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This Journal Belongs to

Josh Mosey

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Print ISBN 979-8-89151-283-2

Text previously published as The 5-Minute Bible Study for Dads, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

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Scripture quotations marked esv are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked kjv are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

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INTRODUCTION

You’re busy. Of course you’re busy! You’re a dad! And as a dad, you want to raise your kids well. God wants that for you too.

For our kids to recognize our Father in heaven, it helps to have an earthly father who acts like Him. To do that well is going to take commitment, effort, and wisdom. In short, it’s going to take God’s Word. This book is designed to help guys like you dig into the Bible and get what you need to be a great dad—even if you have only five minutes!

• Minutes 1–2: Read. Dig into the full scripture passage for each day’s Bible study.

• Minute 3: Understand. Ponder a couple of prompts designed to help you apply the verses from the Bible to your own life. Consider these throughout your day as well.

• Minute 4: Apply. Read a brief devotional based on the day’s scripture. Think about what you are learning and how to apply the scriptural truths to your own life, then journal your thoughts in the space below.

• Minute 5: Pray. A prayer starter will help you to begin a time of conversation with God. Remember to allow time for Him to speak into your life as well.

May The 5-Minute Bible Study Journal for Dads help you to establish the discipline of studying God’s Word. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab your Bible, and make that first five minutes of your day count! You will find that even five minutes focused on scripture and prayer has the power to make a huge difference, not just for you but for your kids too. When you apply the scripture to your life, you’ll be more like your Father in heaven. And when you get into the habit of studying the Bible, you’ll want to spend even more time in God’s Word!

EMBRACE THE ROUTINE

Read Daniel 6:1–22

KEY VERSE:

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

D aniel 6:10 niv

UNDERSTAND:

Think about the situation Daniel was in. He oversaw the collection of tributes from all over the kingdom. The temptation to use his office for personal gain must have been there. Why didn’t Daniel succumb to temptation?

How does your routine include time for God?

Do others know about your relationship with God by the way you spend your time?

APPLY:

The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is well known. The king appointed one hundred twenty satraps—or rulers—over the kingdom, with Daniel as their boss. Motivated by jealousy or to use the tributes they collected in unscrupulous ways, the satraps looked for ways to denounce Daniel, but the man was too faithful for accusations to stick!

In the end, the satraps used Daniel’s faithfulness to God to send him to the lions’ den. It was God’s faithfulness in return that led Daniel out, safe and sound.

Faithfulness is a two-way street. Daniel showed his commitment to God through his daily routine and faultless lifestyle. A predictable routine not only helps us stay focused on God, but it can also provide comfort to our kids by knowing what to expect.

Build your routine. Commit to practices that honor God. Your routine may not keep you from the lions’ den, but your faithfulness will keep you safe.

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, You shut the mouths of the lions because Daniel refused to be silenced. May the ways I spend my time be predictable to my kids and honoring to You. Keep me from being tempted to bend my routine when it gets uncomfortable. Amen.

SEEK WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Read Proverbs 2

KEY VERSE:

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

P roverbs 2:6 kjv

UNDERSTAND:

According to Proverbs 2:1–5, what are the prerequisites to understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God?

According to Proverbs 2:20–22, what are the benefits of walking with wisdom and understanding?

What are some instances in which you wish you had acted with more wisdom? How would understanding the situation better have changed things?

APPLY:

The book of Proverbs is full of wise sayings, but wisdom is more than pithy quotes. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge with a full understanding of how it is applied. Dads like you need wisdom ALL THE TIME. But how do you get it?

Today’s key verse identifies the source of all wisdom—the Lord— but accessing wisdom is more than knowing that God is wise. Proverbs 2:4 (esv) says that wisdom is found when “you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures.” It is a partnership of intense effort—mining it from God’s Word, His people, and through prayer— and a recognition that it is a gift from God.

So meditate on the wisdom God has shared with you thus far. Pray for wisdom when you face troublesome parenting situations with your kids. Then listen to His Spirit for guidance.

PRAY:

Lord, You are the giver of wisdom. Help me realize my need for Your knowledge and perspective. Help me seek Your wisdom with intentional effort. Give me what I need to help my kids grow in wisdom too. Amen.

REDEFINE SUCCESS

Read Philippians 3

KEY VERSE:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

P hili PP ians 3:8 esv

UNDERSTAND:

Consider Paul’s qualifications from Philippians 3:4–7. How does the modern world define success?

The praise of the world can be a powerful motivator. Why shouldn’t you base your definition of success on worldly praise?

What does success look like for you as a dad who follows Christ?

APPLY:

If anyone could brag about living a successful life, Paul could. In Philippians 3, Paul lists the reasons why, according to appearances, he was the pinnacle of religious success. But he goes on to say that these things that set him apart for earthly praise are rubbish—literally dung or garbage—compared to what true success is: knowing Christ.

If your goal is to look like you’ve got it all together, you’ve got the wrong goal. If your definition of success is based on what other people (including your kids) think about you, you will never be truly successful.

Your goal is to press on toward God’s call. Success is letting go of the past and embracing the future. To be a successful dad, don’t dwell on the mistakes you’ve made. Hold firmly to the love of Christ, and show your kids what can happen when a dad loves others self-sacrificially.

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, may I be motivated by my love for You and sustained by Your love for me. Help me rethink what success means and show my children that knowing You is more important than the praise of this world. Amen.

GET SPIRITUALLY DRESSED

Read Colossians 3:1–15

KEY VERSE:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

C olossians 3:12 niv

UNDERSTAND:

You’re supposed to be dead to sin and alive in Christ. How can you practically put to death the practices mentioned in verses 5–9?

How might you update the list of opposing groups of people from verse 11?

Name at least one person who comes to mind when you read the list of attributes in today’s key verse. If possible, write that person a message to let them know you appreciate their example.

APPLY:

Every dad puts on pants one leg at a time—unless he wears a kilt or has a fancy way of getting dressed. The point is that getting dressed is an everyday occurrence you probably don’t have to put too much effort into. Even less if you wear a uniform, because the outfit is already picked out for you.

The list of attributes from today’s verse is much like a uniform. It’s the identifiable way the world can see Christ living inside you. That doesn’t mean that Christians never struggle with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience. Kids can test the patience of every father! But when you put on the uniform of these Christian attributes, belting it all on with Christ’s love, it’s a natural—but intentional—act.

Spend some time in prayer ironing out your spiritual outfit. Be extra patient with your kids and let them see how a Christian dad is dressed.

PRAY:

Lord God, show me the ways I’m not dressed well today. Give me the patience and kindness I need to show my children Your love. Keep me from bringing to life the sins You died to save me from. Amen.

READ YOUR BIBLE HABITUALLY

Read Joshua 1

KEY VERSE:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

j oshua 1:8 esv

UNDERSTAND:

The phrase “Be strong and courageous” is mentioned multiple times in God’s instructions to Joshua as he fills Moses’ leadership role. Although God assures Joshua He will be with him (verse 5), the task Joshua faced was daunting. In which areas of your life do you need to “be strong and courageous”?

Where does your mind wander when left to its own devices?

Write down one verse from today’s passage to meditate on today.

APPLY:

As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land, God gave him encouragement and a call to action. Joshua 1:9 (esv) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

To be equipped for the battles ahead, God told Joshua to meditate on the Law all the time and to walk forward in faith. Today, we have more of God’s Word than Joshua had, plus we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us, but the orders are still the same: Meditate on God’s truth and walk forward in faith.

No matter the battles you are facing today—mental or emotional struggles, problems at work, or strained relationships with your kids— God is with you. Only be strong and courageous. Don’t dwell on the troubles; dwell on God’s Word.

PRAY:

Lord, I trust that You are with me. May I walk with courage and strength as I focus on You. Bind my thoughts to Your Word and my actions to Your will. Help me trust You, even while I face the battles in my life, because You are bigger than the problems I face. Amen.

SPEND TIME ON THINGS THAT MATTER

Read Ephesians 5:1–21

KEY VERSES:

Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

e P hesians 5:15–16 niv

UNDERSTAND:

Today’s passage talks about “sons of disobedience” and “children of light.” How do the things on which you spend time show which family you belong to?

What are some ways you can make the most of your time?

How can you spend quality time with your kids in ways that honor God?

APPLY:

When Paul refers to the days being evil in today’s key verse, he was writing about the times in which he lived. Unfortunately, the passage of time hasn’t made the days any less evil. We still live in a world sodden with sin—sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, crude joking, drunken debauchery—it’s all still here.

So Paul tells us that Christians need to look at the ways we spend our time, at the things we make important to us. It isn’t enough to claim Christ’s sacrifice only to return to a life of selfish desires. We are called to be children of light who reflect God’s love to the world around us.

As a dad, you show your children what is important to you every day by how you spend your time. Think about what they’ll see you spending time on today, and give thanks to God for including you among His children.

PRAY:

Lord, may my kids see how important You are by the way I spend my time. Keep me from selfish pursuits that aren’t honoring to You. May I reflect Your light into the world of darkness. Amen.

SHOW RESPECT TO ALL PEOPLE

Read Romans 12

KEY VERSE:

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. r omans 12:10 niv

UNDERSTAND:

The first verse of today’s passage calls Christians to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God as spiritual worship. What does it mean to you to be a living sacrifice?

Romans 12:9–21 presents a variety of instructions for Christian living. In which areas do you struggle the most?

How can you pray to invite God to work in these areas?

APPLY:

In stories, narrative is driven by conflict. Man is pitted against man, nature, self, or society. The story of the Bible is driven by man’s conflict with God, the results of which have led to every other form of conflict imaginable. God did not pick the fight—man did—but because of God’s love, He has made it possible for peace to rule in place of conflict.

When we allow the Spirit to transform us, we begin to see others the way God sees us. As such, we are called to show respect to everyone, both inside the church (see Romans 12:3–8) and with the public at large (see Romans 12:9–21).

The church is not called to treat unbelievers with disrespect but to show God’s love to all. We are to try to live at peace with everyone because God’s peace is to live within us. Today, let your kids see God’s peace in you as you show respect to man, nature, self, and society.

PRAY:

Lord, let my love be genuine because it comes from You. Let it not be tainted by selfishness. Help me have opportunities to show honor to everyone around me. Make Your peace tangible to me as I seek to bring peace wherever conflict is found. Amen.

CHOOSE EMPATHY OVER SYMPATHY

Read John 11:17–44

KEY VERSE:

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. j ohn 11:33 esv

UNDERSTAND:

The sisters of Lazarus—Martha and Mary—asked Jesus the same question. How did Jesus answer them differently?

Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die and his loved ones to mourn if He could have prevented it? See John 11:40 for a clue.

When has God allowed you to experience pain only to show you His glory afterward?

APPLY:

Sympathy is when you share the feelings of another person. When someone is sad, you are sad for them. Empathy is when you understand someone intimately because you’ve experienced the same thing.

Today’s passage includes the deity of Jesus—He called someone back to life days after the dead body had begun to rot—as well as His humanity—He wept human tears for the reality of death in this fallen world. Jesus didn’t simply sympathize with Martha and Mary’s grief; He felt it deeply because it was His own.

Being a good dad means going further than being sad when your kids are sad. It means setting aside your interests and remembering what it was like to be a kid. Empathize with your kids. Show them you understand in the same way that Jesus understands us.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, You fully understand what it is to be human while being fully God and able to solve my human problems. Help me empathize with my kids as You have empathized with me. I pray that You would receive glory, even from my pain. Amen.

DISCIPLINE WELL

Read Hebrews 12:1–17

KEY VERSE:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

h ebrews 12:7 niv

UNDERSTAND:

Hebrews 12 opens by imagining the heroes of the Old Testament gathered in a stadium to watch modern saints run the race of Christian living. This thought should both cheer us and help us understand the seriousness of our race. Your kids are watching you too. How is your race going?

What sins and hindrances should you throw off in order to run better?

How is endurance related to discipline?

APPLY:

Discipline is a word with many meanings. A parent might discipline a misbehaving child. Training for a marathon requires discipline. It can also refer to a course of study, as in “the discipline of mathematics.” The shared root of all these meanings relates to the word disciple, or “one who is taught.”

Learning experiences come in all forms. And while discipline and pain are often related, it should never be the goal to inflict pain when disciplining our kids. The goal is always to teach a better way with love, sparing as much pain from them as possible. Yes, God allows us to experience pain as we receive the natural consequences of our actions, but Jesus died to save us from the worst consequence: separation from God.

As you seek to correct the behavior of your kids, remember to love them like God loves you. The goal is to restore the relationship. Discipline, always, with love.

PRAY:

Lord, help me to learn what I need to when I experience painful correction. Help me to discipline my kids with love and grace. Give me wisdom to know how to teach them well. Amen.

LOVE YOUR WIFE

Read Ephesians 5:22–33

KEY VERSE:

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

e P hesians 5:28 esv

UNDERSTAND:

Marriage reflects Christ’s relationship with the church. In what ways do you identify with the wife’s call in verses 22–24 to submit to Christ’s leadership?

Name three recent instances when you’ve loved your wife selfsacrificially. If you are not married, how have you loved someone else self-sacrificially?

Why is it in a husband’s interest to love his wife as he loves his own body?

APPLY:

Marriage is the holy union of two individuals, a covenant between spouses in which each commits to love the other self-sacrificially. It’s the oldest human relationship on the planet—starting with Adam and Eve—and the basis for society the world over. But marriage isn’t really about two people in love; it is designed to be a reflection of God’s relationship with humanity.

One of the best things you can do for your kids is to have a healthy, God-honoring relationship with your wife. If your marriage is truly a reflection of God’s relationship with humanity, your kids will see marriage as an honorable and desirable thing. If your marriage reflects man’s fallen, selfish nature, not only will they see marriage through the wrong lens, but they’ll also lack the comfort that strong marriages provide.

Whether you are blissfully wed, blissfully unwed, or un-blissfully either, seek to live out your human relationships as a reflection of God’s loving, self-sacrificial relationship with you.

PRAY:

Lord, You are committed to me. Help me be committed to You. You love me. Help me reflect that love in all of my relationships. Amen.