Thursday, March 14, 2013

Happy to Be Humble

Happy to Be Humble

Play:  Have your child describe to you what their day would be like as a famous person (movie star, athlete, political figure).  How would they use their money, fame, and power?

Relay:  We sometimes think that the blessed people are those with a lot of money, fame, or power.  However, Jesus said that the happiest people are those who do not think if themselves as great, mighty, or wonderful (Matthew 5:3).  Rather, they know that God is the One who is to be admired.  This is called humility.  Jesus preached that these are the people who are a part of His kingdom.  Money may not buy happiness, but humility will result in blessing.

Obey:

Why do you think money, fame, and power can keep us away from God?

What is humility?

How do you think you become more humble?

Pray: Ask God to help you be humble and recognize how great God is.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 5:3

Monday, March 11, 2013

God Will Always Love You

God Will Always Love You

Scripture of the Day: Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

Play: Have your child draw a picture of what they think God’s love looks like.
Relay:  God made a promise to His people that He would always love them and would always be with them (Deuteronomy 7:9).  He gave them this promise, not because they were bigger or smarter or better than other people, but He did this because He loved them. As Christians, God continues the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.  All He asks for us in return is that we love Him and obey Him.
Obey:
What does it mean for God to be faithful?
How long do you think a thousand generations is?
Why do you think God asks for our love and obedience?
How can you show that you love God this week?
Pray: Thank God for His forever love and ask Him to help you show love back to Him.

Friday, March 8, 2013

God of All Comfort

God of All Comfort
Play: Have you child act out five scenarios where they would need to be comforted.  Ask them how they would like to be comforted in each situation.
Relay: We all go through hard times in life.  We fall and scrape our knee or someone hurts our feelings.  We might be made fun of or even experience a death of a loved one.  The Bible says that God is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This means that He will always help us when we are hurting; no matter what it is that is hurting us He helps us and as a result, we can help others.
Obey:
What does it mean to be comforted?
How does God comfort us?
How can you comfort others?
Pray: Thank God for being a God who always comforts us,
Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Faithful in Service

Faithful in Service
Play: At the beginning of the day, give your children something of little value to take care of for the day.  During your family moments, ask each child to tell how they cared for that item.
Relay: Sometimes we are asked to do a job that may not seem important in our eyes.  However, everything we do is important to God.  Therefore, we should not look at how big, important, or glamorous, a task is, but rather how great our God for whom we are serving the task. When we are faithful and do a good job with the small tasks that God gives us, He will give us more responsibility because we have shown ourselves to be faithful (Matthew 25:23).
Pray:  Thank God for giving you opportunities to work for Him.
Scripture of the Day: Matthew 25:23 - His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Being Obedient

Being Obedient
Play: Have your children make up a story about a master and his servant.  Give them two minutes and they have to use the words “master” “love” “servant” and “obey.” The story must have a beginning, a problem, and a solution.  See how creative their stories can be!
Relay: Even though we use the same words, not every story is the same.  God has a different story designed for each of our lives.  Yet, there are guidelines for each of us to follow.  As Jesus’ servants, we are to obey our Master.  Jesus told His disciples that if they loved Him, then they would obey His commands (John 14:15).  We show our love for Jesus by obeying what He has told us to do through Scripture.  
Obey: 
What is a way you have obeyed Jesus today?
How can you be more obedient to the commands of Scripture?
Pray: Thank God for giving us His commands through the Bible.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Being Grateful

Being Grateful
Play: Have your children talk about the nicest thing someone has done for them this week (for example, a friend dug through the trash to help find a lost toy).
 Relay: When someone does something nice and unexpected, it makes us feel grateful.  We appreciate what they did because we know it took time, energy, and resources.  Many times after someone does something for us, we want to do something nice for them.  The Bible says that we love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).  This means that because we experienced God’s love first, we want to show His love to others because we are thankful. 
Obey:
How can you show God’s love to others?
What does it mean to be grateful?
What sometimes keeps us from showing God how grateful we are for His love?
Pray: Ask God to help show you ways to show love through His example of His love for you.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Obeying Your Parents

Obeying your Parents
Play:  Play a game of “Mother/Father May I.”  After the game, have your children talk about what was easy and what was hard about the game.  If you don’t know how to play, a quick search on Google will give you the rules.  J
Relay:  When we were playing Mother May I, obedience was the key to winning the game.  The Bible teaches about the importance of children obeying their parents.  In Colossians 3:20, Paul tells children to obey their parents in EVERYTHING.  The reason he gives these instructions is because when we obey our parents, it pleases God.
Obey:
What does it mean to obey?
Why do you think we are to obey our parents in everything?
What areas do you have a hard time obeying your parents?
Pray: Ask God to help you obey your parents every day.
Scripture of the Day: Colossians 3:20

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Always Rejoice

Always Rejoice!
Play:  Take a deck of cards and deal them out to everyone in your family.  Have everyone flip a card over at the same time.  The person with the highest card “wins.”  The winner is then to give a “shout out” to God and praise him for something he has done.  You can continue as many rounds as you would like.
Relay:  Did it feel good to win?  When you won, you shouted praise to God.  But God does not want us to only rejoice in Him when things go well; He wants us to rejoice in Him ALL the time (Philippians 4:4).  Sometimes you might not feel like rejoicing (when you are sick, you didn’t make a team, you had a bad day at school, etc.), but you can always find a reason to rejoice.  Jesus died and rose again!  That is the best reason of all!
Obey:
What does it mean to rejoice?
Why might you not sometimes feel like rejoicing?
Why does God want us to rejoice all the time?
Pray:  Ask God to help you rejoice in Him all day every day.
Scripture of the Day: Philippians 4:4

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Gentleness to All

Gentleness to All
Play:  Have your family play a game of dodge ball with cotton balls. 
Relay:  Think about the game of dodge ball.  The purpose of the game is to hit as many people as you can with a kickball.  The game is aggressive and powerful.  Now, think about how it was playing dodge ball with cotton balls.  It gave the game a difference feel didn’t it?  The Bible tells us that our gentleness should be evident to all.  This means, that no one should have to look for us to be kind, patient, or nice.  Instead, it should be one of the first things people see in us!
Obey:
Would one of the first words people use to describe you be gentle?  Why or why not?
How can we display gentleness to all?
Why is important to be gentle with others
Scripture of the Day:  Philippians 4:5

Monday, February 11, 2013

Wisdom Under Pressure

Topic: Wisdom under Pressure
Play: Give your children a “pop quiz” using spelling words, current events, math facts, etc.  Make sure you ask the questions at a fast pace, providing an environment of intensity.
Relay: Did you feel a little bit of pressure or tongue tied trying to answer all the questions?  Sometimes as Christians, we will be questioned about our faith.  We might worry about how to answer those questions when pressure is on us.  However, Jesus tells us not to worry about what to say because He will give us the words as well as the wisdom to respond so that our enemies will not be able to oppose us (Luke 21:15). Therefore, we should trust that God will be with us when people ask us about our faith.
Obey:
What are some ways people might place pressure on our faith?
How can you remember not to worry?

Pray: Thank God for giving us wisdom in times of pressure.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Making Wise Choices

On the Go Devotions: Making Wise Choices
Play: Give the following list to your children and have them decide whether the action is wise or not.  Feel free to also include ideas of your own.

Staying up late watching television
Doing your homework on time
Cramming for a test
Hanging out with kids who are popular but troublemakers
Sleeping in ten more minutes
Relay: We make decisions daily from the morning to night.  God desires that we act wisely.  He does this because He loves us and wants the best for us.  When we make wise choices, we honor Him.  If we do not know what the right decision is, we are to ask for wisdom (James 1:5).
Obey:
How often do you ask God for His help in making wise decisions?
How can God help us make wise decisions?
Pray: Thank God for giving us wisdom and ask Him to give you wisdom in decisions you are facing at this moment.
Scripture of the Day: James 1:5

Thursday, February 7, 2013

The Bible as Our Guide

 Play: Take your children on a driving adventure.  Tell them you are going to a place they have not been, but they need to give you directions.  Then have them look at a map or look up directions to find the right way.  You can also use Google earth to do this activity.

Relay: We know how to get to places by having the right directions. If we have good directions, we will get where we need to go.  If we have bad directions, we can easily get lost. The Bible is a guide to help show us how we are to live (Psalm 119:105). If we follow what the Bible says, we will stay on the path that God wants for us.
Obey:  
What are some ways the Bible helps us find our way in life?
How can you use the Bible to help you in life?
How important is it to read the Bible consistently?  Why?
Pray: Ask God to help you always look to the Bible for direction.
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 119:105

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Love Does Not Boast

Love Does Not Boast
Play: Have your child/children make up one scenario where they are excited about an accomplishment and one scenario where they are bragging about that accomplishment.
Relay:  There is a difference between being happy about something and bragging about it.  First Corinthians 13:4 says that love does not boast.  Boasting happens when you continue to talk about yourself and everything that you have accomplished. The word picture is of someone heaping praise on himself.   If we are so concerned about the great things that happen to us, we do not think about other people.  It is hard to love others when we don’t think about them.
Obey:
What does it mean to boast?
 How do you think someone feels when you brag to them about something?
What do you think about when you think of someone heaping praise on himself? 
How can boasting take away from us giving glory to God?
Pray: Ask God to always help you think of others.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Monday, February 4, 2013

Love is not Jealous

Love is Not Jealous
Play: Give your children the following scenarios and ask them how they would respond.
1.  You took their sibling/friend to Disney World without them.
2. One of their friends was better at their favorite sport than they are.
3. One of their friends was invited to a birthday party and they were not.
Relay:  When other people get something or get to do something that we don’t get to do, it is sometimes easy for us to feel jealous.  Being jealous of someone means that you dislike what one person has more than you are happy for them.  First Corinthians 13:4 says that love does not envy.  This means that when we love someone, we do not want what someone else wants.  Instead, we are happy about the opportunities God has given them. 
Obey:
What does it mean to be jealous?
 What is something that sometimes makes you jealous?
How can we focus more on being happy for someone instead of focusing on what we didn’t get?
Pray: Thank God for everything He has given you and ask Him to help you not to be jealous.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Friday, February 1, 2013

God's love protects

Theme: God’s Love…protects
Play: Give your child a small object and ask them to keep and protect the coin.  Then try various tactics to distract them and see if they drop the coin.
Relay: Sometimes it is easy for us to get distracted from protecting and keeping something given to us, especially if it does not mean much to us.  However, God never gets distracted or tired of protecting us.  He loves us and will always protect us (First Corinthians 13:7).  His love will cover us in all circumstances, just as your hands covered the object. Even when we sin, His love covers us.
Obey:
 How does it make you feel knowing that God will protect you, no matter what?
What area of your life do you need to trust God more?
 How can you show love to others by protecting others?
Pray: Thank God for His protection and ask Him to help you walk in confidence.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Thursday, January 31, 2013

God's love is kind

Theme: God’s love…is kind

Play: Play a game of charades and have your child act out ways in which he can be kind to others. Try to see how many he can come up with!
Relay: Being kind to others takes energy!   In First Corinthians 13:4, the Bible tells us that love is kind. This means that to love someone requires more than simply saying nice things to them.  Rather, we are to show kindness to them.  God’s love is kind because he shows kindness to us.  He provides for us and cares for us.  He comforts us when we are sad. What are some specific ways God has shown kindness to you?
Obey:

How has God shown kindness to you?

Who is someone who has been kind to you lately?
 Name three kind things you can do today for someone.
Pray: Thank God for showing kindness to you and ask Him to help you show kindness to others.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

God's Love is Patient

Theme: God’s love…is patient
Play: Tell your kids that you are going to start your family devotional.  When everyone is gathered, sit and wait. If you would like, you can start pestering your kids (here is your chance!).  See how they respond.
Relay: Did you think that we were NEVER going to start the devotional?  You might have wanted to leave and go do something else.  First Corinthians 13:4 says that love is patient. When we say that God’s love is patient, it means that there is nowhere else that He would rather be than with you.  We sometimes disobey God, but He loves us so much that He waits for us to turn back to Him.  He will never leave us! What is a way you have seen God be patient with you?
Obey:
How can you be patient with others?
What does it mean to you that God's love is patient?
Why is it hard to be patient with other people?
What strategies can you use to act more patiently towards others?
Pray: Thank God for His patience He has for you.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Monday, January 28, 2013

Patient in Hard Times

Patient in Hard Times
Play: Give your kids a piece of rope with knots tied all in it.  Tell them that their task is to untie all of the knots and they have two minutes to do it.
Relay:  How did you feel during that game? (anxious, angry, defeated, rushed).  Romans 12:12 tells us that we should be patient in affliction.  This means that in hard times, we should keep going without giving up or getting angry. We all will have hard times in our lives.  Many times, it is in the hard times in life that the world will be able to see Jesus through us by the way that we are being patient.
Obey:
What is something hard that you might have a difficult time being patient?
How can we be patient in hard times?
What can make being patient in hard times easier?
Pray:  Ask God to help you be patient in hard times.
Scripture of the Day: Romans 12:12.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Where To Set Your Mind

Where to Set Your Mind
Play:  Tell your children to draw a circle.  Tell them to color part of the circle to represent how much time they spend thinking about things that happen here on earth (things at school, friends, their toys, etc.) with one color and tell them to color another part with the amount of time that they think about things of God (helping others, praying to Jesus, reading their Bible, etc.) with another color.
Relay: What part of the circle is colored in the most?  God tells us in Colossians 3:2 that we are to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.  That means that we are to stay focused on things about God instead of being concerned with what goes on here on earth.  We are to do this because God is to have first place in our hearts and what we think about is what typically has our hearts.
Obey:
Is it easy or hard to stay focused on God?  Why or why not?
Why is important to stay focused on God?
What can you do to become better at setting your mind on things above?
Pray:  Ask God to help you keep your thoughts on Him.
Scripture of the Day: Colossians 3:2

Friday, January 25, 2013

We would love to hear from you!

If you have a great story about your own journey with Family Moments or a picture of your Family Fun Moment or your Family Forever Moment, please email me at cortney@oneheartchurch.org so we can share your experience with others!

Count Your Blessings

Play: Have your children name things they are thankful for or things that God has done for them.   For each item, give them a bead, M&M, marble, or some other token. At the end let them count their “blessings.”
Relay:  God has blessed us in many ways.  It is important that we remember and acknowledge Him for the work He has done in our live.  In Psalm 9:1, King David writes, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonderful deeds.”  One way to thank God for what He has done for us is by telling others about it!
Obey:
How does telling others about what God has done for you give thanks to God?
Who can you tell about what God has done for you lately?
How can you make telling others about what God is doing for you not sound like bragging?
Pray: Thank God for all of the blessings in your life.
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 9:1

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Being Generous

Play: Give each person ten dollar bills (or ten coins). Tell them that the object of the game is for them to give the money away.  The person with the least amount of money at the end of the game wins.  Use a dice to determine how much money is given out per turn.  The person giving the money away determines how much is given to whom.

Relay: Was it fun giving the money away?  The Bible talks a lot about being a generous person.  Proverbs 11:25 says, a generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.  This means that God blesses people who help others.  God wants us to give to others and be a blessing to others.  By doing so, it shows God's love.

Obey:

Give some other words for being generous.

Is it hard to be generous?  Why or why not?

Why do you think God wants you to be generous?

How can you give to others?

Pray: Ask God to help you be a more generous person.

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 11:25

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Be Still

Be Still
Play: Have your children play, “The Quiet Game,” where you see who can be the quietest for the longest.  After one round, have them not only be quiet, but then add the element of being still.
Relay:  Is it hard to be quiet and still?  In Psalm 46:10, God tells us to, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  When we are quiet and still, it is easy for us to think about God and how good He is.  However, when we are running around screaming, it is a lot harder to think about what God is doing in our lives.
Obey:
Why do you think God asks us to be still?
Is it easy or hard for you to set aside time each day to be still and think about God and read about Him?
How do we get “too busy” to think about God?
Pray:  Ask God to help you set aside time to be still for Him.
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 46:10

Monday, January 21, 2013

Treating Others as You Would Want Them to Treat You

Play: Have your child come up with and role play what they would like for their siblings or you to have them do for them or ways they would like for them to treat them.  After they have come up with a sufficient list move on to Relay.
Relay: Was it fun coming up with things for _________ to treat you?  In Matthew 7:12, it says, “in everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you.”  So all those wonderful things that you would like done for you, you should be doing for other people.  Now, it might not be the same EXACT thing that you would do for others, but you would act the same way towards others.  For example, you would not give everyone a Star Wars Lego set, but you would be nice to everyone.
Obey:
What does Matthew 7:12 mean to you?
How would you like your sister/brother/parents/friends to treat you?
So in return, how should you treat your sister/brother/parents/friends?

Would you treat yourself badly?  Then why do you sometimes treat others badly?
Pray: Ask God to help you to remember to treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Scripture of the Day: Matthew 7:12

Saturday, January 19, 2013

What is Wisdom?

What is Wisdom?
Play: Have your child draw a picture of what they think a wise person looks like. Then, ask them to give characteristics of someone who has wisdom.
Relay: Wisdom is not simply being smart and knowing things.  Nor is it about being old and living a long time.  According to Job 28:28, wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  This means that someone who is wise has the utmost respect for God and His commands.  He looks to God as His authority. He learns the Bible and applies it in his life. A wise person makes their decisions based on whether their choice will please God or not. 
Obey:
Knowing the definition of “wisdom,” on a scale of 1-10, with ten being the wisest, how wise are you?
Why do you think that wisdom is important?
How can wisdom help us?
Pray: Thank God for giving us the ability to be wise and ask for His help in making us wiser.
Scripture of the day: Job 28:28

Friday, January 18, 2013

Beating Temptation

Beating Temptation

Play:  Tell your kids that you are going to try to capture them and if you do then their job is to try to get out of your grip.  You can reverse the roles as well.
Relay:  Temptation is the desire to do something wrong. Because of Adam and Eve, all people are born with the natural desire (or want) to do wrong.  Even as Christians we are sometimes tempted to do bad things.  However, the Bible tells us that God is a faithful God and He will not let us be tempted more than we can handle.  This means that no matter what, God makes it to where we are strong enough to say, “no” to temptation.  Not only that, but God also promises that He will provide a way out, meaning we will never be stuck in a tempting situation.
Obey:   
What is a temptation?

What two things will God do to help you in times of temptation?

What is a temptation you have had this week?

How can God help you in that situation?

Pray: Ask God to help you face temptation with courage, knowing that He will help you.

Scripture of the Day:  1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Always the Same

Always the Same

Play: Show your kids a picture of you when you were a baby or a child.  Ask them how you have changed physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.  Then have your child think of something that never changes. Is there really something on earth?

Relay:  We know people and things change over time. We grow up. Our clothes get dirty. And food gets yucky if you leave it out for too long. But guess who does not change no matter what? God! Malachi 3:6 says, "I, the LORD do not change." So what does that mean? First, it means that He always keeps His promises. Next, it means that he can be trusted.  God has always been forgiving and He will always be forgiving. God has always been loving and so He will always be loving.

Obey:

What else does it mean that God does not change?

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

What does this mean to you?

How are we different from God in this area and how can we try to be more like Him.

Pray: Thank God for being a God who is faithful and consistent in who He is.

Scripture of the Day: Malachi 3:6

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Day Nine

The Bible as Our Guide

Play: Take your children on a driving adventure.  Tell them you are going to a place they have not been, but they need to give you directions.  Then have them look at a map or look up directions to find the right way.

Relay: We know how to get to places by having the right directions. If we have good directions, we will get where we need to go.  If we have bad directions, we can easily get lost. The Bible is a guide to help show us how we are to live (Psalm 119:105). If we follow what the Bible says, we will stay on the path that God wants for us.
Obey:
What are some ways the Bible helps us find our way in life?
How can you use the Bible to help you in life?
Pray: Ask God to help you always look to the Bible for direction.
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 119:105

Day Eight

Theme: God’s Love…protects
Play: Give your child a small object and ask them to keep and protect the coin.  Then try various tactics to distract them and see if they drop the coin.
Relay: Sometimes it is easy for us to get distracted from protecting and keeping something given to us, especially if it does not mean much to us.  However, God never gets distracted or tired of protecting us.  He loves us and will always protect us (First Corinthians 13:7).  His love will cover us in all circumstances, just as your hands covered the object. Even when we sin, His love covers us.
Obey:
 How does it make you feel knowing that God will protect you, no matter what?
Pray: Thank God for His protection and ask Him to help you walk in confidence.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:7

Day Seven

Theme: God’s love…is kind
Play: Play a game of charades and have your child act out ways in which he can be kind to others. Try to see how many he can come up with!
Relay: Being kind to others takes energy!   In First Corinthians 13:4, the Bible tells us that love is kind. This means that to love someone requires more than simply saying nice things to them.  Rather, we are to show kindness to them.  God’s love is kind because he shows kindness to us.  He provides for us and cares for us.  He comforts us when we are sad. What are some specific ways God has shown kindness to you?
Obey:
Name Three kind things you can do today for someone.
Pray: Thank God for showing kindness to you and ask Him to help you show kindness to others.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Day Six

Day Six
Theme: God’s love…is patient
Play: Have your child hold their hand under warm dripping water.  Every few moments, ask them how the water feels on their hand.  Then ask them how they feel about the water.
Relay: At first, the water might have felt good on your hand, but after a while, it might have started to irritate you.  You might have wanted to leave and go do something else.  First Corinthians 13:4 says that love is patient. When we say that God’s love is patient, it means that there is nowhere else that He would rather be than with you.  We sometimes disobey God, but He loves us so much that He waits for us to turn back to Him.  He will never leave us! What is a way you have seen God be patient with you?
Obey:
How can you be patient with others?
Pray: Thank God for His patience He has for you.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Day Five

Day Five:  No love is Noisy!
Play: Have you child think of something important they did that day.  Ask them to tell you.  As they begin to talk, start making loud noises.  After a moment, let your child finish what they were saying.  You may take turns and let the kids reverse the roles.
Relay: With all the filler noise going on in room, it was nearly impossible to hear the important message you were trying to say!  First Corinthians 13:1talks about how if someone has a God-given gift, but they do not love, then they might as well be clanging a cymbal because no one will hear the important message about Jesus.  People do not want us just to talk about Jesus, they want us to show them how He loved.
Obey: How can you use love to share the message about Jesus?
Pray: Ask God to help show you ways to share with others about Jesus.
Scripture of the day: 1 Corinthians 13:1

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

January 9

Dealing with Sin

Play: Play a game of Simon Says. Have the kids do different items only if you say Simon Says at the end. 

Relay: Were there some times when you really wanted to do some of the things that I talked about even though you didn’t have permission? God gave Adam and Eve the rule that they could eat of any tree except for the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  However, when the serpent tempted them, they ate of the fruit and disobeyed God. After they did though, they knew they had done wrong and hid from God. However, God called to them, punished them, and then clothed them.  Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were no longer allowed to live in their beautiful garden and their relationship with God was forever changed.


Obey:

Why do you think it is important to do as God says?

Why should we not hide our sins from God?

Are there any sins you need to confess to God?   

Pray: Dear God please help us make good choices and obey you.

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 3:1-7

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

January 8

God Gives Us Helpers

Pray: Thank God for giving us helpers in our lives

Activity:  Have your child think of several activities that are better done with two people (such as a seesaw or tic tac toe).  Try letting them play one on their own and then play with them.

Relay: Have you ever tried to play on a see saw by yourself? Or  play tic tac toe on your own?  Some activities cannot be done without another person and some are simply just not as fun. When God saw Adam in the garden and stated that it was not good for him to be alone.  So before Adam realized he was lonely, God gave him Eve to be his helper. 

Why do you think God felt that it was important for Adam to have a helper?

How do you think Eve was to help Adam?

How are we to be helpers to others?

Scripture: Genesis 2:18 – Then God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Monday, January 7, 2013

January 7

Created in God's Image

Pray: Thank God for creating you in His image.

Play: Take a mirror and your kids to look into it.  Ask them if you are actually in the mirror or if it is a representation of you.  Have them make silly faces in the mirror and see if there is a way for them to “trick” the mirror in misrepresenting what they look like. Ask them what features look like yours.

Relay: When God created us, He created us in the image of Himself.  This means that He gave us some of the same characteristics that He has.  For instance, He created us for relationships because He is relational (the Trinity).  He made us smart, caring, etc.  Have your children come up with a list of characteristics of their own.

Obey:

Why do you think God created man in his own image?

What should we do as image-bearers?

What are some characteristics of God that he gave humans?


Scripture of the Day: Genesis 2:2 – So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

January 6

Created by God

Pray:  Have your child think of some things God created when He made the world.  Have them thank Him for those things.

Play: What do you think the world looked like right after God made it?  How do you think it looks different today? Have your kids draw a picture of the world right after God created it. Then have them draw a picture of how the world looks today.

Relay: God created the world and all that was in it.  What’s more is that when He created the world, he saw that it was “good.”  He was pleased and happy with what He had made.  When God made the flowers, He was happy.  When God made the grass, He was happy.  And when God made people, He was happy.

Obey:

How does it make you feel to know that God was happy when he created you?

What are some ways you know that God was happy that He created you?

How should you treat others knowing that God was happy when He created them too?

How should we treat things on earth because we know that God was happy when He made them?

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 2:31 – Then God looked over all he had made and he saw that it was very good