I BELIEVE IN CHILDREN
....There is faith in their eyes,
Love in their touch
And hope in their attitude.
....I thrill with them at life's joy's
Run with them through tall grasses
And bow with them in worship.
....They are the fragile dream of yesterday,
Life's radiant reality of today
And the vibrant vision of tomorrow.
(taken from www.handprint.org.)
....There is faith in their eyes,
Love in their touch
And hope in their attitude.
....I thrill with them at life's joy's
Run with them through tall grasses
And bow with them in worship.
....They are the fragile dream of yesterday,
Life's radiant reality of today
And the vibrant vision of tomorrow.
(taken from www.handprint.org.)
WELCOME TO OUR THIRD YEAR OF READING THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH CHILDREN.
HEAR OUR STORY AT https://youtu.be/mV2ZNZf8ExE
2021-Focus on representing every book of the Bible (See separate page in menu)
2022-Focus on telling in chronological order the untold/unique stories from the Bible (See separate page in menu)
2023-Focus on Biblical virtues (See BELOW)
HEAR OUR STORY AT https://youtu.be/mV2ZNZf8ExE
2021-Focus on representing every book of the Bible (See separate page in menu)
2022-Focus on telling in chronological order the untold/unique stories from the Bible (See separate page in menu)
2023-Focus on Biblical virtues (See BELOW)
BIBLICAL VIRTUES DISCUSSED FAR THIS YEAR:
BIBLICAL SELF ESTEEM (GENESIS)
GRATITUDE (EXODUS)
MERCY/FORGIVENESS (LEVITICUS)
SELF DISCIPLINE/SELF CONTROL (NUMBERS)
SALVATION AND GROWTH IN GRACE (DEUTERONOMY)
COURAGE (JOSHUA)
RESPECT (JUDGES)
LOYALTY/FAITHFULNESS (RUTH)
PERSEVERANCE (1 SAMUEL)
HONESTY (2 SAMUEL)
PASSION FOR GOD (1 KINGS)
KINDNESS (2 KINGS)
COMPASSION AS EXEMPLFIED BY GOD (1 AND 2 CHRONICLES)
RESPONSIBILITY (EZRA)
WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY TO WORK (NEHEMIAH)
PRAYFULNESS (ESTHER)
JUSTICE (JOB)
FAITH/DESIRE TO WORSHIP (PSALMS)
PEACE (PROVERBS)
CONTENTMENT (ECCLESIASTES)
PURITY (SONG OF SOLOMON)
LOVING GOD'S WORD (ISAIAH)
HAVING A SERVANT'S HEART(JEREMIAH, DANIEL, AND OBADIAH)
BIBLICAL SELF ESTEEM (GENESIS)
GRATITUDE (EXODUS)
MERCY/FORGIVENESS (LEVITICUS)
SELF DISCIPLINE/SELF CONTROL (NUMBERS)
SALVATION AND GROWTH IN GRACE (DEUTERONOMY)
COURAGE (JOSHUA)
RESPECT (JUDGES)
LOYALTY/FAITHFULNESS (RUTH)
PERSEVERANCE (1 SAMUEL)
HONESTY (2 SAMUEL)
PASSION FOR GOD (1 KINGS)
KINDNESS (2 KINGS)
COMPASSION AS EXEMPLFIED BY GOD (1 AND 2 CHRONICLES)
RESPONSIBILITY (EZRA)
WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY TO WORK (NEHEMIAH)
PRAYFULNESS (ESTHER)
JUSTICE (JOB)
FAITH/DESIRE TO WORSHIP (PSALMS)
PEACE (PROVERBS)
CONTENTMENT (ECCLESIASTES)
PURITY (SONG OF SOLOMON)
LOVING GOD'S WORD (ISAIAH)
HAVING A SERVANT'S HEART(JEREMIAH, DANIEL, AND OBADIAH)
JEREMIAH, DANIEL, AND OBADIAH-VIRTUE OF HAVING A SERVANT'S HEART
PRAYER
God, please help the children develop servants’ hearts that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men nor their own desires.
OLD TESTAMENT
“…..save me Lord and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
(Jeremiah 17:14)
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.”
(Daniel 2:20)
“The pride of your heart has deceived you.”
(Obadiah 1:3)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
(Ephesians 6:7)
These three prophets are all examples of selfless service and praise to the Lord. They each had the virtue of a servant’s heart. Most of us know about Jeremiah who lost everything to serve his Lord. Then, of course the children are probably most familiar with the stories of Daniel who was also determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. Lastly, we have Obadiah whose name actually means “a servant’s heart”. His story is perhaps less familiar. (As this story goes, when the wicked queen tried to destroy the prophets of God, he hid these prophets and saved them by feeding them and giving them water. It is recorded in 1 Kings 18:4.) All three of these men were selfless and sought to do God’s will. We should always foster the virtue of a servant’s heart and show the children how to serve with the right motivation and remind them to put the will of God first in their desires.
Our books this week are:
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
https://youtu.be/Rq4RwXcOnbs
(We are each uniquely created by God. It’s okay to chase after your dreams, but it’s much more important to chase after God and His will for your life. The potential inside each of us comes from God alone. I originally recorded this book with the story of Esther in mind but it can also pertain to many other others in the Bible whose stories display the heart of a servant. We are all born at such a time so as to fulfill the will of an Almighty God in each of our lives.)
PRAYER
God, please help the children develop servants’ hearts that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men nor their own desires.
OLD TESTAMENT
“…..save me Lord and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
(Jeremiah 17:14)
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.”
(Daniel 2:20)
“The pride of your heart has deceived you.”
(Obadiah 1:3)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
(Ephesians 6:7)
These three prophets are all examples of selfless service and praise to the Lord. They each had the virtue of a servant’s heart. Most of us know about Jeremiah who lost everything to serve his Lord. Then, of course the children are probably most familiar with the stories of Daniel who was also determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. Lastly, we have Obadiah whose name actually means “a servant’s heart”. His story is perhaps less familiar. (As this story goes, when the wicked queen tried to destroy the prophets of God, he hid these prophets and saved them by feeding them and giving them water. It is recorded in 1 Kings 18:4.) All three of these men were selfless and sought to do God’s will. We should always foster the virtue of a servant’s heart and show the children how to serve with the right motivation and remind them to put the will of God first in their desires.
Our books this week are:
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
https://youtu.be/Rq4RwXcOnbs
(We are each uniquely created by God. It’s okay to chase after your dreams, but it’s much more important to chase after God and His will for your life. The potential inside each of us comes from God alone. I originally recorded this book with the story of Esther in mind but it can also pertain to many other others in the Bible whose stories display the heart of a servant. We are all born at such a time so as to fulfill the will of an Almighty God in each of our lives.)
ISAIAH AND THE VIRTUE OF LOVING GOD'S WORD
PRAYER:
May the children grow to find Your Word “more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb.” (Psalm 19:10)
OLD TESTAMENT
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.”
(Isaiah 40:8)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For I will give you words and wisdom
that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
(Luke 21:15)
I believe the most powerful words are the words of the Bible-the inspired words of God. The Prophet Isaiah understood that wisdom came from God alone and he fearlessly proclaimed His words of wisdom.
It is our responsibility to introduce the Bible to children at an early age and to reinforce its truth. As children grow they need to hear and believe in scripture in order to grow in wisdom and understanding of what is good in the sight of God. Children should see adults reading their Bibles and witness their total trust in each and every word.
Aristotle once said “It is impossible to be wise without being good.” The Bible teaches us how to be good and wise. Pray that the children will grow in the virtue of loving God's Word in its entity.
Our book this week is:
Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden
https://youtu.be/M54hNJ6V7MU
(Story about a young prince who grows up gathering seeds (words). He faithfully plants and waters those seeds daily, until they grow into powerful trees.The dark seeds grow with thistles and thorns and weaken the green trees which aren’t able to produce fruit as a result. “Be careful what seeds you water for they will surely grow.”)
PRAYER:
May the children grow to find Your Word “more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb.” (Psalm 19:10)
OLD TESTAMENT
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.”
(Isaiah 40:8)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For I will give you words and wisdom
that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
(Luke 21:15)
I believe the most powerful words are the words of the Bible-the inspired words of God. The Prophet Isaiah understood that wisdom came from God alone and he fearlessly proclaimed His words of wisdom.
It is our responsibility to introduce the Bible to children at an early age and to reinforce its truth. As children grow they need to hear and believe in scripture in order to grow in wisdom and understanding of what is good in the sight of God. Children should see adults reading their Bibles and witness their total trust in each and every word.
Aristotle once said “It is impossible to be wise without being good.” The Bible teaches us how to be good and wise. Pray that the children will grow in the virtue of loving God's Word in its entity.
Our book this week is:
Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden
https://youtu.be/M54hNJ6V7MU
(Story about a young prince who grows up gathering seeds (words). He faithfully plants and waters those seeds daily, until they grow into powerful trees.The dark seeds grow with thistles and thorns and weaken the green trees which aren’t able to produce fruit as a result. “Be careful what seeds you water for they will surely grow.”)
SONG OF SOLOMON AND THE VIRTUE OF PURITY
PRAYER
Create in the children a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions
OLD TESTAMENT
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
(Song of Solomon 3:4)
“Who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity…”
(Psalm 24:3-4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”
(Matthew 5:8)
The Book of Song of Solomon is a beautiful love poem between a husband and his wife. It also represents the pure and perfect love between Jesus and His church. What is pure love and what does it mean to be pure in heart or to have the virtue of purity? Pure love for us is often described as selfless and requires our daily remission of sin. Pure love is striving to love as God loves us. Purity comes from God alone through His love and forgiveness. May the children begin to understand that Jesus must live in their hearts so that His pure love will be reflected by their actions.
Our book this week is:
The Priest With Dirty Clothes by R.C. Sproul
https://youtu.be/rYnzZxLDVTs
(Purity only comes by putting on the pure love of Jesus. The dirt that we get on our clothes can be washed clean but only God’s pure love and His forgiveness can wash away the sin and dirt from our hearts.)
Listen to this beautiful children's song below to reinforce this week's lesson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMRBue17Dzs
PRAYER
Create in the children a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions
OLD TESTAMENT
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
(Song of Solomon 3:4)
“Who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity…”
(Psalm 24:3-4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”
(Matthew 5:8)
The Book of Song of Solomon is a beautiful love poem between a husband and his wife. It also represents the pure and perfect love between Jesus and His church. What is pure love and what does it mean to be pure in heart or to have the virtue of purity? Pure love for us is often described as selfless and requires our daily remission of sin. Pure love is striving to love as God loves us. Purity comes from God alone through His love and forgiveness. May the children begin to understand that Jesus must live in their hearts so that His pure love will be reflected by their actions.
Our book this week is:
The Priest With Dirty Clothes by R.C. Sproul
https://youtu.be/rYnzZxLDVTs
(Purity only comes by putting on the pure love of Jesus. The dirt that we get on our clothes can be washed clean but only God’s pure love and His forgiveness can wash away the sin and dirt from our hearts.)
Listen to this beautiful children's song below to reinforce this week's lesson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMRBue17Dzs
ECCELESIASTES AND THE VIRTUE OF CONTENTMENT
PRAYER:
“Father, teach the children the secret of being content in any and every situation through Him who gives them strength.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north, around and around it goes, blowing in circles.” (Ecclesiastes 1:5-6)
NEW TESTAMENT
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.“
(Philippians 4:12-13)
I have always loved a carousel and even as an adult, I am content for a short while to go round and round, essentially going nowhere. Ecclesiastes reminds us that in many ways, an earthly life without God can be very much like a carousel. The ups and downs of life that take us in circles are ever present but there is more to life than riding in circles. We must remind ourselves that we need an eternal perspective and direction to our life to find contentment. We will never have all the answers and we often only repeat the same questions in our minds over and over. To acquire the virtue of contentment, we often need to detach ourselves from our earthly circumstances and focus on God and remind ourselves that life apart from Him is meaningless. Any attempt to control our lives is pointless without God. For the kids, keep it simple: God should be the most important thing in their lives. Pray for them to understand that true happiness and contentment comes from loving Him who gives them strength to do all things.
Our book this week is a whimsical story of a famous carousel in Indianapolis.
Carousel to the Stars by Stuart Lowry
https://youtu.be/9IMAFKrHNj0
(Enjoy the simple childlike pleasures on earth but remember to keep your eyes on the stars and keep moving closer and closer to God.)
PRAYER:
“Father, teach the children the secret of being content in any and every situation through Him who gives them strength.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north, around and around it goes, blowing in circles.” (Ecclesiastes 1:5-6)
NEW TESTAMENT
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.“
(Philippians 4:12-13)
I have always loved a carousel and even as an adult, I am content for a short while to go round and round, essentially going nowhere. Ecclesiastes reminds us that in many ways, an earthly life without God can be very much like a carousel. The ups and downs of life that take us in circles are ever present but there is more to life than riding in circles. We must remind ourselves that we need an eternal perspective and direction to our life to find contentment. We will never have all the answers and we often only repeat the same questions in our minds over and over. To acquire the virtue of contentment, we often need to detach ourselves from our earthly circumstances and focus on God and remind ourselves that life apart from Him is meaningless. Any attempt to control our lives is pointless without God. For the kids, keep it simple: God should be the most important thing in their lives. Pray for them to understand that true happiness and contentment comes from loving Him who gives them strength to do all things.
Our book this week is a whimsical story of a famous carousel in Indianapolis.
Carousel to the Stars by Stuart Lowry
https://youtu.be/9IMAFKrHNj0
(Enjoy the simple childlike pleasures on earth but remember to keep your eyes on the stars and keep moving closer and closer to God.)
PROVERBS AND THE VIRTUE OF PEACE
PRAYER:
Father, let the children make every effort to do what leads to peace.
OLD TESTAMENT
"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
(Proverbs 3:16-17)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
(Romans 14:19)
Billy Graham is quoted as saying “ I read a chapter of Proverbs every day and that teaches me how to get along with other people." It is important for all of us to have the virtue of peace-loving and to get along with our peers. It is wise to seek peace in our relationships with others. Tolerance of others' opinions and beliefs can be far removed from our own beliefs and it is often a difficult challenge. We do need to stand up for Jesus and our beliefs and It is important to speak boldly about our beliefs, but this should be done in a loving and peace-loving manner. May the children learn the virtue of peace-loving as they learn how to tolerate the opinions of many others. This begins in the home, in our schools, in our communities, and at our churches.
Our book this week is:
Tale of Two Goats by Tom Barber
https://youtu.be/gL1cULHfa6g
(Two goats teach us that's its okay for a turnip farmer to be friends with a cabbage farmer)
PRAYER:
Father, let the children make every effort to do what leads to peace.
OLD TESTAMENT
"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
(Proverbs 3:16-17)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
(Romans 14:19)
Billy Graham is quoted as saying “ I read a chapter of Proverbs every day and that teaches me how to get along with other people." It is important for all of us to have the virtue of peace-loving and to get along with our peers. It is wise to seek peace in our relationships with others. Tolerance of others' opinions and beliefs can be far removed from our own beliefs and it is often a difficult challenge. We do need to stand up for Jesus and our beliefs and It is important to speak boldly about our beliefs, but this should be done in a loving and peace-loving manner. May the children learn the virtue of peace-loving as they learn how to tolerate the opinions of many others. This begins in the home, in our schools, in our communities, and at our churches.
Our book this week is:
Tale of Two Goats by Tom Barber
https://youtu.be/gL1cULHfa6g
(Two goats teach us that's its okay for a turnip farmer to be friends with a cabbage farmer)
PSALMS AND THE VIRTUE OF FAITH/HAVING A DESIRE TO WORSHIP
PRAYER:
May faith find root and grow in the children’s hearts, that by this faith they may gain what has been promised to them through God’s Word. May they also grow in their desire to worship in a Bible-based church.
OLD TESTAMENT
“Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of the Lord.”
Psalm 92:13)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Having the virtue of faith leads to a desire to worship. The Book of Psalms is often referenced as a collection of songs and prayers that expresses praise and worship. We first recited and sang these Psalms in our churches as children ourselves. I was deeply saddened by recent statistics that show that 31 percent of Americans NEVER attend church. I personally feel that attending church regularly is an important part of building faith in our children. Children need to hear the scripture and witness worship in a church. They should hear the old Bible stories and become familiar with a God who loves them. Of course, there will be many questions which we will need to answer for them as best we can. Building faith through Bible-based churches is more important than ever before, especially now that God has been removed from our school classrooms.
Jesus always said, “Let the children come to me.” Teach them and protect them. I pray that families will begin to worship together more and that the children will grow in their virtue of faith and their desires to worship an Almighty God. Going to church and worshiping God should become as regular and familiar as tying their shoe laces. How many scriptures from Psalms are you still familiar with because you first heard and learned them as a child in the church.
Our book this week is:
Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? by Nancy White Carlstrom
https://youtu.be/LdZJpcOsObA
PRAYER:
May faith find root and grow in the children’s hearts, that by this faith they may gain what has been promised to them through God’s Word. May they also grow in their desire to worship in a Bible-based church.
OLD TESTAMENT
“Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of the Lord.”
Psalm 92:13)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
Having the virtue of faith leads to a desire to worship. The Book of Psalms is often referenced as a collection of songs and prayers that expresses praise and worship. We first recited and sang these Psalms in our churches as children ourselves. I was deeply saddened by recent statistics that show that 31 percent of Americans NEVER attend church. I personally feel that attending church regularly is an important part of building faith in our children. Children need to hear the scripture and witness worship in a church. They should hear the old Bible stories and become familiar with a God who loves them. Of course, there will be many questions which we will need to answer for them as best we can. Building faith through Bible-based churches is more important than ever before, especially now that God has been removed from our school classrooms.
Jesus always said, “Let the children come to me.” Teach them and protect them. I pray that families will begin to worship together more and that the children will grow in their virtue of faith and their desires to worship an Almighty God. Going to church and worshiping God should become as regular and familiar as tying their shoe laces. How many scriptures from Psalms are you still familiar with because you first heard and learned them as a child in the church.
Our book this week is:
Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? by Nancy White Carlstrom
https://youtu.be/LdZJpcOsObA
JOB AND THE VIRTUE OF JUSTICE
PRAYER:
God help the children to better understand justice as You do and act justly in all they do.
OLD TESTAMENT
“I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.” (Job 29:14)
“He sees everything I do and every step I take.” (Job 31:4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
(Matthew 5:6)
In order to teach a child the virtue of justice, they must understand that God is the ultimate judge and He alone defines what is just and fair. Righteousness (what is good and right) comes from God alone. Often justice is beyond our own human understanding. Bad things sometimes happen to good people and good things can happen to people who don’t seem to merit it. Justice is not about what we deserve because of our actions nor is it something we are entitled to. Instead, it’s what our Creator allows in His great wisdom. This can be especially hard for children to understand. They often say, “That’s not fair!”. Justice is defined as “living in a right relationship with God, with others, and with creation.” Life isn’t always fair but our God is always fair and just. We must trust Him and accept His judgement and justice.
It’s not easy but we just have to live one day at a time and allow God to lead us. Job never stopped believing but trusted in his God through all his many days of loss and sorrow. He took it one step and one day at a time, always trusting in God’s righteousness and His justice. Stay close to the Father and He will guide you through these troublesome waters.
Our book this week is:
Little One Step by Simon James
https://youtu.be/zlgccX2rAxg
(When we seem lost from the Father, and are going through discouraging times of loss and disappointment, just trust in God and do the ‘one step’. Just like the little duck, take it one step and one day at a time.) God is just and fair and will always be there for you.) and always remember, “Jesus loves you” and wants the very best for you and all of His creation.
PRAYER:
God help the children to better understand justice as You do and act justly in all they do.
OLD TESTAMENT
“I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.” (Job 29:14)
“He sees everything I do and every step I take.” (Job 31:4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
(Matthew 5:6)
In order to teach a child the virtue of justice, they must understand that God is the ultimate judge and He alone defines what is just and fair. Righteousness (what is good and right) comes from God alone. Often justice is beyond our own human understanding. Bad things sometimes happen to good people and good things can happen to people who don’t seem to merit it. Justice is not about what we deserve because of our actions nor is it something we are entitled to. Instead, it’s what our Creator allows in His great wisdom. This can be especially hard for children to understand. They often say, “That’s not fair!”. Justice is defined as “living in a right relationship with God, with others, and with creation.” Life isn’t always fair but our God is always fair and just. We must trust Him and accept His judgement and justice.
It’s not easy but we just have to live one day at a time and allow God to lead us. Job never stopped believing but trusted in his God through all his many days of loss and sorrow. He took it one step and one day at a time, always trusting in God’s righteousness and His justice. Stay close to the Father and He will guide you through these troublesome waters.
Our book this week is:
Little One Step by Simon James
https://youtu.be/zlgccX2rAxg
(When we seem lost from the Father, and are going through discouraging times of loss and disappointment, just trust in God and do the ‘one step’. Just like the little duck, take it one step and one day at a time.) God is just and fair and will always be there for you.) and always remember, “Jesus loves you” and wants the very best for you and all of His creation.
ESTHER AND THE VIRTUE OF PRAYFULNESS
PRAYER:
“Grant, Lord, that the children’s lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Moms in Touch)
OLD TESTAMENT
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me…”
(Esther 4:16)
NEW TESTAMENT
“And, pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
(Ephesians 6:18)
I suppose the best known virtues of Esther are courage and faithfulness. But, let’s not forget about her virtue of prayerfulness. Her story reminds us to pray and wait. All too often we jump out ahead of God’s plan for our lives. Even though the Book of Esther is one of only two books in the Bible in which the name of God is not mentioned, I believe it can be understood that fasting was an observance done before God to request His help and thus Esther can be understood to be in prayer during her time of fasting. She fasted (and prayed) for three days. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that can be connected to prayer.”Many additional chapters which have been left out of our Bibles (There are an additional 6 chapters of Esther) confirm this. Esther asked Mordecai to have the Jews fast and pray for three days before she approached her husband, the king, to beg for the life of her people. There are many ways to pray. Fasting is one of them. May prayer always be an important part of the children’s lives.
Our book this week is:
Can I Pray With My Eyes Open? by Susan Taylor Brown
https://youtu.be/eZAjHVbZnN4
(Prayer is defined as a request for help or an expression of thanks addressed to God. Just like Esther prayed by fasting, we can pray with our eyes open.) and in many ways and places.
NEHEMIAH AND THE VIRTUE OF WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY TO WORK
PRAYER
Teach the children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
OLD TESTAMENT
“We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset.”
(Nehemiah 4:21a)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
(Colossians 3:23)
It is important to pray for the children to have the virtue of work- a focus, determination, ability, and a willingness to labor. In a world where work seems more and more undesirable. We could all learn from the example of Nehemiah who supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. His tenacious attitude toward work is one to be noted and admired. Kids need to witness the importance and value of good work ethics. Kids need to understand job skills and experience the joys associated with hard work. The Bible mentions often the disadvantages of lazy attitudes.
Our book this week is:
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
https://youtu.be/3r5htKQSlw4
(Benjamin Franklin once said that “It is the working man that is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man.” The hare teaches bear the values of staying alert and working hard.)
PRAYER
Teach the children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
OLD TESTAMENT
“We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset.”
(Nehemiah 4:21a)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
(Colossians 3:23)
It is important to pray for the children to have the virtue of work- a focus, determination, ability, and a willingness to labor. In a world where work seems more and more undesirable. We could all learn from the example of Nehemiah who supervised the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. His tenacious attitude toward work is one to be noted and admired. Kids need to witness the importance and value of good work ethics. Kids need to understand job skills and experience the joys associated with hard work. The Bible mentions often the disadvantages of lazy attitudes.
Our book this week is:
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
https://youtu.be/3r5htKQSlw4
(Benjamin Franklin once said that “It is the working man that is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man.” The hare teaches bear the values of staying alert and working hard.)
EZRA AND THE VIRTUE OF RESPONSIBILITY
PRAYER
“Grant that the children may learn responsibility for each one should carry his own load.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“…humble ourselves before God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
(Ezra 8:21)
“Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight! We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”
(Ezra 10:4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For every man shall bear his own burden.”
(Galatians 6:5)
“RISE AND SHINE!” Does this sound like something a parent might call out from the bottom of the stairs as they finish laying out their kids’ breakfast plates? The desired response on the other end isn’t only a matter of getting to the breakfast table before the eggs get cold or even having respect nor even simply obeying the call of their elders. Rather, it is also about displaying the virtue of responsibility and having “personal will power” that helps them throw back those warm covers and head downstairs. It is a motivation to tackle the task(s) laid out in front of them each day and to carry out God’s will. Ezra had the virtue of responsibility and he accepted his duty to lead the second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem and teach the law of God.
He had accepted his duty to study the law while he was in exile (Ezra 7:10) He can be remembered as a man who took responsibility. He was determined in his heart to teach others in the right way. He accepted this responsibility of being accountable for the actions of others. That’s something perhaps hard to fathom in today’s world where we chose to judge and blame others.
May parents and grandparents be accountable for teaching their children the truth and may the children learn from their example of exemplifying responsibility.
Our book this week is:
The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen
https://youtu.be/vRFEVTLd-XY
(The scarecrow learns that it’s not about dancing and expression of our own individual freedoms, but rather understanding our individual responsibilities. May we all wake up each morning with a sense of responsibility to carry out the work God has set before us. See extra short devotion below)
PRAYER
“Grant that the children may learn responsibility for each one should carry his own load.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“…humble ourselves before God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
(Ezra 8:21)
“Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight! We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”
(Ezra 10:4)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For every man shall bear his own burden.”
(Galatians 6:5)
“RISE AND SHINE!” Does this sound like something a parent might call out from the bottom of the stairs as they finish laying out their kids’ breakfast plates? The desired response on the other end isn’t only a matter of getting to the breakfast table before the eggs get cold or even having respect nor even simply obeying the call of their elders. Rather, it is also about displaying the virtue of responsibility and having “personal will power” that helps them throw back those warm covers and head downstairs. It is a motivation to tackle the task(s) laid out in front of them each day and to carry out God’s will. Ezra had the virtue of responsibility and he accepted his duty to lead the second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem and teach the law of God.
He had accepted his duty to study the law while he was in exile (Ezra 7:10) He can be remembered as a man who took responsibility. He was determined in his heart to teach others in the right way. He accepted this responsibility of being accountable for the actions of others. That’s something perhaps hard to fathom in today’s world where we chose to judge and blame others.
May parents and grandparents be accountable for teaching their children the truth and may the children learn from their example of exemplifying responsibility.
Our book this week is:
The Scarecrow’s Dance by Jane Yolen
https://youtu.be/vRFEVTLd-XY
(The scarecrow learns that it’s not about dancing and expression of our own individual freedoms, but rather understanding our individual responsibilities. May we all wake up each morning with a sense of responsibility to carry out the work God has set before us. See extra short devotion below)
CHRONICLES I AND II - VIRTUE OF COMPASSION AS EXEMPLIFIED BY GOD
PRAYER:
“Lord, please clothe the children with the virtue of compassion.
OLD TESTAMENT
"...His faithful love endures forever."
(1 Chronicles 16:34b)
“If you return to the Lord,then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”
(2 Chronicles 30:9)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Put on then, as God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, compassion,kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience.”
(Colossians 3:12)
I and II Chronicles emphasizes God’s amazing compassion for his chosen people. Over and over the people were reminded by the prophets to return to God. Hezekiah told the people in 2 Chronicles to return because God was compassionate and would forgive them. Over and over they chose to rebel instead. But, God never stopped being compassionate for the Israelites even though he punished them for their rebellious nature. Compassion remained even during these times of separation. Many things can appear to separate us from God and we can even be physically separated from one another for a season but true compassion never ends. God never stops caring and being compassionate even when we seem lost from his presence. May we all display this same type of caring, concern, and consideration of others even those from a distance. “Compassion is both innate and can be learned and enhanced.” May the virtue of compassion grow deeper and wider within the children.
And, as an added bonus..research has shown that compassionate people are happier people. We all like to be happy.
Our book this week is
Blue Bert and Wiggles by Derek Andersen
https://youtu.be/_EDteSFxcdk
(Sometimes separation is by choice and sometimes separation comes as a season in our lives. Sometimes we can't control separation just like we can’t control the seasons. Pasting leaves back on the trees didn't stop winter from coming nor help Blue Bert or Wiggles from becoming separated. Always remember that separation does not destroy our compassion for one another. And, we can always show compassion even from a distance. And God will always be there through all the seasons of our life. See extra short devotion below.
PRAYER:
“Lord, please clothe the children with the virtue of compassion.
OLD TESTAMENT
"...His faithful love endures forever."
(1 Chronicles 16:34b)
“If you return to the Lord,then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”
(2 Chronicles 30:9)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Put on then, as God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, compassion,kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience.”
(Colossians 3:12)
I and II Chronicles emphasizes God’s amazing compassion for his chosen people. Over and over the people were reminded by the prophets to return to God. Hezekiah told the people in 2 Chronicles to return because God was compassionate and would forgive them. Over and over they chose to rebel instead. But, God never stopped being compassionate for the Israelites even though he punished them for their rebellious nature. Compassion remained even during these times of separation. Many things can appear to separate us from God and we can even be physically separated from one another for a season but true compassion never ends. God never stops caring and being compassionate even when we seem lost from his presence. May we all display this same type of caring, concern, and consideration of others even those from a distance. “Compassion is both innate and can be learned and enhanced.” May the virtue of compassion grow deeper and wider within the children.
And, as an added bonus..research has shown that compassionate people are happier people. We all like to be happy.
Our book this week is
Blue Bert and Wiggles by Derek Andersen
https://youtu.be/_EDteSFxcdk
(Sometimes separation is by choice and sometimes separation comes as a season in our lives. Sometimes we can't control separation just like we can’t control the seasons. Pasting leaves back on the trees didn't stop winter from coming nor help Blue Bert or Wiggles from becoming separated. Always remember that separation does not destroy our compassion for one another. And, we can always show compassion even from a distance. And God will always be there through all the seasons of our life. See extra short devotion below.
BOOK OF II KINGS AND THE VIRTUE OF KINDNESS
PRAYER
Lord, may the children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”
OLD TESTAMENT
"Let's build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes." (II Kings 4:10)
NEW TESTAMENT
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always tries to do good to each other and to all people.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:15)
This week our virtue is kindness. There is a sweet story tucked in the pages of II Kings which reminds me of the lessons we can learn from simple stories involving chairs. Offering someone your chair, pulling up a chair to chat, or seeing little children crawl up into someone’s lap for a hug reminds me of simple acts of kindness. Simply providing a place to rest is an act of kindness.
The story from II Kings is also a story about hospitality in the form of making a room for a stranger, being careful to include a chair. The brief story tells of a woman who realized that Elisha was a man of God and so she prepared a room for him to use whenever he was in town. She did this out of kindness and because she sensed a need, not for any selfish motives.
Our book this week is called
My Chair by Betsy James
https://youtu.be/K4iR6F4twVQ
(Whimsical/fun story about chairs. Everyone deserves a chair, even the smallest among us. Chairs show hospitality and kindness. Pull up a chair and stay a while. On another note, I recall a story of a lady who had trouble praying expectantly and so she always pulled up a chair and asked Jesus to have a seat before she began her prayers. What a sweet image! Chairs are indeed special and we miss those empty chairs around the table.)
PRAYER
Lord, may the children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”
OLD TESTAMENT
"Let's build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes." (II Kings 4:10)
NEW TESTAMENT
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always tries to do good to each other and to all people.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:15)
This week our virtue is kindness. There is a sweet story tucked in the pages of II Kings which reminds me of the lessons we can learn from simple stories involving chairs. Offering someone your chair, pulling up a chair to chat, or seeing little children crawl up into someone’s lap for a hug reminds me of simple acts of kindness. Simply providing a place to rest is an act of kindness.
The story from II Kings is also a story about hospitality in the form of making a room for a stranger, being careful to include a chair. The brief story tells of a woman who realized that Elisha was a man of God and so she prepared a room for him to use whenever he was in town. She did this out of kindness and because she sensed a need, not for any selfish motives.
Our book this week is called
My Chair by Betsy James
https://youtu.be/K4iR6F4twVQ
(Whimsical/fun story about chairs. Everyone deserves a chair, even the smallest among us. Chairs show hospitality and kindness. Pull up a chair and stay a while. On another note, I recall a story of a lady who had trouble praying expectantly and so she always pulled up a chair and asked Jesus to have a seat before she began her prayers. What a sweet image! Chairs are indeed special and we miss those empty chairs around the table.)
BOOK OF I KINGS AND THE LOST VIRTUE OF A PASSION FOR GOD
PRAYER:
“Lord, please instill in the children a soul that ‘followeth hard after thee’ one that clings passionately to you.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
(Psalm 63:8)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion towards him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.”
(Romans 12:11)
It’s the season of Lent and we can’t help but recall the movie, “The Passion of the Christ”. Exactly what is passion? The dictionary defines it as “strong and barely controllable emotion”. We should always remember the passion that was exemplified by Christ. Passion implies drama. It was Christ’s passion for the church that even led him to clear the tables in the temple. Pray that the children will develop the virtue of a passion for God and a burning love to do his desires. Many of the kings at this time did not have a passion for God nor did they seek the presence nor will of God. Many of the kings after King David and King Solomon turned to idol worship and selfish ambition. They stopped seeking after God. Pray for revival of the virtue of a passion for God and may the children seek after Him through their relationships with one another in the family, in the classrooms, and in the communities.
Our book this week is:
God In-Between by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
https://youtu.be/PM3Crxt-v_8
(The village people learn that God is here, God is there, and God is everywhere. Passionately seek Him)
“Lord, please instill in the children a soul that ‘followeth hard after thee’ one that clings passionately to you.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
(Psalm 63:8)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion towards him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.”
(Romans 12:11)
It’s the season of Lent and we can’t help but recall the movie, “The Passion of the Christ”. Exactly what is passion? The dictionary defines it as “strong and barely controllable emotion”. We should always remember the passion that was exemplified by Christ. Passion implies drama. It was Christ’s passion for the church that even led him to clear the tables in the temple. Pray that the children will develop the virtue of a passion for God and a burning love to do his desires. Many of the kings at this time did not have a passion for God nor did they seek the presence nor will of God. Many of the kings after King David and King Solomon turned to idol worship and selfish ambition. They stopped seeking after God. Pray for revival of the virtue of a passion for God and may the children seek after Him through their relationships with one another in the family, in the classrooms, and in the communities.
Our book this week is:
God In-Between by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
https://youtu.be/PM3Crxt-v_8
(The village people learn that God is here, God is there, and God is everywhere. Passionately seek Him)
BOOK OF II SAMUEL AND THE MANY VIRTUES OF DAVID INCLUDING HONESTY
PRAYER
May the children develop the virtue of integrity and honesty to always protect them against evil. Help us as adults to teach them the truth as found in God’s word always.
OLD TESTAMENT
"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord is in you."
(Psalm 25:21)
NEW TESTAMENT
Be careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
(2 Corinthians 8:21)
David had many many Biblical virtues and it’s a personal matter of which was his greatest. We hear often that he had virtues of bravery, humility, and responsibility, and the list goes on and on. But have you ever considered the virtue of honesty in the stories of David? Somehow this doesn’t seem to be the first virtue that comes to our minds but certainly one to be considered. David was especially honest in his relationship with God. We all know that David lived a less than perfect life but he was always honest with God about the situation even if he brought harm to others. We can’t say he never told a lie because he even once lied to a priest (Ahimelech). Just like his poor choices with Bathsheba, he eventually acknowledged the truth of his sin to God (Psalm 51:4) even though he never apologized to her family. Honesty often precedes confession. We see his brutal honesty and openness in some of the scriptures from Psalms. He was aware of his short-comings and acknowledged his many failures. He didn’t apologize or ask forgiveness to the ones he had hurt but he did confess to God. Being able to be honest with the truth sometimes led him to display many other virtues. But it all began by accepting the truth and being totally honest with himself and especially with God. Knowing the truth, accepting the truth, and telling the truth always is an important virtue. Having the virtue of honesty doesn’t mean we will never make mistakes but it does mean that we will acknowledge our mistakes and the truth of the situation. God weaves His perfect will through those times of sin. David knew the truth in his heart and sought after the heart of God.
Our book this week is:
Ruthis and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laurie Rankin)
https://youtu.be/7EdiHdgn4FI
(It's never too late to be honest and acknowledge your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. And, it’s a good thing to be honest with ALL people)
PRAYER
May the children develop the virtue of integrity and honesty to always protect them against evil. Help us as adults to teach them the truth as found in God’s word always.
OLD TESTAMENT
"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord is in you."
(Psalm 25:21)
NEW TESTAMENT
Be careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable."
(2 Corinthians 8:21)
David had many many Biblical virtues and it’s a personal matter of which was his greatest. We hear often that he had virtues of bravery, humility, and responsibility, and the list goes on and on. But have you ever considered the virtue of honesty in the stories of David? Somehow this doesn’t seem to be the first virtue that comes to our minds but certainly one to be considered. David was especially honest in his relationship with God. We all know that David lived a less than perfect life but he was always honest with God about the situation even if he brought harm to others. We can’t say he never told a lie because he even once lied to a priest (Ahimelech). Just like his poor choices with Bathsheba, he eventually acknowledged the truth of his sin to God (Psalm 51:4) even though he never apologized to her family. Honesty often precedes confession. We see his brutal honesty and openness in some of the scriptures from Psalms. He was aware of his short-comings and acknowledged his many failures. He didn’t apologize or ask forgiveness to the ones he had hurt but he did confess to God. Being able to be honest with the truth sometimes led him to display many other virtues. But it all began by accepting the truth and being totally honest with himself and especially with God. Knowing the truth, accepting the truth, and telling the truth always is an important virtue. Having the virtue of honesty doesn’t mean we will never make mistakes but it does mean that we will acknowledge our mistakes and the truth of the situation. God weaves His perfect will through those times of sin. David knew the truth in his heart and sought after the heart of God.
Our book this week is:
Ruthis and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laurie Rankin)
https://youtu.be/7EdiHdgn4FI
(It's never too late to be honest and acknowledge your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. And, it’s a good thing to be honest with ALL people)
BOOK OF I SAMUEL AND THE VIRTUE OF PERSEVERANCE
PRAYER:
Lord,help us to teach the children perseverance in all they do, and help them to persistently seek to discover the will of God in their lives.
OLD TESTAMENT
“The Lord said to Samuel, How long will you mourn Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way.”
(1 Samuel 16:1)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Lord, teach the children perseverance in all they do and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.”
(Hebrews 22:2)
Have you ever drawn a connection between the virtue of perseverance and the stories about the Prophet Samuel? This was something I hadn’t considered before now. “Samuel had a vested interest in Saul’s success since he was the one through whom God anointed Saul king over Israel.” (Kelly Minter). When Saul turned out to be a failed king, Samuel became discouraged at first and God basically told him “to stop mourning and move on.” I am sure without the virtue of perseverance; Samuel would have been more than ready to throw in the towel after the disappointing reign of Saul. But we learned from his early childhood that he persevered. When he was only twelve years old, God persistently called him four times. He persistently got up three times and finally on the fourth time responded to the call of God. The virtue of Biblical perseverance is not giving up when difficulties or delays occur. Always strive and never give up in doing God’s marvelous work.
Our book this week is:
The Most Marvelous Thing by Ashley Spires
https://youtu.be/DwoDERPFwAQ
(We can often get discouraged, sad, and even angry when things don’t work out according to the first original plan, but God wants us to have perseverance and keep trying through His will and strength.)
PRAYER:
Lord,help us to teach the children perseverance in all they do, and help them to persistently seek to discover the will of God in their lives.
OLD TESTAMENT
“The Lord said to Samuel, How long will you mourn Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way.”
(1 Samuel 16:1)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Lord, teach the children perseverance in all they do and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.”
(Hebrews 22:2)
Have you ever drawn a connection between the virtue of perseverance and the stories about the Prophet Samuel? This was something I hadn’t considered before now. “Samuel had a vested interest in Saul’s success since he was the one through whom God anointed Saul king over Israel.” (Kelly Minter). When Saul turned out to be a failed king, Samuel became discouraged at first and God basically told him “to stop mourning and move on.” I am sure without the virtue of perseverance; Samuel would have been more than ready to throw in the towel after the disappointing reign of Saul. But we learned from his early childhood that he persevered. When he was only twelve years old, God persistently called him four times. He persistently got up three times and finally on the fourth time responded to the call of God. The virtue of Biblical perseverance is not giving up when difficulties or delays occur. Always strive and never give up in doing God’s marvelous work.
Our book this week is:
The Most Marvelous Thing by Ashley Spires
https://youtu.be/DwoDERPFwAQ
(We can often get discouraged, sad, and even angry when things don’t work out according to the first original plan, but God wants us to have perseverance and keep trying through His will and strength.)
BOOK OF RUTH AND THE VIRTUE OF LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS
PRAYER:
“Let love and faithfulness never leave the children but bind these virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts.” (Moms in Touch)
OLD TESTAMENT
“…..Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
(Ruth 1:16)
“A friend is always loyal.”
(Proverbs 17:17a)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
The Book of Ruth is probably the Bible’s greatest story and example of the Biblical virtue of faithfulness/loyalty.
Loyalty is a total commitment to something or someone. It can be divine or within our human relationships. First and foremost, may the children understand their need to be loyal to God and strive to meet His expectations. Secondly, may they value loyalty to family and friends. And,of course who could ever be disloyal and forget their favorite “lovey” as a child. Reminds me of the movie “Toy Story" when “Andy” was written on the bottom of Woody ‘s boot. And of course, the theme song “You Got a Friend in Me” and the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus!”
Our book this week is:
I Love You Blue Kangaroo by Emma Chichester Clark
https://youtu.be/QZzW_2JGko8
(Lily learns the importance of being faithful and loyal to her first huggable, furry toy friend even though she received many other newer fluffier companions)
PRAYER:
“Let love and faithfulness never leave the children but bind these virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts.” (Moms in Touch)
OLD TESTAMENT
“…..Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
(Ruth 1:16)
“A friend is always loyal.”
(Proverbs 17:17a)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
The Book of Ruth is probably the Bible’s greatest story and example of the Biblical virtue of faithfulness/loyalty.
Loyalty is a total commitment to something or someone. It can be divine or within our human relationships. First and foremost, may the children understand their need to be loyal to God and strive to meet His expectations. Secondly, may they value loyalty to family and friends. And,of course who could ever be disloyal and forget their favorite “lovey” as a child. Reminds me of the movie “Toy Story" when “Andy” was written on the bottom of Woody ‘s boot. And of course, the theme song “You Got a Friend in Me” and the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus!”
Our book this week is:
I Love You Blue Kangaroo by Emma Chichester Clark
https://youtu.be/QZzW_2JGko8
(Lily learns the importance of being faithful and loyal to her first huggable, furry toy friend even though she received many other newer fluffier companions)
BOOK OF JUDGES AND THE VIRTUE OF RESPECT
PRAYER
Father, grant that the children may show proper respect to everyone as your Word commands.
OLD TESTAMENT
"In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."
(Judges 17:6)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."
1 Peter 2:17
Do you pray for children to respect others, or do you pray for their obedience to authority? Here’s some thoughts to consider…
-Respect must come first in order to have healthy obedience and respect is something to be earned. God should have already earned our respect through the truth of His creation.
-Obedience without the virtue of respect isn’t desired. Obedience can be driven by fear and power and can often lead to rebellion.
With that said, we should always obey God’s desires and commands as inspired through His Word. He is to be respected and His commands obeyed. Children should be taught a healthy fear and reverence of and for Him. He is our Almighty God.
In terms of our relationships with other people, may we all first strive to be respectful to one another and earn the respect of others as well. Pray that the children will have respect for God and will develop the virtue of respect for themselves and for others.
At this time in Israel, in the Book of Judges, we see quite the opposite. The people pretty much did what they wanted to do and did not show respect for others nor for God. As a result, they did not obey His laws. Even with the appointment of judges to lead the people into right relationships and victory over their enemies, they continued to cycle through periods of disobedience.
We have two books this week. The first one is:
Show Some Respect By Jan and Stan Berenstain
https://youtu.be/TumyinLoPR8
(Respect should start at home. May parents exemplify God’s goodness and earn their children’s respect so that they in turn will understand obedience, submission to rightful authority, and respect for all people.)
Our second book is
A Little Respectful Spot By Diane Albee
https://youtu.be/LDBvE8IWxNA
(We should not only respect people but also places and things)
PRAYER
Father, grant that the children may show proper respect to everyone as your Word commands.
OLD TESTAMENT
"In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."
(Judges 17:6)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."
1 Peter 2:17
Do you pray for children to respect others, or do you pray for their obedience to authority? Here’s some thoughts to consider…
-Respect must come first in order to have healthy obedience and respect is something to be earned. God should have already earned our respect through the truth of His creation.
-Obedience without the virtue of respect isn’t desired. Obedience can be driven by fear and power and can often lead to rebellion.
With that said, we should always obey God’s desires and commands as inspired through His Word. He is to be respected and His commands obeyed. Children should be taught a healthy fear and reverence of and for Him. He is our Almighty God.
In terms of our relationships with other people, may we all first strive to be respectful to one another and earn the respect of others as well. Pray that the children will have respect for God and will develop the virtue of respect for themselves and for others.
At this time in Israel, in the Book of Judges, we see quite the opposite. The people pretty much did what they wanted to do and did not show respect for others nor for God. As a result, they did not obey His laws. Even with the appointment of judges to lead the people into right relationships and victory over their enemies, they continued to cycle through periods of disobedience.
We have two books this week. The first one is:
Show Some Respect By Jan and Stan Berenstain
https://youtu.be/TumyinLoPR8
(Respect should start at home. May parents exemplify God’s goodness and earn their children’s respect so that they in turn will understand obedience, submission to rightful authority, and respect for all people.)
Our second book is
A Little Respectful Spot By Diane Albee
https://youtu.be/LDBvE8IWxNA
(We should not only respect people but also places and things)
BOOK OF JOSHUA AND THE VIRTUE OF COURAGE
PRAYER
May the children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions.
OLD TESTAMENT
This is my command-be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Kids love to talk about heroes. I recall my son leaping from couches in a single bound and scaling a wooden lattice, clad in his favorite Spider-Man costume. I recall my fear as a mom but his innocent childhood courage and strength. May the children always make wise choices in their childhood adventures, but may they grow into a greater understanding that their greatest strength comes from God. Pray for the virtue of courage and that the children will always be strong and brave in character and actions just like many of the Biblical heroes. Joshua was chosen as the leader for the Israelites as they entered into the Promised Land. He understood that courage wasn’t the absence of fear but rather trusting in God. Fear and courage can be defined in many ways, but we can have spiritual courage by acknowledging God as the true source of power and strength. The first spies that entered the Promised Land reported the enemy as giants but when Caleb and Joshua reported their findings, it was obvious that their “confidence in God was greater than their fear of any giant”.
Our book this week is: Courage By Bernard Waber
https://youtu.be/P-g6Gmv-Axo
PRAYER
May the children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions.
OLD TESTAMENT
This is my command-be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
NEW TESTAMENT
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Kids love to talk about heroes. I recall my son leaping from couches in a single bound and scaling a wooden lattice, clad in his favorite Spider-Man costume. I recall my fear as a mom but his innocent childhood courage and strength. May the children always make wise choices in their childhood adventures, but may they grow into a greater understanding that their greatest strength comes from God. Pray for the virtue of courage and that the children will always be strong and brave in character and actions just like many of the Biblical heroes. Joshua was chosen as the leader for the Israelites as they entered into the Promised Land. He understood that courage wasn’t the absence of fear but rather trusting in God. Fear and courage can be defined in many ways, but we can have spiritual courage by acknowledging God as the true source of power and strength. The first spies that entered the Promised Land reported the enemy as giants but when Caleb and Joshua reported their findings, it was obvious that their “confidence in God was greater than their fear of any giant”.
Our book this week is: Courage By Bernard Waber
https://youtu.be/P-g6Gmv-Axo
BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY AND THE VIRTUE OF SALVATION AND GROWTH IN GRACE
PRAYER:
"Lord. let salvation spring up within the children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. I pray that they will grow in the grace and knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ through His Word. Lord, let this salvation spring up within them so that they may obtain it."
OLD TESTAMENT:
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today; the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world." (Deuteronomy 28:1)
NEW TESTAMENT:
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
(2 Timothy 2:10)
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
Do you find it puzzling that we are discussing the virtues of salvation and growth in grace in the Book of Deuteronomy?
Training in Godliness and holiness should begin very early for parents, even before children may fully understand or grasp God’s plan for salvation. Let’s be honest, you can’t really ask a small child if they are going to heaven or hell? Still we can open the door for them to begin to understand what salvation and grace means. No, it’s not about following a bunch of rules but it is about having an obedient heart and belonging to God. There are no age restrictions for salvation but you can never start too early to train a child about these things.
When I think of Deuteronomy, I am reminded of God’s plans and His great love through each of his commandments as well as his gift of grace and salvation. It should be a reminder to all of us to accept this gift and pray the same for the children as they grow. If we truly love God, we will desire to please him. We will be “thinking as God thinks and willing as God wills.” (John Brown) Moses reminded the people of God's expectations for them and their need to listen and obey. Children need to understand that poor choices have consequences. There is great wisdom in understanding God’s boundaries.
Yes, salvation and grace were already "in the making" in Deuteronomy even though Jesus didn't come in the flesh for many more years. Moses even prophesied the coming of Jesus in Deuteronomy 18:15. When he said “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
Our book this week is:
Gigi and the Royal Tea Party By Sheila Walsh
https://youtu.be/5xO_hiuw66c
PRAYER:
"Lord. let salvation spring up within the children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. I pray that they will grow in the grace and knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ through His Word. Lord, let this salvation spring up within them so that they may obtain it."
OLD TESTAMENT:
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today; the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world." (Deuteronomy 28:1)
NEW TESTAMENT:
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
(2 Timothy 2:10)
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
Do you find it puzzling that we are discussing the virtues of salvation and growth in grace in the Book of Deuteronomy?
Training in Godliness and holiness should begin very early for parents, even before children may fully understand or grasp God’s plan for salvation. Let’s be honest, you can’t really ask a small child if they are going to heaven or hell? Still we can open the door for them to begin to understand what salvation and grace means. No, it’s not about following a bunch of rules but it is about having an obedient heart and belonging to God. There are no age restrictions for salvation but you can never start too early to train a child about these things.
When I think of Deuteronomy, I am reminded of God’s plans and His great love through each of his commandments as well as his gift of grace and salvation. It should be a reminder to all of us to accept this gift and pray the same for the children as they grow. If we truly love God, we will desire to please him. We will be “thinking as God thinks and willing as God wills.” (John Brown) Moses reminded the people of God's expectations for them and their need to listen and obey. Children need to understand that poor choices have consequences. There is great wisdom in understanding God’s boundaries.
Yes, salvation and grace were already "in the making" in Deuteronomy even though Jesus didn't come in the flesh for many more years. Moses even prophesied the coming of Jesus in Deuteronomy 18:15. When he said “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
Our book this week is:
Gigi and the Royal Tea Party By Sheila Walsh
https://youtu.be/5xO_hiuw66c
BOOK OF NUMBERS AND THE VIRTUE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL
PRAYER:
“Father, I pray that all children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.
Help them to not strive to always be like their peers but instead be alert and self-controlled.
OLD TESTAMENT
“They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
(Numbers 14:23)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7)
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6)
There is much wisdom to harvest from the Book of Numbers. One of these lessons is accepting that we need to be self-disciplined and self-controlled. Kids need to understand at an early age that they are accountable not only to their parents but also to God. We should protect our children by teaching them discipline. Then, as they grow up and move away from parents, they will understand they still have a responsibility to seek and please God. Without following His rules and being willing to implement His plan, we would all be just like the Israelites who wandered aimlessly in the desert. We should build our camps/homes with God at the center, and we should organize our thoughts around Him. In Numbers we see much precise instructions on how the Israelites should prepare for what laid ahead of them in the Promised Land. They would soon face many enemies.
As we go into the new year we make many resolutions in preparation. One of the most important ones for all of us is to resolve to make God the center of our lives. As a friend of mine recently said, we need to be resolved to keep our lamps filled with His oil by reading scripture and meditating on His Word. Learning to listen and obey (having self-discipline and self-control) didn’t come so easy for the Israelites as they continued to show contempt for God and His commandments. They showed this contempt for God when they disregarded the importance of obeying His demands. I pray that the children will grow up knowing the right thing as commanded by God through His Word and have the self-control to make God the center of their lives as the enemy lies ahead of them.
Our book this week is:
The Bad Seed By Jory John
https://youtu.be/DMCvXtXXc6U
(The bad seed decides he doesn’t want to be a bad seed anymore. He used self-discipline and tried to do better.)
PRAYER:
“Father, I pray that all children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair.
Help them to not strive to always be like their peers but instead be alert and self-controlled.
OLD TESTAMENT
“They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it.”
(Numbers 14:23)
NEW TESTAMENT
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7)
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6)
There is much wisdom to harvest from the Book of Numbers. One of these lessons is accepting that we need to be self-disciplined and self-controlled. Kids need to understand at an early age that they are accountable not only to their parents but also to God. We should protect our children by teaching them discipline. Then, as they grow up and move away from parents, they will understand they still have a responsibility to seek and please God. Without following His rules and being willing to implement His plan, we would all be just like the Israelites who wandered aimlessly in the desert. We should build our camps/homes with God at the center, and we should organize our thoughts around Him. In Numbers we see much precise instructions on how the Israelites should prepare for what laid ahead of them in the Promised Land. They would soon face many enemies.
As we go into the new year we make many resolutions in preparation. One of the most important ones for all of us is to resolve to make God the center of our lives. As a friend of mine recently said, we need to be resolved to keep our lamps filled with His oil by reading scripture and meditating on His Word. Learning to listen and obey (having self-discipline and self-control) didn’t come so easy for the Israelites as they continued to show contempt for God and His commandments. They showed this contempt for God when they disregarded the importance of obeying His demands. I pray that the children will grow up knowing the right thing as commanded by God through His Word and have the self-control to make God the center of their lives as the enemy lies ahead of them.
Our book this week is:
The Bad Seed By Jory John
https://youtu.be/DMCvXtXXc6U
(The bad seed decides he doesn’t want to be a bad seed anymore. He used self-discipline and tried to do better.)
BOOK OF LEVITICUS AND THE VIRTUE OF MERCY AND FORGIVENESS
PRAYER
"May children learn to always show remorse when they make bad choices and a willingness to ask for forgiveness and may they always have a heart to forgive others.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“But at last my people will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors for betraying me and being hostile toward me."
(Leviticus 26:40)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
(Luke 6:36)
When I think of Leviticus, I choose to see a lot of forgiveness rather than focusing on a lot of rules. Those sacrificial fires of repentance must have been burning constantly. This book of the Bible reminds me of God’s great mercy and forgiveness and His desire to have a relationship with us. Without laws and guidelines there would be less of a need to seek forgiveness from God or to forgive others. Behind each of those Old Testament laws was the mercy and love of God and His desire to teach us holy living. A set of rules often precedes the need for mercy and forgiveness because we all fall short of expectations. Remind children that God demonstrates his love to us by having guidelines, but He also freely offers mercy to each of us. Kids (and adults) need to understand that we all make mistakes and poor choices, but forgiveness is ever present. We should all know how to ask for and receive His forgiveness when we stray from holy living. And we should accept the truth that grace, and mercy draw us into a closer relationship with God. We should always read our Bibles and listen to Him and seek to do whatever He says without questioning. He is the creator and planner of all things. Yes, we might find much antiquated and difficult detail in God’s instruction to the people of Israel in Leviticus, but this detail only demonstrates just how much He loved His people and His willingness to forgive them over and over. Likewise, we should show this same mercy to others.
Our book this week is:
Martha doesn't say sorry! By Samantha Berger
https://youtu.be/qbPFZ_4fdew
(Martha learns that apologizing isn't so bad after all.)
PRAYER
"May children learn to always show remorse when they make bad choices and a willingness to ask for forgiveness and may they always have a heart to forgive others.”
OLD TESTAMENT
“But at last my people will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors for betraying me and being hostile toward me."
(Leviticus 26:40)
NEW TESTAMENT
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
(Luke 6:36)
When I think of Leviticus, I choose to see a lot of forgiveness rather than focusing on a lot of rules. Those sacrificial fires of repentance must have been burning constantly. This book of the Bible reminds me of God’s great mercy and forgiveness and His desire to have a relationship with us. Without laws and guidelines there would be less of a need to seek forgiveness from God or to forgive others. Behind each of those Old Testament laws was the mercy and love of God and His desire to teach us holy living. A set of rules often precedes the need for mercy and forgiveness because we all fall short of expectations. Remind children that God demonstrates his love to us by having guidelines, but He also freely offers mercy to each of us. Kids (and adults) need to understand that we all make mistakes and poor choices, but forgiveness is ever present. We should all know how to ask for and receive His forgiveness when we stray from holy living. And we should accept the truth that grace, and mercy draw us into a closer relationship with God. We should always read our Bibles and listen to Him and seek to do whatever He says without questioning. He is the creator and planner of all things. Yes, we might find much antiquated and difficult detail in God’s instruction to the people of Israel in Leviticus, but this detail only demonstrates just how much He loved His people and His willingness to forgive them over and over. Likewise, we should show this same mercy to others.
Our book this week is:
Martha doesn't say sorry! By Samantha Berger
https://youtu.be/qbPFZ_4fdew
(Martha learns that apologizing isn't so bad after all.)
BOOK OF EXODUS AND THE VIRTUE OF GRATITUDE
PRAYER
"Help all children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.”
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
"I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey." (Exodus 3:17)
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Ephesians 5:20)
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
(Colossians 2:7)
The book of Exodus records the events of the people's deliverance from slavery. It's important for children to have hearts of gratitude and to trust that God will always rescue them from any evil that threatens them. Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery, so He continues to guide our paths and protect us. That's a lot to be thankful for! Guard against ungrateful hearts and grumbling and complaining just because things don't always seem to be the way you think they should be.
Our book this week is
I’m Thankful By PK Halliman
https://youtu.be/6-sqUoDg7yM
PRAYER
"Help all children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.”
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
"I have promised to rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and honey." (Exodus 3:17)
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES
"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Ephesians 5:20)
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
(Colossians 2:7)
The book of Exodus records the events of the people's deliverance from slavery. It's important for children to have hearts of gratitude and to trust that God will always rescue them from any evil that threatens them. Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery, so He continues to guide our paths and protect us. That's a lot to be thankful for! Guard against ungrateful hearts and grumbling and complaining just because things don't always seem to be the way you think they should be.
Our book this week is
I’m Thankful By PK Halliman
https://youtu.be/6-sqUoDg7yM
BOOK OF GENESIS AND THE VIRTUE OF BIBLICAL SELF-ESTEEM
PRAYER:
“Help all children to develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” (Mom’s in Touch)
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE:
“So God created human beings in his own image.” (Genesis 1:27)
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE:
“ For we are God's masterpiece.He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
We begin the new year with Genesis. It’s important for kids to understand that everything including themselves was created by an awesome God who loves them. Biblical self esteem isn’t pride in yourself nor is it humility. It’s understanding that we are special and we can do anything through an omnipotent God. All our accomplishments are because of the love, power and strength of God. When I think of the Book of Genesis the thing that stands out in my mind is the creation and God’s desire to set His people apart as special.
When God created the world, He spoke “Let there be…”. When He created man, I envision that He got down on His hands and knees in the dirt and formed man into His own image. He loves us that much. We are special. Lots to think about.
Our picture book is:
Little Lu By Silvia Hilli Weber and Nina Dulleck
https://youtu.be/Fr2cYMbJ14o
PRAYER:
“Help all children to develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” (Mom’s in Touch)
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE:
“So God created human beings in his own image.” (Genesis 1:27)
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE:
“ For we are God's masterpiece.He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
We begin the new year with Genesis. It’s important for kids to understand that everything including themselves was created by an awesome God who loves them. Biblical self esteem isn’t pride in yourself nor is it humility. It’s understanding that we are special and we can do anything through an omnipotent God. All our accomplishments are because of the love, power and strength of God. When I think of the Book of Genesis the thing that stands out in my mind is the creation and God’s desire to set His people apart as special.
When God created the world, He spoke “Let there be…”. When He created man, I envision that He got down on His hands and knees in the dirt and formed man into His own image. He loves us that much. We are special. Lots to think about.
Our picture book is:
Little Lu By Silvia Hilli Weber and Nina Dulleck
https://youtu.be/Fr2cYMbJ14o
