It has been our family's practice to begin and end each day with devotions. Typically the morning devotions are theological and meaty, whereas the night devotions are more application-driven. Not too surprisingly it is the night devotions that our kids are most drawn to.

The Discovering Jesus books are truly excellent, application-driven devotionals. What the authors wish to convey with these delightful books are 5-fold. First, God made a covenant promise to redeem a people for Himself. Second, God is the reference point for all of life. Third, God gives His children His Holy Spirit to empower us to trust and obey. Fourth, a covenantal approach to faith and life recognizes that when God adopts us as His children, we become part of His family. And finally, a covenantal approach to faith and life is outward focused.

Any family that can grasp and apply these principals will shine as lights in the world. But, lest you think that this is some dusty tome that your children will find painful, let me hasten to say that that the authors wisely chose a captivating approach by letting us see how these deep truths play out in the lives of two children and their friends. Their credible, real-life storyline shows how to live a triumphant daily life regardless of the circumstances.

Each of the chapters ends with questions that will help you evaluate your children's comprehension and a short Scripture passage to memorize. While the first part of Discovering Jesus in Genesis lays the foundation, it is the second half that is so very rich as it explores radical covenant values that do not exalt self but rather glorify God.

About Discovering Jesus in Exodus:
I'm a bit torn on this sequel to Discovering Jesus in Genesis. I continue to be vastly impressed with the doctrine being taught. They cover deeper topics in a way that a young child can fully grasp it. And in many cases the principles are reinforced in a variety of settings so that a child can see how it is applied in different situations. Plus, as part of the storyline, the pastor and his wife travel to China to adopt a daughter with wonderful portrayals of trusting God in all circumstances.

So what is not to like? Well, the pastor comes across as too rowdy for my tastes, and surprising to me, there seems to be a strong emphasis on organized boisterous play during church gatherings. I think children can enjoy a meeting of likeminded children without rowdy activities.

You may differ with me on these standards, in which case the book will present no problem to you. But if it saddens you to see the line between how the church and the world amuses itself becoming so fuzzy, prepare yourself to talk about this with your children. So, is this a book to buy or avoid? Buy, most definitely, as the doctrine is vital. Just buy with your eyes open.

Discovering Jesus in Genesis
Discovering Jesus in Genesis is a fun, easy-to-use book that teaches kids about God's character, His promises to His children, and His plan that unfolds throughout the Bible. The Bible is a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge. But its most magnificent riches are those that reveal the mystery of God—namely, His Son Jesus Christ.

So send your kids on a treasure hunt in the Word with Caleb and Cassie, where they'll learn some of the important things that the Bible teaches about God's character and how they can apply Scripture to their lives. After each story are questions that will help you evaluate their comprehension and encourage additional conversations with them. You'll be assured that they're learning about God's covenant of grace, and their young hearts will find what fun the quest to know more about God can be.

Discovering Jesus in Exodus
The Old Testament has much to say about Jesus. Susan and Richie Hunt share vivid examples from Exodus to help children learn about their place in God's covenant. Before the New Testament, before the Old Testament— before the creation of the world, God chose us! What an amazing concept to teach your children—that God has loved them since not only before they were born, but before the earth existed. And He planned on adopting them as His children through Jesus Christ.

The stories in this second book in the Covenant Promises for Covenant Kids series show how God's adoption of Israel in the book of Exodus teaches us about Jesus. After each story are questions that will help you evaluate your children's comprehension and encourage additional conversations with them. As Caleb, Cassie, Angus, and Susie learn about God's love from Exodus, your children will also learn about the wonder, as well as the responsibility, of being children of the living God.