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7 Bible Stories Every Family Should Know

A gentle week of readings — one beloved story each evening, a question to talk about, and a verse to remember.

7 days · 10 min/day
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A week of family-friendly Bible readings covering key stories and lessons. Perfect for families with children of all ages, each day includes a beloved Bible story with discussion questions and a memory verse.

How to use this

Pick a time you already gather — dinner, or just before bed — and keep it there. The whole thing takes about ten minutes.

Each day

  1. Read the passage together. On a busy night, just read the memory verse — that counts.
  2. Read the short devotion out loud.
  3. Talk through the questions. Let everyone answer in their own words; there are no wrong answers.
  4. Say the memory verse together, and try to remember it tomorrow.
  • Take turns being the reader — let the kids have a night.
  • Missed a day or three? That’s okay. Pick the thread back up. It’s a rhythm, not a streak.
  1. Day 1

    Creation

    Genesis 1:1-31

    In the beginning, God created everything! He made the light, the sky, the land and seas, plants, sun, moon and stars, fish, birds, animals, and finally - people! Everything God made was good, and He made us in His own image to care for His beautiful world.

    Talk about it

    • What is your favorite thing that God created? Why?
    • What does it mean that God made us 'in His image'?
    • How can we take care of God's creation today?

    Memory verse · Genesis 1:1

    “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

  2. Day 2

    Noah's Ark

    Genesis 6:9-22; Genesis 7:1-5

    When the world became filled with wickedness, Noah stood out because he walked with God. God gave Noah a big job - build an enormous boat! Noah obeyed God even when it seemed strange, and God saved Noah's family and the animals through the flood.

    Talk about it

    • Why do you think Noah obeyed God even when the boat seemed silly to others?
    • What does it mean to 'walk with God' like Noah did?
    • Is there anything God is asking you to do that seems hard or strange?

    Memory verse · Genesis 6:22

    “Thus Noah did. He did all that God commanded him.”

  3. Day 3

    David and Goliath

    1 Samuel 17:40-50

    Everyone was afraid of the giant Goliath - except David! While the soldiers saw a giant too big to fight, David saw a giant too big to miss. David knew that with God on his side, he couldn't lose. He trusted God and faced the giant with courage.

    Talk about it

    • What 'giants' (big problems) do you face? How can God help you?
    • Why wasn't David afraid? What did he know about God?
    • David used what he had (a sling). What has God given you to use for Him?

    Memory verse · 1 Samuel 17:47

    “and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is Yahweh’s, and he will give you into our hand.””

  4. Day 4

    Daniel in the Lion's Den

    Daniel 6:10-23

    Daniel prayed to God three times every day, and he wouldn't stop - even when the king made it against the law! Because Daniel stayed faithful, he was thrown into a den of hungry lions. But God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. God protects those who trust Him!

    Talk about it

    • Why did Daniel keep praying even when it was dangerous?
    • How did God rescue Daniel?
    • What can we learn from Daniel about being faithful to God?

    Memory verse · Daniel 6:23

    “Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”

  5. Day 5

    Jesus Calms the Storm

    Mark 4:35-41

    A terrible storm rocked the boat, and the disciples were terrified! But Jesus was sleeping peacefully. When they woke Him, Jesus simply spoke to the wind and waves: 'Quiet! Be still!' Instantly, the storm stopped. Jesus has power over everything!

    Talk about it

    • Why were the disciples afraid? Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep?
    • What does this story teach us about who Jesus is?
    • When you feel afraid, how can remembering this story help you?

    Memory verse · Mark 4:39

    “He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

  6. Day 6

    The Good Samaritan

    Luke 10:25-37

    A man was beaten and left for dead on the road. Religious leaders walked right past him! But a Samaritan - someone from a group everyone else looked down on - stopped to help. Jesus tells us to 'go and do likewise.' Our neighbor is anyone who needs our help.

    Talk about it

    • Why do you think the religious leaders didn't stop to help?
    • Who is our 'neighbor' according to Jesus?
    • How can you be a Good Samaritan to someone this week?

    Memory verse · Luke 10:37

    “He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.””

  7. Day 7

    Jesus Loves the Children

    Mark 10:13-16

    When parents brought their children to Jesus, the disciples tried to send them away. But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me!' Jesus welcomes everyone - especially children. He took them in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

    Talk about it

    • How did Jesus show that He cares about children?
    • What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God 'like a little child'?
    • What would you want to say to Jesus if you could sit with Him?

    Memory verse · Mark 10:14

    “But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.”

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain). Devotions and reflection questions © Genesis Labs.

Want this built into your week?

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