Spiritual Journal for Kids. With Instructions for Parents

Spiritual Journal for Kids With Instructions for Parents

Table of Contents A Note to Parents... 1 Selecting a Bible for Daily Reading... 2 The Importance of a Daily Quiet Time... 3 The Blessing of Obedience... 4 How to Have a Daily Quiet Time... 5 Bible Marking Instructions... 6 Using a Dictionary To Improve Understanding... 7 Reading Highlight Instructions and Example... 8 Quiet Time Practice... 9 Reading Highlight Practice... 10 Sermon Notes Instructions... 11 Reading Highlights... 12 Sermon Notes... 17 My Prayer List... 22

A Note to Parents We have developed this resource to help you instill the habit of daily Bible reading in your child. We call this daily time of Bible reading and prayer a quiet time. There are two steps to using this resource as a parent with your child. First, you will want to go through the instructions with your child and make sure he or she knows how to complete the reading highlights. Practice several times until you are confident your child understands how to complete a reading highlight alone. Second, you will begin encouraging your child to make Bible reading and prayer a daily habit. It is important to remember that children learn just as much from what you show them as what you tell them. So let them see you reading your Bible and praying. Also, consider giving your child a reward for reaching specific goals. It s important to remember that having a quiet time does not make your child more acceptable to God. Only turning from sin and trusting in Christ for salvation makes your child acceptable to God. However, daily Bible reading, prayer, and a commitment to obeying God will bring about great blessings in the life of your child for years to come. My prayer is that your child will one day be able to say, along with the Psalmist, How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Ps 119:103) May God bless you as you disciple your child! Sincerely, Jared Mitcham Children s Pastor Jared@cbcsanford.org 407-915-6934 1

Selecting a Bible for Daily Reading Parents often ask me to recommend a Bible for their children. The truth is, there are many good translations to choose from. However, some are better for children than others. For example, I do not recommend translations such as the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Versions (NKJV) because they are written in old English which most children and adults do not understand. I also do not recommend very literal translations like the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Although I personally love this Bible for study purposes, the language and sentence structure is very difficult for children to follow. I would recommend two versions in particular for your child. First, the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) is a good translation that uses child friendly language and short sentence structures. The Big Picture Interactive Bible comes in the HCSB and also goes along well with our Sunday morning small group curriculum, The Gospel Project for Kids. I also recommend the New Living Translation (NLT). This translation was written with children in mind and seeks to use simple words that children can understand. It can be read at a quicker pace by most children and flows very well. I would encourage you to visit your local Christian bookstore and sample a variety of Bibles with your child to see which one he or she prefers. 2

The Importance of a Daily Quiet Time For centuries Christians have found God s Word to be a source of hope, inspiration, strength, and guidance. Jesus himself, when tempted by Satan, quoted the Bible when resisting temptation and said, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Mt 4:4). Kings were commanded to make a copy of the first five books of the Bible to prepare them for leadership (Dt 17:18). The Bible has much to say about itself and why it is such a vital part of the Christian life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Psalm 1:1-3 - Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, not stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Over and over again the Bible reminds us that true joy and blessing come from meditating on and obeying the Word of God. What better way to bless our children than to teach them to love the Word of God and help them start the habit of having a daily quiet time? 3

The Blessing of Obedience A word of caution is necessary when discussing the importance of Bible reading and prayer. The Bible never teaches that a knowledge of God s Word is sufficient to be blessed by God. In fact, many passages offer warnings to those who know much about the Bible, but continue to live in disobedience to God s commands. God s commands are intended to keep us safe and help us avoid unnecessary pain. However, if we choose to disregard his commands, we open ourselves up to the problems sin causes. Please be sure to help your child understand the importance of both knowing and obeying the Bible. Use the scriptures below to start a conversation with your child. James 1:22, 25 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves but the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. It is also helpful to distinguish between being blessed by our obedience as opposed to being saved by our obedience. The Bible makes it clear that we all fall far short of God s perfect standards. None of us can be saved by our obedience. Instead, our obedience is a sign of our trust in God and opens the door for God s blessing to enter our life. 4

How to Have a Daily Quiet Time God wants to have a relationship with each of us. Having a daily quiet time is a way to spend time with God. He talks to us through His written Word and we talk to Him through prayer. Just like any relationship, the more time you spend with Him, the more you grow to love Him. Here are some practical tips to help you have a daily quiet time. 1. Try to have your quiet time at the same time and place each day. I will have my quiet time at (time). I will have my quiet time at (place). 2. Before you begin your quiet time, pray and ask God to help you understand. 3. Read a Bible that is easy for you to understand. I recommend the HCSB or NLT for children. 4. Read a small part of the same book each day instead of skipping around at a different place each day. I will start by reading the book of. 5. Use a pencil, pen, or highlighter to mark words or phrases that stick out to you. 6. Use a dictionary to look up words you don t understand. 7. Use this journal to write down something from each day. 8. Look for things in your life that need to change as a result of what you have read. Is there an attitude you need to change? Is there a sin for which you need to confess and ask forgiveness? Is there a habit you need to start or stop? Is there a promise you need to believe and memorize? 5

Bible Marking Instructions Marking your Bible as you read will help you remember things that God may be trying to teach you. Look for words or phrases that stick out to you and seem important. Examples: You can underline, put brackets around, or circle words. For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the {sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit}, between join and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12) Instructions: Use a pencil, pen, or highlighter to mark words or phrases that stick out to you or seem important as you read the following verses. Romans 3:23-26 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus. 6

Using a Dictionary To Improve Understanding A dictionary is a great tool for kids to have when reading the Bible. There are many words that have great depth, but can be difficult for a child to understand. Instructions: Use a dictionary to write down a definition for each of the following words found in the passage on page. Justify: Grace: Redemption: Propitiation: Righteousness: 7

Reading Highlight Instructions and Example Instructions: Always begin your quiet time with prayer. Then carefully read a section of the Bible. While you read, mark words or phrases that seem important to you. Then pray to God about the things he is teaching you. Lastly, complete a Reading Highlight entry in this book so you can remember what you learned. All I read today - Write down the Scripture reference for the entire section you read from the Bible. The best thing I marked today - After you read and mark important words in your Bible, take a moment to choose the marking or verse that you think is most important. Write all or part of the verse - Copy the entire verse that you selected as your best thing you marked. If it is very long, just write a section of the verse. What is God teaching me - Describe why you chose this verse. What did you learn from it? Do I have any questions - Write down anything that seems confusing to you. Ask your parents or teacher about it later. Example: See below for an example of a Reading Highlight entry done after reading Hebrews 4:12. See page 7 for the example. Monday Date: June 7, 2016 Did I pray before I began today? Yes No All I read today: Hebrews 4:11-13. The best thing I marked today (verse): Verse 12. Write all or part of the verse: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than an two-edged sword. What is God teaching me? The Bible is powerful. It is not just an old book. I can use it to help other people become Christians.. Do I have any questions? What is marrow? I don t understand that word? Did I end my time in prayer? Yes No 8

Quiet Time Practice Instructions: Start by praying. Then read and mark the passage of Scripture that is written below. Ephesians 2:1-10 1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil - the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 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. Instructions: After you have finished reading and marking the passage, look over it again and pick the phrase or verse that seems most important to you. Spend a moment praying about what God may be trying to teach you. Last, turn to the next page and complete a Reading Highlight entry. 9

Reading Highlight Practice Date: Did I begin with prayer? Yes No All I read today: The best thing I marked today (verse): Write all or part of the verse: What God is teaching me: Questions I have: Did I end with prayer? Yes No Instructions: After you have finished your practice entry, show your parents or an adult and ask them to check your work. Congratulations! You just completed your first entry. 10

Sermon Notes Instructions Hearing God s Word preached is a great way to grow as a Christian. This booklet includes sermon note pages that can be used when you go to church on Sundays. Sermon notes begin on page 19. Sermon Title - Look in the bulletin to find out the title of today s sermon. It is usually in the top left corner of the inside page. Bible Passage - Next to the sermon title in the bulletin, you can also find the Bible verses that the sermon is about. Announcements or upcoming events - Sometimes important announcements are made and events are advertised in the bulletin. Important Notes - As you listen to the sermon write down the things that seem important. Usually things that are written on the presentation slides are the big ideas you should remember. My Act of Obedience - God wants us to be different when we learn something from the Bible. Write something down that you think God wants you to change as a result of this sermon. Questions - If there is something about the sermon you find confusing or something you want to ask an adult, write them down in this section. 11

Reading Highlights Date: Did I begin with prayer? Yes No All I read today: The best thing I marked today (verse): Write all or part of the verse: What God is teaching me: Questions I have: Did I end with prayer? Yes No Date: Did I begin with prayer? Yes No All I read today: The best thing I marked today (verse): Write all or part of the verse: What God is teaching me: Questions I have: Did I end with prayer? Yes No 12

Date: Did I begin with prayer? Yes No All I read today: The best thing I marked today (verse): Write all or part of the verse: What God is teaching me: Questions I have: Did I end with prayer? Yes No Date: Did I begin with prayer? Yes No All I read today: The best thing I marked today (verse): Write all or part of the verse: What God is teaching me: Questions I have: Did I end with prayer? Yes No 13

Sermon Notes Today s Date Did I bring my Bible to church today? Yes No Did I bring a tithe or offering today? Sermon Title (Hint: Look in the bulletin) Yes No Bible Passage (Hint: Look in the bulletin) Announcements and Upcoming Events Important Notes My Act of Obedience Questions 17

Today s Date Did I bring my Bible to church today? Yes No Did I bring a tithe or offering today? Yes No Sermon Title (Hint: Look in the bulletin) Bible Passage (Hint: Look in the bulletin) Announcements and Upcoming Events Important Notes My Act of Obedience Questions 18

My Prayer List Instructions: Use this list to record prayer requests and answers to prayers. 22

This Book Belongs To