Photo: Andy Harrington/Albuquerque Experience
The hopeful purpose of these devotionals is to offer creative ideas for living out God’s Word in fun and impactful ways as a family. Each entry has 3 parts: a Bible reference/ key verse, a background and thoughts paragraph, and suggested family activities.
Take time as a family to read the verses referenced. Then re-read the key verse and the thoughts paragraph out loud. Parents of younger children can read ahead of time and share smaller portions of the devotion. Discuss the lesson as a family allowing each person to voice their thoughts. Lastly, choose one or all activites to do as a family or make one of your own that fits you family’s personality.
Consider creating a family journal/ photo album documenting your journey through this devo. Write down thoughts, experiences, and favorite moments. Add some photos to remember these moments you share as a family. Some memories will be funny and some poignant.
Week 1. Family Day of Rest
Read Hebrews 4:9-11
Key verse: …anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.
In reading Hebrews 4, we see how important it is to rest. The key is to make every effort to enter rest together. God rested after six days of creating this amazing world. He also created our bodies and minds. He above anyone knows that rest refreshes and renews and is necessary to continue healthily on our missions. This can be accomplished by doing your own thing but then families miss the joy of having conversations and resting together. Our lives are busy, yes from infant to parent. Therefore, His promise applies to all of us. We must enter His rest. Seek God’s wisdom about your day of rest. Ask what works for your family. What is rest for individual family members? Whatever you decide to do, do it together.
Here are some ideas, or create your own:
- If reading is restful for everyone, read a book out loud and stop periodically to talk about what’s happening. Or, read individually but in the same room.
- Throw blankets on the floor, grab snacks, and watch movies together. Pause the movie and talk about what’s happening with each other.
- Cuddle up in each other’s arms and take turns talking about one experience that happened during the week.
- Taking a family stroll together seems the opposite of rest but it will actually relieve stress. Take it slow and appreciate the outdoors.
Week 2: Creative Family Worship
Read Exodus 15:1-18
Key verse: I will sing to the Lord for He is highly exalted…
This song was inspired in the spur of the moment when God took the Israelites out of slavery, through the Red Sea, and then covered the pursuing enemy with water. The people were amazed by God’s power in their lives so they wrote a song to praise Him and remember His awesome deeds.
Read this passage out loud as a family. (Theater voice is especially fun). Then write down what God has done for you that you want to celebrate and commit to memory. Select a memory and turn it into a song, poem, or poster. We often focus on what is not going well in life. This is a great way to remember God’s faithfulness in the past, worship Him, and remember that He is also faithful with our present and future.
Here are some other ideas for Creative Family Worship:
- Make your own instruments. (Instructions are on the internet.) Play along to a Psalm, hymn, or worship song.
- Turn on worship songs really loud and air sing/guitar the music.
- Illustrate or write about God’s faithfulness and frame these poems/illustrations to remember what He’s done.
- Pick a Psalm, hymn, or contemporary Christian song. Read it aloud and research what inspired the author to creatively worship God this way.
Week 3. On a Journey
Read Numbers 33:1-56
Key verse: The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover. They marched out boldly in full view of all the Egyptians…
As their journey starts with the Israelites marching boldly out, perhaps your ancestors made a bold decision to get you to where you are now. This is a good time for your family to take a genealogy journey and think about the stages that led each parent to get your family together. Parents can lead children on their individual journeys. Consider how your family got to the places where you were born, the moves you made and why, what led you to where you met, and how you came to be a family living where you are now. Where do you see God’s hand at work in making you a family?
God has a purpose in your families. Show everyone that He has a plan. Describe the journey taken to get your children in your home and together as a family.
Here are some other ideas:
- Speak with the elders in your family about where they and their ancestors lived. Why did they move? Who did they meet on their journey? Make note of God’s hand along the way.
- Use the internet for a geneology search and mark a map (global is really fun) with your family’s journey. Also note patterns like recurring names, occupations, etc. How did God get you to the place you are now?
Week 4. His Word Always
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Key verse: These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.
God is not just for Sunday. Here, we see that not only are we instructed to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” we are also instructed to share God with our children. All the time! These words are so important that the Jewish community hang them on their doorframes. How can your family share God’s word at home, along the road, at bedtime, in the morning?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Create a family crest incorporating these verses. Frame it and hang it in a prominent place.
- Brainstorm as a family when you can enjoy God time together. At the dinner table? Walking? Family devotion? Praying together before bedtime? Driving around?
- Develop a habit of reading the Bible together. Start with the verses here and then find a reading plan that fits your family, time, and temperament.
- Post a Bible verse on your door so you can read it as you go in and out. Change the verse weekly.
Week 5. Families Stick Together
Read Ruth 1:16-18
Key verse: Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.
Naomi took her daughters-in-law with her after their husbands died so that they would be cared for, but she realized that for their own good going back to their own people would give them a better life. But Ruth must have greatly loved and appreciated Naomi because she chose to stay by her side. Throughout our lives, it’s about choosing love and choosing to be with someone through thick and thin. Ruth is a wonderful study for blended families. All of us become a part of something. Circles entwine each person. Appreciating each person’s attributes makes the family one.
Try these ideas for appreciating your special family:
- Take a family photo, each person picks their favorite pose and then frames it for each other’s rooms.
- Take pictures of all of you, eyes, ears, hair, body, and feet and make a picture of all of you becoming one body.
- Make family t-shirts with a photo and the saying “I choose you!” Wear them on your next outing.
- Make and decorate beads, then string one from each family member to make necklaces or bracelets.
Week 6. Appreciate a Mother’s Heart
Read Luke 1:39-55
Key verse: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…
Obviously Elizabeth’s baby is reacting to Jesus in Mary’s womb, but these women were also mothers experiencing that joy of feeling their babies leaping for joy inside them. Mary’s song in verses 46-55 is inspired. Read it out loud to help your kids understand how much a mom feels. Share your reaction to your pregnancy, the first moments after birth and special moments in between with your children.
Here are some more ideas:
- Mom’s birthday, present a list of 10 or more things that “I love about you.”
- Kids, write a letter to mom sharing what you appreciate about her, favorite things she does, favorite moments, etc. Younger children can fill in the blanks to sentences like “My mom loves me because …” or “My mom is…” Share your letters at a favorite restaurant or location.
- Make dinner for mom or do something else that mom normally does like the dishes, cleaning, etc. so she can have a break and you can appreciate the time she gives more fully.
- 7 Days of Praise – For 7 days, give mom a note or small gift left different places around the house or car.
Week 7. Appreciate a Father’s Heart
Read Luke 1:62-80
Key verse: And the child grew and became strong in spirit…
John grew and became strong with the support of his father. Fathers bear a great responsibility, not just to love and support, but to guide and teach their children to become strong in spirit. It’s a great day for a father when a child is born to him. Fathers need to hear they are good role models, trusted to take care of things.
Here are some activities to demonstrate trust, support, and appreciation for dad:
- A fun trust activity is children falling back and Dad catching them.
- Dad, teach your kids how to do something you are good at. It may be a hobby, something around the house, a skill, etc.
- Kids, make superhero soda. Mix your own soda and add a label, “My Dad’s a Super Hero because…. or My Dad’s super power is…” Share on game day.
- Older kids can write down one thing they learned from Dad or ask him to teach them something new.
- 7 days of praise – For 7 days, Dad will find a note or small gift around the house or in his car.
Week 8. Consider Your Child’s Qualities
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Key verse: The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
We all have hopes and expectations for our children, but are they God’s? It is so tempting to measure our children by other people’s compliments and criticisms, grades, or outward appearances. Jesse didn’t even bother presenting his youngest son, David, with his other seven sons. Why? Yet David was chosen to be king and is described as being a man after God’s own heart. Let us fervently pray and ask God to see our kids through His eyes; for they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Here are some family activity ideas:
- Sit in a family group and pass a ball to each other. Whoever has the ball names something they are good at and then passes the ball to someone else. Then take turns complimenting each other’s strengths.
- Make a home collage by drawing or printing a picture of your house. Then fill it in with pictures of each family member and words representing how each person is uniquely vital to the whole family.
- Parents, look up characteristics and giftings that God values in the Bible. Constantly ask God what He has given to your child, whom did He create him/her to be, and how to parent your precious gift on loan from God.
- Keep a notebook of things you appreciate about each child and prayers you have for them.
Week 9. Leaving a Legacy
Read 1 Kings 2:1-4
Key verse: So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways…
It was so important for David to make sure his son knew everything that God had taught him. Like David, we want our children to know and understand faith in Jesus. If you knew today was your last day on Earth, what would you want to share with your children?
Take the time to share your faith, God’s promises, lessons learned, and your own legacy. Then ask your kids to think about their legacy and what they will pass down to their kids.
Activities to help with this idea:
- Present a scroll listing all the things you want to share with your children.
- Pray Bible verses for your children. Choose a special verse and write it on a card. Then share it with your child in a special way like on a date or special outing, with a gift, or on vacation.
- For older kids, ask them to write down what type of person they want to be so that they have a goal as well as legacy to leave their own kids.
- Take each child out for a special time together. It could be to their game or club event, favorite restaurant, amusement park, overnight hotel stay or any other activity your child will enjoy. Make this a regular habit.
Week 10. Be a Part of God’s Plan
Read Esther
Key verse: And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?
Esther is such a great read! If you haven’t already, read the book of Esther out loud. You can even assign parts like a play. Or watch a movie version. Then talk about the key verse 4:14 where Mordecai reminds Esther that things do not happen by accident or for our own convenience. God has placed each of us at school, work, with friends to help and be helped. Often we are so busy preparing for the future or focusing on our current wants that we miss the bigger plan and the people God put around us entirely. Remember, you are where you are for such a time as this.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Enjoy a family movie night by watching a version of the Esther story. There are many good ones for all ages! Pile up together on the couch or floor cushions with snacks, blankets, pets and any other cozy thing.
- Draw a diagram of all the places your family goes together and separately. A Venn diagram works well for this activity. Then list people and projects that are part of each area on the diagram. Consider who you can influence or share your faith with and who is influencing you. Who can you learn from and how can you be of help?
- Look at your life as a movie. Write out the big scenes or moments when God did something for you or you were asked to do something for His glory. Reflect on God’s plan in each moment.
Week 11. A Model for Our Homes
Read Psalm 23
Key verse: Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Our home is a place of goodness and love. A place where God is shepherd. We shall not want. Our home is a place of rest and restoration. A safe place. We fear no evil. In the midst of a worldly desert, our home is an oasis of green pastures and quiet waters. Helpful boundaries are set to guide our paths in righteousness. We walk these paths together. God walks with us.
- Print this Psalm and have it hanging in your house.
- Blindfold walk-as children trust you as parents, they can also learn to trust God as this Psalm says. Go to places to match the verses–outside, near water, in a dark place, and lead your blindfolded children in safety.
- Younger kids, make a puzzle out of the verses and put the puzzle together as a family. Color/draw a picture to go with each verse.
- Research a “shepherd’s perspective” on this Psalm.
Week 12. Gladness of Heart
Read Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
Key verse: Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.
Ecclesiastes is awesome! Solomon spells out in this book that nothing satisfies like a relationship with our Father. We can have wisdom, pleasures, jobs, titles, and stuff, but we are not satisified. We complain about what we have and don’t have. We are never satisfied. Once, my younger son asked why toys look so shiny in the store, but when he brings them home they just look dull like all his other stuff. Only a relationship with our Creator can fulfill us and give us contentment with our lot in life. Contentment is a Godly gift worth having because it doesn’t depend on circumstances but on focus. As a family, pray and ask God for His gift of contentment. Your heavenly Father who gives all good things is willing.
Here are some family activities to help our focus:
- Set up a “No Complaining Zone” in your home.
- Give your child a gift wrapped box labeled, To:___, From: God. Inside the box place a little figurine or card with the word “contentment.” Explain what contentment is and ask your child if s/he is willing to receive this gift from God.
- For older children, enjoy a family Bible study of Ecclesiastes. List what things Solomon pursued and found dissatisfying. Discuss your findings as a family.
- Watch a real life story about someone who learned contentment through tragedy or trial.
Week 13. Seek God with Your Whole Heart
Read Jeremiah 29:11-14
Key verse: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Some days it feels like hide and seek when we come and go to God, when we need Him and when we don’t. Our families need to remember that when we seek Him with our whole heart, He will be found every time. Just as they sought, you also can seek God with fun and joy and enthusiasm, with all your heart. Why? Because He has great plans for each one of you!
Activity ideas to help:
- Play Hide and Seek, Laser tag, Flashlight Tag, or another version of this game your family enjoys.
- Enjoy a week of hiding gifts for each other.
- Make paper mache hearts and write Jeremiah 29:13 on them as a reminder to seek God with all your heart. Hang them through the house.
- Parents, share the plans that God has already worked out in your lives with family, job, house, provisions, etc. Also share other important experiences when God found you and brought you back to Him after you sought Him with all your heart.
Week 14. Joy- Faith not Feeling
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19
Key verse: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.
If you read Habakkuk’s story, you will see that everything is wrong, not just for him personally, but in the world. He begs and pleads with God to do something…God answers. The verse above is Habakkuk’s response to God’s answer. A reminder that He is in control despite what it seems at present. Have you ever been in Habakkuk’s shoes? Have you ever yelled out in the silence or chaos wondering if God is even there and if so, why doesn’t He do something? Can you rejoice, be joyful in God your Savior because you have faith that He is in control and hears your cries? Or do you only rejoice when you feel like it?
Rejoice icebreakers:
- Disappointment Jar – Get a large jar and encourage family members to drop a coin in it whenever they feel disappointed. When the jar is full, redeem all that disappointment for a joyful experience like a vacation, family night out, charity event, etc.
- Fold a paper in half. Record needs on one side, answers on the other. Add dates so you have written records of God’s faithfulness.
- Make a fill in the blank worksheet using this verse. “Though the __does not__and there are no__on the __…” Then fill in the blanks with present needs for a more serious exercise or with random nouns and verbs like Mad Libs for a light-hearted activity.
Week 15. Who’s in Your Family Tree?
Read Matthew 1:1-17
Key verse: Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.
Of course we remember our immediate family, but why do you think it was important to list all the genealogy of Jesus? Everyone down the line is important, just as everyone in our family is important from brothers and sisters to aunts and uncles and cousins to parents and grandparents.
Start by creating a family tree, listing everyone in your family. Is there someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while? How can you keep in love with all your family members?
Here are some activities to help:
- Create a Family Tree.
- Create an online family page where family may post pics and updates of what they’re up to.
- Create an Extended Family Can: Put every family member’s name in a can. Once a week or once a month, choose a name from the can and do something special for that person. Send a card from the whole family with a picture, “thinking of you,” send flowers, or cook a meal if s/he lives close by.
- Each Christmas, make a stocking or ornament for each member of your tree.
- Create Jesus’ family tree and research the entries.
Week 16. Don’t Worry
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Key verse: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Such a beautiful passage of Scripture, but for many, it seems impossible to apply. How can we stop worrying and really trust God to get us through when nothing is going right? Jobs are lost; loved ones are sick and dying; bills go unpaid; people are mean; homes are destroyed; marriages dissolve, and children leave. Look at the birds of the air. Consider the lilies of the field. Perhaps the first practical step is to consider the eternal and natural order of things that God takes care of without any effort from us. Do not worry about tomorrow; each day has enough trouble of its own. Step two; watch how God carries you through today alone. Take note so you can trust Him with tomorrow. How wonderful it is to learn this as parents and model dependence/trust in God for our children. Peace is a great legacy.
- Write or draw something that worries you then tie those worries to helium balloons and watch them float away.
- Look up verses about worry/peace. Write favorites on colorful cards and hang them throughout the house.
- Volunteer. Helping others is a great way to decrease your own anxiety.
- Read the poem, “Footsteps.” Make it personal by coloring/collaging your own version.
- Take a nature walk to consider the birds and lilies. Then read this Scripture again during a picnic or snack break.
Week 17. Family of Harvesters
Read Matthew 9:36-38
Key verse: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.
There are many people all around us who are lost, sick, helpless and in need of compassion. We each have the power to help through our Lord Jesus. Take the time this week to make a list of people whom you know in your circle who need to hear the Gospel and pray for them. God has placed us purposefully and purposely where we are now; so, who can you reach out to together?
Activities to help get you in the harvest field:
- Expand your circle and figure out as a family how you can serve your neighbors, friends, community, etc.
- Talk about specific skills you have and those you’d like to develop. Then find out how you can put those skills to work in your church. Perhaps become family greeters once a month.
- Take a picture of a corn field or draw a field of corn and write names on the stalks. (If you aren’t near a corn field, try a forest or get down and take a picture of the blades of grass in a lawn). Add names of people you meet or think of as you go through the weeks. Visit a corn maze, forest, or community garden to get a good visual of the enormity of people who need prayer and God’s love. Take a picnic and enjoy the day as a family brainstorming ways to help others.
Week 18. What’s on Your Back?
Read Matthew 11:28-30
Key verse: My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Coming to Jesus for gentle, humble rest is a lesson best learned early. What do you talk about these days? How to fit everything in? How if you add one more thing to your plate, you are going to scream? Everything seems so important at the time, but is it really? Did Jesus ever intend for us to be running around stressed and stretched to capacity? How would you feel hearing your kids talk about how frazzled and tense they are? Allowing Jesus to screen activities is so helpful. Ask Him what to say yes and no to. There is so much we all want to do, but we don’t have to do it all this month. Remember, there is a time and season for every activity under heaven.
What can you do as a family to lighten your burden?
- Sit in a family circle and massage each other’s backs.
- Show your child a yoke online. See how big and heavy it is? Then discuss these verses as a family.
- Declutter your schedule by getting together as a family and eliminating or cutting back activities. Enjoy this newly opened space for alone time or family fun.
- Go to a local hotel quarterly (or whatever suits your family) for an overnighter. Enjoy the pool, room service, sleeping in, breakfast in the morning, and see how refreshed and close you feel after this mini retreat from the world.
Week 19. Parable of the Sower
Read Luke 8:4-15
Key verse: But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Jesus is explaining how easy it is for His word to get lost in this world. For some, they hear it but allow it to be stolen, and nothing sticks. For others they know and love the word but only for a while so when all isn’t perfect, they give up on Him and turn away. But we want the good soil, soil that hears it, loves it, and applies it so that we grow tall in spirit.
Which seed are you? Are you feeling choked out in your faith? It’s never too late to begin good soil. Even if a plant is struggling, you can add fertilizer. Similarly, you can increase your faith with reading and talking about God’s word and praying to Him.
- Plant a little garden together. Get three trays of plants and plant one in rock, one in good soil, and one with barely any soil for the path. Watch progress.
- For younger kids, find a picture of a tree or a flower and tape or glue a seed to the bottom. Write on the picture, “This is (child’s name)’s seed. It is in good soil.” Then hang the picture in their room.
- Discuss with older kids the meaning of this parable. How are we going to use the word of God inside us? How can we protect our seed from whatever is around us choking or plucking our faith away?
Week 20. Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Read Matthew 16:13-20
Key verse: Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus is described as many things these days. Back then, people had conflicting ideas as well. Some thought He was John the Baptist or Elijah. Others said He was Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Take time as a family to write down what you hear other people say about Jesus. Then share the truth. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus told Simon he was blessed for understanding what is only revealed by God, not man. This is a good opportunity, parents, to share your testimony and ask your children if they also want to name Jesus as Christ. If your family does not know who Jesus is but would like to learn more, call a local church and talk to a pastor, watch a Bible series together, and/or read through the book of John in the Bible.
Here are some fun activites to reinforce this lesson:
- Play a game of charades in which you have to guess Bible characters including Jesus.
- Watch Lee Strobel’s video, A Case for Christ. Lee Strobel was an atheist journalist who set out to prove his wife’s faith false and ended up believing.
- For younger kids, create a picture book or poster capturing who they think Jesus is. Is He a friend, protector, miracle maker, etc?
- As a family, read about Jesus in the gospels or watch historical documentaries about His life. Check Christian sites for resources.
Week 21. Like Little Children
Read Matthew 18:1-6
Key verse : Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them.
Jesus makes it plain that a child-like faith is exactly the type of faith He wants from all of us no matter how old we are. It is not greatness or prestige that Jesus highlights but the humility of a little child. Notice the rest of the verses. See the warning in verse 6. Discuss as a family what Jesus is saying here. What needs to be confessed? What needs to be highlighted and praised? What needs to be protected? What is the essence of childhood that Jesus wants us to hold on to?”
Activities to help:
- Pass out something babyish like pacifier candy or baby food jars (unlabeled if you are adventurous). Look at baby books or videos reminisce as a family and thank God for His care.
- Fill baby bottles with water or Kool Aid and have a contest to see who can empty them the fastest.
- Visit Chuckee Cheese or some fun kid place and pretend to be kids again as a family.
Week 22. Jesus Blesses Children
Read Mark 10:13-16
Key verse: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Can you imagine telling your child or anyone to get away from Jesus and stop bothering Him? Well, it happened. This beautiful passage of Scripture where Jesus places His hands on the children has been captured in many paintings, poems, and stories. Wouldn’t we all love to step forward and have our Savior touch our heads like this verse describes? Fortunately we now have the Holy Spirit speaking to us, but one day, we will be with Jesus again; so, let us prayerfully consider as parents how we can help rather than hinder our children’s faith.
Here are a few ideas:
- Photoshop or paste a picture of Jesus putting his hand on your child. Print out the picture and let your child add details and his/her signature.
- Set your children apart and show that they belong to your family and God’s in a special way. Anoint your kids with oil and pray for them as was done for the kings and priests in the Bible.
- Write each child love letters and hide them around the house. Affixing treats occasionally is also appreciated.
- Learn your child’s love language. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell is a great resource. Blessings are better understood when spoken in ways we understand.
Week 23. Two Sons
Read Matthew 21:28-31
Key verse: Which of the two did what his father wanted?
The first son said he wouldn’t go but later obeyed his father. The other son answered affirmatively but did not do what he was told. Sound familiar? Sometimes kids grumble first but obey anyway. Then their attitude is criticized. Sometimes children get away with disobedience because they are so cute or pleasant acting. As a family, we work together and play together. What do we notice about each other and praise? What do we notice and criticize? How can we use these verses as a family to honor God in our attitudes and obedience? Let your yes be yes and your no, no. We are a family of strong character with neither one lacking by God’s grace!
Activities to help:
- Make a chore chart or try a job jar where every child picks a job for the week and then exchanges it for a different job the next. Even toddlers can help out around the house.
- Play the “Find It/Do It” game. For example, challenge each other to find 3 things that are fuzzy, red, cold, etc. or do an activity like stack cups, eat M&M’s with your tongue, etc. in 60 seconds.
- Play “Quick Clean” in one room. Each person gets a task to clean something. Set a timer and race to get that room spick and span.
Week 24. Family Communion
Read Luke 22:7-21
Key verse: Do this in remembrance of me.
Communion can seem like a strange, mystical event for people who are new to it. As a child, communion simply meant that my dolls got a few more cups for their pantry. And surely I was not the only child who had no clue what was going on. Yet, Christ urges His disciples to continue what we call Communinion to remember Him. Little did the disciples know at the time that Jesus was urging them to remember His sacrifice, giving His body and blood so that sin can be forgiven. Jesus also connects this important supper with another, the Passover Feast. Jesus and His disciples were actually meeting to remember another time that God saved His people as is chronicled in Exodus 12. This is a good opportunity to read the various discriptions of The Last Supper as a family and share with your children the meaning or remembrance behind the actions.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Read the other accounts of the Last Supper in Matthew 26:17-3 and Mark 13:12-26.
- Read about the Passover in Exodus 12. Ask why God urged His people to celebrate this event each year. What else does He want remembered? How is Jesus the ultimate sacrificial Passover lamb?
- Look up different Communion styles or talk about different ways you have experienced Communion. Then, celebrate communion as a family. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 is a good reference.
Week 25. Tell God
Read Luke 17:11-19
Key verse : Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
Jesus is always so gracious to us, loving us, leading and guiding us, and blessing us with many things. Here Jesus heals 10 people, but only one returns to thank Him and show His gratitutde for this wonderful gift.
Get into the habit of saying thank you, of expressing gratitude and appreciation. Learn to thank each other and have a thankful spirit, not just within your family but toward coaches, teachers, pastors, and everyone who cares and blesses you especially God.
- Come up with creative ways to say thank you to those we take for granted. Make cookies, treats, or cards for those people.
- Thankful tree – Put the names of people whom you need to thank on slips of paper. After thanking them, tape the papers to the tree.
- For little ones, whenever they remember to say thank you, give them a sticker to reinforce the habit.
- Gratitude Journal. Everyone can keep a gratitude journal. Every night think about your day– list who and what you are thankful for. Be specific–an easy commute, sunset, favorite lunch, a compliment.
Week 26. Servant Leadership
Read John 13:3-17
Key verse: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
What a famous example of servant leadership! Jesus washed His disciples’ feet during the Passover feast that we now celebrate as Communion. Already the disciples have argued about who is best, who Jesus should love most. Already they have made rash statements about what they would do for Jesus. But Jesus set the example for them. He is the King of kings, yet He performed the duty of a low household servant. How differently Jesus behaves from the world.
Consider these activities for refreshing your family’s perspectives on leadership:
- Enjoy a family evening washing each other’s feet after a long day. Follow this up with a cozy movie about a Christian servant leader.
- Ask God each morning for an opportunity to serve. At dinner, take turns sharing what happened.
- For older children, study Jesus’ character: His leadership, values, teaching style. How can we follow His example? Remember, not everyone is a born leader, but everyone can serve, share faith, and lead people to Christ.
- For little ones, write down their description of a king. Then write their description of Jesus. Share the difference between what Jesus, the King of kings, values and what people value.
Week 27. Which Part of the Body Are You?
Read 1Corinthians 12: 18-27
Key verse: Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians that each person is important and necessary. Just as our own body needs every part, we need each other. We can sure feel this in our families, can’t we! We cannot do without each other. If one suffers, we all feel the hurt. If one rejoices, we all want to celebrate. Let’s live up to this and not be found wanting!
Some activities to help:
- Try to do things with a body part missing. The sillier the better. Blindfolded, tie your shoe with one hand or with no fingers. Go to the kitchen and bring back a snack, but you can’t use your feet. Make a peanut butter sandwich, but you can only use your mouth.
- Draw a chalk outline of each family member’s body. Inside each outline, take turns writing what that person is good at. Then think about how these gifts can be used in service for God’s glory for your family, community, and world.
- Relate this wisdom to your church. List each family member’s gifts and see how you can serve together. There are spiritual gifts tests and lessons that will help online.
- Talk about what part each of your children plays in your family. Share what you value in each of them. Doing this during a special meal or day will add to the moment.
Week 28. Pattern for Life
Read Romans 12:9-21
Key verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Living a life of faith in this world can be confusing and frustrating, especially when we take our eyes off Jesus and look to the people around us to be our patterns for life. Believer or not, who wouldn’t benefit from practicing these principles? Love sincerely. Honor others above yourselves. Be patient in affliction. Do not be conceited. Live at peace with everyone. Overcome evil with good. Wouldn’t we love to see these quailities in our children? Families can use these verses not as a guilt checklist but as a model of behavior that strengthens our relationship with Christ.
Here are some ideas to keep these verses fresh:
- Write each concept from these verses on separate tiles, paper squares, or fabric squares depending on what your family enjoys. The tiles can be put together to form a colorful mosaic for a wall or table top. The paper or fabric squares can be put together for a poster or crazy quilt.
- Decoupage a tray or large bowl with the words of these verses cut out from magazines or printed in different fonts from the computer. Use this as your family popcorn or snack bowl. It will serve as a great reminder as well as a fun project.
- Write each concept on small slips of paper and then act them out.
Week 29. Armor Your Family
Read Ephesians 6:10-18
Key verse: Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Paul is encouraging the Ephesians that God is the source of their protection. We can still count on Him for protection, giving us tools to do and say the right thing. People will always battle against us on the playground, in groups, at work, and even at church. Someone will push you down; say mean things to you or about you. Having God’s armor on will help us respond in a Godly way and protect our hearts from lasting damage. Remember, our battle isn’t just against flesh and blood.
Here are some activites:
- Create your own armor. Use cardboard pieces, paper, etc. and then dress each other. If you have a dressing chart, add a picture of the armor for each piece to help children remember these verses.
- Practice in the morning while getting dressed. Everyone no matter the age can participate in this exercise. Your shirt could be your breastplate of righteousness; your shoes make your feet fitted with readiness. A kid’s backpack could be a shield of faith, etc. This will help everyone put on God’s armor daily. Ask each other throughout the week which part of their armor did they use.
- Create a prayer journal. Pray for those who hurt you or a person who is hard to get along with.
Week 30. Contentment
Read Philippians 4:11-13
Key verse: I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
How, like Paul, I wish I could say the same. Unfortunately, my attitude is still very much affected by how my day is going, how people treat me, what I do and don’t have, how well projects are going, etc. Even more unfortunate is the way my children follow my example. Somehow, it seemed understandable when only I raged against injustices or worried about finances. How, Oh Lord, can I learn to be content in any and every situation? What does that even look like? What is the secret?
Here are a few helpful suggestions:
- Read Little House on the Prairie or another story about people in a difficult situation. Discuss as a family what made them content.
- Make dinner, a snack, or a craft using only items you have on hand. Then enjoy it or give it away.
- Practice being grateful for what you have. Share things you’re grateful for during family dinner.
- For younger children, make a contentment paper loop chain. When feeling upset, they can tear off a loop and bring it to a parent. Then the parent can talk them through their discontentment. You can also shred the loop and use it for party confetti later.
- Enjoy a white elephant gift exchange. Wrap up silly, ridiculous things for each family member to choose. Then when each person has a gift, they have to say something really great about it even though it’s silly and ridiculous.
- Great books on this subject are A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and Satisfied by Jeff Manion.
Week 31. Encourage Each Other
Read Hebrews 10:24-25
Key verse: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Now we know we can’t earn a place in heaven just by doing good deeds; only Christ Who died for us has given us that ticket. However, He does want us to love each other as much as He loves us. Christ died for us. When we encourage others as a family, we connect more deeply. And when we personally encourage each family member, we become a unified team that can withstand any outside strife.
Activities to help:
- Enjoy a family meal daily if possible, otherwise once or twice a week. Make it special by setting the table with nice dishes and napkins. Allow each person to talk about their day. Everyone needs that connection. Invite extended family as well if they live close. This is a wonderful time to encourage each other.
- To help us learn, grow, and stay in that love start a 6 week Bible study. Invite friends and neighbors. Being connected with people will allow you to see the needs of others.
- What can you do for someone in need of a good deed?
Week 32. Love & Hospitality
Read 1 Peter 4:8-9
Key verse: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Back when there were no microwaves, pre-made meals, and dishwashers, my parents shared dinner with neighbors regularly. Now that I have all the conveniences to make dinner parties a breeze, I rarely think to invite people over. Why is that? If your family breaks bread with friends and neighbors, good for you! Isn’t it wonderful the way love and friendships grow as you eat together? Having that other family or families that support and encourage your children is so helpful. It provides more adults cheering them on; it shows them how to open their lives and encourage others as well. As these verses go on to say, we all have gifts to share for God’s glory, and if hospitality isn’t yours, well, try some of these ideas or come up with some that fit your family’s temperament.
- Breakfast in bed chain. Make breakfast in bed for someone and leave it with a note saying, “You’ve been shown hospitality; tomorrow show hospitality to ___”. Keep going until everyone has a turn.
- Start a 6 week Bible study, book club, sights-around-town club, movie group, jogging team, etc. Invite friends and neighbors to join you.
- Host a progressive dinner by inviting 4-5 families to make one part of a meal. For example, one family provides appetizers; another provides a main meal, and another provides desserts. This is fun with neighbors because you can simply walk from house to house, eat, chat, and play games as you go.
50 MORE Family Activities
- Bike Ride
- Attend a Sporting Event
- See a Play at a Local High School
- Tour a College
- Have lunch with Dad and/or Mom at Work
- Dad’s Choice
- Mom’s Choice
- Kid’s Choice
- Picnic in the Park
- Sunday Drive
- Board Game Night
- Video Game Challenge Night
- Craft Night
- Movie Night
- Read Story Together
- Create a Story Together
- Build a Tent inside with Blankets
- Backyard Camp Out
- Stargazing Adventure
- Photo Game (Run around neighborhood capturing objects A- Z and enjoy a slide show)
- Backyard Movie
- Nature Hike
- Zoo
- Dollar Theatre
- Cook a Meal Together
- Volunteer at Local Outreach
- Gather Clothes/ Toys and Donate to Shelter
- Plan a Food Drive, Box and Donate to Shelter
- Volunteer at Animal Shelter
- Draw Some Fun (each person writes one fun thing down on a slip of paper and puts it in a bowl, draw weekly or monthly until all activities are done)
- Foot Rub Train or Back Rub Train (Everyone rubs and takes turns telling one anecdote of his/her day.)
- Make Pictures out of the Clouds
- Rake Leaves or Plant Flowers
- Build Something for Your Yard (birdhouse or a table)
- Do a Nice Thing for a Neighbor
- Make Cookies for Grandparent or Other Relatives
- Make Handmade Cards for Kids at the Hospital
- Red Napkin Dinner (whoever has napkin shares one neat thing that happened to them that day)
- Family Adventure Night
- Swim Date
- Surprise Mystery Night
- Invent Your Own Family Holiday with Costumes and Food
- Invent Your Own Language
- Dinosaur Dig (or whatever kids are interested in–make it happen in the backyard)
- Breakfast for Dinner and Dinner for Breakfast
- Backwards Day
- Sunday Sundae
- Act Out Picture Books
- Celebrate a Happy Unbirthday
- Bury a Family Time Capsule
Finding His Footsteps 