Joshua’s House

Have you read Psalm 119 lately?  I like to read it periodically to renew my joy in and desire for God’s Word.  It is in Psalm 119 that you will find familiar passages like “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (vs. 105).  One of the great things about this Psalm is that it reminds me how important it is to read and absorb God’s Word.  It reminds me that I should be taking time to study the Scriptures daily.

This is lesson is important for our children as well, but how do we teach it to our children and foster in them a love for God’s word?  There are many ways, but today I am going to suggest creating space for God.  Usually when I talk about creating space I’m talking about time, but in this case I’m actually talking about physical space.

Set up a desk or a corner for your children - their special nook - where they can come away and spend time with God.  Of course you will want a special Bible in this corner and other items that may be age appropriate.  Here are some ideas:

• Bible Stories with lots of pictures for younger children
• An audio Bible
• Prayer journal (younger kids can use it to draw pictures in)
• Simple Bible reference books
• Bible reading plans
• Scripture memory tools (note cards, pieces of paper that can be used as a puzzle, scripture songs, etc.)
• Question sticks (Write questions or idea starters on Popsicle sticks for kids to think about; you can have simple starters like “Today I want to thank God for . . . ” or more complex starters like “Tell God about the most challenging part of today and the most fun part of today.”  The possibilities are endless.)  These sticks can be used as a way to help your kids prayer journal and learn how to study the Bible on a personal level.

There are many more things you could place at a devotional center for your children, but these are just a few ideas to get you started.  With younger children you may want to spend a few minutes at the center every day at first to encourage them and to model what they are supposed to do.  If you have older children, encourage them to start out spending 10-15 minutes a day at their special spot with Jesus.  Before long, you may notice your kids coming here and spending time with God all on their own.

Over the next little while, I will be posting creative Bible study ideas for kids of all ages.  Keep a look out for these activities as they can be used for family worship times or as a part of your kids’ space for God.