Family Devotion 1: Learning from Elijah's Exhaustion Theme: Balance and RestScripture: 1 Kings 19:4-8Activity Time: Dinner Time Activity:
Read the Scripture: During dinner, read 1 Kings 19:4-8 together. Discuss how Elijah was exhausted and needed rest and food to continue his journey.
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think Elijah was so tired? What did God do to help Elijah when he was exhausted? How can we make sure we get enough rest and balance in our lives?
Application:
Talk about the importance of rest and balance in our lives. Encourage each child to share one thing they can do to rest or relax this week.
Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to listen to their bodies and take breaks when needed. Remind them that even God rested on the seventh day!
Family Devotion 2: Facing Disappointment Theme: Handling Failed ExpectationsScripture: 1 Kings 19:9-10Activity Time: After School Snack Time Activity:
Read the Scripture: While having a snack, read 1 Kings 19:9-10. Discuss how Elijah felt disappointed when things didn’t go as he expected.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever been disappointed when something didn’t go as planned? How did Elijah handle his disappointment? What can we do when we feel disappointed?
Application:
Encourage each child to share a recent disappointment and discuss how they can trust God even when things don’t go as planned.
Parenting Tip: Use this time to teach your children that it’s okay to feel disappointed, but God is always with us and has a plan for our lives.
Family Devotion 3: The Danger of Comparison Theme: Avoiding ComparisonScripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12Activity Time: Family Game Night Activity:
Read the Scripture: Before starting a game, read 2 Corinthians 10:12. Discuss how comparing ourselves to others can make us feel bad.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it not wise to compare ourselves to others? How can we appreciate who God made us to be? What are some things you like about yourself?
Application:
Encourage each child to share something unique about themselves that they are thankful for.
Parenting Tip: Reinforce the idea that each child is special and loved by God just as they are. Celebrate their uniqueness!
Family Devotion 4: The Importance of Community Theme: Avoiding IsolationScripture: Hebrews 10:24-25Activity Time: Bedtime Activity:
Read the Scripture: At bedtime, read Hebrews 10:24-25. Discuss how important it is to have friends and family to support us.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it important to have friends and family around us? How can we help each other when we’re feeling down? Who is someone you can talk to when you need help?
Application:
Encourage each child to think of one person they can reach out to this week to encourage or spend time with.
Parenting Tip: Encourage your children to build strong friendships and remind them that they are never alone.
Family Devotion 5: Daily Refilling Theme: Being Filled with the Holy SpiritScripture: Ephesians 5:18Activity Time: Breakfast Activity:
Read the Scripture: During breakfast, read Ephesians 5:18. Discuss how we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit every day.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can we make sure we are filled with the Holy Spirit each day? What are some ways we can spend time with God?
Application:
Encourage each child to think of one way they can spend time with God today, such as praying, reading the Bible, or singing worship songs.
Parenting Tip: Model a daily routine of spending time with God and encourage your children to join you. Remind them that God is always with them and wants to fill them with His Spirit.