Introduction: Welcome to Rooted

Have you ever tried to pull a weed out of the garden? Some come right out with one little tug. Others won’t budge. You pull and pull until your face turns red, and the weed just sits there like it’s laughing at you. What’s the difference? Roots. A plant with deep roots holds on.

Now think about a giant oak tree. It might be a hundred years old. It has lived through thunderstorms, snowstorms, dry summers and howling winds, and it’s still standing. Its secret is hidden underground, where its roots spread out wide and grow down deep.

God wants your life to be like that tree. The Bible says:

“Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

— Colossians 2:6–7 (BSB)

That’s where this book gets its name. Rooted is about growing deep in God, so that when hard days come (and they do come, even when you’re 9, 10, 11 or 12), you keep standing.

What’s in this book

This is Book 1, and it starts right at the beginning: the roots. Over the next 30 days you’ll discover:

• Week 1 — Who Is God? What God is like: bigger than the stars, perfectly holy and full of love.
• Week 2 — The Best News Ever. What went wrong in the world, and how Jesus came to make it right.
• Week 3 — Who I Am in Christ. What God says about you.
• Week 4 — Talking with God. How to pray, and why God loves to hear you.
• Week 5 — Growing Deep. How the Bible, obeying God, church and worship help your roots grow.

How each day works

Every day takes about five to ten minutes and has five parts:

1. The verse. A short passage from the Bible. Read it slowly, and maybe read it twice.
2. The teaching. A few minutes of reading that explains what the verse means and what it has to do with your life.
3. Think about it. A question to help you think deeper. You can think about it quietly, write your answer down or talk about it with someone.
4. Try this. One small thing to do that day to put what you learned into action.
5. The prayer. A prayer you can pray to God. Feel free to add your own words!

Tips for growing

• Pick a time. Morning, after school or right before bed. Roots grow best with the same water at the same time.
• Keep a Bible nearby. Looking up the verse in your own Bible is a great habit. If you don’t have one, ask a parent or someone at church.
• Grab a notebook. Write down your answers, your prayers and anything God shows you. Later you’ll love looking back at it.
• Read with someone. A parent, a grandparent, a brother or sister, or a friend. Growing together is more fun.
• Missed a day? No problem. This isn’t a test. Just pick up where you left off. God isn’t keeping score. He’s glad you’re here.

One more thing: this book is not magic. Reading it won’t make you grow. God makes things grow. But when you spend time with Him every day, you’re like a tree planted next to a river, soaking up exactly what you need.

So let’s get started. Your roots are waiting.

For parents, grandparents and leaders

Rooted is written for readers aged 9 to 12 to read on their own, but it works just as well read aloud together. The “Think about it” questions make good conversation starters around the table or at bedtime. Each day’s Scripture is quoted from the Berean Standard Bible. Book 1 lays the foundation: who God is, the gospel of Jesus Christ, a child’s identity in Him, prayer and the place of Scripture and church. Day 12 includes a clear, gentle invitation to trust Christ. If your child responds, we’d encourage you to talk it through with them. It may be the most important conversation you ever have.