Sure attending church regularly, and living your individual faith in Christ in front of your children will influence them in his or her own faith in Christ.  You can also be intentional about guiding your children to an understanding of faith in Christ.  But in the end each individual has to make his or her own decision about faith in Christ or not.

Since first becoming a dad my prayers have included my children’s safety, my hopes and dreams for them to have a great life.  But the most important prayer I pray for my children is that God would lead each of my children into a personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

Leading our children to Christ is a faith step in and of itself.  Because faith in Christ begins with the movement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual.  The great news is that we get to be a part of the Holy Spirits work in the journey.

On the other side, I have heard parents tell me that they do not want to force a religious belief on their child.  They “leave it up” to the child to determine what he or she wants to believe.  Well, this is dangerous!  It goes against God’s instructions.  Checkout Deuteronomy 6:4-7.

Here is a resource on how to lead your child to faith in Christ:

http://www.heritagebuilders.com/files/Download/Leading%20Your%20Child%20to%20Christ.pdf

Date & Times: February 25, 5:00-8:00pm

Cost: only $5.  This includes pizza, supervision, and entertainment for kids (including a moon bounce)!

Ages: Open to kids age 0 through grade 5

You can register by clicking here or by picking up a flyer in the church foyer.  Hurry, space is limited!  If you have questions, feel free to reply and let me know.  You can also get in touch with Kyle or Dawn Kilgore, who are leading this event.

Checkout an article by Steve Wright on the influence of students: “What Are They Listening To?”

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

Link:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?MediaId={248D5398-052E-4829-8885-C711136A3A94}

Enjoy this story about the life of Steven Curtis Chapman. How does Steven tell the world about hope? What does he say about grace? Do you find a connection between grace and hope? Explain.

Link:

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/biblestudyandtheology/discipleship/hope_when_hurting.asp

Read and discuss the ten reasons to have hope that are given at this website. What Bible truths mentioned here teach us how to have hope in the midst of hurt? Will you plan to rely on any of these truths in the future? Why or why not?

PRAY Thank you for being with us, Lord, when we are hurting. Even when it seems that things are beyond our understanding, we know that you are in control and will guide us through every kind of suffering.

http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2011/week-13-(august-28,-2011)

Parents! Join us once a month at Redland Baptist Church from 5:00 6:45 pm for a great cup of coffee, some snacks, family strengthening tools, tips, and fellowship.

GRACE at Home Coffeehouse Schedule:

• September 25: Welcome!
• October 16: Faith Talks- Creative Holiday Ideas
• November 13: Coffee Dates
• December 11: Faith Talks- Advent
• January 8:Money Matters
• February 12: Great Date Night
• March 18: Faith Talks- Easter
• April 15: Parenting Toolbox
• May 6: Summer Fun Idea

I look forward to meeting you and sharing life together as parents!  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Pastor Bobby Cook on email: bobby@redlandbaptist.org, or call 301-977-1000.  Checkout our church website: www.redlandbaptist.org, and our Family Ministry Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/RBCFamilyMinistry/.

Link:

http://www.networkforgood.org/

Once you arrive at the Network for Good home page, click on the “Volunteer” button to the left of the screen. Enter your zip code when prompted and hit “search.” You will move to a page of volunteer ideas. Spend some time exploring the various areas of service.

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.crosscampus.net/

Enjoy surfing this site. Perhaps you would like to read about some of projects Cross Campus is doing. Do they give you any ideas for service projects of your own?

Read Esther 2-9 and Galatians 5:13. Why does God call us to serve one another? Do you think Esther was motivated by love? Explain your opinion on this.

Discuss acts of service that you can offer to others. Privately commit to serve God in new ways this week.

What does sharing about Jesus with others have to do with socks and gum? Find out with the “Worth the Effort” activity on page 973 of your Hands-On Bible!

http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2011/week-12-(august-21,-2011)

Link:

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=12949

Link:

http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=7813954

Read the articles and press release from these websites. Notice that the government officials representing the people affected by tragedy and hardship have requested aid from the President of the United States. Discuss the following questions as a family:

• How do you think the people in these situations felt when they were faced with such challenging circumstances? Why did they ask the President for help?
• Have you ever felt dismayed or even overwhelmed by things that happened to you? Who did you ask to help you?
• What can we do when we are faced with challenges beyond what we feel equipped to handle? Who is our resource?

How was Philip like a mirror when he followed where God led him? Check out the “Reflection of Love” activity on page 1079 of your Hands-On Bible!

http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2011/week-11-(august-14,-2011)

Link:

http://www.restorepower.com/rpower/home.do

Browse this website to gain insight into how electrical power can be restored after a natural disaster. What do the service persons have to do in order to restore power?

Link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2122124_restore-painting.html

Ask a family member to read this article about how to restore a painting aloud. Discuss what the word “restore” means when it is used in connection with art. How is restoration of a painting like restoration of electrical power? How is it different?

Read Nehemiah 1:1-2:9. How did God “restore” Nehemiah? How does God restore us today?

Balloons and a paper towel tube can give us courage? Find out how with the “Barbells of Bravery” activity on page 214 of your Hands-On Bible™!

http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2011/week-10-(august-7,-2011)

Link: http://finance.christiansunite.com/Money-Management/13-Creating-a-Budget-That-Works.shtml

Investment brokers and financial providers make their livings showing people how to create financial plans. Take a moment and ponder the tips presented at this website. Do you think it is advisable to seek out professional help when making financial decisions? Why or why not?

Link:

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200206/20020626_family1162.html

Read this article on daily planning. Have you ever made a “To Do” list? Were you able to do everything on the list? Allow a few minutes for family members to share their experiences with “To Do” lists. Did you reach the same conclusion as this author? Explain.

Answer the following questions as a family:
• How often do people seek professional help when setting goals and making plans? What are the advantages? disadvantages?
• What can you gain from seeking the Lord’s thoughts when making plans? Do you think God’s leadership and advice might differ from that given by the “professionals”? How?
• How can we facilitate God’s plans for us in our daily lives? What sort of help will God provide?
• Why is it important to accomplish God’s plans?

Make up your own language and find out more about how the Holy Spirit helps us with the “Say Again?” activity on page 1072 of your Hands-On Bible™!

http://teachersupport.group.com/faithweaver/homeconnect/summer-2011/week-9-(july-31,-2011)