Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God

“As a parent I have tried many different resources for devotions with my children. Long Story Short is by far the best material available for parents who want a brief, biblical, interesting, and gospel–centered approach to taking children through the Scriptures.The kids love it! And I love it! Marty Machowski has created a resource that will help parents fulfill the biblical obligation of Ephesians 6:4!”

“Marty has his pulse on the hectic rhythm of modern family life in this new resource for deepening a family’s encounter with God through Scripture. His simple pattern of breathing in—with remembering and discovering Scripture—and breathing out, through talking about it, echoes the rich patterns of our tradition in easily accessible terms. As families disintegrate around us, this guide will help families be bound closer together through a common story and language of faith. Remember it, think about it, talk about it, and pray about it. Children will benefit from not only the content of this book, but the simple pattern of daily encounters can be a pattern for godly decision making as adults.“

“Long Story Short is a wonderful concept and a practical, gospel–focused resource for family worship. It will help parents consistently give their children the Word of Life as they continually point them to the One who is Life. I also recommend it for grandparents and teachers—for all who love children and want to show them the gospel story in all of Scripture.”

“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.”

“What a good idea...a family devotional book that creatively takes your kids through the Bible one step at a time. Thank you, Marty, for this terrific idea. It’s a must–buy for every Christian home.”

“Again and again, and much to our disappointment, Luella and I would look for a solid, Scripture–centered, gospel–driven devotional to use with our children.This type of family worship resource was simply not available then. So, it is with much enthusiasm that I recommend Long Story Short. Through this tool your children will not only come to know the narrative of redemption, told in the pages of the Bible, but they will encounter the chief actor in that narrative, the Lord Jesus Christ. Again and again they will be confronted with their desperate need for his grace.What more could you want from a family devotional?”

“Marty Machowski has written the family devotional that many busy dads need—a user–friendly family worship guide. Each day provides Bible readings, food for thought, and talking points to use with the kids.This stuff is simple without being shallow. It is doctrinally sound, Christ–centered, and full of gospel grace and hope.What more could you want? Don’t wait! Start using this book today!”

“There are many great devotionals out there. Most seem to fall short in two very key areas: theological richness and Christ–centeredness. This devotional will connect those who use it to both the historical biblical stories and the Jesus of the stories. Schools of all types, families, and local assemblies will do well to utilize this resource.This is both comprehensive and accessible.”

“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.”

“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.”

”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.”

“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.”