My thoughts: My perception of this new devotional release by Marty Machowski is that it is on target theologically. I see the family grouping to use this book to include upper elementary and upwards to adults. Though conceived and written for parental lead devotions, it can be used as a personal devotional for older teens though it is obviously a "guided" study.
The first take-away I got from
Listen Up is that when instructions are given in the Bible for us to hear ("he that hath ears to hear.....") is not simply an act of hearing. But we are to hear what is being said, listen to our heart, and act on what we hear. True hearing involves doing or acting on what we hear. This is in the first week's lesson where the action word is "listen."
Each week has a focus..... listen, build, treasure, follow, etc.
The first parable addressed in the study is that of the sower as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In this five day lesson plan, we learn that the parables are given to explain Christ's teachings to those with open hearts and yet some interpretation is hidden to those with closed hearts.
Each five day plan has a Get Ready and Get Set introduction that can be read on Sunday in preparation for the other five days lessons. Having a five day plan seems to allow for the busyness of Sunday and Wednesday (usually quite busy days for chuch folks) and using the five non-church days or evenings to have family devotions.
Several versions of the Bible are utilized throughout
Listen Up. The passages are not lengthy so you can read your preferred version (mine is the KJV) or you can use that printed in the book itself.
As with other materials I have had the opportunity to review for New Growth Press and the author, Marty Machowski, I am quite impressed and pleased to recommend this devotional book. There is a lot of good, sound information to be gleaned from
Listen Up. This is not a cute devotional book for young children and there are no illustrations or cute activities. This is straight-forward teaching that is interesting and valuable.
About the book: After teaching a parable Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” In other words, “This is important, so you better listen up” and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children “listen up” and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it. Jesus told simple stories using everyday activities and objects that point to surprising spiritual truths about life in his kingdom. In the parables children (and adults!) will learn to treasure the gospel.
Children love stories and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imaginations and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. This thirteen-week family devotional is designed to help families explore the parables that Jesus taught through reading selected parables, activities, discussion questions, and “fun facts.” Each five-day session includes Bible reading, discussion questions, a fun activity, and songs.
GIVEAWAY
The publisher and author are graciously providing a copy for this giveaway.
Begins April 25
ENDS May 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
