Mine!
Mine. This is a word that quite frequently comes out of the mouth of toddlers and
children. It’s a word that many parents do not like to be said because it, perhaps, represents a
selfish attitude. However, in our thinking here, I hope that every child and youth in our church
will be able to hold a Bible and say, “MINE!” One of the greatest and most influential acts we
can do for our children is to ensure they have a Bible that is theirs, not one that is your old one
they are using, but one that has their name beside the words “Presented To” on the first few
pages. The Bible is the word of God and that is foundational here at Nashville United Methodist
Church. Therefore, we are seeking to instill a sense of urgency that children are diving into the
Bible and actually learning what it says. I encourage you that this Lent Season, instead of giving
up something silly once again, what if you took on something? What if you took on the joy and
delight of constantly reading the Bible for yourself and reading it to your children? You know,
one of the purposes of giving up something for Lent is to help you focus on God when you desire
or crave that object you have given up. The same can work for taking on something, in that,
while sitting down after a long day of work and giving into the desire to watch TV, instead pray
for the strength to read the Bible and then do it! We only get one chance to raise our children, so
let’s do it right, let’s give them their very own Bible and let’s take on the responsibility of
reading the Bible this Lent Season.
To help you, I have listed some recommendations for purchasing a Bible for your child.
Infants & Toddlers
People think that just because infants and toddlers cannot read they do not need the word of
God, this is false. They desperately need to hear your voice each and every day and what better
way than for you to read the Bible to them, whether a Storybook Bible or your own, just read it
to them. You might actually learn something along the way.
The Jesus Storybook Bible*
By: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Spark Story Bible*
By: Augsburg Fortress
Preschoolers
The Jesus Storybook Bible*
Spark Story Bible*
The Beginner’s Bible
NIV Children’s Bible
By: Sally Lloyd-Jones
By: Augsburg Fortress
By: Zondervan
By: Zondervan
Lower Elementary
HCSB Read to Me
NIV Children’s Bible
By: Holman
By: Zondervan
Upper Elementary
Illustrated Study Bible for Kids
CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible
NIV Adventure Bible
By: Holman
By: Abingdon Press
By: Zondervan
Youth
ESV Student Study Bible
NIV Student Study Bible
By: Crossway
By: Zondervan
*Please Note that “Story Bibles” are not actual Bibles, meaning you cannot look up Romans 8:28, instead it conveys
the Bible through certain stories that help build a foundation for the children. I highly recommend them for reading
just before bed, especially The Jesus Storybook Bible.
-Luke Whitehead, Assistant Pastor Nashville UMC