One of the best ways you can connect your children, especially during the winter when they are indoors more, is to spend time in the Word together. Reading the Bible can help train your children so that when they are older, they will not depart from their faith. You can create lasting memories by reading through devotionals together. The following devotionals provide a starting point for you as you grow in your Christian walk together.
Trust Christ as the Light in the Darkness
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV
Have you ever been in total darkness in need of just a little light? It is amazing what happens when you have a flashlight in the middle of the darkness? What once seemed scary may not be quite as frightening when you have a little bit of light, right?
In this Christian life, Jesus Christ is the light in the darkness. However, it is not a little light but a shining star- like the sun. The darkness this verse is talking about is sin and the sinful state we live in. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming when you look at the bad things and the evil in this world. When you know Christ, you know the light of the darkness. You do not have to be afraid since you have that light with you everywhere you go. Life is not as scary when you know Jesus is walking with you as your light.
Questions to ask your child:
- What things are you afraid of?
- How is Jesus like a flashlight?
- How can you trust him to be your light in the darkness?
- How can your family help you trust in Jesus?
Focus on the Promise of New Life
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Have you ever done something new? Maybe it was something you created or a sport or a hobby. After you completed it, did it make you feel good inside to have accomplished something? The Bible teaches us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we accept this gift of salvation, he makes us brand new.
This verse is proof that we become a new creation when we come to know Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. But the verse does not stop there. It says that the old has gone away. That means that your struggles and weaknesses are not important anymore. He no longer looks at your old life but instead is creating your new life in you. You have been made new in him, and from now on, you can live in your new life!
- What is our old life?
- How are we a new creation?
- How can your family help you focus on your new life instead of the old life?
Wait on God
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 ESV
Have you ever had to wait for any reason? Maybe you had to wait to do something or go somewhere. Maybe you had to wait to get the thing you wanted. There are many times in life when we have to wait, which can be hard. Do you wait patiently during that time or do you have trouble waiting?
Waiting is a necessary part of your Christian walk with the Lord. There will be many times where we will have to wait for an answer. He does not always answer right away. Sometimes he answers yes, sometimes he answers no, and sometimes he simply tells us to wait because the timing is not right. While this can be difficult, it is important to remain steadfast in your Christian walk by praying, reading the Bible, and meeting with other believers at church. This verse tells you that in your waiting, you can have courage. Why? Because he is always with you!
- How is waiting important in your Christian walk?
- How can God help you while you wait?
- How can your family help you trust in God when it is hard to wait?
Do Not Let Your Love Grow Cold
“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you…” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV
The winter season can be a very difficult time for some people. It is often snowy, dark, and cold outside, making the world feel sad and lonely. Sometimes you can’t drive or go anywhere because of the weather! This can be frustrating!
However, we do not have to be discouraged or sad during these times, but instead we can do what this verse tells us and abound in love for one another and for the Lord. If you open your heart to him during difficult times, he will give you love for those around you, he will give you joy, and will never leave you. We will all go through trials in our lives; it is what we do during those times that will make a difference in our futures. Will we turn toward him and rely on him? Put your hope in him, so that your love will never grow cold!
- Why is it hard sometimes to trust God when we feel sad or lonely?
- How can you put your hope in God?
- What can your family do to help you trust in him?
Spend time with your children in the Word today and watch as you grow together. Read through these devotionals and then pray together and ask God to help you trust him and walk with him everyday. He will be your guide as you lead and guide your children!
