Family Devotional Resources

FAMILY Devotionals

I believe many Christian parents know the importance of passing faith in Christ onto their children, but they’re not too sure how to begin.  If that sounds like you, then I hope to encourage you in your first step.  I have to admit when that having family devotions are not always easy.  Try to avoid the image of a perfect family seating quietly as mom or dad sit and read from the Systematic Theology text book.  No!  Each family is different, because each family member is different.  That can be challenging, but it can also be fun. One thing I have learned being a parent is that my kids watch and learn everything good or bad from me.  Many times how they learn things is very similar to how I learn things.

Take the Deuteronomy passage for example.  I love the picture or image that it paints for us parents.  CLICK HERE to check out the scripture verses.  The instructions found in this passage lay out the opportunities you have to talk about faith with your children.

Think about times you have with your family:

• Do you walk your child to school, or do you drive.  How about walking your child to the bus stop?  If you drive in the car try playing Christian radio or playing an Adventures in Odyssey or Awana CD.
• How about meal times?  Try placing a devotional book or have a scripture verse on the table for your family to reflect on during your dinner time.
• What about bedtime?  Try reading from a children’s Bible together before bed.  Prepare a bedtime blessing you pray over your child each night.  Remember it s OK to pray the same prayer.  The more you repeat a Bible passage or a blessing prayer the more likely you and your child will remember it.

Also check out these Family Devotional Resources

• “Family Bible Time Storybook,” Gospel Light Publishing- for preschool aged;
• “Growing With Jesus,” by Andy Holmes- great for elementary age;
• “My Big Book of 5-Minute Devotions; Celebrating God’s World,” by Pamela & Douglas Kennedy- great for preschool to elementary ages.

If you’re looking for a resource more in-depth and geared for older aged kids and teens here is a resources worth checking out:  “Long Story Short,” by Marty Machowski- for older elementary and up to teens.

I hope these ideas encourage you as you lead your children spiritually at home.  I am praying for you as you tae the first step to implement a devotional time or prayer time in your home.

In His Grip,

Pastor Bobby

Partnering with Parent’s through Awana

Parents!

Below you will find a few resources from Awana.

Our hope is that you will find these resources encouraging to you as you parent your child.  We are only a month away from celebrating this year’s Awana season.  Check your child’s progress through his or her Awana book.  Your child maybe close to completing a book, earning a jewel or an award.  Just spending 5 minutes each day by listening to your child recite his or her verse can increase your quantity of quality time for your family.  I am praying for your family as this year in Awana.

Awana Resources for Parents: (Just click on the links.)

kidsprint

parentpause

sparkles

Home Connect September 5, 2010

David Becomes King

Link:

http://www.makingfriends.com/sticks/stick_star.htm

Use the instructions at this Web site to create a Star of David from craft sticks. You might have most of the supplies around the house except for the “woodsies.” You could cut out construction paper teardrops to use in their place. As you work, discuss these questions:

• Why do you think this symbol is called the Star of David?
• Why is King David’s legacy so powerful? What was it about him that made his life so memorable?

Link:

http://www.lessontutor.com/belm16.html

Explore the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at this site. You may choose to do some of the many activities listed there. As you read, take notes on what you are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. Then use the notes to answer the following questions:

• How did Martin Luther King Jr. become a hero?
• In what ways did he rely on God?
• How can you rely on God?

Group Publishing: http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/fall-2010/week-1-(september-5)

Men’s Fraternity Kick’s Fall 2010

Men’s Fraternity – “The Quest for Authentic Manhood“

After a very successful year, the Men’s Fraternity will be back again this Fall.  Men’s Fraternity provides men with an encouraging process that teaches them how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God.  All men are invited to join us once again for this awesome adventure.  Our meeting time will be Tuesday, 6:30 am and sessions will begin on September 21.

Join us on Saturday, September 18^th for the Second Annual Grillin & Chillin from 4-7pm at Redland Baptist Church.  This event is the kickoff for our Men’s Fraternity and a great way to meet and fellowship with other men who will be embarking on this quest together.  Feel free to join us and if you have any questions Click Here and send an email to Pastor Bobby.

HomeConnect June 6, 2010

God Helps Gideon Defeat the Midianites

Link:

http://commondreams.org/headlines01/0103-02.htm

Link:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/stewart_mandel/news/2002/11/24/weekend_that_was/

Link:

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/06/164423.php

The articles listed above deal with sports, politics, and news events. In each of them, you will find how just one man made a difference. Louis Olivier Bancoult saved an island and facilitated the return of thousands of people to their homes. He was just one man. Wesley Autrey saved a fellow subway passenger from certain death. He also was just one man.

Read Judges 6:1-16, and then read Judges 6:16 again. While Gideon wasn’t so sure that he could make a difference, God assured him that he needed “just one man.” Take a few moments to discuss these questions as a family:

• Why was God able to work through Gideon?

• In what ways have you seen God use few numbers or small circumstances to accomplish big things? Why do you think God sometimes chooses to work this way in our lives?

• How can you make a difference as just one person?

Prayer: Oh, God, use me as just one person dedicated to doing your will. Show your glory by doing the impossible and the unlikely when all logic dictates that the tasks are too difficult for human hands, for that is when the world will know it is you at work and not me.

Group Publishing: http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2010/week-1-(june-6)

July 2010 Mass Sunday School Line-Up

Every year in the month of July we give adult Sunday School teachers a break from teaching and a chance to soak in Bible Study.  This years theme is Finding Your SHAPE within your: Family, Yourself, Community, and Church.  The theme will be a catalyst leading to our studies in the Fall.  We hope every Redlander will better know where God has gifted them so they may serve in the area of their passion and spiritual giftedness.

We are excited to welcome our speakers for the July classes.

• July 4- “Family” with Gayla Parker
• July 11- “Yourself” with Roger Price
• July 18-”Community” with Ellen Udovich
• July 25-”Church” with Freddy Parker

Make plans to join us in the Chapel at 9:40 am every Sunday during the month of July.

HomeConnect Week 3, March 21, 2010

FaithWeaver HomeConnect - Spring 2010, Week 03 (March 21)

Date: March 21, 2010
Week 3: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
Bible Study: Jesus wants us to follow his example of serving others.

Link:

http://www.networkforgood.org/

Once you arrive at the Network for Good home page, click on the “Volunteer” button at the top of the screen. You will move to a page of volunteer ideas. Spend some time exploring the various areas of service described in this Web site. It lists many opportunities to give the gift of time.

Link:

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/List-of-service-organizations

Check out this list of service organizations. Did you ever dream there were so many? Discuss whether any might be of interest to your family.

Link:

http://www.youthworks.com/workandministry.aspx

Enjoy surfing this site. First read about the mission, its projects and its purpose. Then click on the Testimonials icon to read some of the testimonials regarding the mission trips. You may not feel called to this particular effort, but it might help you think of other missionary projects that you could join.

Discuss some other acts of service that, as Christians, you can offer to others. Think about what you can do as an individual, a family, and as a part of your church.

Group Publishing,http://www.group.com/tips/Default.aspx?tipID=8194

The Great Snowed In of 2010!

Make Memories during the blizzard of 2010

It’s amazing to see snow fall!

I love the picture painted in Scripture of how our Savior’s love can wash away our sin, whiter than snow.  That is a comforting truth!

As your family is snow bound, how are you redeeming the time?

After storm #1 of 2 to 3 inches of snow falling per hour and a record breaking snow fall of 32 inches is over.  What memories will be left?  Besides the snow wall lining your driveway that stretches to 5 feet, or pictures you took on your digital camera.  What impressions will you leave?  Now a few day’s later storm #2 is predicted to fall adding 16 to 20 more inches on top of the already 32 inches of snow.  Here is an opportunity to make a memory.  Have fun and enjoy your family!

Please share stories and ideas of what you and your family have done during the snow storm of 2010.  I am looking forward to hear from you!

In His Grip,

Bobby