FOR TODAY:
Parents: Read these passages before gathering with your child.
Key verse to read: Philippians 2:15 (NLT)
Story to read for 3 & 4 year olds: Garden of Eden (CEV)
Story to read for Kindergarten thru fifth graders: Garden of Eden (CEV)
Parents: Read this section before gathering with your child.
There are lots of things that can provide light; candles, lamps, pendants, the sun, flashlights, etc. No matter their shape or size, they all have the same common function: to provide light. Similarly, we are all unique, but God calls each of us to let our light shine. Our light is not battery operated but charged by the Holy Spirit, which means our light will never go out. We take this light with us everywhere we go; school, Chick-fil-A, the park, the movies, the mall, etc. Just like Adam and Eve had a choice to make in the Garden of Eden, we make choices every day. Choose to let your light shine! Wake up each morning and encourage yourself with the lyrics from one of my favorite songs, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
http://www.hymns.me.uk/this-little-light-of-mine-favorite-hymn.htm
Parents: Use this section to guide your family discussion.
Take the time to read and memorize God’s word as it is a, “light unto our feet, a lamp unto our path” and keeps our light burning bright. Talk with your kids about how they can be a light for God wherever they are. For a fun activity to illustrate the lesson, light a candle with your child in a dark place such as a closet. Talk about how the light allows us to see in the dark. Then, blow out the candle and discuss the importance of the light.
Parents: Use this section to guide your family prayer.
PRAY WITH: Pray together as a family and say, “Father, thank you for your light that shines in us and through us. Continue to illuminate our lives with your word and give us the courage to let our light shine!
PRAY FOR: Reward your children when you see them making a positive impact, whether at school, home or church.
FOR THE WEEK:
Parents: The sections listed below are designed for you to do one time during this week. It will be a great addition to your family devotional time if you can plan a day that works for you and incorporate the Activity of the Week.
For 3 & 4 year olds: “You are God’s children who he loves.” (Ephesians 5:1)
For Kindergarten through 5th graders: “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God shining like bright lights.” (Philippians 2:15)
GOAL: Demonstrate God’s careful and unique planning in everything he has created.
PREPARE: You will need an inkpad, markers, and paper.
INTRODUCE: Say, “Let’s do a fun activity using something that’s uniquely our own; our thumbprints!”
ACTIVITY: Have your children place their thumbprints on a piece of paper using the inkpad. Be creative and add legs, ears, tails and facial features to create animals. You can also use your thumbprints to create other living things that surround you. As you are creating your masterpieces, talk about how God’s fingerprints are in all the things that surround us. He created everything himself. The Bible says it too, “God’s eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made.” (Romans 1:20 CEV)
APPLY: Take a nature walk, and talk about how you can see God’s fingerprints in the things you discover.
BEAUTY
*The Project Parenthood devotionals are written and edited by a team of volunteers and members of Eastlake Church.
