9.1.24 - (Psalm 1:1-3)

Introduction

Hello Dwell, this is Kenneth.

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Today is Sunday, September 1st. Thanks for joining us for today's Dwell Kids Daily!

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For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we look to our Great King by opening our hearts to hear from Him through the words of the Bible.

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As this is the very first Dwell Kids Daily, I want to take a moment to welcome you and let you know what you can look forward to over the coming weeks and months. Dwell Kids is a wonderful place designed just for you. As we will see in our passage today, it is so important for all of God's people, young and old, to dwell on his word everyday. Here at Dwell, we have put together numerous ways for you to listen to God's word, whether it's a Plan that you follow along with over time, a Passage that highlights a specific story in the Bible, or a Playlist that you can listen to for encouragement. Now, we are excited to bring

you Dwell Kids Daily. Each day, we will spend just a few minutes dwelling on a short passage from the Bible together. We have invited pastors, parents, authors, and of course, some pretty smart Bible nerds to guide us through these daily experiences.

So, what can you expect from Dwell Kids Daily. Each day, beginning today, you will see a new Dwell Kids Daily entry. These will be roughly five minutes long. There are many ways you and your family, and your church family, may be practicing spiritual habits and disciplines as you grow together in Christ. Dwell Kids Daily is not really meant to replace those other things, but we are coming along side you as another companion whenever you need a few minutes to recenter your thoughts on God through Scripture. Each day begins with an invitation to hear from God's word, and a prayer that God would shape us by his word. Then the guide will read a few verses and offer a short reflection on them. This will be followed by a closing prayer and a final word of blessing.

Reflection

Silence

· No, As we begin, let us remember that God calls His people, young and old, to be still and know that He is God. Let's take a few seconds to clear our minds, so that we can hear him better.

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Opening Prayer (Sunday)

· Father, we rejoice that you have given us a new day to worship you. Today, give us a new song in our heart – a song of praise. (from Psalm 40:3)

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Passage

Today’s passage comes from the first chapter of the book of Psalms, I’ll read the first three verses:

International Children's Bible: The Version Children Can Read and Understand Psalm 1

1 Happy is the person who doesn’t listen to the wicked. He doesn’t go where sinners go. He doesn’t do what bad people do.

2 He loves the Lord’s teachings. He thinks about those teachings day and night.

3 He is strong, like a tree planted by a river. It produces fruit in season. Its leaves don’t die. Everything he does will succeed.

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Exhortation

This Psalm was written by King David, a man of great faith. You may remember that when he was a kid he slayed a fierce Giant, named Goliath, but did you also know that he was the greatest poet and songwriter in the Bible? His poems and songs make up a large portion of the book of Psalms, Psalms is just a fancy old word that means sacred songs – and this first psalm is very important.

Our passage begins with the word "Happy," or in some translations "Blessed." Right at the beginning of the book of Psalms we see that our happiness, or maybe even better, our flourishing is in view. But how do we flourish, what is the source of our joy? The Psalmist says that it comes from God's word. It is his teaching, his wise instruction that blesses his people. It doesn't come from listening to wicked people and doing bad things, no our source of happiness comes from learning to love God's word. In fact, our passage says that we should dwell on his word day and night. When we do this, we get what we need to grow strong in faith, like a great tree planted next to a river flowing with fresh water. The roots of that tree can reach out and drink cool water from that river. Then the tree grows strong and healthy and bears much fruit. Without that water, the tree would not flourish.

The psalmist is telling us that God's word is like that river, and we are meant to be like that tree thriving right next to it, drinking and growing strong. What a beautiful reality!

Call to Action: Why don’t we take a few seconds, right now, to quietly reflect on the wonder of this passage.

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Closing Prayer

Let's pray that God will help us flourish by dwelling on his word.

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Father in Heaven, you love us dearly and you want us to grow strong in faith. Help us, by your Spirit, to delight in the Bible. Remind us to spend time in your word, day and night. May we produce fresh, spiritual fruit that blesses you and those around us. We pray this in wonderful name of King Jesus. Amen.

Outro

"It's been a joy to be with you."

Tomorrow, we'll be in Matthew 6:9-13. Until then, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.

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Alternate Outro (Record Every Time)

Now, go in peace, and let the word of King Jesus dwell in you richly.