What do you think?
Rate this book
Listen Up: Ten-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables
Everyone loves a good story, and children are no exception. Who better to tell those stories than Jesus Christ himself? Listen Up, by bestselling author Marty Machowski, delves into some of Jesus' best-known stories in a two-part discipleship resource fashioned to help children explore the parables of Jesus and learn the biblical truths they convey. After teaching a parable, Jesus often said, Whoever has ears, let him hear. In other words, This is important, so you better listen up, and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for Christian parents to help their children listen up and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it. Jesus told simple stories using everyday activities and objects that point to surprising spiritual truths about life in his kingdom. In the parables children (and adults!) will learn to treasure the gospel. Children love stories, and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imagination and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. This thirteen-week family devotional is designed to help Christian families explore the parables that Jesus taught through reading selected parables, activities, discussion questions, and fun facts. Each five-day session includes Bible reading, discussion questions, a fun activity, and songs
- GenresChildrens
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2018
7 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Marty Machowski
64 books125 followersMarty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church, a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for more than twenty years. As leader of their children’s ministry, Promise Kingdom, he has worked for many years to develop curriculum and devotional material that connect church and home. His passion is equipping families to understand the Bible as one gospel story and help them share that with their children. He is the author of The Gospel Story for Kids series including Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God (OT); The Gospel Story Bible; and the Gospel Story Curriculum: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament and the forthcoming Old Story New (NT): Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and Gospel Story Curriculum: Following Jesus in the New Testament. He and his wife Lois and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 6, 2018
This was one of our favorite devotions we’ve done as a family in our ten years of having kids! He did a great job having short excerpts from the Bible, short explanation, and easy questions so our kids ages 5-10 could easily follow along. There is a word a week so that the kids can remember our topic that week. He offers extended explanations if you’re interested as well as crafts to do for those so inclined. Well written, gospel-centered, a definite recommend!!!
April 27, 2018
"Listen Up" is a 13-week study on Jesus's parables - but with a twist. This is specifically written to be used for family devotions. Each chapter contains five nights of Scripture reading, discussion prompts, and insightful questions meant to draw out both parents and children. Occasionally there are suggested activities to enhance your understanding of a particular story, but for the most part each of the nightly topics could be covered in about 10 minutes.
I have enjoyed reading the book and getting a clearer picture on some of the parables myself. For example, in Week 5 Machowski tells us, "The parables are designed to help us examine our own lives." That makes a lot of sense, but I don't think I'd ever heard it put quite that way before!
The truths are written simply and clearly. Chapter 8 opens with: "This week we will learn that God is the most generous giver of all, so we can trust Him to give us what we need and follow His example in sharing what we have with others." This is an important lesson and one we cannot hear too often, even as adults.
There's a solid emphasis on evangelism within the home as well as reaching out to others. The goal really is to have Truth sink deep into the hearts of our young ones, making sure they know this is all about what's inside and not an act that someone can put on. I found this quote from Week 3 to be quite thought-provoking: "Treasuring Jesus is not just about the words we say, or how good we took on Sunday. Treasuring Jesus is about what's inside your heart; do you really love Jesus and want to live for Him?"
I would certainly recommend this for families everywhere who desire to grow closer to Jesus together. The questions and discussion prompts always promote parents sharing from their own life experiences, which is sure to help make these things more real for their children. What a great resource!
I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
I have enjoyed reading the book and getting a clearer picture on some of the parables myself. For example, in Week 5 Machowski tells us, "The parables are designed to help us examine our own lives." That makes a lot of sense, but I don't think I'd ever heard it put quite that way before!
The truths are written simply and clearly. Chapter 8 opens with: "This week we will learn that God is the most generous giver of all, so we can trust Him to give us what we need and follow His example in sharing what we have with others." This is an important lesson and one we cannot hear too often, even as adults.
There's a solid emphasis on evangelism within the home as well as reaching out to others. The goal really is to have Truth sink deep into the hearts of our young ones, making sure they know this is all about what's inside and not an act that someone can put on. I found this quote from Week 3 to be quite thought-provoking: "Treasuring Jesus is not just about the words we say, or how good we took on Sunday. Treasuring Jesus is about what's inside your heart; do you really love Jesus and want to live for Him?"
I would certainly recommend this for families everywhere who desire to grow closer to Jesus together. The questions and discussion prompts always promote parents sharing from their own life experiences, which is sure to help make these things more real for their children. What a great resource!
I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
April 28, 2018
If you are looking for a family devotional study to do, Listen Up is a 13-week family devotional that focuses on Jesus’ parables. This is a really nice set up and I like that it encourages families to work together and discuss what Jesus taught. We hear stories all the time, either by reading or watching T.V., etc., and this is a great way to get into deeper detail of what the greatest story teller of all time had to say to us. There are activities listed as well that helps make the parable resonate deeper, for example to make cookies for a neighbor. All the activities make word pictures to help younger children to grasp the concept being taught, but this is for older tweens and teens as well. This is a nice, well thought out and planned teaching tool.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
May 8, 2018
This is an excellent book for weekly family devotional time. I hove no children left at home, but I’ve enjoyed using it in my morning devoted time.
This guide gives one lots to think and pray about. It gives the parent daily activities to guide children through each chapter. These aren’t fluff devotionals. They go deeper. You’ll also find fun facts such as how Dijon mustard was created.
This devotional guide of the parables can be geared to all ages of children. Thank you, Mr. Machowski, for the insight you given us with this book.
***Book provided without charge by Litefuse.***
This guide gives one lots to think and pray about. It gives the parent daily activities to guide children through each chapter. These aren’t fluff devotionals. They go deeper. You’ll also find fun facts such as how Dijon mustard was created.
This devotional guide of the parables can be geared to all ages of children. Thank you, Mr. Machowski, for the insight you given us with this book.
***Book provided without charge by Litefuse.***
May 9, 2019
As a parent of eight, I’m always on the lookout for Christian resources we can use in our family devotions. We’ve made use of some of the books from Marty Machowski before ("The Gospel Story Bible" and others), so I was eager to look at his latest book "Listen Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables" (New Growth Press, 2017). I was not disappointed! Listen Up is a fantastic resource for families and guides readers through a thirteen-week series of lessons focused on the Parables.
Each week starts with an overview of what will be covered, and some prep-work that can be done for an object lesson/illustration introducing the theme for the week. Then 5 lessons follow and include discussion questions and prayer pointers, as well as a deeper dive for older kids or adults. From time to time, the book includes fun facts and points out other resources for further study. The result is an incredibly helpful resource that opens up the Gospels for young readers. Even as an adult and Bible student myself, there were new tidbits to learn — such as what flower is meant by the phrase “lilies of the field.”
The lessons are Gospel-centered and presented from a Reformed-perspective, yet the book is not an overt, over-bearing embrace of the Westminster Confession or anything like that. Conservative Evangelicals of all stripes will appreciate the teaching and themes emphasized in this small book’s pages.
This book goes hand-in-hand with a full-fledged Sunday School curriculum from New Growth Press as well. And the style followed appears to line up with a similar lesson series on Proverbs. Machowski also has Old and New Testament curricula available. Check out New Growth Press for these resources and more.
Parents, get this book! It will help you appreciate the Gospel more and open up the Four Gospels to the young hearts of your children.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided by the publisher. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
Each week starts with an overview of what will be covered, and some prep-work that can be done for an object lesson/illustration introducing the theme for the week. Then 5 lessons follow and include discussion questions and prayer pointers, as well as a deeper dive for older kids or adults. From time to time, the book includes fun facts and points out other resources for further study. The result is an incredibly helpful resource that opens up the Gospels for young readers. Even as an adult and Bible student myself, there were new tidbits to learn — such as what flower is meant by the phrase “lilies of the field.”
The lessons are Gospel-centered and presented from a Reformed-perspective, yet the book is not an overt, over-bearing embrace of the Westminster Confession or anything like that. Conservative Evangelicals of all stripes will appreciate the teaching and themes emphasized in this small book’s pages.
This book goes hand-in-hand with a full-fledged Sunday School curriculum from New Growth Press as well. And the style followed appears to line up with a similar lesson series on Proverbs. Machowski also has Old and New Testament curricula available. Check out New Growth Press for these resources and more.
Parents, get this book! It will help you appreciate the Gospel more and open up the Four Gospels to the young hearts of your children.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided by the publisher. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
June 7, 2018
Listen Up is the latest book from pastor and author Marty Machowski. This family devotional is based on the parables Jesus taught and contains thirteen chapters to be completed over the course of a thirteen week period. Each chapter has content for five days so there is something to go through with your family almost every day of the week. Reading Listen Up reminded me of my family devotions growing up and made me especially grateful for the attention to detail that went into making this book. Regarding the book's title, Machowski explains, "Our book is called Listen Up because it is important to both hear the words that Jesus taught and apply them to your life by following what they say, " (pg. 6-7). Each devotion is divided into four sections titled, Listen Up, Think About It, Talk About It, and Pray About It. I enjoyed the overall consistency because it creates a structure that helps children know what to expect.
The first devotion for each week has additional sections titled, Get Ready and Get Set. The Get Ready section gives families an overview of what they can expect to learn that week. The Get Set section contains an activity that serves as a visual aid that accompanies the content for that week. I really liked each Get Set section and I believe that the visual aids will serve as effective reinforcements when it comes to children recalling the lesson for the week.
Another feature of Listen Up that I greatly appreciate is that Machowski includes the Scripture passage for each devotional within the book. I believe that this will provide a smooth flow to family devotion time and eliminate the distraction of going back and forth between books. The subtitle of the book is 10 Minute Family Devotions on the Parables which is a great help because it gives parents an idea of how long each reading should take.
In the Introduction to the book, Machowski offers this helpful encouragement to parents, "Don't feel pressure to perform incredible devotions each session. we don't win our children by entertaining them, the Spirit of God wins our children for Christ as we are faithful to share the good news of Christ with them. So rather than looking to be fantastic, just look to be faithful," (pg. 5). This sentiment greatly encouraged me and made me even more thankful for this resource because I know it will be a great help as I point my daughter to Christ.
Listen Up is practical, simple, and deeply truthful and I'm excited to give it my highest recommendation.
I received Listen Up compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
The first devotion for each week has additional sections titled, Get Ready and Get Set. The Get Ready section gives families an overview of what they can expect to learn that week. The Get Set section contains an activity that serves as a visual aid that accompanies the content for that week. I really liked each Get Set section and I believe that the visual aids will serve as effective reinforcements when it comes to children recalling the lesson for the week.
Another feature of Listen Up that I greatly appreciate is that Machowski includes the Scripture passage for each devotional within the book. I believe that this will provide a smooth flow to family devotion time and eliminate the distraction of going back and forth between books. The subtitle of the book is 10 Minute Family Devotions on the Parables which is a great help because it gives parents an idea of how long each reading should take.
In the Introduction to the book, Machowski offers this helpful encouragement to parents, "Don't feel pressure to perform incredible devotions each session. we don't win our children by entertaining them, the Spirit of God wins our children for Christ as we are faithful to share the good news of Christ with them. So rather than looking to be fantastic, just look to be faithful," (pg. 5). This sentiment greatly encouraged me and made me even more thankful for this resource because I know it will be a great help as I point my daughter to Christ.
Listen Up is practical, simple, and deeply truthful and I'm excited to give it my highest recommendation.
I received Listen Up compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2018
My perception of this new devotional release by Marty Machowski is that it is on target theologically. I see the family grouping to use this book to include upper elementary and upwards to adults. Though conceived and written for parental lead devotions, it can be used as a personal devotional for older teens though it is obviously a "guided" study.
The first take-away I got from Listen Up is that when instructions are given in the Bible for us to hear ("he that hath ears to hear.....") is not simply an act of hearing. But we are to hear what is being said, listen to our heart, and act on what we hear. True hearing involves doing or acting on what we hear. This is in the first week's lesson where the action word is "listen."
Each week has a focus..... listen, build, treasure, follow, etc.
The first parable addressed in the study is that of the sower as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In this five day lesson plan, we learn that the parables are given to explain Christ's teachings to those with open hearts and yet some interpretation is hidden to those with closed hearts.
Each five day plan has a Get Ready and Get Set introduction that can be read on Sunday in preparation for the other five days lessons. Having a five day plan seems to allow for the busyness of Sunday and Wednesday (usually quite busy days for chuch folks) and using the five non-church days or evenings to have family devotions.
Several versions of the Bible are utilized throughout Listen Up. The passages are not lengthy so you can read your preferred version (mine is the KJV) or you can use that printed in the book itself.
As with other materials I have had the opportunity to review for New Growth Press and the author, Marty Machowski, I am quite impressed and pleased to recommend this devotional book. There is a lot of good, sound information to be gleaned from Listen Up. This is not a cute devotional book for young children and there are no illustrations or cute activities. This is straight-forward teaching that is interesting and valuable.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
The first take-away I got from Listen Up is that when instructions are given in the Bible for us to hear ("he that hath ears to hear.....") is not simply an act of hearing. But we are to hear what is being said, listen to our heart, and act on what we hear. True hearing involves doing or acting on what we hear. This is in the first week's lesson where the action word is "listen."
Each week has a focus..... listen, build, treasure, follow, etc.
The first parable addressed in the study is that of the sower as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In this five day lesson plan, we learn that the parables are given to explain Christ's teachings to those with open hearts and yet some interpretation is hidden to those with closed hearts.
Each five day plan has a Get Ready and Get Set introduction that can be read on Sunday in preparation for the other five days lessons. Having a five day plan seems to allow for the busyness of Sunday and Wednesday (usually quite busy days for chuch folks) and using the five non-church days or evenings to have family devotions.
Several versions of the Bible are utilized throughout Listen Up. The passages are not lengthy so you can read your preferred version (mine is the KJV) or you can use that printed in the book itself.
As with other materials I have had the opportunity to review for New Growth Press and the author, Marty Machowski, I am quite impressed and pleased to recommend this devotional book. There is a lot of good, sound information to be gleaned from Listen Up. This is not a cute devotional book for young children and there are no illustrations or cute activities. This is straight-forward teaching that is interesting and valuable.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
March 25, 2018
LISTEN UP is an absolutely brilliant lesson plan book for parents and/or grandparents to teach biblical truths from Jesus's parables to their children. I was thinking it'd be ideal for Sunday School teachers, too, and it is also available in that format which would make it easier for the teacher to prepare the lesson.
There is scripture reading, a small object lesson, stories, and discussion questions, all in a short ten-minutes a day, six days a week format. The author recommends preparing for the week by reading "Get ready" and "Get set" on Sunday, but if your Sundays are as busy as mine then it could easily be done on Saturday instead.
I love the idea behind this and recommend this book for parents and other Christian caregivers. I also recommend looking into the LISTEN UP designed for Sunday School teachers as it is idea for classes and also for children's church.
I received a copy free. All opinions are my own.
There is scripture reading, a small object lesson, stories, and discussion questions, all in a short ten-minutes a day, six days a week format. The author recommends preparing for the week by reading "Get ready" and "Get set" on Sunday, but if your Sundays are as busy as mine then it could easily be done on Saturday instead.
I love the idea behind this and recommend this book for parents and other Christian caregivers. I also recommend looking into the LISTEN UP designed for Sunday School teachers as it is idea for classes and also for children's church.
I received a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2023
This book gave me months of good, serious, Bible-centric discussions with my children at bedtime, and for that reason I commend it to you, bedtime Bible-story reading parent. However, some of the explanations of the parables seem a little tendentious and the questions that end each section can vary wildly in complexity, such that you might need to do some good on the spot editing to massage the discussion into a helpful one for your kids. Maybe a little ambitious for children? But still probably worth the effort.
April 25, 2018
A clear and concise tool for Christian families. If you are a parent or someone who wants to pass on the truth of God’s Word in Jesus Christ onto the next generation, then let Listen Up: 10-Minutes Family Devotions on the Parables by Marty Machowski contribute to that legacy.
See full review a: thttp://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/04...
See full review a: thttp://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/04...
March 24, 2025
Great devotional for many ages present in your home like ours. We have been using this for family worship the past 3-4 months. Great fun tidbits, going deeper for older kids, and great questions to review with your kids at the end of each day. Enjoyed teaching the parables with our kids in this way and with this book. Going to get more of his works in this series soon too!
October 7, 2019
Great devotional which has provoked good discussions at our dinner table.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews