Some countries stop Christians from worshipping God and telling others about Jesus. It's against the law to give Bibles to people, to invite them to church, even for parents to pray with their children when they tuck them into bed at night.

Aren't you glad if you don't live in such a country? Aren't you sorry for people who do?

Some Christians broadcast radio programs into these countries. Others send Christian books and magazines and even films and videos so the people can have a chance to hear about Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to pray for countries where it is unlawful to pray and worship You. Amen.

If your minister asked you to find Jonah in the Bible, would you be able to? Or Amos, Hosea or Titus?

One minister used to say 'We will now turn to the book of Hezekiah' then watch with a smile as his congregation searched through their Bibles. There is no such book, but people who don't read much in the Bible often don't know that.

It's good for you to memorize the names of Bible books in order. Then you can find your way around God's Word.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to know Your Word through reading Your Word. Amen.

Long ago, children on Canada's prairies could earn a free trip to summer Bible camp by memorizing 500 Bible verses. Yes! 500 verses. Many children did, often because they could not afford to pay for camp.

One girl learned 500 verses and went to Bible camp where she became a Christian believer. Forty years later, she still remembered the verses she had learned.

God's Word in this girl's heart has helped her to live for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me to memorize Your Word to help me live for Jesus. Amen.

Anatoly Shcharansky is a Russian Jew who spent almost eight years in jail. He didn't do anything wrong, but he was accused of spying after he asked to emigrate from Russia to Israel.

In jail, Anatoly suffered much, but he never gave up hope.

The Psalms of David from the Bible helped and comforted him.

God's Word helps us and comforts us in trouble.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your Word comforts us in trouble. Amen.

Long ago, an African chief became a Christian and learned to love and honour God's Word. He could not read, but every night he placed his Bible under his pillow, perhaps hoping its wisdom would soak through to his mind.

Of course, we don't learn God's Word that way. We must read it, faithfully and regularly. Isn't it a great thing that we can learn to read God's Word for ourselves?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word which is always good for me. Amen.