When I think about the new year, I think about direction and purpose. It’s that time of year when we start to reflect on our lives–to assess what is going well and what needs to change. I’m hoping that, for many of you, this recent advent season was a glimpse of what could be an “every season” reality. It’s been such a joy for me personally to see your pictures and receive your emails about how the advent kit and devotional has blessed you. Now, as the new year begins, I encourage you to keep it up. Yes, Advent is over but family worship is available for you at any time. All you need is your family, a Bible, and a little bit of time set aside each day.
Finding Time for Family Worship
Each day. I know. As I type those words, it even causes me to pause. They can be daunting words, words that make us feel like a failure before we even get started. Maybe there’s even a voice in your head telling you “You don’t have time for that” and “Why even start when you know you won’t keep it up.” Please, shut that voice down. That voice is not from God–it’s the enemy trying to keep you from the one thing he knows will have the greatest lasting impact on your children.
http://thelittersitter.com/wp-content/plugins/superstorefinder-wp/css/ssf-wp-admin.css Hear these words instead: You can do this. You do have time. You also have a church full of people doing it along with you. You have elders and staff praying for you and willing to help you along the way.
And most importantly, you have the Spirit of God within you, giving you wisdom and perseverance when you may feel discouraged and tired. how to get cytotec You’ve got this!
Communicating The Value of God’s Word
Teaching your children to love the Word of God is one of the greatest gifts you could give them. 1 Peter 2:2 tells us that like newborn babies crave milk, we should “long for the spiritual milk (the Word), that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Our natural desire is to crave instant self-gratification, things that fill us temporarily but leave us empty spiritually and searching for more. When you show your family the value of reading the Word, you are giving them another option–the option of looking to God for fulfillment that does not disappoint.
How Do I Do Family Worship?
You may be wondering where to begin now that you’ve finished with the advent devotional. There are lots of resources out there, and some are really great; but don’t underestimate the power of reading straight from the Bible. In my family, we’ve tried a number of things, but some of our most meaningful conversations have been when we were reading straight from the Word. I love to watch my kids’ faces light up as something that was confusing to them just minutes before begins to make sense. As you know, the Bible can even be hard for adults to understand when we first start reading it–it takes practice–and our children need to be taught how to begin processing truth. My suggestion is for you to pick a book of the Bible, maybe a shorter one to start with, and read it together a little at a time. Talk about what it means, what the reading teaches you about God, and what you can learn and apply to your own life. Then sing and pray. It doesn’t have to take long; although, as you get the hang of it, you might enjoy some days where you have more time to read and talk together.
If you would like to learn more about what Family Worship Looks like and how to do it, check out our Family Worship page by clicking the button below:
Please know that I am praying for each of your families. As your children’s ministry director, my team of volunteers and I are here to support you however we can. I enjoy hearing about your wins and how your children are growing in their faith. I would also love to talk with you if you are struggling and to help you find resources.
Let 2022 be the year that worshipping God becomes the top priority in your family!
Children's Ministry Director, Jessi Burns
Jessi and her husband Mike have attended Wildwood since 2018. They have 5 children that keep life both busy and fun! They were both born and raised in North Carolina, but the Army brought them to the Quad Cities in 2015 where Mike finished out his 20 year military career. They loved this area so much that they decided to retire and raise their family here. Jessi loves to read, care for her many “plant babies” and go camping with her family.
