Category: Story Snacks

Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Jovian and the Fish: A Jonah and the Whale Story

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It is Jovian’s 14th birthday weekend and his Dad takes Jovian, and his sister Nina, fishing at their favorite lake. Jovian is so excited to fish that his legs won’t stop bouncing up and down while his dad backs the truck and boat down the boat launch. He wants to jump in the boat the minute his dad gets in the water. His dad tells him to be patient; there is a lot to do before they can motor out.

While Jovian is loading the poles in the boat, his little sister says she needs to go to the bathroom. Dad says he is going to take Nina to the outhouse and then grab a snack for her, and life jackets from the truck. Jovian, now very upset and impatient, said, “I wish Nina never came, she’s wasting all my fishing time!”. His dad tells him that was a very hurtful thing to say and tells him to apologize, which he reluctantly does before running down the path from the parking lot to the lake. “Keep an eye on the boat but don’t touch it until I get back,” his dad hollers at his back. 

Jovian looks around before he unties the boat from the dock, jumps in, and speeds off in anger. He rounds a corner in the lake where he won’t be seen. With the wind in his hair, Jovian smiles thinking about his freedom. By the time his dad and sister reach the lake, Jovian and the boat are nowhere to be found. He decides to go further, but the lake has other plans. Jovian’s boat bottoms out on a sandbar throwing him from the skiff. He realizes he didn’t wait for his dad to bring the life jackets as he flails around in the water, his foot nearly tangling in long algae. 

Jovian panics as he climbs in the boat. The cell phone that was in his back pocket is gone. It’s  probably at the bottom of the lake, he thought. The fishing poles are gone and he is unable to restart the motor. Jovian sits on the cold metal skiff seat drenched with lake water and remorse. With his head in his hands, Jovian prays for safety and forgiveness. 

Three hours pass before he sees another boat round the corner of the lake. It’s a Fish and Wildlife boat! The Ranger climbs aboard the skiff as Jovian cries with relief. While the Ranger gets the motor running, Jovian tells him that he was praying for hours that someone would save him and it was his faith that kept his hope alive. The Ranger says, “at least you didn’t find yourself trapped in the belly of a giant fish. Next time, listen to your Father and obey his words.”

“I will, I promise I will!” Jovian promised.

Bible Verse-You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. -‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭5‬ NIV

Note to Nibble: Practice patience and obedience so you don’t end up in a pickle.

Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Snuff Out Sin and Shine Brightly: A Proverb 13:9 Story

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The screeching of school bus brakes slowly come to a stop making way for the hissing of giant air-locked doors. Kids pour out of the bus, running home for after school snacks and homework. “Don’t forget we have that history test tomorrow, Blake,” Sawyer reminds his best friend who luckily lives next door.

“Yeah, I’ll study tonight after dinner. I want to shoot some hoops right now. Do you want to play?” Blake asks.

“I would love to but after my last history test, I feel like I need to put a bit more into my studying this time around.” Sawyer says back.

“I sit next to nerdy-Norman, so I always ace my history tests,” Blake admits with a laugh. You should move up to sit on the other side of him. He never covers his paper.” Blake shoots his ball into the air, catches it, and shoots again as if someone is coming to steal the ball.

“I’m too scared to get caught, Blake. Plus, it’s a sin to cheat and be dishonest. I’m going to do this the right way,” Sawyer says humbly. “Don’t you remember what they said at youth group last week? ‘The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.’”

“You’re right Soysauce, I’ll study after dinner,” Blake jokes. He gives everyone nick-names and Sawyer is never offended by it. “See you later man.” 

The next day, the boys both look confident when their teacher sits the tests face-down on their desks. Sawyer knows he is ready because he spent two hours the night before, studying. Their teacher tells them to flip the tests over and begin. About half-way through the test, Sawyer looks up at the clock to see how he is doing for time. He can hardly believe his eyes when he witnesses Blake copying Norman’s answers to his test! Sawyer feels sad for Blake, and hurt, because his friend lied to him about planning to study after dinner. Blake looks like he’s not even trying to come up with his own answers.

And Sawyer isn’t the only one who notices.  Their history teacher, Mrs. Hurley, is standing in the back of the room watching Blake copy off of Norman. When everyone turns in their tests, Mrs. Hurley asks Blake to take his test to the principal’s office. He walks past Sawyer with his head down, Sawyer notices a big red “F” written on his paper with the words “CHEAT” in capital letters.

After school, Sawyer and Blake exit the school bus. “Are you ok, Blake?” Sawyer asks.

“No, I got suspended and have to retake the test on Monday in detention,” Blake answers, sounding very ashamed and embarrassed.  “My parents are going to be furious. I’m really feeling like my inner light was snuffed out for choosing to not take the righteous path, like you did.”

“Let me know if you want to study later,” Sawyer offers.

“I’ll take you up on that this time,” Blake says with a smile.

Weekly Bible Verse: The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. -Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Note to Nibble: Snuff out sin and shine brightly by making wise choices.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Trusting through Fear: A Psalm 56:3 Story

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“Hey Jax, you didn’t forget to bring your mosquito spray did you?” Jayce asks, as the boys load their gear into the back of Jayce’s parent’s minivan.

“That was the first thing I put in my pack this year,” Jax says with a laugh. Last year, at Jayce’s annual family camping trip, Jax came home with thirty-two mosquito bites! “I wish I had spray for your cousin, Finley,” Jax adds. “He was almost as much of a pest last year as the bugs.” The boys fall quiet for a moment as if lost in a joint memory of the past year’s bullying they prayed would be avoided this year.

After dinner that evening, Jayce and Jax sit around the campfire with Jayce’s cousins and some friends the cousins invited. “The fire is getting low and I gathered the last bundle,” Finley says, facing Jayce and Jax. “Your turn boys, go get some firewood-or are you too afraid of the dark-spooky woods?” Finley’s heckle-like laughter echoes off the trees, sounding creepier than something you would laugh along with.

“We’re not scared, Finley. We’ll get this bundle and you can grab the last bundle of the night after that,” Jayce retorts, grabbing flashlights for him and Jax. The boys disappear into the pitch-black woods before turning on their flashlights to show they aren’t afraid of the dark. “Sorry about Finley, it looks like he’s no better this year. This might be a very long weekend.”

“Don’t sweat it, Jayce. I just love camping and fishing with you. I look forward to this trip all year. Your cousin could never fully ruin it for me,” comments Jax. “Now, let’s go grab some wood over this way. I think I saw some by the lake earlier.” The boys walk for a bit, but never see the lake. They make a couple of turns thinking they will head back to camp, yet end up near a high ridge they have never seen before. It looks pretty scary at night, too. Just then, they hear branches snapping in the woods behind them and snorting like “a-a-a-a bear!!” “What do we do?” whispers Jax.

“Are you sure it’s not just Finley messing with us?” Jayce asks with a shaky voice. When they hear the snorting again, they know that noise could never come out of a human, even one as big and nasty as Finley. “Do we run or climb a tree?” Jayce adds. “Or is it play dead?!”

“I think we hide and pray,” Jax says. “If it worked for Daniel in the lion’s den, it can work for us in the woods with one bear,” he adds, sounding a bit more confident now. “Dear Jesus, thank you for the forest, the animals, and everything you’ve created. We pray that you guide this bear far away from us right now and show us a clear path back to camp.” The boys stop shaking when they say “amen”. They look at each other with wide eyes and large smiles when they hear the bear wandering away from them. After a few minutes, the boys turn their flashlights in the direction where they first heard the bear and start walking towards it. Past a small berry patch, they round a corner and just barely make out a trail.

The trail leads them straight back to camp. It must be the long way around the lake they hadn’t taken before. Just before coming out of the woods, Jax spots a bundle of firewood wrapped in twine. The light of the moon shines on it and they laugh as the glow almost resembles the Nativity Story on Jayce’s fireplace mantle his mother displays at Christmas. “Someone camping here must have left a bundle of wood behind for the next campers,” Jayce says. “Either that or God blessed our socks off tonight by turning away that bear, showing us a trail, and giving us a bundle of firewood for putting our faith in Him.”

“I’m choosing to believe this was all God, man,” Jax says as they enter the camp.  

“What was all God?” Finley asks, returning from the outhouse. Sitting down at the fire, Jax throws a couple of logs on the dying flames. “You wouldn’t believe it if we told you, but we’ll tell you anyway.”

“I believe,” said Jayce.

Weekly Bible Verse: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. -‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬ NIV
Note to Nibble: When in doubt, seek God out, and pray without ceasing while  putting your trust in Him.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Sammy and Dahlia: A Samson and Delilah Story

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Sammy’s friend, Phillip, let Sammy in on something major that he’s going through-that he was just diagnosed with cancer and he may be missing a lot of school. Phillip makes Sammy promise that he will never tell anyone about his diagnosis. Sammy pinky swears with Phillip and adds, “If I tell anyone, I promise I will shave my head bald!” Phillip laughs and agrees. Sammy gives his friend a hug and tells him he will be praying for him every day.

That night at dinner, Sammy is feeling down by the news Phillip shared with him at school. His parents notice and ask him what’s wrong. Sammy tells his parents he needs to keep a promise to a friend and isn’t at liberty to say what it is.

Just the other day, Phillip’s parents asked the church to start a prayer chain for their son as he was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, so Sammy’s parents already know what is bothering him. They tell him it’s noble of him to keep such an important promise for a friend. Sammy’s sister, Dahlia, doesn’t like being the only person at the table who doesn’t know what’s going on. Dahlia begins asking over and over for Sammy to tell her the promise he made. Dahlia tells him that it will make him feel better to share the burden, but Sammy knows it’s important to keep his promises.

Dahlia can’t get this out of her mind. All weekend she continues to pester her older brother. Sammy tells his sister a few made-up stories, yet, she never believes him. By Sunday morning, Sammy feels like he can’t take it any longer. Getting ready for church, Dahlia enters his room asking again what he is hiding from her. Before realizing what he’s saying, Sammy blurts out, “Phillip has cancer alright?!” Dahlia’s mouth drops open in surprise and shock. “You definitely shouldn’t have told me that, Sammy!” Dahlia says. Sammy slams his bedroom door in her face, in anger. He feels guilty and ashamed of himself for letting his sister get under his skin and telling her Phillip’s secret. Through tears, Sammy walks to the bathroom and closes the door. They leave for the service shortly afterwards.

Walking into church, Phillip notices his friend Sammy walking through the front door looking much different than normal. Sammy’s wearing his typical Sunday button-up and slacks, but his head is completely shaved. When their eyes meet, Sammy tears up again. In the middle of the lobby, Sammy tells Phillip what happened over the weekend with his sister. Phillip turns and walks away without a word. The boys walk in to find their parents, both boys’ heads hanging low. During the service, the pastor speaks on forgiveness. Sammy prays to himself that Phillip will forgive him for breaking his trust. After the service, Phillip finds Sammy. Phillip lets Sammy know how hurt he is by what Sammy did. He decides to forgive Sammy and rubs his bald head with a laugh. Sammy notices that Philip has already begun to lose some of his hair and says, “remember Phillip, it’s not your hair that gives you strength, it’s God. I know I made that deal with ya’, and I wanna show my support too!”

Bible Verse: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬  NIV
Note to Nibble: God’s forgiveness is bigger than your mistakes. Choose forgiveness.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Esma and Morley: An Esther Story

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Esma and her cousin, Morley, recently signed up for a summer softball training program. They are super excited about what they’ll learn and the friendships they may make. When they arrive at the training field, they realize the leader is a coach from a rival team. Although he tells everyone during orientation that they will all be treated equally, Esma and Morley have their doubts.

During practice, the coach gives his team breaks while he forces the other teams to continue running laps and drills. When everyone else finally gets a break, they collectively voice their frustration about how the coach is treating them. Morley and a couple other players tell Esma she should talk to the coach because he works at her dad’s law firm. Maybe he will listen to her, they say, trying to convince her.

With a whisper, Esma says a prayer to Jesus for courage and wisdom. She remembers her youth group pastor telling her God will always give wisdom to those who ask. With a gulp, Esma begins walking slowly towards the coach. She then asks him if she could speak with him for a moment.

Esma nervously tells the coach how the other kids are feeling. She says all the kids came to learn, play, and have fun. She further states that only his team looks like they’re having any fun. The coach admits he wasn’t aware of these issues and apologizes to her, then to all of the players. Next, Xavior makes the decision to mix up all of the players into two teams. They end up playing the best game of softball anyone has ever played before and it turns out to be a summer none of the players want to forget. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. -‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ NIV
Note to Nibble: Seek God’s wisdom in all circumstances.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Dante and the Zoo: A Daniel and the Lion’s Den Story

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Mr. Ezra’s 6th-grade class is on a field trip to the local zoo. Dante, Colton, and Mateo wander off from the class, toward the African exhibit. “I want to check out the lions,” Colton exclaims, and the boys run to the habitat. Four mighty lions pace their large enclosure before lying in the sun with a collective stretch and yawn. Dante quickly pulls his phone from his back pocket, “I’m going to get a selfie,” he says with one hand on the rail as if he’s getting ready to jump over it. “I dare you,” says Colton. “Don’t even think about it, Dante. That would be your biggest and last mistake!” Mateo warns him before his eyes start darting around the zoo searching for an adult.

Dante taunts his classmates by leaping in the air with one hand still on the rail. He takes a final leap when Colton shoves him hard, sending him flying over the bar and landing about thirty feet from the now-sleeping lions. Fear catches Dante’s scream in his throat, not wanting to wake the lions. Instead, he finds himself curled in a ball crying softly and praying hard. Mateo quickly runs to get help as Colton stands idle with his eyes wide and his mouth gaping open.

A zookeeper appears almost from nowhere with a bucket of raw meat. He opens the feeding doors and the lions quickly get up, lick their lips, and make their way towards the bloody meat. Once inside the feeding rooms, the zookeeper closes the doors to the habitat, securing Dante at last. The zookeeper lets Dante out as his teacher and Mateo arrive at the scene. “Thank God you’re ok,” Mateo cries, “I prayed for your safety the entire time”. “You and me both,” Dante adds. “For some reason, I was calmer than I thought I would be. But still not calm enough to get that selfie.” 

Weekly Bible Verse: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. -Psalm 116:1-2 NIV
Note to Nibble: Never stop praying, for God hears our prayers.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Blaine and Sabel: A Cain and Abel Story

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One day at school, brother and sister, Blaine and Sabel, were in their home economics class. Their teacher, Mrs. Fryberry, announced they would have a baking contest and the winner would receive a $50 gift card to Lobby Hobby.

Sabel was super excited about the baking contest because she was a huge fan of the Kids Baking Tournament on the food channel. She always dreamed of competing on the show. Sabel asked her mom for some money and went to Whole Foods to buy the freshest ingredients for her cake.

Blaine didn’t really think too much about the contest and decided to go play video games at his friend’s house after school. On the way home, he stopped at the discount grocery store to pick up a pre-made pie. Blaine found a cherry pie that was marked down to $5. It didn’t really look like something he would choose to eat, but it would be good enough for the baking contest at school.

The next day at school, Mrs. Fryberry was judging the kids’ desserts. Blaine noticed a discount sticker still stuck to the side of his pie, but it was too late to remove it. His teacher was standing in front of his pie with a clipboard and a frown. His heart sank as he gulped hard. Mrs. Fryberry announced that Blaine was disqualified for entering a pre-made pie. His face turned redder than that old cherry pie he brought to the contest.

Sabel’s cake, on the other hand, took first place and she received $50 for Lobby Hobby. She was so excited, but also felt a huge sense of accomplishment because of all the hard work she put into making her cake. On the way home, Sabel told Blaine all the fun things she planned on buying with her gift card. Blaine boiled inside with envy and rage.

After dinner, Blaine saw the gift card on the mantle of the fireplace. He picked it up and stared at it with the flickering flames dancing in his eyes. Blaine tossed the gift card into the fire. He turned around to find his father watching him in shame and disbelief. Blaine apologized, and his dad called a family meeting to discuss what happened. Blaine and Sabel’s parents decide that Blaine needs to work off the $50 by doing both his and Sabel’s chores for a month.

A month passes since the incident and Blaine still feels bad for his behavior. Every time he sees his sister, shame wells up inside. That night at dinner, Blaine tells Sabel again how sorry he is and offers to do her chores for her for another month. Instead, Sabel forgives him and asks if he would like to go with her to Lobby Hobby. 

Weekly Bible Verse: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
-1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ NIV
Note to Nibble: Instead of being angry and envious of what others achieve, put your energy into walking in integrity.
Bible story, short story, kids, middle school, teens, family devotional, family devotion, Christian parenting, Christian, religion, Bible verse

Pride before the Fall: A Proverbs 16:18 Story

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Welcome to this week’s “Story Snack.” Our “Story Snacks” will be posted weekly on Saturdays, in time to read together as a family each Sunday. Be sure to subscribe below with your email so you don’t miss out on our other many offerings throughout the week. Our free “Weekly Memory Munchie” printables, coincide with the “Story Snack” and will be posted every Sunday.

“I’m open, Lucas, pass the ball!” Justice cried out as they both ran toward their opponent’s goal. Lucas and Justice had played soccer together since the 5th grade. Although he was his best friend, Lucas had always been a ball hog and a hot head. Lucas ran the ball to the weakly guarded net and scored easily. He threw his arms into the air and ran around shouting, “I am the best player on this team! Why should I pass the ball?”

Their coach and parents stood on the sidelines shaking their heads in near unison. Only Lucas’ dad cheered him on, “you’re the best, Lucas!” he shouted as his wife turned to him with her jaw slowly dropping in disbelief. The father’s encouragement of such a lack of sportsmanship surprised her. Lucas’ eyes met his father’s, and Lucas beamed with satisfaction and validation.

The team’s coach blew his whistle and called the team in for a huddle. “Great job making that goal, Lucas, but let’s not forget that we’re a team. Teams work together for a common goal. That means passing the ball and running the plays we’ve worked so hard to learn together,” the coach said. There was genuine concern in his eyes—concern for Lucas’s character and concern for the feelings of the left out team members. He watched as Lucas’s smile shrunk and melted into an angry scowl. His face turned bright red with embarrassment. “I told you to pass,” Justice chimed in. With that, Lucas focused his anger in his best friend’s direction and stormed off from the huddle before the team could throw their hands in the middle and shout, “Go Tigers!”

The next weekend, the team gathered at their school’s soccer field for the first game of the district soccer tournament. The coach spotted Lucas and reminded him of what it means to be a team player. Lucas agreed to stick to the plays they practiced all week, but when the two teams took to the field, it was a different story. Right off the drop, Lucas snatched the ball and began running it to the goal. He ignored the first play and went down hard just before attempting to make the first goal of the game. He picked himself up with the echoes of laughter coming from the opposing team. “That’s what happens when you’re a team of one,” they said through their chuckles. Justice ran to his friend and gave him a hand up. “Pass the ball,” Justice reminded him. Lucas pushed his friend aside and ran back into the action on the field.

Lucas tried again to run the ball in the second half of the game, ignoring his coach and teammates’ cries. The game ended 0 – 3 and the Tigers were out of regionals before it really began. In the locker room, Lucas stood on a bench and asked for the attention of his fellow players. They were filled with disappointment; it was difficult to raise their heavy heads to meet Lucas’ eyes. “I blew it,” Lucas said with a shaky voice, “I blew the entire game and took us out of District. I don’t know how to say how sorry and embarrassed I am.”

“You can say you’re sorry by showing up to practice and running the plays. Actions speak louder than words, Lucas. You need to trust the abilities of the team and pass the ball,” Justice said. “We worked really hard to get here and your haughty attitude and pride cost us a chance at another trophy.”

“You’re right, Justice. And not only that, but I was not a good friend to you. I won’t let my pride get in the way of our team or our friendship again.”

Note to Nibble: Put away pride and be a good team player—both on and off the field.
Weekly Bible Verse: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. -Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Welcome!

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Welcome to PhillFamily Ministries! Our family is dedicated to furthering God’s Kingdom by inspiring families. There will be something for everyone on our blog! Each week, we will be posting a “Story Snack” that we wrote together based on a Bible story or Biblical wisdom. These are geared towards children and teens ages 7-15, and will include a “Note to Nibble” for the week, along with a coinciding Bible verse. PhillFamily Ministries will also be posting weekly printable memory verses, “Weekly Memory Munchies”, that go with each story. “1 Minute Bible Bits” will be short, encouraging audio messages based on God’s Word. And lastly, the entire family will find free printables and digital material posted in “Tangible Takeout”.

This week, check out our…

“Aden and Everette: An Adam and Eve Story”.

Aden and Everette, twin brother and sister, move to an unfamiliar town and start the seventh grade at a new school. During their first week, the twins make some new friends, Estell and Seth. Aden decides to invite them over for a sleepover on the weekend.

The four kids play games, watch a recently released action movie, and eat too much popcorn, pizza, and ice cream. Before Aden and Everette’s parents go to bed, they tell the kids they can help themselves to snacks in the cupboard or fridge, but to stay out of the cupcakes they made for the church banquet on Sunday.

Once their parents are gone, Estell and Seth try to tempt the twins to eat some of the cupcakes their mom made. They say there are so many, their parents will never notice. Aden and Everette know it is wrong to disobey their parents, yet they want to impress their new friends—not to mention, the cupcakes do look really tasty. The twins give in to peer pressure and decide to split two cupcakes between the four of them. Our parents will never notice just two missing cupcakes, they think. The kids giggle through their mmms and yums, and can’t stop talking about how gooey and delicious they are.

As they eat the cupcakes in the glow of the open refrigerator, the kitchen light comes on. The kids attempt to hide the evidence, but can’t hide the chocolate on their faces or the chocolate crumbs on their shirts. Aden and Everette’s mom calls Estell and Seth’s parents while their dad drives them home. The twins are sent to bed.

The next morning at breakfast, Mom and Dad sit the two down for a discussion. Their parents say their actions the previous evening remind them of the story of Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God by eating from the tree of knowledge. They explain that God set down rules for Adam and Eve, yet they were influenced to eat from the tree anyway. The twins’ parents further highlight that Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden for their sins. Although the twins won’t be cast out of the house by any means, they need to be disciplined for not obeying their parents.

Mom and Dad ask the twins to come up with a disciplinary action they think is fitting for their sin of disobeying. The twins say they shouldn’t have any sleepovers for a while and should be a better influence for their friends instead of being influenced by bad suggestions. They have the power to influence others with their good choices just as much as others can influence them with bad choices.

Weekly Bible Verse: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.-‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ NIV
Note to Nibble: Don’t be influenced by negative peer-pressure. Instead, set a positive example for others, even when tempted.