let’s talk about some old testament bible stories to teach your little ones, shall we?

I love sharing things from the heart. It’s hard sometimes though, we need more time! But today, I have a fun and good one that was easy to start with. The Bible is filled with so many wonderful stories and lessons that we can teach our little ones! Eventually I want my children to be familiar with EVERYTHING the Bible has to offer them, but as a parent, how do I know where to start?

Here are a few of my favorite Old Testament Bible stories that I believe every child should know. They can be simplified so that even a child can understand what God is trying to teach them through the lives of these Biblical characters! I love seeing my child’s eyes light up with understanding as we read and talk about these stories…. I hope your child does too! And who knows, maybe even YOU can glean something as you teach your child. Teaching IS the best way to learn something yourself 🙂

Noah
Children love animals! That is why the story of Noah is perfect for engaging your animal loving child. Throughout the story of Noah, we are constantly reminded “God cares for YOU!” When God spoke to Noah and told him to build the ark, it was because God CARED for Noah and his family. When he brought the animals two by two into the ark, it was because God CARED for the animals. When God protected Noah, his family and all the animals during the 40 days of rain, it was because he CARED for them. When God put the rainbow in the sky as a reminder that he would never flood the earth again, it was because God CARED for the people on earth and wanted to make them a promise… God ALWAYS keeps his promises! As you work your way through the story of Noah, be sure to take the time to really focus on each aspect of Noah’s life and journey. You will be amazed as you see understanding come into your child’s eyes as they realize that not only did God care for Noah, but he also cares for them!!

Jonah
One of the most important things you can teach your children is to OBEY. Teaching them to OBEY not only protects them from physical harm, but it also protects their spirits. When you teach them to “obey their parents,” you are teaching them how to be submissive to authority. If they learn to OBEY you as a parent, one day they will learn to OBEY God’s calling! Jonah is an amazing story of obedience and how God never gives up on you. God asked Jonah to do something that he did not want to do, so Jonah disobeyed and tried to run away from God. God did not give up on Jonah though. Rather he punished Jonah for his disobedience by sending a big storm to make Jonah go the way God wanted him to go! As parents, our children will disobey us at times. It is our responsibility to correct their course of action through discipline. Even as our children do not like being punished, I’m sure Jonah didn’t like going through a terrible storm, being tossed into a raging sea, and being eaten by a giant fish (another animal story for you!), but after three days in the belly of the fish, Jonah had learned a valuable lesson. OBEDIENCE!! Now don’t go telling your children they will be eaten by a giant fish if they do not obey… lol… but explain to them that disobedience yields consequences.

Esther
The story of Esther?? You may think I am crazy for thinking this is a great kids story, but I love the overall theme of Esther. “You were born for such a time as this.” Being a child can be hard. Physically, they are not able to do the things that they want to do. Emotionally… well, let’s just say they do not know how to handle their emotions. Haha… Esther was a simple girl whom God used in a great way! Your child may be small, but God can still use them. I know my children have already taught ME so much about God and his love, mercy and patience! Your child was born for such a time as this!! Encourage them to use the talents that God has given them. Encourage them to stand up for what is right, even when their friends are being naughty. Encourage them to be bold (with a side of humility). Esther may have been a simple girl, but God elevated her to the position of queen so that she could save many people from a cruel man. Even though she was afraid, she relied on God to protect her and did the RIGHT thing as the right time. When the easy thing to do was nothing, she did the hard thing and was BOLD with her faith and trusted God. Your child can do mighty things as a little person… encourage them to do what they can!!