Dear Families,
At this time, there are many things in flux and things are continually changing, but we know that God is unchanging. We know that His Word is truth and brings life to us as we explore it and grow deeper in relationship with Him.
I want to encourage you to continue to delve into the Word of God with your family. Find something that works for your whole family whether it be picking a chapter of the bible, a portion of the Parshat reading for the week, or a devotional to go through together.
Joshua 1:8-9
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Here are some ideas at how to do that:
- Encourage your child to draw out what the passage makes them think, makes them feel, what they are questioning.
- Act out the bible passage if you can give everyone a part as you read the scripture. You can dress up as the people in the passage or explore other ways to express the people in the passage.
- You can create a model of the bible story out of anything, playdough, or toys and Legos/blocks, or anything and after you read the story you can retell the story using the model.
- Ask questions together as a family – Who is in the passage? Where is the passage set? When is passage from? What are they talking about? Why do you think they are talking about it? How would this make them feel/ How would this affect them (both the people in the passage as well as yourselves after reading the passage)? How does this relate today and for us personally?
I want to encourage you to continue praying together as a family. One way that this can happen is that everyone takes turns praying.
If you need someplace to start ….
Start with the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6: 8 – 13.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. [d]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Also, you can start by having everyone say thank you to God for one thing that happened today, or the past week, etc. As a family, as you spend more time in prayer together it will grow and change.
We need to remind ourselves to keep focusing on the good in the midst of the storm and in the circumstances around us.
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
I want to encourage you to worship together as a family. Sing songs together find out everyone’s favorite songs and listen to them together. You can find a lot different of songs on YouTube use the resources you have available and ready for you to use. Find songs that you can dance and move around to and find other songs that allows your family to quietly worship God together. It is important to have both praise and worship to continue to deepen your relationship with God.
John 4:23-24
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The time spent and the experiences that will occurred will be indescribable and amazing. Be encouraged!
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.
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