---
title: "01 - The Culting of America 2025 by Pastor Jeff Wickwire"
url: "https://books.hardwired.org/23/cults-and-the-occult/226/01-the-culting-of-america-2025-by-pastor-jeff-wickwire"
---

Family Devotion 1: Discernment Detectives

Time: During dinner

Activity: After dinner, play a game called "Discernment Detectives." Each family member takes turns sharing a scenario (real or imaginary) where they had to decide if something was right or wrong. Discuss how they made their decision and what helped them discern the truth.

Scripture: Matthew 7:15 - "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Discussion: Talk about how Jesus wants us to be careful and wise. Ask, "How can we know if something is true or not?" Encourage kids to think about how reading the Bible and praying can help them make good choices.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to ask questions and express their thoughts. Affirm their efforts to think critically and remind them that it's okay to ask for help when they're unsure.

Family Devotion 2: Building on the Rock

Time: During a car ride

Activity: As you drive, look for different types of buildings and talk about what makes them strong. Discuss how a strong foundation is important for buildings and for our faith.

Scripture: Matthew 7:24 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Discussion: Ask, "What does it mean to build our lives on Jesus?" Talk about how reading the Bible and praying are like building a strong foundation for our lives.

Parenting Tip: Use everyday moments to connect spiritual truths to real-life examples. Encourage your kids to see God in the world around them.

Family Devotion 3: Fruit Inspectors

Time: While preparing a meal or snack

Activity: As you prepare fruit for a snack, talk about how we can tell if fruit is good or bad. Relate this to how we can tell if someone is teaching the truth by the "fruit" or results of their actions.

Scripture: Matthew 7:16 - "By their fruit, you will recognize them."

Discussion: Ask, "What kind of 'fruit' do you think Jesus wants us to have in our lives?" Discuss how kindness, love, and honesty are good fruits that show we are following Jesus.

Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids to think about their actions and how they reflect their faith. Praise them for showing good "fruit" in their daily lives.

Family Devotion 4: The Armor of God

Time: Before bedtime

Activity: Talk about the "Armor of God" and how it helps us stand strong in our faith. Have each child pretend to put on each piece of armor as you describe it.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

Discussion: Ask, "Why do you think it's important to have God's armor?" Discuss how each piece helps us stay strong and make good choices.

Parenting Tip: Make this a fun and interactive time. Encourage your kids to use their imagination and think about how God protects and guides them.

Family Devotion 5: Light in the Darkness

Time: During a family walk in the evening

Activity: As you walk, talk about how light helps us see in the dark. Relate this to how Jesus is the light that helps us see the truth.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Discussion: Ask, "How does Jesus help us see the right way to go?" Discuss how reading the Bible and praying can guide us in making good choices.

Parenting Tip: Use the natural setting to illustrate spiritual truths. Encourage your kids to think about how they can be a light to others by showing kindness and love.