Joshua’s House

So you really want to have family worship, but you don’t know what to do and you don’t know how to plan.  Here’s an easy idea that will work for a spiritual gathering with your family anywhere at any time.

Most churches have a lesson study set up for kids and adults.  Even though various family members may not be studying the same thing, there is something each family member is doing.  Take some time to share with each other what you are learning.  Here are some questions to get you started:

• What part of the Bible are you studying?
• Have you learned anything new?
• What activities have you been doing in your personal study time?
• What memory verse are you working on?
• What can you learn about God from the lesson you’re studying?
• What can you learn about yourself from the lesson you’re studying?
• Is there anything God is calling you to do?

There are many more questions you can ask - make sure to let the conversation develop among all the family members and be sure to answer some of the questions for yourself.

One great bonus for this activity is that it not only gives you a wonderful springboard for a meaningful family worship, but it also encourages individual time with God.

Note: If your kids haven’t spent any time looking over their lesson, don’t get mad at them.  Ask them why they haven’t studied and help them to set up goals like a time when they can study and what they will do during that time.  Ask them if there is any way you can help them reach that goal.  It may even be appropriate to have a reward for them if needed.

I have many memories of Christmas time growing up.  One of my favorite memories is helping my mom make a bunch of mini banana bread loaves.  Do you like to make Christmas cookies or special treats with your kids?  If so, take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to teach your children that God is the giver of all good things. What better time to learn such an important lesson than at Christmas when we remember Jesus who gave so much to us?

When you are done baking and your bounty is laid out before you, set aside 10%.  Give these treats to your pastor and/or church staff.  This represents your tithe, God’s portion.

Together as a family, decide how much you will give as an offering.  You may decide 5%. Maybe you know someone who is sick or in need who would be cheered or blessed by a gift of yummy goodies.  If you can’t think of anyone, there are lots of people in the nursing home who would love a visit and a tasty snack.

Enjoy the rest of the treats with your family, making sure to take time together to thank God for His wonderful blessings.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Thankfulness.  This is an attitude that is difficult to foster in today’s society that is constantly working for more, better, faster, bigger everything.  It seems that there is so much discontentment.  Yet, amidst the dissappointment, there is so much to be thankful for.  There is so much that God has given us.  Take some time any time thorugh out the day to be thankful for what is around you.  You can do this anywhere with any topic.  Here are some ideas of places you can be thankful:

• As you’re driving in the car - what things are you able to do because you have a car, that you wouldn’t be able to do without one?
• At the dinner table - what are some of your favorite foods?
• When you are shopping - what things has God provided for you that You need?  Has He even given you some things you just want?
• The 5 Senses - What are you thankful you have the ability to see, feel, taste, hear or smell?
• On holidays - What holiday memories are you thankful for?

There are so many ways this activity can be done.  Have a lot of fun thinking of all the ways God has blessed you and for being thankful for those.  Don’t forget to actually thank God!  After you’ve had fun brainstorming, stop to tell Jesus thank you for all of His wonderful blessings.

“Pray Continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This is such a simple Bible verse but it has such a big meaning (especially in it’s larger context).  It’s important to teach your children how to continue a conversation with God, and it’s fun to look for opportunities to do this. Here are some ideas:

• When you hear sirens, pray for those driving the vehicles and those who are at their destinations.
• When your child is really excited about something, remember to thank Jesus together.
• If your child has had a rough day, pray with him, asking God to comfort him.
• Challenge everyone in the family to pray with one other person outside of the family each week.  Share your experiences.

Do you have any other ideas for ways to teach kids to pray continually?

We’ve all heard this song and it has become a favorite of many children.  But the song leaves out a lot of the story - in fact, it leaves out the best part.  Whatever happened when Jesus went to Zaccheus’ house?  Why not read Luke 19:1-10 with your kids and let them write a second verse.  You can help them, they can work independently, or they can work as a team.  You could even record them singing the song with their added second verse and post it here.  Have fun!

I’m not a morning person. When my parents used to take me to school in the morning, the drive was often quiet as none of us had become fully awake yet. If this is a situation you find yourself in frequently, take advantage of the opportunity to hide God’s Word in your heart and in the hearts of your children. This is a great chance to break the silence by playing scripture songs or Biblical education songs (like the books of the Bible, 10 commandments, etc) for your kids. Who knows, before long you might find that you are all singing along even on those early morning rides.