Exciting News!

Bible Reading: PSALM 119:97-104

Alannah’s mom came into the living room and set her Bible, which was stuffed with notes and church bulletins, on the table with a loud thump. “Alannah, why don’t you take a break from your homework so we can have devotions? We need to read about what happens to Elijah in the wilderness!”

Alannah groaned. “Can’t we do it later, Mom?” she said, repositioning her mom’s computer on her lap. “I need to finish researching birds for this paper I have to write.”

“That’s what you said an hour ago,” Mom reminded her. “You’ll have plenty of time to do that tomorrow. We need to do devotions so you can get to bed on time.”

“But I have other things I want to do tomorrow,” said Alannah.

Just then, a message popped up on the screen. “Hey, Mom!” said Alannah. “You just got an email from the Wilsons, and the subject line says, ‘Exciting news!’ I wonder what it could be!” The Wilsons were close family friends who had moved across the country the year before. It was sad when they moved away, but now Alannah was excited. “Maybe the good news is they’re coming to visit!” she said. “Let’s open the email and see.”

Mom shrugged. “Maybe later.” She opened the closet and took out a broom. “Later? But why not now?” Alannah asked.

“Well, I want to sweep the floor right now, and then I want to finish the book

I’ve been reading. After that, it will be time to go to bed. Maybe I can read the email tomorrow.”

Alannah looked at her mother in surprise. “But, Mom! It’s right here! I can’t believe you’re not going to read it right away.”

Mom smiled. “Why do you find that strange? You have a message containing good news too, but you’re in no hurry to open it and read it.”

“I have a message?” asked Alannah. “What message?”

“The Bible,” said Mom. “It’s God’s message to us filled with exciting news about His love for us and how Jesus died and rose again to save us.”

“But I keep putting off reading it,” Alannah murmured. She looked at Mom. “Let’s do our devotions now. Can we just open the email from the Wilsons first?”

Smiling, Mom agreed. LINDA M. WEDDLE

How About You?

Do you take time to read the good things God has to say to you in the Bible? Or do you have other things you’d rather do? The Bible contains the most exciting news of all! It tells how Jesus died and rose again and is someday coming back to make everything right. It gives advice and encouragement as you live your life for Him. Take time to read it—it’s God’s message to you.

Today’s Key Verse:
PROVERBS 25:25 AS COLD WATER TO A WEARY SOUL, SO IS GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Read the Bible.