Our goal as believers is to bring glory to God in the way we live and to be obedient to Him in all things. Our goal as parents is to train our children in the ways of the Lord and to see them own a very personal, life-changing relationship with God. From this relationship comes a desire to share His goodness and His message with those who don’t know Him. We can also encourage those who do know Him. Our children belong to the Lord. We are only the stewards. We want them well-prepared for wherever their journey may take them! They can trust Him and not be afraid.
Our goal with this devotional is to help your children understand that God Himself wishes to write His Story in their hearts. He wants them to invest their lives in a way that pleases Him and brings His glory to the nations. May they see God actively at work in their lives as they encounter Him, are changed by Him, and are used by Him.
Each Monday, I'll share another portion of the devotional so you can go one week at a time.
Here's some ideas to think through as you begin. Week One follows. May God bless you and your family!
- 1. Take time to read through this devotional before you go through it with your children. This will give you a chance to pray for them in preparation of your time together.
- 2. Make this time doable. Try to commit to a family devotional time, perhaps three times per ten days. Decide on a practical time. Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Adjust it as necessary so they enjoy the time, but also expect some “pushback”. If you miss a time, just pick another! Remember, it’s about the relationship not the accomplishment. Guard against discouragement if it doesn’t go well, and be sure to guard against pride if it does.
- 3. Keep this devotional on the dinner table. Explain to your kids why the book is there. Someone is bound to remember.
- 4. Talk about the ideas shared as your read God’s Word. Check for understanding by asking good questions and by explaining words that can sound confusing. Next, talk about ways to apply what has been read. Knowledge of the Bible is empty and meaningless unless we do what it says (James 1:22-25). Remember, this isn’t school. It’s a chance to grow in your relationship with your kids as you all grow closer to the Lord.
- 5. Model praying for your kids, speaking simply and using words easy for them to understand. It will be easier for them to pray from their heart if they hear you do this.
- 6. Try a family worship time. Child friendly songs don’t need to be childlike, they just need easy to understand lyrics. Train your child to express love to God and not just sing songs about Him. This is part of them growing in a real relationship with Our Creator. After your worship time, explain phrases they may not understand or interpret differently, i.e. what does “God reigns” mean?
- 7. If you have older children, allow them to share the responsibility of reading the verses. Leading them to Him is the goal. Explain any difficult words.
- 8. Before you move to the next section of the devotional, take a bit of time to talk about what you’ve already covered. Check for understanding in a conversational manner.
9. As they grow in understanding and application of God’s Word, expect them to get excited about their relationship with our Living God. This overflow from their heart will lead then to share Him with others.
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
December 1 – 10 “I am the servant of the Lord”
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Isaiah 9:1-7 together.
Paraphrase or use only verses 6 and 7 if your children are very young.
Next, read Luke 1:26-38 together. Paraphrase the story or use only verses 26-33 if appropriate.
Points for consideration:
· God wants a personal relationship with His kids!
· He desires to involve us in His plans, and He hears the prayers of his children.
· Obedience to Him in key to pleasing Him. The results of being obedient may surprise us!
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for Who He Is and to thank Him for His Love.
An example of their praise might be, “Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to us!”
or “God, thank you that you will rule forever as King! There is no one else like you!”
Time of Prayer
Reread Luke 1:37-38.
Points for consideration:
· If God tells us He will do something, nothing is impossible for Him!
· God’s plan may not have been her plan, but Mary submitted to His Plan and trusted Him with her life. This brought God glory!
Ask your children how they think God could use them. Encourage them to think creatively. What other people do they know who have lives that look very different from most Americans? What do they notice? Are they willing to live their lives as He leads them? How are their lives bringing Him glory now? Discuss what this means.
Pray together. Encourage them to pray from their hearts rather than what they think might please you.
(Devotional copyright Mark Taft.)
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