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johannahreardon.com
Category:
Children
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN-10: 1475155050
Type: Non-Fiction
Pages: 175
Copyright: June 16, 2011
ISBN-13: 9781475155051
Written by a Christianity Today International editor, this devotional from the Book of Proverbs is designed to be a platform for you to talk about the issues that your 8-12-year-old child faces every day. They are designed to be short and simple so that you are more likely to read them as a family consistently throughout the year.
Much of what our children see on television, at school, in the shopping malls, and so on shows us how much we need the Book of Proverbs. All we have to do is watch people around us to figure out how to do what is wrong. It is much harder to find those who will tell us what’s right. King Solomon does just that in Proverbs. It’s amazing to see that people really haven’t changed much in 3,000 years. Kids wanted answers then, and they still do now.
Proverbs 1:3 tells us that the Book of Proverbs will teach us how to be wise, self-controlled, honest, fair, and right. If we can help our children get a start on all those things while they are still young, think what terrific people they will be as adults!
Written by a Christianity Today International editor, this devotional is designed to be a platform for you to talk about the issues that your 8-12-year-old child faces every day. They are designed to be short and simple so that you are more likely to read them as a family consistently.
Excerpt
Proverbs 1:7“Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord. But foolish people hate wisdom and self-control.
WHO IS GOD?
During lunch at school, Chris heard a friend of his say, “God, why can’t they fix a decent meal here?” Chris immediately responded by saying, “Are you asking God a question or blaming Him for the lunch? After all, He made the food just great before they cooked it here.” His friend looked at him in surprise. It had been a long time since he had thought of God even though he used His name all the time to make a point.
Proverbs 1:7 says, “Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord...” God is not an “it” or an exclamation point to our sentences. He is the all-powerful One who made the universe. He also made us with all our intricate parts and created us with a special purpose in mind. He deserves all our love, all our respect, and all our devotion. As we get to know Him, we get to know more about all of life.
—What was wrong with the way Chris’ friend treated God?
—What does God have to do with knowledge?
—Why does He deserve our respect?
Further Reading: Job 28:23-28
Proverbs 1:8 “My child, listen to your father’s teaching. And do not forget your mother’s advice.”
WHAT GOOD ARE PARENTS?
As Dad headed out the door to work, he called to Janet, “Don’t take Maple Street on your way to the bus stop today, O.K.?”
Janet shrugged her shoulders. If she didn’t take Maple Street, she would have to walk two extra blocks. What was the big deal? She decided to take Maple Street anyway. Halfway there she found the street and sidewalk completely torn up, workmen drilling everywhere. She had to backtrack, adding four more blocks to her walk, barely making it to the bus stop before the bus left.
Proverbs 1:8 says, “My child, listen to your father’s teaching. And do not forget your mother’s advice.” As unreasonable as it seems at times, God has given us parents to lead us through life. If we don’t listen to them, we’re going to find ourselves backtracking a lot in the things that we do. Missing a bus is inconvenient, but there will be much harder things we will have to face if we don’t listen to Dad and Mom. Give them a chance; they are probably smarter than you think.
—Why is it so hard to obey our parents?
—Is there anything Mom or Dad could do to make it easier?
Further Reading: Proverbs 1:8,9
Proverbs 1:10“My child, sinners will try to lead you into sin. But do not follow them.
WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO?
“Come on, Randy. We’re going to Old Man Murphy’s yard for a game of football.”
“Are you crazy, Joe? He’s threatened to call the police if we play in his yard again.”
“He’s not home. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Besides, there’s no yard around big enough for a game unless we go there.”
“Count me out, Joe. Seems to me Mr. Murphy has made it real clear he doesn’t want us there whether he’s home or not.”
“Aw, you’re just a chicken!”
“Let’s see how brave you are, Joe, if you get caught!”
Have you ever been in a situation like that? It’s really hard to go against a whole group, especially if they are doing something that looks harmless at first. God gives us a strong warning in Proverbs 1:10 against following sinners into sin. If we choose not to listen to Him, we’ll have to pay for it somewhere along the line.
—Who was right, Randy or Joe?
—How can we avoid following others into sin?
Further Reading: Proverbs 1:10-12
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