This month was my first introduction to The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know
, and to the children’s accompanying book, I Can Learn the Bible: The Joshua Code for Kids: 52 Devotions and Scriptures for Kids
.
Tommy Nelson sent me both to review for the month of December.
At first glance, this is a stunning book. The volume is bound in embossed red leather that would be a beautiful addition to any bookshelf.
As I read through the description, I was impressed that the proceeds of the book support a ministry for retired ministers:
“All royalties from the book support Mission: Dignity, a ministry that enables retired ministers (and in most cases, their widows) who are living below poverty level, to live out their days with dignity and security.”
Most of the pastors served small churches and lived in the church-owned parsonages until their retirement. Upon their retirement, they were left without homes and without income.
The focus of this book was very heavy on memorizing passages of the Bible. The children’s version gave some simple strategies for memorization. There was a particular comment in the front of the book that stood out to me: “ If kids can learn to navigate iPads at age two, they can learn the Bible, If they can repeat the dialogue of Bubble Guppies when they are preschoolers, they can learn the Bible.”
Paul and I prayed for our family a couple of years back that the Lord would teach us to use His word in our everyday life as we teach and encourage in our home. As a family, we have memorized chapters of the Bible each year- I know we could learn
more. Those memorized passages seem to stand out year after year in my mind.
Memorizing was a way of hiding the word in our hearts.
Highlights from the children’s book:
- The book is divided by weeks
- The Each week has an assigned Bible verse.
- Each verse is explained in depth, and in a way that causes the child to question and understand each word in the verse and define their worldview by the Word of God, not by the world.
- Every week has an explanation of why that verse should give a child a more God-centered worldview.
- A closing prayer is also included.
Highlights from the adult book:
- Gorgeous red, embossed binding
- Like the children’s edition, the book is focused primarily on memorization and really knowing the Word
- Each chapter has a theme passage of scripture, explained in detail
- The writings explain how each passage can shape a believer’s worldview to be more Christ-centered.
