Bible reading

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In earlier episodes of the “Settle for Nothing Less” podcast series, Jana Magruder shared indicators that had small, moderate or large an impact on a child’s spiritual health. In this episode, she shares what factors actually didn’t make the list. Listen and see if you’re surprised about some of the things that didn’t show up in the “Nothing Less” research.

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of LifeWay Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life Verse Creative Journal, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children reside in Nashville.

Bible reading can help cement the most important decision a child will ever make.

When I was six years old and our church was in a week-long revival, my dad, seeing me crying one night after a service, and believing I was under conviction, immediately whisked me in to talk with the evangelist. Kneeling at a metal folding chair, I repeated the words he told me.

Here’s where it’s fuzzy…I don’t remember a word of what he said…before, during, or after I knelt.

So, I tried it again at age 14. This time, though, I remember more. I came to the realization that I needed Christ as my Savior and Lord. It wasn’t enough just to love Him. I needed forgiveness. I needed His Lordship. So, I prayed “the prayer” I’d heard all my life. I prayed it with all my heart and I do believe that I was saved that day.

However… I don’t remember much after that. And in fact, to some degree doubted my salvation for many years. Why? I mean, I was in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. I had fantastic parents who I know love the Lord. So why would this happen to someone like me?

What I needed was someone to come beside me and disciple me along the way. Someone to educate me in what it means to let Jesus be Lord of my life and not just a Saviour. That’s why it is so important that we encourage kids to become consistent in a quiet time of devotion, Bible reading and prayer each day; helping a child to cement the most important decision he’ll ever make in his life so that he never forgets how he felt that very first day.

This is what helps a good kid become a godly kid. This is what helps keep a young teen connected when the world around him says it’s not “cool.” This is what helps a college kid who’s away from home continue on his spiritual journey. And ultimately, what will help an adult whose memory can be a little fuzzy sometimes remember the greatest thing that ever happened to her.

One way to invest in the lives of kids daily is with these Devotions for kids.

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Klista Storts serves as the Childhood Ministry Specialist. She is married to Gary and the mother of Brett and Blake… oh yea, and Mimi to her grand-daughter, Mia! Klista is passionate about laying foundations for conversion in the lives of preschoolers. Klista loves to ask the hard questions, so look out for her!

Settle for Nothing Less: Part 3

Bible Reading: Teaching Kids Spiritual Disciplines

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