Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

3 John 1:4 NIV — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Vacation Bible school crafts have come a long way over the years. In past years I have helped with the craft station at our VBS. I enjoyed hearing stories of past VBS crafts and the inventive ways the adults prepared for the crafts. Now, we have the privilege of Pinterest for ideas and ready-made kits for crafts. No matter the technique, crafts provide a hands-on activity to connect children with the Bible stories told. What memories do you have of craft time at VBS? 

What hands-on activities do you participate in now to connect you to the Bible stories you know? Do you serve at your church or in your community in a volunteer position? Do you lead a Sunday School class or sing in the choir? When entering a store do you hold the door open for the person behind you or share kind words with those you meet? Spend some time today thinking of the way you connect with Bible stories and thank God for the opportunity to be His vessel. What technique do you use to live out the Bible to those around you? 

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the examples You give us in the stories we read in the Bible. May I be mindful of the techniques I use to exemplify those stories to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What are your memories of Vacation Bible School? In recent years as I volunteered with VBS, I recalled songs, crafts, snacks, and Bible stories I learned while memorizing scriptures. John 3:16 is one of the verses I remember learning. In fact, I recall it as the first scripture I learned as a child. Did you memorize scripture at VBS? Do you remember some of the Bible stories you were exposed to while at VBS? 

At the root of VBS is the idea of exposing children to God through Bible stories and fun. In essence, VBS is a way to participate in the Great Commission as expressed in Matthew 28:19 NIV — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

How are you carrying out the Great Commission and making disciples? How are you sharing the love of God with others? If you are able, plan to step out and walk on water by participating in a local VBS this summer and share God with children of all ages.

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to participate in the Great Commission through Vacation Bible School. Remind me of my place and part in sharing the love of God with children of all ages. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV — Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Did you participate in Vacation Bible School as a child? Even if you did not participate in VBS when you were younger, I imagine you have some knowledge of what all it involves. At its root, VBS is meant to expose children to the love of God while incorporating fun experiences. Take a few moments to read this article published by the Baptist Convention of Maryland titled Lifeway Celebrates 100 Years of VBS. What an interesting history.

Now, spend some time recalling your Vacation Bible School experiences. Let’s spend some time this week walking down memory lane. As we go throughout the week reminiscing, let’s also ponder our future participation in VBS and trust God to lead each of us to our place of ministry in VBS.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the pioneers of Vacation Bible School. As we reflect on our experiences, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your leading. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Take a moment to read and meditate on this week’s featured scriptures.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV — Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Matthew 28:19 NIV — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

3 John 1:4 NIV — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Isaiah 54:13 NIV — All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. 

Psalms 127:3 NIV — Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Matthew 13:1-9 NIV

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will remember and reflect on our Vacation Bible School memories. VBS will begin occurring across the country within the next month. Music is an integral part of VBS. Click here to listen to a group of songs that have become my granddaughter’s favorite to listen to and reminds me of songs I learned in VBS. As you listen, may you recall your VBS experiences and may God lay on your heart a desire to reconnect with VBS this summer.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

John 11:35 NIV — Jesus wept.

This week we have shared short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. In today’s key verse, what caused Jesus to weep? I encourage you to take time to read the passage in John 11:1-44 NIV, titled “The Death of Lazarus.” 

When Lazarus, the brother to Mary and Martha dies, Jesus travels to the town of Bethany, where Lazarus lived. As Mary approached Jesus’ feet and wept, mourning the death of her brother, Jesus wept with her. Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead with the intention that all would believe in Him. This was His final miracle before His crucifixion. We can walk this earth knowing that Jesus weeps with us in our sorrows and rejoices with us in our joys. Take a moment to fully surrender to God as you worship with “Jesus Cries” by Riley Clemmons. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to run to Your feet when I experience both joys and sorrows. As I study Your word this week, help me to be able to recall and recite Your word in times of need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬ — Pray continually.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. As we have moved through our week, I pray you have experienced the fruit of God’s word. We can also gain much fruit through our prayer lives. Have you given up on your prayer life? Have you prayed for someone or something for a long time? It is easier to give up than to continue praying. Stop to think about the Apostle Paul writing to the Thessalonians. He instructed them to pray continually. This puts things into perspective for me. 

In the song, “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Brandon Lake, God doesn’t want us to give up on Him. When we think God is silent, He is really developing our character. Take time to read Romans 5: 3-4 NIV as the Apostle Paul encourages us not to give up. Will you join me in resolving to pray continually? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to persevere and not give up on You. As I move forward through 2026, I resolve to pray continually. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion