Jade looked down at the floor. "I think you're letting Christmas be more important than spending time with Jesus."

Mom's face softened. "Thank you, Jade. You're absolutely right. I got caught up in all the work that goes along with the holiday. Even good things, like making a pie for family, can be bad when they keep us from taking time to rest with Jesus so He can refresh our souls and remind us of His love."

Mom put down the rolling pin and smiled at Jade. "Come on, little Mary. Let's go read the Christmas story by the tree. Grandma won't mind if we're a little late."

–Nicole Kraayenbrink

How About You?
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed this Christmas season by all the presents to wrap or family parties to attend? Even good things can be bad when they keep us so busy that we don't have time for God. Don't let this year's holiday festivities keep you from spending time with Jesus. Take a moment each day to rest in His presence and remember that Christmas is all about what He did for you.

Today's Key Verse:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV) (Matthew 11:28)

Today's Key Thought:
Take time to rest in Jesus

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:13

"We're finally going to Seattle!" Mom exclaimed after checking in at the airport.

"Attle?" Billy said. "Who's Attle?"

Susan gave him a funny look. "We're going to see Grandma."

Billy tried but failed to hide his smile. "Mom just said we're going to see Attle."

Susan groaned. "Seattle. The city." Billy laughed.

As they waited at the security gate, Mom asked, "Billy, are all your toy cars in your backpack?"

Billy placed his backpack on the conveyor belt. "Sure are!" All except the Formula One race car in his pocket--his favorite. But nobody would see it.

Mom and Susan emptied their pockets into the bin and walked through the metal detector first. When Billy entered, a buzzer blared. He froze. Busted.

Immediately a security guard stopped him. "Empty your pockets." Billy handed over his race car. The officer inspected the toy and made Billy walk through the metal detector again, this time with empty pockets.

Once he had cleared the checkpoint, Billy walked to where Mom and Susan were waiting for him. He held up both hands. "Sorry."

Mom shook her head as they started for their gate. "Billy, you thought if I didn't see the race car, the metal detector would miss it too, is that it?"

He shrugged. "I guess I thought I had everyone fooled."

"Well, if you're ever tempted to fool me--or anyone else--again, remember you can't hide things from God. He knows what's in our pockets--and in our hearts too."

Billy thought for a second. "He even knows what I'm thinking, right?"

Mom nodded. "Every thought."

Susan grinned. "He even knows when you're not thinking. You really thought

you could slip a race car through security?"

Billy sighed. "It wasn't my finest moment, I'll admit."

"The good news is that even though God knows everything about us, He still loves us and forgives us for our wrongs," said Mom. "We don't ever have to hide anything from Him because Jesus paid the price for all our sins on the cross."

Billy stuffed the race car deep in his pocket. Every time he saw that car, he'd remember that he could never hide anything from God.

–Matt Shoemaker

How About You?
Have you ever done something you shouldn't have and tried to hide it? Our human hearts are naturally sinful, and sometimes we try to hide our wrongs. But God sees our sin--He knows everything about us and loves us anyway! And He offers us forgiveness through Jesus, who took the punishment for our sin. If there's a sin that's bothering you, don't try to hide it. Confess it to Jesus, and consider talking to a trusted Christian adult about it too.

Today's Key Verse:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. (NIV) (Hebrews 4:13)

Today's Key Thought:
God sees the unseen

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-16

"Look! I had just the right amount of string to attach the candy cane message about Jesus to each candy cane!" Loralee declared.

"Great! Now we're ready to deliver them," Loralee's mother replied.

That afternoon, Loralee and her mother knocked on doors in their neighborhood. As they strolled from house to house in crisp, cool weather, Loralee looked forward to talking with people about how the red-and-white-striped candy told the message of Jesus and the sacrifice He made to forgive people for their sins.

Standing on a broad porch, Loralee handed a candy cane to her neighbor Miss Zelda.

"I like this candy, but I'm not sure I'll read the little story about Jesus." Miss Zelda smiled and shut the door.

As Loralee and her mom turned back to the sidewalk, Loralee sighed. "Mama, I don't know if this is doing any good."

"What do you mean?" asked Mama.

"Most of our neighbors weren't home, so we just left the candy canes hanging on their doorknobs. And the ones who were home didn't seem to care about Jesus being the real reason for Christmas."

"Loralee, you want others to know about Jesus, right?" Mama asked.

"Of course! I gave my life to Jesus last year and trusted Him to forgive my sins, and now I want our neighbors to trust in Him too so they can be God's children."

"When you began a relationship with God as His child, do you know what He poured into your heart, Loralee?"

Loralee scuffed her shoe on some fallen leaves. "I don't know."

"His love! The Bible tells us He pours His love into our hearts."

Loralee smiled. "If God's love is in my heart, that means I have God's love to give to others."

"Exactly!" said Mama. "People may not want to talk about their beliefs or hear about Jesus, but because you have God's love in you, you have something special to share. Just keep sharing God's love with others and trust Him with the rest."

Loralee started walking faster. "Let's go, Mama! We have more of God's love to give to our neighbors today!"

–Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?
Do you ever wonder if your acts of obedience to love others really matter? God's Word tells us that when we trust Jesus to forgive our sins and give us new life in Him, He pours His love into our hearts. So when we show love to others, we're sharing God's love with them. That's a very special gift to give! Even when no one seems to care, keep sharing God's love and trust Him to use your gift to do good things.

Today's Key Verse:
God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV) (Romans 5:5 )

Today's Key Thought:
God's love is in His children

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:2-10

Brenda put down the birthday card she'd gotten from her relatives. "Bobby, when's the last time we saw Aunt Vicky and Uncle Al?"

Her brother shrugged. "It's been a long time. They're always too sick."

Just then Dad walked into the kitchen, wiping his hands on a rag.

"Hey, Dad," Bobby said. "Did you fix the go-cart yet?"

"Still working on it. But it's getting cold outside, so I wanted to get a warmer coat."

"Dad," Brenda said, "how come we never see Aunt Vicky and Uncle Al anymore?"

Dad grabbed a cookie and sat down. "Aunt Vicky has developed severe allergies to many foods, so it's hard to get together for dinner. And perfumes and other odors make her break out in a rash. And her immune system is really weak, so I'm afraid one of us might pass on a virus or something."

Bobby frowned. "It seems like trying to visit them is more trouble than it's worth." Brenda gave her brother a surprised look. "I mean, I want to see them and everything," Bobby said. "But it seems like anything we do will just create problems."

Dad thought for a moment. "You know how I've spent most of the day working on the go-cart?"

Bobby and Brenda nodded.

"This job should have taken an hour at the most, but things keep going wrong," said Dad. "I'm tempted to just throw the whole thing over the back fence into the field. I tell myself, 'It's not worth it! I could be playing golf or something.' Then I remember how much fun we had riding that old go-cart, and I figure it's worth all the trouble to fix it. It's kind of like that with visiting your aunt and uncle. It's getting harder and harder, but I know a visit would really encourage them. When we put in some creative effort to show someone we care, we're showing them the same kind of love Jesus shows us."

"What about going over to their house and caroling outside?" asked Brenda. "We'd keep far enough away so we wouldn't give Aunt Vicky our germs, but we'd still be able to cheer them up."

Dad liked that. "That's being creative, Brenda. I think they'd appreciate that a lot. Some things are worth the extra effort."

–Mike Dize

How About You?
Is there someone you know who is going through a tough time right now? Does a friend or family member need some encouragement? The Bible tells us to love and do good to others, even when it's not easy, so they can see the love of Jesus in us. Think of some creative ways you can show someone going through a hard time that you care about them and want to help.

Today's Key Verse:
But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good. (CSB) (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Today's Key Thought:
Find creative ways to help others