Summer is coming! Are you ready? If you’re like a lot of parents, then you’ve likely already enrolled the kids in camp or swimming lessons, scheduled your family vacation, and made a bucket list of sunny weather activities. But did you remember to plan the most important thing?
Bible study!
Summer is a great time to rally the family around the Bible together, as many adult and youth church groups take a seasonal break. Here’s one way to get the kids—and parents—excited about studying the Bible. I call it the Summer Scripture Challenge.
This is how it works.
As a family, choose 10-12 Scriptures to memorize—one for each week of summer break. On Monday, post a verse or passage on a chalkboard or fridge (wherever the kids will see it often). Read it together, explain what it means, and challenge the kids to comprehend and memorize each verse. The following Sunday, invite the entire family to take turns reciting the verse from memory. Reward the kids with either small weekly prizes or “points” toward a larger reward to be given at the end of the summer.
This year, my family has chosen to focus on Scripture that teaches Christ-honoring conduct. Here are the verses we’ll be memorizing for our Summer Scripture Challenge. Will you join us?
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Remember, God’s Word is “alive and active,” and it “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Keeping Scripture at the center of our family lives will aid our quest to develop kids—and parents—of strong godly character.
For a free printable of the Summer Scripture Challenge verses listed above, click here.
Blessings,
Becky
beckykopitzke.com
