Read: Genesis 44-47
As we continue in the book of Genesis today, we read more about Joseph. What we read is a common children’s Bible story that teaches many lessons like honesty, family, kindness, dealing with jealousy, and faithfulness to God. Now, I do not know that my three-year-old fully understands all of that when we read about Joseph. But whether he grasps it now or not, those building blocks are being laid. Just as they are with every part of Biblical truth that he is exposed to. Even when I read the Bible aloud as I am doing these Bible studies. I don’t necessarily say every part out loud; but he is witness to mommy reading the Bible and sharing parts of that with him.
Children’s Bible stories are written in a way that little ones can understand, or at least begin to understand. They use language that is simple and more easily comprehensible, something they can eventually grow into reading on their own. A lot of the heavier or scarier details are often left out. I think that matters, because it allows us to introduce truth in a way that meets them where they are.
It is important to teach our children the love of God, and I do not think using children’s Bibles or simplified stories takes away from that at all. If anything, it opens the door. It creates familiarity. It plants seeds early that can grow into something deeper as they mature. As a mom, that encourages me because it reminds me that I do not have to do it perfectly, I just have to be consistent and intentional. The understanding will come in time, but the foundation starts now. Then on that foundation we can dive deeper and expound on those lessons someday.
In chapter 46, as we read through the names, it is easy to skim past them, but it is actually a reminder that each person matters to God. Every name listed, every life accounted for, none overlooked. How beautiful is that? God knows each of us and is with us.
“I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.” -Genesis 46:4
As we know, God is personal. He is not distant or unaware. He sees each of us individually, just like He saw each name listed in that chapter. And that is something I want my kids to grow up knowing, not just hearing about, but truly believing. That they are seen, known, and cared for by Him.
Discussion Questions
- How can you be more intentional about reading Bible stories, praying, doing activities, having conversations with your children and helping them understand God’s love at their level (whether they are a toddler, teen, young adult, etc)?
- What does it mean to you that God sees and knows you personally?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
Leave a comment