What have you found is a short and sweet way

to start off the day in God’s Word with your kids?

 

I like to have a theme of conversation running through our house. Something that reminds our kids that we don’t just memorize a verse for points, but that we believe it actually has the interactive power to change our minds. That God’s Wisdom can spring back up when we need it. That Truth can alter the outcome of the day.

 

God’s Word wielded by the Holy Spirit in us is a super power.  

 

Recently, we have been focusing on a Proverb for the day, looking up the meaning of the words and reminding each other throughout the day. You may know from other posts that I love any activity that meets several goals at once! I can say those are the most rewarding moments in my parenting. Yes! – we just covered Bible, grammar, and handwriting!

 

So, what’s on my Objectives Wishlist?

• Gain discipline for myself
• Create a Bible conversation starter with the kids
• Strengthen Dictionary skills
• Cultivate Bible skills
• Focus on Wisdom
• Return to conversation throughout the day
• Involve other parent in conversation

 

 

 

 

1. First, I must start with a Purpose.

If I want to find a Proverb a day to share with the kids then I am motivated to read the whole chapter when I wake up and look for what I want to share for the day. Mornings can start off busy and on the run, but this could take about 10 minutes and give you a foundation for conversation and applying God’s wisdom to their day. If you are just wanting to establish your own habits of Bible reading, this is a reachable goal.

 

2. Next, pick 1-2 verses for the day relative to what is happening in your lives.

I read the chapter that goes with the day of the month (Proverbs is so perfect with 31 chapters!) and choose a verse that sticks out to me because of where we currently are, what’s been talked about recently, or what is a need. I love this because it really does make the Word seem relatable! You could just work down through the verses in order, but I’ve enjoyed picking what jumps out at me because of attitudes or conversations happening lately. Or pray that God will lead you to what nugget of Wisdom you will need! Making your own choice seems less like a program and can create a sensitivity to knowing the needs of the hearts in your home.

For example, we had just watched the movie Wonder and been talking about playground relationships and bullying. So the verse from Chapter 1 I chose was, “My son, if sinners entice  you, do not consent.” This verse leads me to my next point…

 

 

3. You can use this as a teaching time by looking up the unfamiliar words in a Dictionary for a deeper meaning.

I jot the verse quickly on a marker board, and we sit in a circle facing each other on the floor. I wanted this to feel like a conversation and not like all our other lessons at the table.

With the verse, “My son, if sinners entice  you, do not consent,” I asked, “What do Entice and Consent mean?”

I pull the Dictionary off the shelf, that ancient book of information, and teach them how to look a word up! We settle on a definition they can wield and jot that on the marker board above the tough word in a different color. We read the verse with the substituted words and say and repeat the verse as it is read in the Bible a few times to help us memorize it.

 

 

4. I teach them how to use their Bible.

I help them look up the Book, chapter and verse and find the matching Proverb. They read it to me and highlight it in their own copy. I’m hoping these special verses that we have discussed together will jump out and be read again and again. I also want them to feel confident at Church that they look things up and encourage them to follow along with the sermon.

 

5. Post the verse somewhere it can be seen and repeat it at night.

You never know what their little minds could have been thinking about during they day or when this Proverb came up in a time of need, Unless you ask! Even if you have an older child that you are concerned about, stick the verse on the fridge or mirror and pray for God’s Word to penetrate their heart when your words seem to be failing. We keep our marker board out, randomly shout out or repeat the verse during the day, and then tell it to dad in the evening. This wisdom for life is given time and attention to settle in deep. Don’t underestimate that if it is posted and passed by, it will be read! That’s something I picked up from Sally Clarkson’s house!

 

Starting with 5 minute lessons work for the toddler or school age child that can’t sit still very long. 

5 minutes also works for the teen on the run!

 

So, little lessons like this I want to call a 5 Minute Seed!

 

I meet many parents who feel overwhelmed by trying to find time to fit family Bible study in or have burned out from doing an lengthy study their kids weren’t ready for.

But starting with a 5 minute lesson like a Proverb a Day is an incredible way to start planting the seeds of:

• faith in them toward God
• knowledge of His Word
• material for the Holy Spirit to remind them of
• reliance on Godly wisdom instead of worldly wisdom
• trust in you as one they can ask the tough life questions.

 

You open the door for conversation, addressing the moral dilemmas on the playground or school bus that hurt their heart and confuse their morals. God is a shield to those who walk in Integrity and I want to set me kids up to be equipped!  (Proverbs 2:7) What a great way too to worship the Lord together when following His ways work out for good!

 

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

 

Now, what is helpful for the seeds to take root is the health of the soil. You may not realize it, but you cultivate the soil by your other acts of love and service throughout the day.

 

Sometimes to tiny ones who don’t understand yet.

Sometimes to busy little ones that aren’t still long enough to notice.

Sometimes to bigger ones who are too cool to acknowledge.

But this intention really does matter.

 

 

Beginning with 5 minutes in Proverbs, You are:

• Reclaiming your spiritual authority in your house if that’s gotten lost
• Establishing your self as a spiritual leader, even if only with 5 minutes a day of intention
• Addressing tough issues through the moral lessons of the Proverbs (lying, cheating, peer pressure, lust, money, listening, working hard, etc.)
• Tailoring the message to what you are seeing and sensing is going on in your house

 

 

You can do it Mom & Dads, Grandparents and Guardians!

Can you hear me cheering for you? Go, Go, Go, Go!

 

 

 

Note: Be careful though not to “target” your children with the Word, constantly choosing the same theme. We want them to be equipped, not shamed. They will notice. But you have the opportunity to introduce them to the wisdom that is promised to lead to life.

“For wisdom will come out of your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

Proverbs 2: 10

 

Check out our Resource page for other ways to start conversations and introduce God’s Word in fun ways with you kids!

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