My summer checklist usually includes swimming lessons, camp, and a family vacation—all the typical sunny weather activities. Yours, too? But when school takes a break, so do a lot of youth groups and adult Bible studies. So in addition to all the typical summer to-do’s, my family has learned to come up with our own Bible study activities as well.
One of our favorites?
The Summer Scripture Challenge.
I start by choosing 10 to 12 Bible verses to memorize as a family—one for each week of summer break. On Mondays, I post a new verse on the fridge. We read it together and discuss how it applies to our lives. Then the whole family commits to memorizing that verse by the weekend. On Sundays, we take turns reciting the verse and then talk about what it means to us.
If the kids accomplished their goal of memorizing, we reward them with either a prize (ice cream, anyone?) or “points” toward a larger reward to be given at the end of the summer.
Fun, easy, and rewarding for everyone!
This year, my family has chosen to focus on Scripture that teaches Christ-honoring conduct. Here are the verses we’ll be memorizing for our Summer Scripture Challenge. Will you join us?
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Remember, God’s Word is “alive and active,” and it “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Keeping Scripture at the center of our family lives will aid our quest to develop kids—and parents—of strong godly character.
For a free printable of the Summer Scripture Challenge verses listed above, click here.
This post was adapted from an article originally published on ForTheFamily.org.
Author Bio
Becky Kopitzke is the author of three books including The Cranky Mom Fix: Get a Happier, More Peaceful Home by Slaying the “Momster” in All of Us. She is on a mission to encourage and equip women to be kind to themselves and others in Jesus’ name. Becky and her husband Chad both work from home in northeast Wisconsin, where they share precious space with two beautiful daughters and two fluffy dogs. Find Becky online at beckykopitzke.com.
