---
title: "04 - Snakes in the Sanctuary 2025 by Pastor Jeff Wickwire"
url: "https://books.hardwired.org/23/cults-and-the-occult/229/04-snakes-in-the-sanctuary-2025-by-pastor-jeff-wickwire"
---

Family Devotion 1: "The Armor of God"

Time to Implement: During dinner or breakfast.

Activity: Discuss the concept of spiritual armor.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Devotion:Read the Scripture: Have a family member read Ephesians 6:10-18 aloud.

Discussion: Ask the kids what they think each piece of armor represents (e.g., helmet of salvation, shield of faith).

Application: Discuss how knowing the Bible helps us stand strong against things that aren't true.

Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member put on the full armor of God every day.Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to think of real-life situations where they might need to use their "armor."

Family Devotion 2: "Spot the Truth"

Time to Implement: During a car ride or while doing chores.

Activity: Play a game of "Truth or Not."

Scripture: John 14:6

Devotion:Read the Scripture: Have a family member read John 14:6 aloud.

Game: Take turns saying statements, and others guess if they are true or not. Include some Bible truths.

Discussion: Talk about how Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and how knowing Him helps us spot what's true.

Prayer: Pray for wisdom to recognize truth in everyday life.Parenting Tip: Use simple examples that are age-appropriate and encourage kids to ask questions.

Family Devotion 3: "Guard Your Heart"

Time to Implement: Before bedtime.

Activity: Heart Check.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23

Devotion:Read the Scripture: Have a family member read Proverbs 4:23 aloud.

Discussion: Talk about what it means to "guard your heart" and why it's important.

Activity: Ask each child to share one thing they can do to guard their heart this week.

Prayer: Pray for God’s help in guarding your hearts and minds.Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to think about their daily activities and how they can make choices that honor God.

Family Devotion 4: "The Power of Words"

Time to Implement: During snack time or a break.

Activity: Word Power.

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21

Devotion:Read the Scripture: Have a family member read Proverbs 18:21 aloud.

Discussion: Talk about how words can build up or tear down.

Activity: Share examples of kind words and how they make us feel.

Prayer: Pray for the ability to use words that encourage and build others up.Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to think of a kind word or compliment they can give to someone each day.

Family Devotion 5: "Light in the Darkness"

Time to Implement: During a family walk or outdoor time.

Activity: Light Hunt.

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Devotion:Read the Scripture: Have a family member read Matthew 5:14-16 aloud.

Activity: Look for sources of light around you (e.g., streetlights, stars) and discuss how they help us see.

Discussion: Talk about how we can be lights in the world by showing Jesus' love.

Prayer: Pray for opportunities to be a light in your community.Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to think of one way they can be a light to someone in their life this week.