Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Teaching our Kids Bible Verses

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

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Memorizing Scripture is very important to me & has been a big part of my walk. When I face a struggle myself or am talking to someone else who is sharing something going on in their life, it is so cool how God brings those verses to remembrance. His words are powerful and can bring such peace and comfort. I also believe in praying God’s Word, and it’s much easier to do that when you know the Bible.

I knew as the boys grew older I wanted to help them “hide the Word in their heart” as a part of “training them up in the way they should go.” About a year ago (maybe longer) we were having a play date at a friends and I saw a chart on her refrigerator with several verses & stickers next to it. Her son is right at a year older than Jase, but I was so impressed with the verses he knew. It challenged and inspired me to start working with Jase…I guess I just assumed he was too young or didn’t really think about it?  These little ones are capable of WAY more than we give them credit for!

Anyway, we got intentional and started practicing some verses at bedtime. I started with one & had him repeat it. Once he got it nailed down, I’d add more. We’d repeat each verse. We don’t do it every single night, but we try to recite them most nights. Even if I don’t have him say them, I include them in the prayers I am praying over him so he hears them. (We also listen to the Cubbies c.d. in the car & it says the Cubbies verses in between the stories.)

These are the verses we started with, and he knows most of these at 3 1/2. (The blue are the ones I taught him on my own. The red are the ones he learned for Cubbies. The black are the next few we’re working on.) I haven’t taught him the references yet. I figure we’ll start working on that some more when he turns 4, but for now it’s just important to me that he is starting to memorize them.

I just wanted to share this in case you’re looking for a starting place. Maybe you’re like me and had plans to teach them eventually, but haven’t really thought about starting yet. They’re never too young, friends! And they’ll surprise you with what they’re capable of learning.

  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
  • Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
  • I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
  • If God be for us, who can be against us?
  • Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is good.
  • Every good and perfect gift is from above.
  • All have sinned.
  • While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
  • In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth.
  • God loved us and sent his son.
  • God saw everything He had made and it was very good.
  • In all things, give thanks.
  • God works together for the good of those who love him.
  • !Let your light shine before men.
  • Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. The Lord will be with you wherever you go.
  • I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
  • Be strong and do not give up, for your hard work will be rewarded.

We have also been saying a little poem type thing to help him learn the armor of God (with hand motions) since he was very little.

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My sister bought us a little statue that I used to use, but it is packed up in storage somewhere. I recently found a picture at Hobby Lobby & was so excited to get it for them.

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This is also worth teaching them! I love that it also requires us as parents to memorize the Word so we can teach it to them. Double win!

Anything else you do to help your children memorize Scripture?? Would love to hear your tips, tricks, & ideas!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a cute picture! Hobby Lobby is sometimes dangerous! I think it's a wonderful thing that you are teaching him the Word and memorizing verses. It's something I wish I had done when I was littler on my walk, but I know I want to do whenever that day comes and I have children. Nothing is more important that sharing the Word and having them start their walk with God so strong. Blessings for your family!

The White Family said...

Our church does the Awana program, and we start the scripture memorization at age 3. My oldest has been in this program for 7 years now, and I am so happy she knows as much as she does. My 3 year old is giving big sister a run for her money, too! Love it!

Anna L. Martin said...

Danielle, I have been off and on following your blog since our son was born in 2012; my sister in law introduced me via your article about being a Godly wife. Since then, I have been intrigued numerous times by your posts. I was especially intrigued to see that we are expecting our 3rd son while you are! In many ways, your little family reminds me of ours.... especially Jase and our oldest, Cole. But then along came Trevor - our little brown boy, brimming with sunshine, sweetness ---and mischief. :) We can't wait to see what combination Baby #3 will be!
Your desire to raise little (and big) men for God has blessed me again and again, and this post about memorization struck yet another chord. I, too, know the intense sweet joy of hearing familiar Bible verses in my little sonnies' voices. May God bless your efforts and reward your parenting and your heart for Him! It isn't easy going against the mainstream of the world. Many blessings to you for your dedication and bravery in choosing to raise your children for His kingdom. I am inspired as I read about other women, other moms, other homes intent on serving the Lord.
-Anna Martin
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