Family Devotion 1: The Armor of God
Theme: Understanding the Armor of God
Activity Time: During dinner or breakfast
Devotion:Read Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Discussion: Ask the kids what they think it means to be strong in the Lord. Discuss how God gives us special "armor" to help us stand strong.
Activity: Have each family member share one thing they think is a "piece of armor" they use in their life (e.g., prayer, kindness, reading the Bible).
Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member put on His armor every day.Parenting Tip: Encourage each child to think of a real-life situation where they might need God's armor. Praise their ideas and relate them to everyday life.
Family Devotion 2: The Belt of Truth
Theme: The Importance of Truth
Activity Time: While driving or during a walk
Devotion:Read John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Discussion: Talk about what truth means and why it's important. Ask the kids if they can think of a time when telling the truth was hard but important.
Activity: Play a game of "True or False" with fun facts. Discuss how knowing the truth helps us make good decisions.
Prayer: Pray for honesty and truthfulness in your family.Parenting Tip: Use examples from your own life to show how truth has helped you. Encourage kids to always seek and speak the truth.
Family Devotion 3: The Shield of Faith
Theme: Trusting God
Activity Time: Before bedtime
Devotion:Read Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Discussion: Ask the kids what they think faith means. Discuss how faith is like a shield that protects us.
Activity: Have each child draw or describe their "shield of faith" and what it protects them from.
Prayer: Pray for strong faith to trust God in all situations.Parenting Tip: Share a story of a time you had to trust God. Encourage kids to share their own stories or hopes.
Family Devotion 4: The Helmet of Salvation
Theme: Assurance of Salvation
Activity Time: During a family meal
Devotion:Read Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Discussion: Talk about what it means to be saved and how the helmet of salvation protects our minds.
Activity: Have each family member share one thing they are thankful for about being saved.
Prayer: Thank God for the gift of salvation and pray for assurance in each family member's heart.Parenting Tip: Reassure your children of God's love and salvation. Encourage them to ask questions about faith.
Family Devotion 5: The Sword of the Spirit
Theme: Using God's Word
Activity Time: While cleaning up or doing chores
Devotion:Read Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..."
Discussion: Discuss how the Bible is like a sword that helps us fight against wrong thoughts and actions.
Activity: Have a "sword drill" where kids race to find a Bible verse. Discuss how knowing God's Word helps us in life.
Prayer: Pray for a love of God's Word and the ability to use it wisely.Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to memorize a favorite Bible verse. Celebrate their efforts and progress.