Sunday, June 11, 2017

Summer Kid's Devotional Series


This summer began for us with the advent of two young guests.  They’ll stay a couple of weeks and then head off to their grandma’s.  I warned their dad before they arrived that they should be ready for morning devos!  

Morning devotionals are a summertime tradition at my house.  For my homeschooler, during the school year, Bible is an academic subject.  My public school teen and I talk about how to apply God’s principles to her school life all the time.  But when the rigors of school are over, when summer slows everything down, we take a few minutes everyday after breakfast and read the Bible together.  We memorize God’s Word and think His thoughts after Him.  


These moments are precious.  For me they offer insight into my children’s spiritual development and opportunities to address the questions and subjects on their minds.  It also offers me the chance to confess to them.  As we talk, I can be first to admit my failings.  Children  and teens can easily feel isolated and overwhelmed in their struggle against sin. Although they see our faults all too clearly, it isn’t always easy for them to see that we acknowledge that these are sins to be repented and confessed.

For the kids the blessings are abundant.  Devotionals help them get their day started with a regular scheduled time with God a habit we hope they carry into adulthood.  They bring ideas in front of them that might not come up in Sunday School.  They allow children and teens to interact directly with the Word (as opposed to a story/lesson book) and gives them an opportunity to have spiritual conversations with their parents. These morning times with God put kids in a different frame of mind. 

This summer the kids (right now all 4 of them! I am sending all my respect right now to you mothers of larger families!!!!) and I are working in Colossians.  We have begun by memorizing Colossians 3:1-4 (See the note below for some awesome links to help you get started on your memorization journey!).

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)


I want to be seeking the things above as the verse says.  I want my kids minds to be pointed heavenward where Christ is.  The best way I know to make that happen is to be studying with them.  I would love for you have the chance to do that with your kids too.  So this summer I will be posting a series of short devotionals that will include the scripture we are studying, questions for you and the kids, and particular insights we gleaned from our study.  

We did this last year with “6 Short Kids Devotionals from Daniel." So if you are ready to get started with devotionals and don’t want to wait as the Colossians posts come out one by one, go for it!  

If you want to make sure not to miss any of the posts, send me an email (maidservantsofchrist@gmail.com) with the subject “Summer Devo Series” and I’ll be sure you get an email letting you know when each one comes out.  And of course you are always welcome to subscribe.  Use the box above on the right, or if you want email me at maidservantsofchrist@gmail.com!  

Until our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed in glory!



Helene



PS. I know how hard memorization can be. And how discouraging!  So I reached out to some bloggers I care about and came up with these great links.


10 Bible Memorization Tips That Won't Take All Day

Making Colorful Scripture Cards

5 Better Ways to Memorize Scripture

Scripture Challenge!




SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

9 comments:

  1. When my kids were little, we used the NIV Kids Club videos which actually sing their way through most of Colossians 3. I found that to be so helpful. Definitely important for kids to be memorizing and getting that habit established. (And it comes so easily for them, too!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! How I had missed that? I had never heard of NIV Kid's Club! We have been enjoying Hannah's Hundred which looks to be really similar! http://maidservantsofchrist.blogspot.com/2017/05/hannahs-hundred-review.html

      Delete
  2. Spending time with the children in devotions are so important to their spiritual development. I hope you will share with us on the #LMMLinkup this week. http://maryanderingcreatively.com/lmmlinkup-summer-time-fun/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh fantastic! I'll hop over right now!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a wonderful idea, Helene! Continuing Bible study as a family through the summer is probably something that few families do, but all should. What a tremendous way to make a life-changing impact in your kids (and maybe the parents, too!)!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love that Helene. I need to start that with my grands. The oldest is 3.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a great idea. I love that you are keeping learning a part of your children's daily routine in the summer. Plus, diving deeper into the Bible together is a great way to grow together in faith. Happy Summer!
    #twinklytuesday

    ReplyDelete
  7. Devotion time has always been one of my favorite things to do with my kids. :) Thanks for linking up with us at Literacy Musing Mondays!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday

    ReplyDelete