We participated in a family conference at our church this week. Stephen Kendrick, co-producer of Fireproof and Facing the Giants, was our speaker for the week. It was an incredible week full of inspiring teaching. There are probably a dozen or more habits I could share from what we learned.
One of the most practical things he shared was how he does devotions with his family. They sit down every night and spend a few minutes talking about the day. Then they pray and read one chapter from the Bible and discuss it. He said they don’t prepare in advance, they just let the conversation go wherever God leads. He said they started in Genesis and are slowly working their way through. I was intrigued at how he said he handled some of the more sensitive topics in the Old Testament. He said he read it just as it was written and took that opportunity to discuss some difficult things that otherwise wouldn’t have come up in family conversation. They follow up with a brief question and answer session and reward the kids for their answers with a nickel or a penny. I thought it sounded like a great way for families to study and learn God’s Word together.
If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of studying the Bible without assistance, here are a few devotional books we have found useful.
The One Year Book of Family Devotions
Little Visits with God – there is also a toddler version of this book
The One Year Book Of Devotions for Boys – there is a girls’ version of this book, but we haven’t used it
Kerri says
July 19, 2010 at 9:59 AMI thought this was a great idea, too. I like that there’s no preparation 🙂 And that it’s simple. I think we’ll be trying it out this week.
Tricia says
July 19, 2010 at 12:08 PMI love simple habits! Also how this would naturally bring up topics not otherwise talked about. We are in the Psalms with our family journaling – some of those are sad, some joyful. Good conversation and it only takes 10 min. As you’ve said, the point is the habit!
Great resources you’ve shared. Going to click…
Betsy says
July 19, 2010 at 1:46 PMThe links that you left for the devotional books…can those be bought at Lifeway or would I need to order them online?? I did love what he did though–I just think it would be hard for us to do with an 18 mo old and a newborn.
Kendra says
July 19, 2010 at 2:31 PMHmmm, I’m not really sure. I always order books online, but I bet if you called the store they could get them for you if they don’t have them in stock.
I agree – this method is definitely more suited to older kids and teenagers. With our little ones, we found one of those toddler storybook Bibles and just went through it and talked about the pictures and God’s creation and how much God loves them. Such a sweet time!
Angie B says
July 25, 2010 at 11:51 PMWonderful reminder on how we need to be getting in God’s word with our children!!!