Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions
A ten-minute-a-day devotional that guides your family through the Old Testament, pointing to Jesus with clarity, grace, and gospel truth—no prep or pressure required.
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Faith-Based
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Faith-Based
Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions
Long Story Short helps families build a consistent habit of Bible study without requiring hours of preparation or theological expertise. In about 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week, this family devotional walks parents and children through 78 Old Testament stories, showing how each one points to Jesus and God's plan of redemption.
The format is simple and easy to sustain. Three days each week focus on the featured Old Testament passage. Day four connects the story to Jesus, and day five reinforces the week's theme through a key Bible verse. The result is a clear, gospel-centered framework that helps children understand not only individual Bible stories but also the larger story of Scripture.
Written with families in mind, Long Story Short combines faithful theology with an approachable structure. The daily readings include thoughtful discussion questions, biblical application, and Christ-centered teaching that encourage meaningful conversations without overwhelming parents or children.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its consistency. Rather than treating Bible stories as isolated events, it helps children see how God's promises, covenants, rescue, and redemption unfold throughout the Old Testament and ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus.
Suitable for grade-school children yet substantial enough for older siblings, Long Story Short works well for family devotions, homeschool Bible time, or bedtime reading. Its manageable length makes it easier to maintain a regular habit, even during busy seasons.
For families seeking a gospel-centered devotional that teaches biblical literacy while helping children understand the overarching story of Scripture, Long Story Short provides a faithful and practical place to begin.
Publisher's Information
Publisher: New Growth Press
Author: Marty Machowski
Illustrator: A.E. Macha
Age Recommendation: 3+
Grade Recommendation: Preschool+
Faith-Based: Yes
Consumable: No
Pages: 396
ISBN: 9781935273813
Format: Softcover
Copyright: 2010
Made in: Canada
Awards and Endorsements from:Long Story Short is the best material for family devotions I've ever seen. If you're looking for something careful, creative, and Christ-centered without being corny, confusing, or condescending look no further. Pastors would be wise to buy this book by the boxful and get a copy into the hands of each family in their church."
-Justin Taylor, Blogger (Between Two Worlds); managing editor of the ESV Study Bible
"This is simply an outstanding book, and Christian families need it right now. I have never seen a devotional book that is so well suited to family devotions and to children, even as it is faithful in relating biblical truth. This book will help any Christian parent lead family devotions that will be memorable, faithful, and practical for Christian living. I'll admit this too, parents will find that they love the stories, illustrations, and learning suggestions along with their children. Marty Machowski has written a wonderful book."
-R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"I love the simplicity and practicality of Long Story Short. Marty Machowski gives parents a valuable resource to make disciples in our homes by highlighting the gospel story and the Hero of Scripture. I plan to strongly encourage the use of this book throughout our entire network of churches."
-Scott Thomas, President, Acts 29 Network
"Parents, you know that teaching your children God's Word, especially with children of varying ages, is never easy. But Marty Machowski has just made it easier. Long Story Short guides your family through Old Testament stories, each one highlighting the love and faithfulness of God and the hope of a Savior to come. To use this guide is to have an experienced father and pastor assisting you every night. These moments together, informed by Marty's book, will help your children understand and be amazed by the grace of God as revealed in the Old Testament."
-C.J. Mahaney, President, Sovereign Grace Ministries; author of many books, including The Cross Centered Life
"In Long Story Short, Marty Machowski provides what my wife and I needed when we were struggling to find good tools to disciple our young children. We got by, but this resource would have helped us so much. I envy the parents who will have it available to them. It is simple, interactive, and faithful to Scripture. It avoids the pitfalls of moralism that is prevalent in much of the children's Bible literature today. Marty insists that you and your children meet Jesus and see the gospel of grace in every story. I can't recommend this resource enough."
-Dr. Timothy S. Lane, Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation; coauthor of How People Change and Relationships: A Mess Worth Making
- February 24, 2023
Perfect!
Tasha G.
We were looking for something that my little guys (3&6) could participate in and was set up in a way that there wasn't much preparation. This was exactly what we asked for and so much more! It is laid out in a way that is easy to follow, fast enough that we can do it before the schedule gets crazy, and simple enough my littles can follow along, but detailed enough that my newly baptized husband can get something out of it as well. I highly recommend this devotional for any family looking to get closer to God!
- June 3, 2021
5 stars
Elijah2020
Great book for the whole family
- October 31, 2020
Love this!
Angela A.
My husband and I are very impressed with this book, and our boys seem to enjoy it as well! Definitely worth it!!! It’s laid out very well.
- September 27, 2020
5 stars
Courtney
Perfect for a before bed bible study. My 5 year old enjoys it and it really gets her thinking and involved with the questions at the end.
- July 18, 2020
Great book!
Collin G.
Set up in away that the information can truly be absorbed.
- May 20, 2020
Wonderful for families
juslin l.
There are interactive ways to get your children involved and interested in the lessons. Fabulous family devotional
- May 9, 2020
Very nice book for smaller kids
Jessica
I enjoy starting our school day with this book. The lessons are short and to the point. I love that I am able to read out of the bible with my younger children without overwhelming them with too much. This book really helps break it down and explain it in a way that they can understand. It emphasizes what is important and continues to remind us of that consistently. Each day ends with a prayer which is the perfect way to begin our day in my opinion! My children are 5 and 7 and they both love using this. Most of the stories they already know but they enjoy reading from Mommy's bible and getting more details!
- November 20, 2019
Best Way To Start The Day
Lauri T.
I purchased this book ~20 years ago, before Timberdoodle was online. WE loved to start our day with Bible Reading already. This book gave us a very handy way of focusing that start to our day. Thank-you Timberdoodle!
- May 11, 2018
Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions
Kimberly, M.
My daughter chose this when I ordered the curriculum. We start every day with a devotion. They are short and easy to understand.
- August 14, 2017
Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions
Joy D.
Excellent!!
