this bible is presented to given by occasion date - Cokesbury

THIS BIBLE IS PRESENTED TO
GIVEN BY
DATE
OCCASION

MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
NAME ____________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ___________ RELATIONSHIP _____________________
NAME ____________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ___________ RELATIONSHIP _____________________
NAME ____________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ___________ RELATIONSHIP _____________________
NAME ____________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ___________ RELATIONSHIP _____________________
Who wrote the Bible
Of course, the Bible has not always been in book form. The
earliest stories in the Bible were passed down through the generations
by word of mouth. People would gather together and
listen to the storytellers tell about Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel,
Noah, and so on. Scribes, or official writers, eventually collected
these stories — along with poems and songs, genealogical records,
and other important documents—and wrote them by hand
on scrolls.
In Jesus’ day, centuries later, scrolls were still in use. But
by that time, the Jewish people had put together a set of sacred
writings that was considered authoritative. This collection was
similar to what we know as the Old Testament. The early Christians
would add several books and letters to create a canon of
their own. And instead of keeping a collection of scrolls, Christians
eventually compiled their sacred writings into one big collection,
giving us the books of the Bible that we know today.

MILESTONES FROM MY
FAITH JOURNEY
BAPTISM OR DEDICATION
DATE ____________ PLACE ________________________________
GODPARENTS ____________________________________________
CONFIRMATION
DATE ____________ PLACE ________________________________
CLASSMATES _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
SPECIAL CHURCH MEMORIES
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
The Old Testament includes 39 books written by many authors
over several centuries. The books can be grouped into four categories:
Genesis — Deuteronomy: the books of law, also known as the Torah or
Pentateuch. The Pentateuch tells of creation, the birth of the nation
of Israel, Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt, and the covenant that
God made with the people through Moses.
Joshua— Esther: the books of history. These books tell the story of the
rise and fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Job —Song of Solomon: the books of wisdom and poetry. These books
are collections of songs, poems, and wise sayings, many of which are
attributed to the great kings David and Solomon.
Isaiah — Malachi: the prophets. As God’s messengers, the prophets
held the people and their leaders to high standards of love and jus-

Dear Lord,
t’s so easy to get caught up in striving to
I be something: educated, popular, physically
fit, talented, good looking—the list
goes on. But I pray that you help me to realize
that the only real pursuit worthy of my
full attention is to be completely yours.
Help me to understand that in all the
changes and challenges, in every moment
of the day, you are with me. You never leave
me or forsake me, and I never have to “go it
alone.” You love me from the moment I am
born until the day I die. Because of this love
I accept from you, I can discover life abundant.
Lord, during this time of change and
challenge as I seek to become what I want to
be—a time of searching, of exploration and
discovery, of tremendous opportunity for
personal and spiritual growth—help me to
walk with you, and to “become” the person
you want me to be.
In your Holy Name I pray.
Amen.
SPECIAL TEACHERS
AND MENTORS

Teen Bible 18‐pages of black ink content following biblical text
31 Days of Tough Questions
Who am I
Read: Psalm 139: 13‐14
As we grow up, there comes a time when we wonder what God had in mind
when we were created. God knows our questions, our hopes, our thoughts, and our
experiences far better than we do. We are exactly the persons God created us to be.
Do I have a special purpose
Read: Ecclesiastes 11:9
When we are young, it is easy to make having fun and doing the things we enjoy
our top priorities. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that even while we are having
fun, we need to learn to be responsible, to love, and care for others, and to fulfill our
purpose in the universe.
What is God calling me to do
Read: Jonah 1:1‐3, 17
When God calls us to do something, it is sort of like a homework assignment: if
we don’t do it, it will still be there waiting for us. Is there something you know you
should be doing, but you keep putting it off If it is from God, you will not be at
peace until it is done. So go on and get started.
What can I learn from others about my purpose or calling
Read: Luke 2:28‐32
People like Simeon—those who reminded Jesus that he was special and that God
had called him for a great task—helped to prepare Jesus to fulfill his purpose in
saving the world. Sometimes God uses other people to help you discover, prepare
for, and fulfill your purpose. Listen to the people you trust, and listen for God to
confirm God’s purpose for your life.

Teen Bible 18‐pages of black ink content following biblical text
Short Bible Studies on . . .
Friendship
Key Scriptures: Ruth 1:1‐18 (Ruth and Naomi); 1 Samuel 18:1‐9; 20:12‐42 (David
and Jonathan)
Who are your friends Are they people who share your interests People who
like and accept you People who live next door or who happen to be in your English
class or scout troop
Think for a moment about your closest friends. What makes these people good
friends Do they celebrate your accomplishments Do they support you when you’re
having a tough time Are they brutally honest with you when you mess up
Often we make friends with people who share our interests, who live close to us,
or who participate in the same activities. But true, lasting friendships require much
more than having a few things in common. They take work. Friends must not only
appreciate one another’s skills and interests but also one another’s personality and
companionship. They not only celebrate and have fun together but also suffer
together when one friend is going through a crisis. As Proverbs 18:24 says, “A true
friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.”
Read and reflect:
• Read the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth 1:1‐18. Which of your friends is most
like Ruth, willing to make sacrifices for you
• Read the story of David and Jonathan, 1 Samuel 18:1‐9; 20:12‐42. What are
you willing to risk for the good of your friends
• What do you think are the characteristics of a good friendship How do you
exhibit these characteristics in your friendships
Stress
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:25‐34; 11:28‐30 (“Do not worry.”)
What stresses you out Busyness High expectations A relationship with a
friend or family member These are just a few of the many reasons people might feel
worried, frazzled, anxious, or frustrated.
Stress causes us to lose focus and perspective. When you’re stressed about
getting homework done, projects completed, and tests studied for, you probably
don’t think about education being a blessing and a privilege or about all the people
whose education has been disrupted by war, prejudice, poverty, or natural disasters.
When you’re overwhelmed—juggling school, work, sports, band, and church

Teen Bible 8 back color pages
About Me . . .
My full name is ________________________________________________________
I was born on _____________________ in _________________________________
My family includes ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Special people in my life
_______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
My favorite childhood memory __________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
My pastimes / hobbies
________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
My favorite places to visit
______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
I relax by ____________________________________________________________
I like to read
_________________________________________________________
My favorite music / artist
My favorite TV show/movie
______________________________________________
____________________________________________

Teen Bible 8 back color pages
A Prayer for the Journey Ahead
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I
cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact
that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But
I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that
desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know
nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in
the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave
me to face my perils alone.
—Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (New York: Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux, 1958), 79.
Walk a Labyrinth
A labyrinth is an ancient prayer and meditation tool. It looks like a maze, but unlike a
maze there is no way to get lost; there’s just one path in and out. You can slowly trace
the labyrinth below with a paper clip as you pray or contemplate a problem, or there
are many larger examples of labyrinths and various designs available to download
online. Better yet, contact churches or retreat centers in your area to see if they have
a labyrinth. It’s worth the hunt, because a labyrinth can help you take new steps on
your spiritual journey and life path.
—Adapted from Tim Gossett, A Walk with God for Graduates (Dimensions for Living, 2006), 41.