Hello RezParents and RezGrandparents -
Here we are, entering the last month of the first quarter of 2021! How did March go? Were you able to implement a family devotion time?
“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
In context, this scripture is part of several verses where God is commanding Joshua to prepare to lead His people into the promised land just after Moses died. God was encouraging Joshua and assuring him that He would be with him as he endeavored to carry out the Lord’s Will.
I imagine Joshua felt intimidated following in the footsteps of Moses. I imagine he felt inept to carry that load or to be a part of such a big endeavor. He was charged with leading God’s chosen people into the promised land.
I’m not sure about you, but I, at times, feel this way about parenting. I feel inept to carry the load or to be a part of such a big endeavor. We, as parents, are charged with leading God’s children to the “promised land”….to HIM. I imagine God looking down and saying “It’s a big job, but somebody’s got to do it. And I’ve chosen you.”
I’m kidding. Partially. He may not say that to us, but He has chosen you to parent your child, or children. He has equipped you for the task and journey. And He will not, ever, leave you to do it on your own. Phew! So Mommy, Daddy, Mom, Dad, Nana, Papa….be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever parenting takes you.
Below are a few resources for you to use in April and beyond.
Parent Resources:
To Read: The Lifegiving Parent by Sally Clarkson & Clay Clarkson
In today’s world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and even paralyzed by the constant flow of parenting advice. We’re flooded with so much practical information that we wonder if we’re choosing the right way. And we may be missing the one thing God really wants us to give to our children: His life. God doesn’t include a divine methodology for parenting in the Bible, but He does provide principles that can enable any faithful parent to bring His life into the life of their home.
In The Lifegiving Parent, respected authors and parents Clay and Sally Clarkson explore eight key principles―heartbeats of lifegiving parenting―to shed light on what it means to create a home where your children will experience the living God in your family. Now parents of four grown children―each with their own unique personality and gifts―Sally and Clay have learned (sometimes the hard way!) that the key to shaping a heart begins at home as you foster a deep and thoughtful God-infused relationship with each child. Filled with biblical insight and classic Clarkson stories, The Lifegiving Parent will equip you with the tools and wisdom you need to give your children much more than just a good Christian life. You’ll give them the life of Christ.
Spiritual Formation: Dive in! Go Deep with God…by Understanding His Word by A. L. Rogers
Kids have a natural enthusiasm and passion to learn, so give them the tools they need to go deep with God. A companion to Barbour’s Dive In! Kids’ Study Bible, this devotional collection addresses 101 topics vital to Christian living, with entries such as
Dive In! to Faith
Dive In! to Prayer
Dive In! to Walk with God
Dive In! to Enjoy Creation
Dive In! to Trust the Lord
Written especially for 8–12-year-olds, these devotions offer you needed guidance for living. And each entry concludes with references for further study, plus basic instruction on how you can understand scripture for yourself.
I have used this devotion with my own kids and have found it’s a great, easily readable, resource for helping them learn the language of the Bible as well as form a foundation of truth. What better way to initiate a relationship between your children and the Father than by reading His Word! In fact, reading the Word, aka Treasure Hunting, is a core value of Resurrection Church. The author states this devotion book is great for ages 8-12, however I would say it’s possible some children as young as six years old can benefit from the content.
Technology: Bible App for Kids
This App is the newest member of the YouVersion family of apps.
Through interactive adventures and beautiful animation, kids explore the big stories of the Bible. The Bible App for Kids is a delight-filled experience designed to encourage kids to return again and again. It’s the beginning of a lifelong love of God’s Word.
Easy, kid-friendly navigation
Colorful illustrations
Touch-activated animations
Engaging, interactive content that brings the Bible to life
Fun facts and activities designed to help kids remember what they learn
Special challenges that let kids earn rewards
This app is available in the app store on your device.
Motivation:
Establish a deep connection with your child(ren).
Learn practice ways to share God with your children.
Further enhance your family devotion time
Fill the “downtime” with a fun app geared toward helping your children learn the Bible
Action Steps:
Purchase The Lifegiving Parent from the link above or check it out from your library.
Purchase or check out Dive in! Going Deep with God.
Set aside time for your child to have personal devotion time, or use the devotion book during your family devotion.
Be consistent! This portrays the importance of prioritizing Word to your children.
Download the Bible App for Kids on your device to have it ready to go.
Ok, take a few moments and look over these action steps. Add some, or all, to your planner to ensure you make progress on these steps this week so you are prepared to implement these tools and resources in April.
I would really love to hear how you are using the resources in your family. Do you have a testimony or story of how God is working in your family? Let me know, I’d like to celebrate with you!
“Life is too short and too meaningful to coast through. The good you do today has the potential to change generations. —Lara Casey
Blessings,
Mandy Seymour
Childrens Minister
mandy@rezfaith.com
