Let Your Child Read This Highly Controversial Book This Summer!

One eight-year-old autistic boy made it into the news recently when told he couldn't read this book during free time at school. And this controversial book is banned in approximately 52 countries (Note: I also found some information disputed this statistic.)

So what is this highly controversial and often misunderstood book?

The Bible.

The Bible is scientifically and historically accurate. 

BUT it was not written with those purposes in mind. For example: the word dinosaur is not mentioned in Scripture. (Although many think, me included,dinosaurs are spoken of in the book of Job 40-41.) Armadillos, raccoon, and kangaroos among many other living creatures are not mentioned either. Not being mentioned doesn't mean these creatures don't or haven't existed. Nor does it mean the Bible isn't true if they are not listed.

The writings in Scripture spanned three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. God's word was not written to be a world history book since North and South America, Australia, and Antarctica are missing. But the  history contained in the Bible is proven to be accurate.

The Big Black Book was written so we come to know God. 

It is God's love letter to the human race. It supplies strength for us to live and gives us the direction for us to live well. The Bible provides love, soul food, and direction for the human spirit. (Things I need each day.)

God's word is DAILY bread.

God says his word is living and active, true, and full of power. Here are some good verses to look up to see what the Bible says about God's Word: John 17:20, John 20:30-31; Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12.

So how can we go about digging into the Lord's word on a daily basis? 

Here are a few ideas that will help with personal study and some ideas that will help you train your kids how read the Bible:

1. Pick a time of day and commit to it but be flexible. If one day doesn't work out, figure out a time to work it in.
2. Choose one book or topic. If you pick a topic go to the back of your Bible , look at the concordance (looks like an index), and find the verses that match your chosen topic. Or you  can go to Bible Gateway and plug in your subject. Start small. Read a couple verses at a time. Make it DO-ABLE.
3. When studying your chosen verse or topic ask yourself: or your child:

• What is this passage about? (facts)
• What did I learn form this verse? (principles)
• How can I apply this to my life? (application)

4. Reflect and meditate on what was learned through out the day. Talk about what you read and what God showed you in everyday conversation.

Before you or your child start reading, pray.

Father,

Thank you for your Word. 

I pray you open my head and heart to the things you want to teach me (or my child). 

Amen

It's Memorial Day and summer is approaching. My structured Bible study is over. So...now I have the challenge of reading God's Word without the accountability of a group. I decided, I'm going to put 1-4 into action (with God's help of course!).

What tips do you have for  personal Bible study?

With faith, hope, and love,

Lori Wildenberg
co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting 
author, speaker, licensed parent and family educator
Contact Lori for your next event, parent workshop, or parent consulting.
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Divine Encounters

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

 Hebrews 10: 24

Mom's Musing:
"I'm  from Ethiopia," the taxi driver informed us. My daughter and I were riding in his cab from the airport to our hotel in Phoenix. He dropped us off and wished us well. Kendra and I were in Arizona to check out college campuses. A few hours later, after getting settled, we ventured out. We made our best attempt to find the light rail station that would take us from Phoenix to Tempe. Standing on the corner and looking around, we were perplexed. We were able to find the west bound train but not the east bound. Then our cabby pulled up to the corner! "What (are) you looking for?" Our confusion was evident. He was concerned and took time to assist us. With his help, we made our way to correct location.
This week in the Bible study (BSF) I attend we are studying Acts 8:26-40. Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to take a bit of a detour to meet an Ethiopian official. During that encounter the man came to a saving faith in Jesus.
The detours or interruptions in our life may be life changing for us or another person. Just as our Ethiopian driver took time to help me and my daughter, Philip answered God's call to take a different road in order to help the Ethiopian. The Ethiopian gained a new identity.
While at a Hearts at Home Conference, Jill Savage said, "When we start looking at our husbands or children as interruptions, something is out of sync." The interruptions and detours are where life happens.
Parenting Tip: Look at life's interruptions as opportunities. Our family is more important than our list of items to accomplish. The detours could be life altering moments.