Digging into the Bible

Reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God is one of the most important disciplines for us as followers of Jesus. His Word gives us sustenance we need as we continue in our life's journey with Him.

Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God.” Matthew 4:4 CEB

I encourage you to dig into the ancient words of the Bible and discover their relevance for us today as we experience the life and love God has graciously given us through the Lord Jesus. His truth stands throughout all ages. His Word can help equip you, whatever your role, to do that which He has called you to do.

Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 CEB

I pray that God's Word will be a delight to you as you discover the great gift He has given us. It can, at times, be a struggle to make Bible reading a priority. The enemy would rather keep us away from God's Word. But I hope that we will take the time to read and think on God's Word. The time invested will be well worth it. I pray that God's Spirit will give each of us understanding as we read His Word and help us to live it out each day and shine His light in this world as we trust in Jesus.

Developing a habit of digging into the Scriptures is wonderful. If you are interested in a 90-day reading plan of the New Testament, please click here. However, please do not feel bound to reading it in 90 days. A meaningful study is more important.

Will you make the commitment to regular Bible study?

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of the season of Lent. This season leading up to Easter is a time of fasting and prayer, as we are reminded of Jesus' own time of fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11

In the Bible, we read many accounts in which people put on sackcloth and ashes. See, for example, the story from Jonah 3 of the people of Nineveh who repented when they heard the prophet Jonah's message:

"When word of it reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, stripped himself of his robe, covered himself with mourning clothes, and sat in ashes." Jonah 3:6 CEB

These outward actions involving sackcloth and ashes were signs of the people's repentance of sins. During this season, we again remember our own need for repentance and faith in Jesus, the sinless One. We are reminded to turn our focus to Jesus and heavenly things rather than focusing on earthly, temporal things. Colossians 3:1-2

May the acts of repentance and fasting never become simply ritualistic events. God desires us to live daily as His redeemed people, bringing His message of hope and love to the world. Isaiah 58

Psalm of the Week

Psalm 8

 ¹O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
 ²Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
 ³When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
 ⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
 ⁵For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
 ⁶Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
 ⁷All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
 ⁸The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
 ⁹O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

 

King James Version

Compare other translations at BibleGateway.com

Sharing the Story Behind the Stones

You may have noticed that the current background of this blog features stones. Why stones? Because sometimes stones can tell a story …

After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River, God instructed Joshua to have the people set up 12 stones, taken from the middle of the Jordan River, as a lasting memorial. In the future, when Israelite children saw the stones, they would inquire of their parents to find out the reason they were there. The parents were to retell the story of the miraculous help God provided to the Israelites, allowing them to cross into the Promised Land. The stones were a constant reminder of the Lord’s mighty works. They were also a tool used to point children to faith in the Lord as these stories were passed down from generation to generation.

Click here to read the full story in Joshua chapters 3 and 4.

What memory stones are you leaving as a legacy for the generations to come?

What can you share with your children – memories of God’s answers to your prayers, stories of God’s miraculous deliverance in your life, pictures of God’s continued faithfulness to you and your family?

These reminders will point your children to our faithful God as they learn to put their trust in Him. Let them learn from your journey with Him and the stories of His power and faithfulness in your life and the life of your family. Perhaps there is also an older individual in your life from whom you can gain wisdom and encouragement as you listen to the stories of their life’s journey.

“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” -Psalm 145:4

VBS Evaluation - Sky by Group

Group VBS curriculum is always a popular choice, known for its rotational format and "easy" preparation.

This year's theme is "Sky," where children discover that all things are possible with God. This unique theme means that decorations will include such things as clouds, stars, birds, airplanes, hot air balloons, kites and even a flying pig! Cotton balls may become a cheap decorating tool to use as clouds.

I like the repetition in the Daily Bible Points, teaching children that they can trust God no matter what. The experiential lessons will help children understand the Bible stories, which include accounts of Jesus' miracles as well as a presentation of His death and resurrection.


Instead of a craft station this year, Group's VBS features an Imagination Station at which children use fun science "gizmos." I think children enjoy expressing their creativity through craft projects and it is hard for me to imagine a VBS without traditional crafts. However, I think that children will definitely enjoy the cool science activities, such as launching Fizzy Fliers and making their own bubbles, and will still have something that they can take home.

The program includes a separate preschool track, featuring age-appropriate activities and lessons, presented in a simple, clear and easy-to-understand manner for these youngsters. A corresponding program for teenagers is also available.

Other activities include a missions project to help protect kids in Mali, Africa, from malaria; God Sightings, which encourage children to look for ways they see God at work each day; and a get-to-know-you activity to help children build relationships with others in their group. 

Multimedia resources, including several DVDs, are included in the starter kit. The music DVD includes contemporary and traditional songs with videos featuring the motions to accompany the lyrics. I have always liked Group's volunteer recruitment commercials, which are available on the training DVD. An online registration and organization tool is available to help VBS administrators. Children will enjoy watching Chadder the chipmunk in the movie that goes along with each day's lesson. This year the Chadder video features cartoon animations instead of real-life characters and puppets.

Group offers many items children can take home to reinforce what they have learned at VBS including characters with the memory verses printed on them, conversation starter cards, a prayer clip and take-home science experiments. There is also a family-friendly Web site to visit and enjoy after VBS.

There are lots of items available for purchase including tattoos, water bottles, wristbands, picture frames and hats; however, for limited budgets, these items may be cute, but not affordable.

Through Group's Sky VBS program, children will discover that when they trust God, all things are possible! Mark 10:27

Disclosure: I did NOT receive any compensation or products in exchange for this review. I simply wanted to present an evaluation of this curriculum, which may be helpful for children's ministry leaders.

Psalm of the Week

Psalm 7

 ¹O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
 ²Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
 ³O LORD my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
 ⁴If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
 ⁵Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
 ⁶Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
 ⁷So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
 ⁸The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
 ⁹Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
 ¹⁰My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
 ¹¹God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
 ¹²If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
 ¹³He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
 ¹⁴Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
 ¹⁵He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
 ¹⁶His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
 ¹⁷I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

King James Version

Compare other translations at BibleGateway.com

Psalm of the Week

Psalm 6

 ¹O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
 ²Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
 ³My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
 ⁴Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
 ⁵For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
 ⁶I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
 ⁷Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
 ⁸Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
 ⁹The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
 ¹⁰Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

King James Version

Compare other translations at BibleGateway.com

Book Review – The Donkey Who Carried a King

The Donkey Who Carried a King was written by R.C. Sproul and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. This picture book presents young readers with an interesting look at the events surrounding Jesus' death. 

The book begins with the story of Reilly, a young boy who feels dejected because he is continually the last one picked when playing games with the other boys. His grandpa tells him the story of Davey, a donkey who lived long ago. Davey was never given any jobs to do, until one day some men came looking for him. Davey ends up carrying Jesus into Jerusalem as people put their coats down, wave palm branches, and shout praises to the King. 

Davey feels special that he was given such an important job; however, after this experience, he feels too important to do menial tasks. However, after their elders help them realize that Jesus was willing to carry the cross, Davey and Reilly decide that they should do whatever task God gives them to do, whether big and glorious or small and seemingly insignificant. This is an important truth for all Christians to grasp. 

Children will connect with the feelings and experiences of eight-year-old Reilly, and they will also enjoy hearing the biblical story from an animal's viewpoint.

I liked the subtle historical details that were woven into the story such as the reference to famous donkeys in history, including Balaam’s donkey. I believe that the illustrations were culturally accurate, from the appearance and clothing of the people, to the wall around the city and writing inscribed above the doors of the houses. The illustrations throughout the story and on the cover and end pages used earth-tone colors, which seemed appropriate for the story. The font size of the words on some pages varied, larger at the top of the page and smaller at the bottom, which I did not feel was necessary, but it did not take away from the overall story.

At the end of the book, there is a section for parents featuring questions and answers for discussion, along with Bible passages and application points. This section helps to further explain the meaning of the events in the story. This would be a good book to read on Palm Sunday as Holy Week begins to help children learn what happened during these events. The book goes beyond the Triumphal Entry to talk about Jesus' journey to the cross, helping children to better understand the reason Jesus had to die.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

What is God calling you to do? Mark 8:34; John 13:14-15; Colossians 3:17, 23

Summer Programming and VBS Curriculum

The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but summer may still be closer than you realize. It's that time of year again when many in children's ministry are considering their curriculum options for summer programming.

There are several things to keep in mind when making this important decision:

• First, pray and ask God to guide you and your team in this process.



Vacation Bible School!

• Survey the needs of your ministry.
• Will your program be focused on outreach?
• Who do you hope to reach?
• What are the needs of these children and families? 
• What truths do you want them to learn?
• What is your budget?
• What is the size of your group?
• What ages will be included?
• How many volunteers will be available? 
• As you browse the various options, your answers to these questions will help you make an informed choice.

In upcoming posts, I hope to provide you with some evaluations of this year's Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum offerings, highlighting the unique features and my opinions of each.