I Can Learn The Bible: The Joshua Code For KidsSample

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon.” Matthew 4:17

Wrong Way

Imagine yourself on a bike ride, trying to decide which way to go. You start off riding one way and turn the corner only to see two giant bulldogs with no leash growling at you. You quickly change your mind and think, I will go the other way instead! Matthew 4:17 will show us how we can turn around when we are headed in the wrong direction.

Turning Around

This week we will meditate on a big word: repentance. To repent means to turn around, or to change your mind. If you are doing things that you know are wrong, Jesus says you need to repent. You need to turn around and go the other way. You need to change your mind. Part of repentance is telling God what you have done wrong. Does He already know? Of course He does! But He still wants you to say it.

God Knows

Can you think of something you need to repent of in your life? Is there something you have done, or something you are doing, that you know you need to turn away from? You may think you are the only one who knows about it. But God knows. Look at this list and see if anything applies to you:

• being disrespectful to a parent

• not being kind to a sibling or friend

• telling lies

• disobeying

• stealing

• putting yourself first

• leaving others out

When you repent of your sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive you and make you clean again.

Dear Lord, I repent of my sin. I am very sorry for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . With Your help I am going to turn around and follow You. Thank You for forgiving me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Write this on a piece of paper this week and keep it on your mirror:

God’s Word is for me and to me, it is in me and working through me, and just like His love, it goes on and on forever!