Joshua’s House

This post concludes our tour of a sample study from Luke, and we’ve saved the best for last. So jump in as we look at an actual study from Luke 17.

Internal Page

• Just as with the first page, we use lots of images to bring these studies alive. The goal with all of our presentation is to help the kids feel like this is their notebook.
• All four learning styles are incorporated into the activities each week. It’s important for audio, visual, kinesthetic and reading/writing learners to find was to enjoy God’s word.
• One of the best parts about these activities is that the kids can use any of them for studying any part of the Bible. The kids will see similar ideas pop up over and over again. The goal is for these methods to stick with them in such a way that they won’t always be dependent on a Bible study guide.

We hope you enjoyed our sneak peak tour. If you haven’t already, make sure to download this sample lesson and let us know what you think.

To download a printable copy of the lesson for Luke 17 click here.*

*Keep in mind production is still in progress and this is an unfinished sample of the lesson.

Click here for:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4

For this sneak peak will will continue to explore the first page of a lesson, plus you will get a hint of what lies beyond that starting page.

Lesson Introduction Image

Often when kids see the images on the front page of a lesson they ask, “What’s that?” My reply is simple, “You’ll have to read the chapter to find out.” These simple illustrations are there as a way to help the kids become interested in what they are about to read and to give them a visual preview.

Other images throughout the book use this same principle of simplicity or they are photos that are “taped” into the book. We have worked hard to make things are realistic as possible.

To download a printable copy of the lesson for Luke 17 click here.*

*Keep in mind production is still in progress and this is an unfinished sample of the lesson.

Click here for:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

So the kids have a to do list, but what else is on the fist page of a lesson?

Weekly Memory Verse

Like most studies each week’s lesson has a memory verse. However, with this curriculim the kids are given the opportunity to choose a verse that is meaningful to them. There is a suggested verse if they can’t think of one on their own, but the goal is to hide God’s word in their hearts, regardless of what part of God’s word it is.

To download a printable copy of the lesson for Luke 17 click here.*

*Keep in mind production is still in progress and this is an unfinished sample of the lesson.

Click here for:

• Part 1
• Part 2

In the last sneak peak, you saw the introduction page of lesson. Now, let’s take a minute to explore some of the important parts of that page.

Plan for the week

Every week comes complete with a to do list. There are several unique things about this list, but here are just a few:

• There are seven activities - one for every day of the week. Rather than assigning what day each activity should be done, the kids can pick. Some activities can be done quickly, and some take a bit more time. Chances are they will do the ones they like best first. That’s just fine because the whole point is helping them find Bible study methods that work for them.
• Each week there are specific types of activities that the kids will participate in.
  • First of all, they will read from Gods word.
  • After they read, they will have a chance to demonstrate what they read - kind of like a reading comprehension activity.
  • There is also a chance for them to apply some of what they are reading to their own lives.
  • Every week the kids are challenged with a Bible study method. At this age, they may learn about how to use a concordance or marginal references.
  • For each chapter of the Bible, there is a theme activity that runs throughout. For Luke, it’s discovering the mighty power of God’s promises.
  • A lesson wouldn’t be complete without creative ideas for memorizing scripture.

To download a printable copy of the lesson for Luke 17 click here.*

*Keep in mind production is still in progress and this is an unfinished sample of the lesson.

Click here for part 1.

If you’ve been keeping up with Joshua’s House, you’ve probably heard me mention a Bible study we are working on for 10-12 year olds. Well, I thought I would give you a little tour of what exactly those studies are all about. Each part will explore one aspect of the curriculum. Sit tight as we journey through our tour of a randomly selected week of lessons.

First Page of a Lesson

This happens to be page one of the lesson for Luke 17. The first thing you’ll notice is our style. We want 10-12 year olds to feel as though they can take ownership of these pages and studying God’s Word. For that reason, we have chosen a layout that feels familiar to them. Hopefully they won’t be bashful when it comes to marking all over the pages of their notebook.

To download a printable copy of the lesson for Luke 17 click here.*

*Keep in mind production is still in progress and this is an unfinished sample of the lesson.

In a culture that is constantly looking for guidance and direction, why is it that we seldom take time to go to the ultimate guide book?

It’s no question that studying God’s word is one of the most important things we can do. By reading the Bible, we learn about His love, who He is, and how to live in accordance with His perfect plan. God’s word is our teacher, encourager, and guide. Sadly, most people rarely take time to truly savor God’s word.

With battles and kings, scandals, miracles and plagues, there is no question in my mind that it is not the Bible’s content that is to blame for our lack of interest. While there are many factors in our inability to connect with the word of God, I am going to explore just one today. That factor is our perception of Bible study.

When it’s time to study God’s word, what thoughts fill your mind? Many picture a rather large block of time, a concordance, a Bible and no distractions. While this is one way to study the Bible, it can be overwhelming for most because it doesn’t fit their learning style.

There are four primary learning styles: Kinesthetic - people who learn through experiences and hands-on activities, auditory - people who learn through listening, visual - people who remember colors, images and faces, and reading/writing - people who understand through reading and responsive writing.

Most Bible study aids are set up only for the people in the reading/writing category. What about the other three groups? Statistically most people are visual and kinesthetic learners. How can they study the Bible?

There are many ways to delve into God’s word, no matter what your learning style is. The first step for everyone is prayer. The Holy Spirit knows how we learn best and without God’s guidance, we are in the dark.

If you’re not sure what your learning style is, take this quiz to find out how you learn best. There is also a quiz made just for your child. When you are done, look below to find some Bible study ideas that may work for you or your kids.

Click here for printable PDF version of Kid’s Quiz, Adult’s Quiz, Scoring Sheets and Result.

Ideas for:

Auditory Learners
Visual Learners
Kinesthetic Learners
Reading/Writing Learners

I know it has been pretty quiet here lately, but I assure you things have been moving forward as God continues to bless and encourage all of us here at Joshua’s House.

I was recently asked to write an article about Joshua’s House four our church newsletter, and I thought I would share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.

While others talk of going to the mission field, my heart is burdened with the great need of God here in America. It wasn’t until I worked at camp for a summer as a girl’s counselor that I realized how much I enjoyed working with kids. From their energy all throughout the day, to their questions and desire for truth during cabin worships; they held a special place in my heart. More than anything I wanted to see their humble curiosity grow into a deep rooted faith and friendship with Jesus Christ.

This discovery was confirmed even more as I was doing research for a project at school. According to the Barna Research Group, “People’s religious beliefs change very little, if at all by the age of 12.” God was making it clear to me that teaching children not only about His love, but how to experience it was of utmost importance.

How would I do this, how could I help these precious kids make this big life changing decision for Jesus? I had recently learned in one of my classes that the example set by parents, even uninvolved parents, has a bigger impact on their children than any other influence. Yes, God was calling me to minister to children and families.

God has blessed me with a creative mind. When He put that mind together with a passion for reaching His children, and pointing them to the Bible as their ultimate guide, great things were in store. It’s all too easy for us to live our lives and try to squeeze God and Christianity where it fits. Joshua’s House was created as God’s instrument to help kids and families learn to make Him the center of their lives, a spring that brings hope and guidance for each day.

Joshua’s House is a non-profit organization in the state of Tennessee and we are working on our 501(c)(3) status. Right now we are reaching our goals by providing workshops and free family fun ideas online. We are also working on creative Bible study materials for all ages as well as materials in living sound and on the internet. I am so excited to see where God leads. He loves His children and with Him leading, there is no limit to the possibilities.