by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart
We all know how toddlers are like sponges in that they constantly repeat what they hear. That can surely keep the parents and grandparents on their toes. Toddlers memorize sections or entire story books that are read to them, things they hear on television, and even entire commercials. So why not use that "sponge-ability" of theirs for a much more rewarding and even an eternal benefit? Hiding God's Word in their hearts!
When I spent a month with our three year old grandson recently, I was amazed at how quickly he learned these first five scripture verses! Our children were the same way when they were small. So Mothers, take advantage our those young minds that are able to memorize so quickly! Later those scriptures will still be in their heart, ready to pop up when they need them the most.
A convenient way for you to include teaching scripture memorization might be to do it just before story time. Then review at home throughout the day or while driving in the car. If the references are too difficult to begin with, teach your small child just the first part of the verse for now, and as he grows older, add more, then the references. But you might find those little tots will surprise you as they learn long verses as well as the references without any trouble at all.
Writing down the scripture verses and making a little booklet out of the ones he memorizes will be a rich treasure. Including just one picture for each scripture will help your child be able to quote a verse with only a look at a picture. Laminating the pages and hand sewing them together with ribbon sewn in punched holes along the left side will tie it all together and be cherished by both the child and parent for years to come.
The following are just a few scripture verses to begin this exciting journey with your children or grandchildren, but there are so many more that would be appropriate for young children.
A convenient way for you to include teaching scripture memorization might be to do it just before story time. Then review at home throughout the day or while driving in the car. If the references are too difficult to begin with, teach your small child just the first part of the verse for now, and as he grows older, add more, then the references. But you might find those little tots will surprise you as they learn long verses as well as the references without any trouble at all.
Writing down the scripture verses and making a little booklet out of the ones he memorizes will be a rich treasure. Including just one picture for each scripture will help your child be able to quote a verse with only a look at a picture. Laminating the pages and hand sewing them together with ribbon sewn in punched holes along the left side will tie it all together and be cherished by both the child and parent for years to come.
The following are just a few scripture verses to begin this exciting journey with your children or grandchildren, but there are so many more that would be appropriate for young children.
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. - Ephesians 4:32
Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. - Ephesians 6:1
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right. - Prov. 20:11
When I am afraid, I will trust in Him. - Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will trust in Him. - Psalm 56:3
We love Him because He first loved us. - I John 4:19
Casting all you care upon Him, for He cares for you. - I Peter:5:7
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. - I Peter 3:10
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord - Romans 6:23
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. - James 4:8
As a supplement to your own parental teaching of scripture memorization, Steve Green also has several enjoyable CD's with scripture put to music. You may be surprised at home much children will soak in the scriptures and learn many principles from God's Word as they listen while they play with their toys! Mary Rice Hopkins also ministers to children and has many CD's available for little ones (www.maryricehopkins.com). So why not let Mary or Steve fill your children's minds with eternal values, while you catch up on some housework?
As a supplement to your own parental teaching of scripture memorization, Steve Green also has several enjoyable CD's with scripture put to music. You may be surprised at home much children will soak in the scriptures and learn many principles from God's Word as they listen while they play with their toys! Mary Rice Hopkins also ministers to children and has many CD's available for little ones (www.maryricehopkins.com). So why not let Mary or Steve fill your children's minds with eternal values, while you catch up on some housework?
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