Staying Strong in Truth: Fill the Mind
Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 4:20–21
Just as you would take your dog out of the house to go on a walk or to the vet, you need to take the Bible off the shelf. Carry, read, study, memorize, think about, and obey it.
Name 3 places you could take the Bible.
R
When they are happy, cats purr and guinea pigs wheek. As a pet brings joy to its owner, God’s Word can give you joy as it reminds you of His wonderful love. All Christians should spend time enjoying it.
Name a Bible verse that can give believers joy.
Philippians 4:9, Hebrews 4:12
U
People use horses to ride on and to do work. And the horses must work hard! Likewise, you should put the truth of God’s Word to work in your life. The Bible is not just to admire. Instead, its truth should be regularly used!
Circle ways that believers can use the Bible.
Proverbs 30:5, John 17:17
T
Some birds, like geese, mate for life. They never leave their partner’s side. God’s Word is like that. You can trust completely in it, because it will never fail.
Write an example of a Bible truth that is hard to understand.
Psalm 40:8, Colossians 3:16
H
Similar to how you feel when you hold a pet close to your heart, you should treasure God’s Word in your heart. Hold on to the truth of God’s Word, for it is precious and everlasting.
Name three things that believers treasure about the Bible.
HELPFUL!
It could help me think about the Lord’s birth.
The Christmas carol “Joy to the World”
HELPFUL!
It will help me want to know the truth so that I can be set free from sin.
The Scripture verse John 8:32
NOT HELPFUL!
It might make me think I can use violence to get what I want or make me scared.
Violent movies about murder and stealing
TV shows in which people take the Lord’s name in vain
NOT HELPFUL!
It might make those words and attitude toward God stay in
my mind.
HELPFUL!
I could get excited about becoming a missionary or telling others about Christ.
Books about a missionary’s life story
HELPFUL!
I could learn new ways to be helpful, kind, and loving.
Books about children who help other children
NOT HELPFUL!
They might make me think I need more money or make me laugh at sin.
Humorous books about how to rob a bank
NOT HELPFUL!
They could make me scared or think more about Satan than about God.
Comics about demons
HELPFUL!
They could help me think about the gospel more.
Music CDs that include the gospel message
NOT HEPLPFUL!
They could influence me to sing bad lyrics or use bad language when speaking.
Music CDs that include a parent advisory for bad words
Movies about godly families and loving friendships
HELPFUL!
They could help me think about my family and friends and how to
treat them the way God wants me to.
NOT HELPFUL!
They might make me get used to violence and anger or make me
focus on negative things.
Video games that include killing and anger