Whole 31

Based around the 31 chapters of Proverbs

WHOLE31 Family
Devotions

31Prayers &
Recipes

May, 2016
Produced and distributed by:

31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children
Used with permission. © Revive Our Hearts.

www.ReviveOurHearts.com

Introduction

Thank you for your commitment to see God shape your home into a place of
spiritual growth. The purpose of Whole 31 is for your entire family to seek and
pray for spiritually whole lives. To be spiritually whole, one must allow God to
deal with the total person, producing complete results for His glory.

Paul prayed this for the Thessalonians: “Now may the God of peace himself
sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept
blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23)." James
1:4 also reads, “...let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing.”

God wants you to experience the healing, joy, and peace that comes when you
are growing in your knowledge of Him. He has begun this good work in you and
in your family. He will be faithful to complete it.

What to Expect

In this resource you will find 31 family devotions around the 31 chapters of
Proverbs. You are encouraged to enjoy 31 meals together where you can discuss
each chapter of Proverbs using all or part of these devotions; there are also 31
recipes for you to try if you feel the urge and 31 ways to pray for your children.

Use the book of Proverbs to practically impart God’s wisdom into your heart
and your children’s hearts. An investment of your time in the Word together will
build your character, strengthen your life for Christ, and put you on a spiritual
trajectory that brings great joy into your life and great glory to God and His
Kingdom. Enjoy!

Whole 31 | 3

WHOLE 31

DAY1
Proverbs 1:5-10

How do you define What does it mean The quest for wisdom
wisdom? Do you think to fear God? It’s not and knowledge begins
we are born wise or a dreadful anxiety or with what? (v. 7, ESV)
must we become wise? fright from a clear and
present danger.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEAR?

"We are to fear God like a child who has tremendous respect and love for his
father or mother and who wants to please them. He fears offending the one
he loves, "not because he’s afraid of torture or even of punishment, but rather
because he’s afraid of displeasing the one who is, in that child’s world, the source
of security and love." -R.C. Sproul

God or Garbage... KeyVerse
Proverbs 1:7

Do you know what the acronym what comes out? What about a
GIGO stands for? It’s a term many mustard packet? You get the picture.
computer programmers use which If you put garbage in your heart,
stands for “Garbage in; Garbage then your attitude and actions will
out.” Whatever you put into your reflect it. Think about GIGO like this:
computer is what you will get out of “God in; God out.”
it. If you put in bad files, it can cause
Studying God’s Word and talking
your computer to crash. The same to Him on a daily basis will change
concept applies to your life. your heart and give you wisdom to
Here is a life principle: “What’s make the choices God wants you
in the well comes up in the bucket.” to make. When life “squeezes”
What’s in your heart will come out. you with tough situations, God’s
If you squeeze a tube of toothpaste, character will come out.

4 | Whole 31

HONEY Ingredients
MUSTARD (4) 4 oz. salmon fillets
BAKED ¼ c. butter melted
SALMON 3 tbs. Dijon or spicy
mustard
Contributed by Beth Bishop 1 1/2 tbs. honey
¼ c. dry bread crumbs
¼ c. chopped pecans
4 tsp. chopped parsley
Lemon for garnish

1 Start by stirring the melted 3 Place on baking sheet covered

butter, mustard, and honey. with foil and bake at 400

In another bowl, mix the dry degrees 12-15 minutes.

bread crumbs, chopped pecans, Garnish with lemon wedges.

chopped parsley.

2 Dip four (4oz) salmon fillets in 4 Serve with asparagus or other
the wet mixture, then coat with veggie and vinegar/salt/black

the dry mixture. Let rest for pepper/coleslaw.

10-15 minutes.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Salvation

Lord, let salvation
spring up within my
children, that they may
obtain the salvation
that is in Christ Jesus,
with eternal glory.

Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10

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WHOLE 31

DAY2
Proverbs 2:1-12

In verses 1-6, can you How important should What will happen if we
identify all the actions wisdom be? (v. 4) seek wisdom? (v. 9-10)
we must take to find
wisdom? (list verbs)

KEY VERSE | Proverbs 2:6-7

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and
understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a
shield to those who walk in integrity.

You Can't Fool God! KeyVerse
Proverbs 2:6-7

Something unusual happened in he thought he fooled everyone.
Germany recently: an optometrist’s According to the Bible, a fool is
shop was burglarized, the police were someone who rejects the wisdom of
called in, and a customer who was in God. Yet sometimes that “fool” is still
the shop was arrested for the crime. pretending to be living for God. We
Interestingly, he denied taking must search for wisdom.
anything from the store. The police Just like we search for treasure,
officers listened as he explained his we have to look, ask, search, and call
innocence, but then pointed out out for God’s wisdom. God promises
to the man that the label and price he will provide. He never fails to
tag were still on the glasses he was give wisdom when we seek it. As
wearing. He had taken the glasses and James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks
put them on, but forgot to remove wisdom, let him ask God, who gives
the store labels! How foolish is that? generously to all without reproach,
He didn't fool anybody, even when and it will be given him,” (James 1:5).

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STRAWBERRY Ingredients
PRETZEL
SALAD 2 c. crushed pretzels

Contributed by Jackie Blackstock 3/4 c. melted butter

1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F 3 tbs. sugar, plus 3/4 cup
2 Crust | Mix the pretzels, butter, sugar

and 3 tablespoons of sugar. 1 (8 oz.) package cream
cheese
3 Press this mixture into a 9 X 13
1 (8 oz.) container
inch pan and bake for 7 minutes. whipped topping
Set aside and allow to cool.
2 (3 oz.) packages
4 In a mixing bowl, beat together the strawberry gelatin
dessert mix
cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar.
2 c. boiling water
5 Fold in the whipped topping and
2 (10 oz.) packages
spread over the cooled crust. frozen strawberries
Refrigerate until well chilled.
1 (8 oz.) can crushed
pineapple

Whipped topping or
whipped cream to
garnish

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Love

Grant, Lord, that my
children may learn
to live a life of love,
through the Spirit who

dwells in them.

Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2

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WHOLE 31

DAY3
Proverbs 3:1-12
Do you remember What are the rewards Do you have a hard time
something mom or dad of not forgetting godly being patient or trusting
has taught you? ( i.e. A teaching? (vs. 2, 4, 6, 8) someone? How about
penny saved is a penny trusting God?
earned, etc.)

KEY VERSE | Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your
paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away
from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

"Hop in!" Trusting God in Uncertainty

Blondin was a 19th century acrobat take a man across the tightrope in
who was famous for his tightrope his wheelbarrow. "Yes, I do,” said the
act that he performed a hundred Duke. "Hop in, then,” replied Blondin.
and sixty feet above Niagara Falls Well, the Duke declined Blondin's
on a rope over a thousand feet challenge. He might have believed
long. Blondin crossed the tightrope Blondin could do it, but he wasn't
multiple times: once he crossed on about to trust him with his life.
stilts and another time he crossed Would you have gotten into the
while blindfolded. Another time, he wheelbarrow? When it comes to
even stopped halfway across the God, belief without action is not
tightrope to cook and eat an omelet. much good to him. God is looking
On a fourth occasion, he wheeled for followers who will trust him with
a wheelbarrow from one side to their lives. The good news is, unlike
the other, and returned with a sack the tightrope walker who could fall
of potatoes in it. off the rope, God will never fail. Trust
In 1860, a royal party from Britain is the practical outworking of faith: it
saw his act. He asked the Duke of is when we trust God that we show
Newcastle if he believed he could that our faith in Him is real.

8 | Whole 31

CAN CAN Ingredients
CHICKEN
1 can (10 oz.) cream of
Contributed by Paulette Taylor chicken soup

1 Combine all ingredients in a 1 can (10 oz.) cream of
celery soup
large skillet and stir to mix.
1 soup can of water
2 Bring quickly to a boil.
3 Reduce heat and cover. 1 1/3 c. cooked rice
4 Serve with onion ring topping,
2 c. diced chicken
Alternative Method
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 large container
20 minutes uncovered. French's onion rings (2/3
c. for topping; 2/3 c. for
This serves 4 - 6 people casserole -optional)

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Growth in Grace
I pray that my children
may grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

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WHOLE 31

DAY4
Proverbs 4:10-23

Look at verse 18. Look at verse 19. When Why is it important
When you choose to you choose not to walk to cherish wisdom in
walk in the path of in the path of wisdom, our heart? See verse
wisdom, what is it like? what is it like? It’s like 23. A person’s words,
Our life shines brighter walking around in the thoughts, and deeds
and brighter. This is a dark. You don't know all originate from the
picture of looking more what you'll run into. heart.
and more like Jesus
(sanctification).

Hike on God's Path KeyVerse
Proverbs 4:18, 23

The Grand Canyon averages more were parched themselves, who
rescues than any other national park in offered to share some of their water
the world. The Canyon’s steep drops, with him and suggested he turn back
soaring summer temperatures, lack of to replenish his water supply at the
water, and sudden weather changes Colorado River.
have accounted for more than 500 The hiker continued on alone,
deaths since it was first explored. ignoring the strangers’ pleas, until he
Every year people die because died from dehydration. It’s essential
they fail to heed the warnings of to listen to God’s Word and choose
signs and park rangers who stress the God’s path in order for us to have
need to take enough water on hikes, the spiritual success in our lives.
to not hike alone, and to stay on Everyday, we must make wise choices
the correct paths. to stay on God’s correct path. If we
In 2011, a hiker who had run out fail to do so, we will suffer significant
of water died in the Grand Canyon. consequences. Only hearts that love
He had met some backpackers, who wisdom will act accordingly.

10 | Whole 31

STRAWBERRY PIE Ingredients

Contributed by Sylvia Williamson CRUST

Crust Mix butter, sugar, and flour and ½ c. (1 stick) butter,
press into a greased deep pie softened
plate.
3 tbsp. sugar
Bake at 375 degrees for 10
minutes. 1 c. flour

Filling Bring water, sugar, and cornstarch FILLING

to a boil, stirring until thick and 2 c. water
clear.
2 c. sugar
Add strawberry Jell-O; mix well
and cool. Fold in strawberries. 6 tbsp. cornstarch

Pour into pie shell. 1 (6 oz.) package
strawberry Jell-O
Store in refrigerator until set;
serve with whipped cream. 3 qt. strawberries,
cleaned and
de-stemmed

*If you are using a
shallow pie plate, cut
filling recipe in half.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Honesty &
Integrity

May integrity and
honesty be their virtue
and their protection.

Psalm 25:21

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WHOLE 31

DAY5
Proverbs 5:21-23

How does it make you The Bible uses the What are some
feel to know that God words “ensnared” disciplines you could
sees everything we do? and “held fast” by sin. add to your life to make
(v. 21) Describe the possible sure you stay on God’s
effects of living in path and are not led
disobedience to God. astray?

Get up and Get Going KeyVerse
Proverbs 5:21-23

When Pauline Potter, 51, from Dr. Nowzaradan told the cameras.
Sacramento, California joined TLC's "If she doesn't, the surgery will be a
series, "My 600-lb Life," (2012) waste. This is her last chance. I hope
she weighed nearly 700lbs and she takes it." Pauline tearfully refused
was completely dependent on her to get up despite Dr. Nowzaradan's
21-year-old son Dillon. She eventually warning that she was putting herself
realized the severe impact her weight in danger of developing a life-
was having on her health and she and threatening blood clot.
Dillon decided to move to Houston, Discipline is doing what you do
Texas so that Pauline could receive not want to do to get the results
treatment from obesity specialist Dr. you want to get. There are severe
Younan Nowzaradan. consequences for not having spiritual
She claimed that she was disciplines like reading, studying, and
committed to shedding her excess applying God’s Word.
weight after undergoing a gastric Without discipline, you will
bypass. But despite her declaration of become spiritually lazy and lack
determination to do so for the sake the necessary desire to follow God.
of her son, Pauline quickly started When this happens, you are caught
making excuses to avoid getting out in a trap. You have to make a decision
of bed following the procedure. to be spiritually healthy. You must
"She still has to make the get up and get going. Will you make
decision
to be healthy on her own," excuses or get moving?

12 | Whole 31

APPLE Ingredients
CHEESE Two cans of apple pie
CASSEROLE filling
dash of cinnamon
Contributed by Beth Bishop 1 stick of butter
1 c. of sugar
1 Place the apples in 8 x 13 One 8 oz. package of
Velveeta cheese
casserole dish and sprinkle with 1/2 c. half and half
cinnamon. 1 c. of self-rising flour

2 Cream the butter and sugar 6 Using the back of the spoon,

together in separate bowl smooth it out some.

3 Add flour to butter and sugar. 7 Pour the 1/2 cup of half and
4 Work the Velveeta cheese into
half over the top.
the mixture with hands until it
forms dough. 8 Bake at 350 degrees for 40

5 Spoon the dough on top of the minutes.

apples.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Self-Control

Father, help my
children not to be like
many others around
them, but let them be
alert and self-controlled

in all they do.

1 Thess. 5:6

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WHOLE 31 What is the wisdom
we are to receive from
DAY6 comparing our lives to
Proverbs 6:6-11 the ant?

THE WAY OF THE ANT Sometimes the lazy
person rationalizes his/
There are approximately 10 quadrillion ants on the her laziness by saying,
earth. Have you ever seen an ant mound? A very “It’s just a little.” Little
strategically designed row of ants moving from one steps can add up to
place to another? Why does it seem like ants are great consequences.
always at work? What are some ways
everyone in the family
can work “a little”
harder to battle against
laziness?

Lessons from Creation KeyVerse
Proverbs 6:10-11

Have you ever seen a sloth? Do you community. They are always busy
know that they sleep from 15-18 marching. Their movement is not
hours a day or that they are among haphazard, but rather filled with
the slowest moving mammals in the purpose and direction. Place an
world? These animals hang upside obstacle in their path, and they find
down most of their lives and move their way back to the route they
so slowly that green algae grows on were on. As the Proverb says, ants
their fur, and they lick it for nutrition. store their provisions in the summer,
Sloths are truly lazy creatures. not in the winter or the off-season
In contrast, there is much wisdom when conditions are too harsh to
you can learn from the life and work work. They work during harvest time
ethic of the ant. Some ants are able when they have the opportunity.
to lift up to 20 times their own body This is when the food is available.
weight, which is the equivalent of a If you want to be successful in
200 pound man lifting approx. 4000 God’s eyes, you must have a plan
lbs. They also have two stomachs, and be willing to work hard. Failing to
one for storing up food to share with plan is planning to fail. It is not easy
others later and one for itself. The life to follow God. However, the harvest
expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days, is wonderful for those who know
yet these tiny creatures accomplish and work hard and follow God's plan.
much in this short lifespan. Ants Will you choose to live your life like
always seem to work together in the sloth or the ant?

14 | Whole 31

PERFECT Ingredients
CINNAMON 11/4 c. all-purpose flour
ROLLS 1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
Contributed by Sylvia Williamson 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cold butter
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, 7 to 8 tbsp. milk
baking powder and salt. Cut in FILLING
butter until crumbly. Stir in milk, a 2 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. butter, softened,
tablespoon at a time, and toss with divided
a fork until mixture forms a ball. 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
Turn dough onto a lightly floured
surface; roll into a 7-in. square. 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Spread with 2 tablespoons butter.
ICING
Combine the brown sugar and 2 cups powdered sugar, 1-3
cinnamon; sprinkle over butter. Roll tablespoon half-and-half cream or
up jellyroll style. Cut into six even 1 tablespoon cream, approximate 1
slices. Place cut side up in greased dash salt, optional, 1 teaspoon vanilla
pan. Bake at 400° for 18-20 extract or 1 teaspoon lemon extract or
minutes or until golden brown. Melt 1 teaspoon orange extract
remaining butter; brush over rolls.
Serve warm. Yield: 6 rolls. (You can Mix together sugar and enough
double the recipe for as many as cream to achieve a spreading
you want to make) consistency. Add extract flavor of
your choice and salt (if desired- I
omit). Spread over still warm
cinnamon rolls.

BIBLICAL Love for
VIRTUES God’s Word

to Pray for Your May my children grow
to find Your Word more
Children precious than much pure
gold and sweeter than
honey from the comb.

Psalm 19:10

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WHOLE 31

DAY7
Proverbs 7:1-4

Reflect on your Based on verses Describe the last time
definition of wisdom 1-4, what kind of you or someone you
in week 1. How do relationship should we know did not act wisely.
you define wisdom? have with wisdom?
What is the difference
between knowledge
and wisdom?

KNOWLEDGE VS. WISDOM

Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and
when to keep it holstered. Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the
other way around.

How Wise are You? KeyVerse
Proverbs 7:4

According to Andersen Consulting Worldwide, 90% of the professionals tested
got all questions wrong but many preschoolers got several correct answers!

1. How do you put a giraffe into a 3. The Lion King is hosting an
refrigerator? animal conference. All the animals
attend except one. Which animal
Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, put in does not attend?
the giraffe and close the door. This question
tests whether you tend to do simple things in Correct Answer: The elephant. The elephant
an overly complicated way. is in the refrigerator. This tests your memory.

2. How do you put an elephant into 4. There is a river you must cross.
a refrigerator? But it is inhabited by crocodiles.
How do you manage it?
Wrong Answer: Open the refrigerator, put
in the elephant and close the door. Correct Correct Answer: You swim across. All
Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the the crocodiles are attending the Animal
giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. Conference. This tests whether you learn
This tests your ability to think through the quickly from your mistakes.
repercussions of your actions.

16 | Whole 31

LEMON Ingredients
MERINGUE 1 1/2 c. water
PIE 1 c. sugar
6 tbsp. corn starch
Contributed by Sylvia Williamson 3 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Mix the one cup of sugar and 1 tbsp. butter, melted
cornstarch. Add cold water and 1/3 c. sugar, for meringue
whisk together. 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 9-in. pie crust of your choice
2 Bring to a boil stirring 6 oz. can frozen lemonade,
constantly until liquid is clear. thawed

3 Mix small amount of hot 7 When cooled, pour into baked
mixture with slightly beaten pie shell (9" pie shell).
egg yolks, and return all to pan.
8 Beat egg whites with 1/3 cup
4 Mix in lemonade, salt, and sugar and cream of tartar until
butter. stiff and forming peaks.

5 Cook stirring constantly for 9 Put on pie and bake in 350
one minute or until thickened. degrees until lightly golden.
Cool, then refrigerate.
6 Remove from heat and let cool.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Justice

God, help my children to
love justice as You do and

act justly in all they do.

Psalm 11:7; Micah 6:8

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WHOLE 31

DAY8
Proverbs 8:10-36

Proverbs 8 personifies In verses 22-31, How do you think a
wisdom. Wisdom is Wisdom shares that person injures himself
speaking to us. After the Lord made the if he/she does not find
listening to wisdom earth and everything in wisdom? (v. 36)
speak in proverbs 8, it? Wisdom was there,
what was one bit of like a master workman
advice wisdom gave (v. 30). How important
that stood out to you? is wisdom to God?

Witty Insight for Living Key Verse
Proverbs 8:11

Discuss the following witty sayings and what they mean.

1. “Time flies. It’s up to you to be 5. “If at first you don’t succeed,
the navigator.”—Robert Orben skydiving is not for you.”

2. “Who is more foolish? The fool or 6. “Every time we open our mouths,
the fool that follows him?”—Alec people can look into our minds.”
Guinness
7. “Children seldom misquote you.
3. “I’m going to stop In fact, they usually repeat word
procrastinating...once I get for word what you shouldn't have
around to it.” said.”

4. “Never test the depth of the 8. "An atheist can't find God the
water with both feet.” same way a thief can't find a
policeman."

BIBLICAL Mercy

VIRTUES May my children
always be merciful,
to Pray for Your Children just as their Father is
merciful. (Luke 6:36)
18 | Whole 31

ALICE Use an electric mixer to combine the Dijon
SPRINGS mustard, honey, vegetable oil, and lemon juice
CHICKEN in a small bowl. Whip the mixture for about 30
seconds.
Outback Steakhouse
Pour 2/3 of the marinade over the chicken breasts
Contributed by Sue Sawyer and marinate (covered) in the refrigerator for 2
hrs. Chill the remaining marinade until later.
Ingredients
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat up a large
MARINADE oven-proof frying pan with all four breasts and 1
½ c. Grey Poupon T. of oil over medium heat. (If you don’t have an
oven-proof skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking
dijon mustard dish for baking).
½ c. honey
Sear chicken in the pan for 3-4 min. per side or
1 ½ tsp. vegetable oil until golden brown. Leave chicken in pan, remove
½ tsp. lemon juice from heat.
CHICKEN
As the chicken is cooking, saute the sliced
4 skinless, boneless mushrooms in the butter in a small frying pan.
chicken breast
halves Brush each chicken breast with a little honey
mustard marinade, and save a little extra to serve
1 tbsp. vegetable oil on the side.
2 c. sliced
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dash
mushrooms (10 – 12 of paprika. Stack two slices of cooked bacon,
mushrooms) crosswise on each chicken breast.

2 tbsp. butter Spoon the sautéed mushrooms onto the bacon,
salt, pepper, paprika coating breasts evenly. Spread ¼ cup of Monterey
Jack cheese onto each breast followed by ¼ cup
8 slices bacon of Cheddar cheese.
cooked
Bake the pan of prepared chicken breast for 7 – 10
1 c. shredded minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted
monterey jack and starting to bubble.

cheese Sprinkle each chicken breast with the ½ teaspoon
1 c. shredded parsley before serving. Put extra honey mustard
cheddar cheese marinade into a small bowl to serve on the side.
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WHOLE 31

DAY9
Proverbs 9:13-18
What did you Think of Adam and Eve Why do we not see the
learn about Folly (Gen. 3:1-7). Why did consequences of bad
(foolishness) after the fruit tempt Eve? decisions more clearly
reading this chapter? Why do some things before we act?
that dishonor God
seem so tempting to us?

It’s a Bird? No, It’s helium, put on a parachute, and
Lawn Chair Larry strapped himself into the chair in
the backyard. He took his pellet
Key Verse gun, a CB radio, sandwiches, drinks,
Proverbs 9:17 and a camera. When his friends cut
the cord, Walters's lawn chair rose
Lawrence Richard Walters, who was rapidly to a height of about 15,000
nicknamed "Lawnchair Larry," was an feet, and he floated from his point of
American truck driver who took flight origin in San Pedro, California, into
on July 2, 1982 in a homemade airship. controlled airspace near Los Angeles
His "flying machine" consisted of an International Airport.
ordinary patio chair with 45 helium- Later, he shot several balloons
filled weather balloons attached to it. and accidentally dropped his pellet
Walters had often dreamed of gun overboard. He descended slowly
flying, but was unable to become a until the balloons' cables got caught
pilot in the United States Air Force in a power line, causing a 20-minute
because of his poor eyesight. Twenty electricity blackout in a Long Beach
years later, he decided to try it. His neighborhood. Walters was able to
intention was to attach a few helium- climb to the ground where he was
filled weather balloons to his lawn arrested and fined $4,000.
chair, cut the anchor, and then float Pastor Adrian Rogers once said,
30 feet above his backyard. He “First, sin will take you further than
planned to use a pellet gun to burst you want to stray. Second, sin will
balloons to float gently to the ground. keep you longer than you want to
Walters attached the balloons stay. Third, sin will cost you more
to his lawn chair, filled them with than you want to pay." Lawnchair
Larry's trip was further, longer, and
20 | Whole 31 costlier than he intended.

BROWNIES Ingredients
1/2 c. margarine
Contributed by Jackie Blackstock 2 eggs
3 tsp. cocoa
1 Mix all together 1 tsp. vanilla
2 Bake at 350 degrees 1 c. sugar
3/4 c. flour
for 30 minutes, or until pinch of salt
done. 1 c. chopped nuts
(optional)

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Respect (for self,
others, & authority)

Father, grant that my
children may show proper

respect to everyone, as
Your Word commands.”

1 Peter 2:17

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WHOLE 31

DAY10
Proverbs 10:1-12

Why are treasures Your character defines you. What does it mean to
gained by wickedness People associate words walk securely if you walk
not profitable? (v. 2) with your name. Why is with integrity? (v. 9)
Answer: Righteousness, it important for others to
not wealth is success respect you? (v. 7)

Busted Integrity Key Verse
Proverbs 10:9
Success will come and go, but integrity
is forever. A person who has integrity Jimmy Fallon asked his viewers
does the right thing at all times and to tweet #IGotBusted and share the
in all circumstances, whether or not embarrassing times they got caught.
anyone is watching. They know that “I was on Facebook at work, and
God is always watching and they find my boss walked up. I slammed down
the courage to do the right thing no what I thought was my laptop screen,
matter the consequences. but it was actually my desktop
Building a reputation of integrity monitor.”
takes years, but it takes only a second “I lied and told my dad school
to lose. Never allow yourself to do was canceled. He said, ‘Let’s go see
something that would damage your a movie.’ We got in the car, and he
integrity. Remember, God rewards dropped me off at school.”
those with a pure heart, a sincere “I was Facebooking in church, and
faith, and a good conscience. the usher passed by and whispered,
‘You better be texting Jesus.’"

BIBLICAL Biblical
Self-Esteem
VIRTUES
Help my children develop
to Pray for Your Children a strong self-esteem that is
rooted in the realization that
22 | Whole 31 they are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus

PAT COLTRANE'S
CRANBERRY DRESSING

Ingredients Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

1 pkg. (16 oz.) Pour 2 cups of the chicken broth into a sauce
Bob Evans pan, heat to simmer.

sage roll sausage Pour in the cranberries, remove pan from heat
and set aside until you are ready to add them
½ c. butter to the stuffing mix.

6 celery stalks, Cut the sausage into patties and fry on medium
finely diced heat until brown on both sides. Remove
sausage from pan onto paper towels and use
1 large onion, more towels to pat grease from the patties.
finely diced
Crumble the sausage on the paper towels and
1 pkg. (14 oz.) put back in the frying pan until completely
Pepperidge Farm browned.

cubed herb While the sausage is cooking, break 2 eggs
seasoned stuffing into a large mixing bowl and use a whisk to
completely mix them.
1 pkg (6 oz.) dried
cranberries (like Add the stuffing mix to the egg mixture and
Ocean Spray thoroughly mix to coat the bread. Add the
Craisins) cooked sausage to the mixing bowl.

1 (32 oz.) box of Wash and dry the frying pan. Melt the butter
Fat Free Chicken over medium heat then saute the celery and
onions until softened.
Broth
Add the celery, onions, cranberries plus broth,
2 lg. eggs salt, pepper, and the remaining chicken broth
to the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
1 tsp. salt
Place the stuffing into a casserole dish; cover
Pepper to taste and bake for 1 hour. I usually remove the cover
to brown it the last 15 minutes.

Whole 31 | 23

WHOLE 31 If you had one
thousand dollars to
DAY11 spend on anything you
Proverbs 11:17-31 want, how would you
spend it?
LIPSTICK ON A PIG
Where does God rank
What good is beauty if we do not have God’s next to these things?
wisdom (v. 22)? You have heard the phrase, “You can What is it about God
put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig.” It means you that makes him more
can dress up something that stinks, but it doesn’t valuable than things
change what it is. How could someone who is rich or money can buy?
beautiful be rejected by God?
Wisdom gives us a
proper perspective on
temporal vs. eternal
things. What good is
wealth if it becomes
our god (vs. 20)?

Money: Master or Servant KeyVerse
Proverbs 11:20,
22, 24, 28

A Sunday School Teacher asked God. We deceive others to get more,
her eight eager 10-year-olds if or we spend our time and energy on
they would give $1,000,000 to our “stuff”. We may even refuse to
missionaries. "YES!" they screamed. give to those in need because of our
"Would you give $1,000?" Again they selfishness.
shouted, "YES!" "How about $100?" The Bible says we'll never be
"Oh, yes we would!" "Would you give satisfied if we live that kind of life
just a dollar to the missionaries?" she (Prov. 11:24). “We brought nothing
asked. All the boys except Johnnie into the world and we can take
shouted, "YES!" nothing out of the world" (1 Tim.
"Johnnie," the teacher said as 6:7). Do we believe this enough to
she noticed the boy clutching his act like it?
pocket, "Why didn't you say yes Find out where you rank in wealth
this time?" "Well," he stammered, compared to the entire world on
"I have a dollar." It is much easier to globalrichlist.com. Enter your annual
believe we would value God more income or value of your wealth and
than possessions than it is to act on the calculator will tell you where you
that belief. The love of “stuff” often rank compared to the other 7 billion+
causes us to do things that displease people in the world.

24 | Whole 31

CORN Ingredients
CASSEROLE 1 can whole kernel
corn (drained)
Contributed by Brenda Lindsay
1 can cream corn
1 Spay pan with Pam.
8 oz. sour cream
2 Mix all the ingredients
1 box Jiffy corn
and pour into pan. muffin mix

1 stick butter melted

1/3 c. sugar

3 Bake uncovered in
oven for 1 hour at 350

degrees and enjoy!

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Faithfulness

Let love and faithfulness never
leave my children, but bind

these twin virtues around their
necks and write them on the

tablet of their hearts.

Proverbs 3:3

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DAY12
Proverbs 12:13-23

If a person hates moral Respond to this quote, Verse 20 speaks of
correction or spiritual "The person who won't deceit in the heart
advice from God for change his mind to line before it is uttered on
his own good, then he up with the truth will our lips. From 13-23, list
is “stupid” (v. 1). Why change the truth to out all the consequences
do people not want to line up with his mind” of a deceitful heart that
hear God’s correction? --Kent Crockett. leads to lying or hurtful
(v. 15) words.

The Mouth Bone’s Connected to the Heart Bone

Key Verse “The trouble with most of us is that we
Proverbs 12:1, 15 would rather be ruined by praise than
saved by criticism.” —Norman Vincent Peale
POP QUIZ
Talking is important, but what we say
Who speaks more words in when we talk is even more important.
a day, boys or girls? James 3:7-8 indicates that people can
tame all kinds of animals, but nobody
Girls- 20,000, Boys- 7,000 can tame the tongue. It is evil and full
of poison. Sometimes what we say
Who speaks faster on can hurt someone else. Sometimes
average, boys or girls? we lie to cover up our failures.
You can squeeze out the paste
Girls speak 2X the words per minute from a tube of toothpaste, but you
can’t put all that toothpaste back into
Who is better at making the tube. Wise people realize that
gross sound effects, boys words cannot be taken back. Wise
or girls? people also realize that a heart that
loves God is the only way to guard
Boys win one! against evil words.

26 | Whole 31

PEA SALAD Ingredients

Contributed by Brenda Lindsay 1 pkg. (10 oz.) of
frozen peas
1 Microwave peas for 7 min.
2 Drain. 1 can cream of
3 Mix with can of soup. mushroom soup

Place in dish and put in oven salt and pepper
at 350 degrees for 10-15
minutes. french fried onions
for topping
4 Put dried onions on top and

put back into oven for 5
more minutes and enjoy!

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Courage

May my children
always be strong
and courageous in
their character and
in their actions.

Deut. 31:6

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DAY13
Proverbs 13:20-21

WISDOM IS CONTAGIOUS Give some examples of
what you may think is
Why would someone who walks with the wise the “harm” that befalls
become wise? What’s the difference between fools and the “disaster”
walking with the wise and occasionally listening that pursues sinners.
to wise people? It's accountability. Think about
Jesus’ relationship with the disciples —it was life Friends influence us
on life! Instead of just trying to avoid negative positively or negatively.
peer pressure, surround yourself with “positive Why is it so important
peer pressure”. to surround yourself
with godly people? (Ecc.
4:9-12, 1 Cor. 15:33)

How 'bout them Apples? do anything to hurt me. They’re not
that bad.” Then I’d put the apples
Surprisingly, most youth today have together in a plastic bag and say,
not heard the old saying, “One bad “These three apples are going to
apple can spoil the whole barrel.” On become close buddies for a period of
a Sunday morning, I would bring some time. I’ll put them in a closet, and we’ll
apples with me to church. I called check on them and see what happens
them my “buddies.” to the good apple.” In the last class
I usually had one beautiful, shiny of the year, I'd read 1 Corinthians
red apple and a couple others that 15:33 and then invite a member
looked nice but had at least one bruise. of the class to come up and pull
“These two apples with the bruises the plastic bag out of a paper sack.
represent a couple of buddies you It never failed—the bad apples
should not spend time with in junior had really made an impact on the
high,” I would say. “They have a dark good apple. The identity of all three
side to them, a compromised area of apples had been lost; the bag now
their lives. This good apple represents contained discolored, mushy apple
you, a good Christian teenager. The soup. This lesson demonstrated how
good apple sees no problem with the bad company can corrupt and even
bruised apples. He says to himself, consume the best young Christian.
"These are my buddies. They wouldn’t (D. Rainey, B. Rainey, & Nygran, 1998)

28 | Whole 31

SAUSAGE Ingredients
BALLS 2 c. Bisquick
2 c. shredded
Contributed by Jackie Blackstock cheddar cheese
1/2 c. milk
1 lb. sausage

1 Mix sausage, cheese, 3 Roll into small balls.
4 Bake at 350 degrees
and Bisquick.
for 15-20 minutes or
2 Add milk gradually. until sausage is done.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES Purity

to Pray for Your Children

Create in them a pure heart,
O God, and let that purity
of heart be shown in their
actions.

Psalm 51:10

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DAY14
Proverbs 14:8-17

The prudent (wise) look Psalm 14:2-3 indicates Do you think Jesus is
at things through the we are all in that the only way to know
insight of God’s Word. situation unless God God? Why or why not?
A fool is foolish not saves us and changes
simply because he does us. What are the
the wrong thing, but differences in Proverbs
because he thinks it 14:8-17 between the
is the best path to go foolish and the wise?
(Psalm 14:1).

What is Truth? KeyVerse
Proverbs 14:12

Just because something seems right does not mean that it is. Jesus is the Way,
the Truth, and the Life. Nobody comes to God except through Him (John 14:6).
Even as believers, we can act foolish, thinking our way is right. John 17:17 says,
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. We must listen to God!

Is the diamond Are these lines straight How many black dots?
expanding or not? or slanted?

30 | Whole 31

CRANBERRY Ingredients
APPLE PORK
CHOPS 6 lean pork chops
(4 oz. each), slightly
Contributed by Sue Sawyer browned

1 Place pork chops in slow 1 can whole
cranberry sauce
cooker.
1 med. onion,
2 Combine other ingredients chopped

and pour on top of pork 2 honey crisp apples
chops. (or other slightly tart
apples)
3 Set to low heat and cook
1 oz. dried
6–8 hrs. cranberries

1 c. shredded carrots

¼ c. orange juice

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Kindness

Lord, may my children
always try to be kind
to each other and to

everyone else.

1 Thess. 5:15

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DAY15
Proverbs 15:10-22

In vs. 13-15, you see Read verses 1 and What is the correct

a person who is glad, 18. How we respond response to help

has a desire for godly to something that bring peace to hurtful

understanding, and is irritates or hurts us can situations (vs. 1, 18)?

cheerful because of lead to greater conflict Why is it hard for

God’s presence and or to greater peace. us to respond this

blessings. How does way? What are the

a person become like consequences if we do

this? Read vs. 16-17 not respond like this?

Running From God Key Verse (v. 32)
Proverbs 15:10

Take a bowl of water and cover the SCIENCE
surface of the water with pepper. EXPERIMENT
Now take your finger and dip it into
a little bit of detergent. Place your Ingredients
finger into the center of the water
and watch what happens! (Or Google Pepper
"pepper in water") See how the Water
pepper flees to the outside edge of Bowl
the bowl? Liquid Detergent
The pepper represents people Your Finger!
seasoned with sin and the soap is the
purity and holiness of God. Those We can know God, respect God
who hate God’s correction will flee and love God because we are loved
from God or anyone who gives godly and accepted by God. When we
counsel (15:12) just like the pepper love God, we accept His counsel
fled from the soap. Our hearts are and receive His wisdom because
deceitful and desperately sick, who we know it’s what’s best for us and
can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). glorifying to Him.
As believers, we do not need to be
afraid to draw near to God. Because
of Jesus, we can be forgiven of our
sins and declared clean before God.

32 | Whole 31

RED Preheat oven to 375 degrees and melt
VELVET butter; set aside to cool.
CRINKLE
COOKIES Place powdered sugar and cornstarch in
shallow bowl. Mix with fork to blend.
Contributed by Brenda Lindsay
Place cake mix, cooled butter, eggs, white
Ingredients chocolate chips and lemon zest in large
6 tbs. butter mixing bowl. Mix by hand until well blended
1 c. powdered sugar and a dough forms.
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 box Duncan Hines Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in
Signature Red Velvet powdered sugar. Place on cool, ungreased
Cake Mix baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
2 lg. eggs
1 tsp. lemon zest Bake one sheet at a time in center of oven
¾ c. white choc. chips for 9–11 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute.
(optional) Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Store in airtight container with wax paper
separating layers.

For consistency use a small scoop (1 to 1¼
inches in diameter) to form dough into balls.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Generosity

Grant that my children
may be generous and
willing to share, and so lay
up treasure for themselves
as a firm foundation for the

coming age.

1 Tim. 6:18-19

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DAY16
Proverbs 16:1-9

Have you ever been Why is it so Describe the difference
frustrated that the devastating to get between how and why
plans you made didn’t your hopes up and God enacts a plan for our
work out? then to be let down? lives vs. how and why we
plan for our own lives.

Why are video games so fun? Among the many reasons you might say is
that you have the ability to control things and outcomes. You even use
“controllers” to control the game. You can destroy the enemy, take your
favorite team to the championship, or create that imaginary character or
world you could only imagine. You can even spawn back to life if you die.
Talk about control! However, life if not a video game. Read about how
Jesus is in full control in Col. 1:15-17!

Who’s Got the Controller? Key Verse
Proverbs 16:9

How God reveals His plan How we plan if we do not
(Prov. 16) care about God

1. God has a purpose for everything. 1. We decide our purpose for living.
What do you think is that What do you think most people
purpose? (v. 4) believe is the reason for living?

2. God has an answer for our every 2. We have our own answers for
need and a plan to accomplish what we think will help us get
his purpose in us. (v. 1) what we want.

3. God changes our hearts from 3. We set our hearts on what is best
believing we know best to in our own eyes.
believing He knows best (v. 2)
4. We commit to our way.
4. We commit our ways to the Lord 5. According to Proverbs 16:25,
(v. 3)
“There is a way that seems right
5. God establishes our steps so we to man, but its end is the way of
can accomplish his plan and death” (see also 16:5).
purpose for our lives. (v. 9)

34 | Whole 31

CORNWALLACE Ingredients
YAMS YAMS
3 c. mashed, cooked
Contributed by Sue Sawyer sweet potatoes
1 c. sugar
Yams Mix together with 1/2 tsp. salt
Topping electric mixer & put in 2 eggs
greased corning dish. 1/3 stick margarine
1/2 c. milk
Mix well, sprinkle evenly 1 tsp. vanilla
over sweet potatoes
mixture. TOPPING
1 c. brown sugar
Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes. 1/3 c. flour
1/3 stick melted
margarine
1 c. pecans (chopped)

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Peace-Loving

Father, let my
children make every

effort to do what
leads to peace.

Rom. 14:19

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DAY17
Proverbs 17:1-5; 12-17; 20-28

Nobody likes to face Look at v. 17. What What are three things
struggles in life. Why has God provided the Scripture says
do you think God tests for us in times of brings great sorrow to
hearts with adversity? adversity? What else a heart (vs. 20-21)?
(1 Peter 1:6-7) in scripture has God Why would God
provided to help in our say that joy is good
time of need? (2 Cor. medicine? How do we
12:9, Heb. 4:14-16) get joy?

Advancing Through Adversity Key Verse
Proverbs 17:3, 7

In 1986, Bob Weiland finished dead Why was Bob’s finish at the New
last in the New York City Marathon York City marathon so amazing? He
coming in 19,413th. He finished in ran the race without legs. He may
about 98 hours, or just over four days have lost both legs in that explosion,
(4 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 17 but he didn’t lose his heart. Bob
seconds to be exact). Despite his humbly professes Luke 1:37, "For
lousy time, he reflected on this feat nothing is impossible with God." Now
with cheerfulness. He once said in Weiland is a motivational speaker—
an interview, “I finished ahead of breathing life into the battles and
300 million Americans who never adversity his clients face.
finished the race.” How do you handle adversity?
On the surface Bob’s feat seems Do you see it as an opportunity to
like a joke, but examine the story trust God more and show others
more closely and you will learn that the love of Christ even when it isn’t
close to 20 years earlier Wieland easy? Do you try to find the quickest
experienced a terrible accident. After and easiest way out of it? God
stepping on a mortar bomb, he was provided for Bob Weiland, and he will
declared dead and taken away in a provide for you.
body bag. He awoke a half-hour later.

36 | Whole 31

MANDARIN Ingredients
SALAD ½ head iceberg lettuce
½ bunch romaine
Contributed by Sue Sawyer lettuce
½ c. chopped celery
1 In a skillet cook almonds and ½ c. chopped green
onion
sugar over medium heat until 12 oz. grated
almonds are coated with Parmesan
melted sugar. 1 can mandarin
oranges – drained
2 Stir constantly – they burn ½ c. sliced almonds
3 tbsp. sugar
easily. DRESSING
¼ c. vegetable oil
3 Let cool and add dressing just 2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
before serving. 1 tbsp. dried parsley

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Joy

May my children
be filled with the
joy given by the

Holy Spirit.

1 Thess. 1:6

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DAY18
Proverbs 18:1-8; 21

Proverbs 18:21 says, “death and life Discuss how encouraging/positive
are in the power of the tongue.” There is words have helped you. Have you
also the phrase, “Sticks and stones may encouraged someone else? Who took
break my bones, but words will never the time to share the Gospel with you?
hurt me.” Which is correct? Why? Do you have the opportunity to share
the Gospel with someone now?

Use vs. 1-8 to find ways foolish people hurt others. Read on for the answers.

Verse 1 | Anti-social, selfish life and Verse 5 | Praising the wicked

does not seek ways to help others and wicked actions and judging or
Verse 2 | Prideful, won't listen but
mocking the innocent
will share his/her own opinion Verse 6-7 | Speaking angry words
Verse 3 | Speaking against God and
provoking conflict (bullying)
godly wisdom Verse 8 | Gossip and/or lying

The Power of Life and Death Key Verse
Proverbs 18:21

The earth’s population is over 7.4 are quick to share their opinions. In
billion people. At the end of 2015, this digital age, we can use technology
close to 1.4 billion people in the for godliness or worldliness.
world were active users on Facebook. One report showed that 72%
Twitter currently has 1.3 billion of 9th-12th graders have been
registered users and Youtube has cyber-bullied (bullied through social
well over 1 billion users watching media) in the past year. According
hundreds of millions of videos each to Proverbs 18:2, foolish people
day. One late night talk show joked only care about their own opinions.
that all three would merge into one They minimize others' opinions and
time-wasting site called YouTwitFace. they don't care about how their own
We live in a time when people opinions affect others. We can use
can let the world know what they words as powerful tools to share
are thinking and why. When famous the good news of the Gospel or to
people tweet or post news, followers destroy lives—the choice is ours.

38 | Whole 31

POPPY SEED Ingredients
CHICKEN 8 chicken breast
halves
Contributed by Sue Sawyer
I can creamy chicken
1 Boil chicken for 20 minutes and mushroom soup

and add poultry seasoning 1 pkg. of Ritz Crackers
while boiling.
I stick of margarine
2 Mix together the soup, sour
8 oz. sour cream
cream, and poppy seeds.
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
3 Place chicken in 9 X 13 pan

and pour this mixture over
chicken

4 Mix crackers and margarine

and sprinkle the cracker
crumbs over the chicken
mixture.

5 Bake at 350 degrees for 20

minutes

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Perseverance

Lord, teach my children
perseverance in all they do,
and help them especially to
run with perseverance the
race marked out for them

Heb, 12:1

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DAY19
Proverbs 19:1-8

According to verse 1, integrity is (It’s not a good thing), while the poor
better than riches. A man may be poor are deserted. Discuss this passage;
according to the world, but he is rich are these people who are chasing
if He knows God and has integrity. In money true friends?
God’s eyes, money cannot make up for You have heard the phrase, “Think
a lack of integrity. What is integrity? A before you act.” According to v. 2,
person with integrity is honest and sometimes we desire something and
has strong moral principles based we don't ask important questions or
on God's Word. The word integrity think about the consequences. What
can also mean "whole" or "undivided". are some important questions we can
A person with integrity is wholly ask ourselves before we act rashly?
devoted to God. Ex: What does God think about
According to v. 4 and 6, “Everyone this? What are some consequences?
is a friend” to someone who has money Does this go against my conscience?

Integrity for Sale Key Verse
Proverbs 19:1
“How much money would you need
to save to rationalize a lie? Maybe from fibbing about under-the-table
only a few dollars if you are like many income to IRS” (Dunam, 2016).
of the 2,115 Americans surveyed by A study out of the University of
financial education site, NerdWallet. Regina, published in the Journal
Results indicated that 33 percent Economics Letters, set up a social
of respondents found it acceptable to experiment in which telling a fib
use another person's online account would get the participant more
to access movies, music or other money – and half of the 400 students
information, saving an estimated $55 who participated were willing to
to $120 annually, but risking possible fudge the truth for some cash in their
account suspension. Even the threat pocket. What do you think people
of spending time behind bars didn't would do for even a few bucks?
dissuade 24 percent of respondents Would you sell your integrity to save
a few dollars?
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EARTHQUAKE Ingredients
CAKE 1 c. Angel coconut

Contributed by Sue Sawyer 1 c. pecans

1 Grease 9 X 13 pan with butter. 1 German chocolate
2 Sprinkle coconut and pecans in cake mix

the bottom of pan. 1 stick butter or
margarine
3 Mix cake mix as directed and
8 oz. Cream Cheese
pour in pan.
1 box powdered sugar
4 Melt butter & mix with cream

cheese & powdered sugar
(make runny).

5 Pour over uncooked cake and

bake at 325 degrees for 45
minutes.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Humility

God, please cultivate
in my children the
ability to show true
humility toward all.

Titus 3:2

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DAY20
Proverbs 20:9-13

Parable of Jesus: Read What factors create Discuss the meaning

Matthew 21:28-32. your reputation? In of this quote, “Nobody

Which son did the will other words, how do cares how much you

of God? Who is the people know who you know until they know

hypocrite? really are? (v.11) how much you care.”-

Theodore Roosevelt

The Great Exchange Key Verse
Proverbs 20:9

Types of religions Although this fine was much
smaller than our fine against God, this
1. What can I do to make God love me? act of mercy gives us a glimpse of the
2. What God did because He loves me? greater mercy God bestows upon us.
Which one is Christianity? What do Both God and this good judge cannot
people do to gain God’s favor? (v. 9) tolerate any wrong or injustice. There
has to be a penalty for the crime,
In 2013, Prosecutor Robert Carr and no good judge is able to dismiss
testified against Daniel Northridge, our crimes. Northridge is like all of
20, of Mansfield, who stole Christmas humanity. He is guilty and has no way
cards and letters from his neighbor’s to pay the penalty that will keep from
mailbox in an attempt to find some suffering the absolute penalty.
extra cash. Northridge plead guilty Read Proverbs 20:9. The judge
to the theft after he was spotted on a has mercy on the man, so he makes
security camera. a way to save him. He takes the fine
District Judge Tim Devas ordered that should have been paid by the
him to pay a fine and, in his ruling, he man so that he is free to go with no
stated, “Particularly at that time of condemnation. John 3:16 tells us
year, this was a very mean offense. why; Because of God’s great love
When letters or cards from loved for us, he sent his Son to pay the
ones go missing it’s very upsetting.” worst fine we could imagine—death.
When Northridge told the judge he Followers of Christ who have placed
had no cash, he took pity on him. He their faith in Jesus are declared
reached in his own pocket and pulled innocent. Jesus was declared guilty
out enough money to pay the fine. of our sins. What a Savior!

42 | Whole 31

FRESH Ingredients
APPLE 3 c. of apples (peeled
CAKE and cut in small cubes)
1 tsp. cinnamon
Contributed by Sue Sawyer 1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Blend everything together. 1 tsp. vegetable oil
2 Pour into large bunt pan 1 ¾ cups sugar
3 c. flour
(greased and floured) 2 eggs–well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
3 Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ¾ c. pecan or walnuts

hour.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Compassion

Lord, please clothe
my children with the
virtue of compassion.

Col. 3:12

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DAY21
Proverbs 21:1-8

What are some rules or commands Do you find yourself sometimes
Christians can keep even without measuring the success of your
hearts wanting to love God more? (v.3) Christian walk based on the rules you
Ex: Going to church, reading Bible, follow or your spiritual activity rather
doing a missions activity than who you are desiring to honor?

Notes on Verse 3

In the Hebrew “acceptable” means proven, distinguished, or especially chosen.
Something is acceptable after it has been tested to see if it is excellent or the
best. In God's eyes, it is best for His followers not to simply follow a code of
conduct or a list of rules (the idea presented in the word, “sacrifice.”). He wants
His children to “do righteousness and justice,” or “do what is right because your
heart is right.” You can do the right things but not with a heart that loves God. We
must love from the inside out, not to just keep some rules. Read 1 Timothy 1:5.

Great Christians of the Great God Key Verse
Proverbs 21:3

In 1952, Jim Elliot journeyed to Jews in Nazi Germany, she began to
Ecuador to share the Gospel with hide them in her home. When her
Waodani people group. On January 8, ministry was discovered, she was
1956, he was killed by ten Waodani sent to several prison camps and
warriors. Despite this tragedy, his eventually watched her sister die.
wife returned to Ecuador to continue Her response was not to worry, but
sharing God's love to them. Many to pray and trust God. She knew she
came to know the Lord and before he was doing the right thing with the
died, Elliot wrote this in his journal: right heart.
“He is no fool to give what he cannot It would have been easy for these
keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Christians to just obey a few rules
Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of follow a few spiritual routines. Why
her life as a Dutch Christian in Holland did these Christians go to such great
during World War II in the book "The lengths for the Gospel?
Hiding Place." Unable to stand by and
watch the injustice inflicted upon the Watch the animated story of these
and others at rightnowmedia.org.

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GRITS Ingredients
CASSEROLE
1 ½ c. grits (not
Contributed by Ruth Holland instant)

1 Cook grits in water per 6 c. water

instructions 1 stick butter/
margarine
2 Melt cheese and butter in hot
1 lb. Velveeta cheese
grits or cheddar

3 Add Tabasco sauce, salt, and 4-5 dashes Tabasco
sauce
pepper to taste.
1 tsp. Lawry’s
4 Blend eggs into mixture seasoned salt

5 Pour into 2 qt (greased) dish 3 eggs (beaten)

and bake at 350 degrees for
30–45 min. or until golden
brown. Center will be “Jello”
consistency.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Responsibility

Grant that my children
may learn responsibility,

for each one should
carry his own load.

Galatians 6:5

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WHOLE 31

DAY22
Proverbs 22:1-6; 17-19

Why is it so important What are some If the Word of God is
for parents to point components of this so important for us
their children toward training? (Love, to grow in our trust in
a path that pleases instruction, the rod the Lord, why do we
God? (v. 6) of discipline (v. 15), have such a hard time
sharing God’s Word spending regular time
(17-19), etc.. studying it?

The Word, Living and
Active in Your Life

Discuss some ways you
can begin doing the 5
disciplines, listed below, in
relation to God’s Word

HEAR So faith comes MEMORIZE I have stored
from hearing, up your word
and hearing through the word of in my heart, that I might not sin
Christ. (Romans 10:17) against you. (Psalm 119:11) *Why is
it important to memorize?
READ Blessed is the one who
reads aloud the words MEDITATE ...his delight is
of this prophecy, and blessed are in the law of the
those who hear, and who keep what LORD, and on his law he meditates
is written in it, for the time is near. day and night. (Psalm 1:2-3)
(Revelation 1:3)

STUDY …[Bereans] received
the word with all
eagerness, examining the Scriptures
daily to see if these things were so.
(Acts 17:11) *What questions can I
ask when I read the Word?

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CHICKEN Ingredients
CASSEROLE
6-8 chicken breasts
Contributed by Ruth Holland (medium, skinless)

1 Boil chicken until done, then 1 can cream of chicken
or celery soup (don't
cool and cut up. dilute)

2 Mix sour and sour cream with 1 c. sour cream

salt and pepper, add chicken, 1 stick margarine
and mix well.
1 sleeve of Ritz
3 Melt margarine and crunch crackers (maybe more)

crackers until absorbed ¼ tsp. salt

4 Put the chicken mixture into 1 tsp. pepper

greased 2 or 3 quart dish and
top with the cracker mixture.

5 Bake at 350 degrees for 20–25

minutes until nice and brown.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Contentment

Father, teach my children the
secret of being content in any
and every situation, through Him

who gives them strength.

Phil. 4:12-13

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WHOLE 31 MONEY What is a
proper relationship
DAY23 between the Christian
Proverbs 23:4-5; 13-25 and money? (vs. 4-5)

“MONEY IS A GOOD SERVANT WISDOM Godly parents
BUT A BAD MASTER.” are motivated by love
to discipline and train
How does a Christian according to verses 4-5 keep children. What is the
money as a servant and not allow it to become the goal of this training? (vs.
master over him? Illustration: Try this to see how 15-16, 22-25)
much people value money. In a room full of noise
drop a few coins and notice how many people ENVY The temptation
respond to the familiar sound of change. is strong to be like
others who seem happy
because of popularity
or indulgent lifestyles.
Why are we tempted
to imitate the world?
How do we battle this
temptation? (vs. 17-2)

A New Perspective maker to attract a mate and have
little cricket babies. Shortly after, it
Perspective—A particular attitude dies. When you hear those cricket
towards something; a point of view. sounds, remember that cricket is in
the last stages of life.
A few times in life we experience Compared to the life of a human,
something so profound it gives us these couple months seem like
a new perspective on life. Perhaps nothing. In light of eternity, our lives
you have been on a mission trip and are much like the lives of the cricket;
seen poverty or maybe you watched they are short. Compared to “forever”
someone suffer from a terminal illness. our lives are only a couple of breaths
Maybe you personally experienced and then we're gone.
something difficult that shifted your Psalm 39:5 reads, “Behold, you
focus on what is important. Maybe have made my days a few hand-
these circumstances were a chance breadths, and my lifetime is as nothing
to gain God’s perspective. before you. Surely all mankind stands
Consider this lesson from nature. as a mere breath.” Knowing how
Did you know a cricket only lives 6-8 short yet important our days are in
weeks? In its short life it sheds its skin this life, we should ask ourselves, "Is
seven times. As it sheds for the last what I'm pursuing worth spending
time, it gets that annoying little noise my precious days to attain?"

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GOLDIE’S Ingredients
POUND
CAKE 3 c. all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Contributed by Ruth Holland ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. lemon extract
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt 2 sticks butter
together and set aside. 1 c. milk
½ c. Crisco shortening
Cream butter, Crisco, and sugar. 5 eggs
Add vanilla and lemon flavoring to 3 c. granulated sugar
milk. Add half of the milk to the butter ½ tsp. salt
mixture and beat 2 minutes.

Add 1 egg and a little four alternately
until all is added, then add remaining
milk and mix well.

Pour into a well-greased and floured
tube pan and bake at 325 degrees for
1 ½ hours. Let cool before removing
from pan.

BIBLICAL VIRTUES

to Pray for Your Children

Faith

I pray that faith will find
root and grow in my

children‟s hearts, that by
faith they may gain what

has been promised to
them.

Luke 17:5-6;
Heb. 11:1-40

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WHOLE 31

DAY24
Proverbs 24:1-2; 13-16; 19-22

According to today’s Why does Proverbs What is the “disaster”
Scriptures give at least compare the sweet and the “ruin” that
three reasons why taste of honey to the will come to the evil?
we should not envy refreshment that comes Why are most not
those who live without to our soul when we concerned about the
concern for God. find wisdom? consequences?

As Christians we will fail sometimes; are wicked? Answer: The righteous
we know this because Romans 3:10 may fall, but they get up and serve
says, "none is righteous." According to again. A pig falls in the mud and
v. 16, what is a key difference between wallows in it. A sheep (Christian) falls
true followers of Christ and those who into the mud but wants to get out.

How Long Does the Joy Ride Last? Key Verse
Proverbs 24:19-20

What would you do if you won an neighbors complained about the
Italian luxury sports car that had a 640 noise from the car. Unfortunately,
horsepower engine, could go from the joy only lasted for 6 hours. That
0-60 in 3.4 seconds, and was valued is how long it took him to recklessly
at over $350,000? Would you take it crash his new car. David experienced
out carefully and keep it in storage, or 6 hours of luxury only to realize the
would you race it around showing it damaging effects of foolishness.
off to your family and friends? A fool is someone who lives like
Winning a car like that seems there is no God to whom we must
like a dream to most, but this dream answer. While it may seem those
came true for David Dopp, a resident who disregard God are living without
of Utah, who won a Lamborghini in consequence, the Bible is clear, “the
December 2011. Instead of carefully evil man has no future,” and “disaster
taking care of his new possession, he will arise suddenly and who knows
immediately started taking family and the ruin that will come?” We are wise
friends on joyrides around town until to fear the Lord and not envy the evil.

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