by Courtney Kirk | Nov 18, 2019 | Teaching Resources
I’ve been working on a project for my congregation that begins in January and I want to share it with you. I mainly work with K-5th grades, but am about to embark on a journey to provide our families of K-5th AND toddlers AND pre-schooler’s with family bible studies to do with their kids. One parent introduced me to The Rhyme Bible and I love it! So, for toddlers and pre-schoolers…
I am creating activity mats to go with each bible story rhyme. Of course, the first rhyme is called “A New World” and is all about creation. I am amazed by this author’s talent! The rhyme’s are cute and catchy while holding to scripture- perfect for the little ones! Today I am sharing the first activity mat to accompany the book. You don’t have to purchase the book to tell these bible stories and play with your kids to teach them the scriptures, but it’s a fun way to do it. You can purchase the book here: The Rhyme Bible and download the FREE activity mat here.
As for the activity mats, be creative. Print as many copies as you’d like and to make them last longer, laminate them or put them in these cool plastic pockets. Have fun learning from God’s word using play-doh, play foam, silly putty, thinking putty, kinetic sand, wikki stix… anything that let’s you form something. The idea is to make talking about God with your kids normal for your family. We want our kids growing up knowing their God loves them and that they are part of His great big plan.
Remember, studies show that families who pray together, serve together, talk about matters of faith regularly and have family devotionals outside of dinner time are more likely to raise children with an unshakable faith! This is the message I will keep on spreading because it is so important, especially in a world that keeps declining in morals and spiritual truth.
If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to download the Holiday Planner with Weekly Family Devotionals for November & December. Sign up here… it’s FREE!
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by Courtney Kirk | Nov 8, 2019 | Teaching Resources
We live in Satan’s territory. We are in a war to win souls
on Satan’s battleground and he and his army have done a phenomenal job in crafting
lies that many, many people have bought into. These days, we seem to have
trouble calling sin what is, sin. I’m sure you’ve heard it, “A loving God will
accept me for who I am” or “I know what the bible says, but it doesn’t really
mean that anymore” and my favorite, “God made me this way so he must accept me.”
Of course, God loves us and meets us
where we are, but God does not accept the willful sin (Hebrews 10:26).
I’m sure you’re wondering, “What does this have to do with our children?” Our children are growing up in this world, in a world that over the years has allowed sin to take more and more souls every day. We can’t escape it. Turn on the television, even a children’s cartoon and see if it holds all the values you do. See what your kids are learning at school. At one time the church was in an uproar because science taught evolution, but not creation. Then God and prayer was removed from schools. Now, our young elementary children are being taught they may be born a boy or girl, but how do they feel? They are being taught at this young age, early elementary school, that they have a choice to make. Confusing? I think so. My point is, the world is taking over and God is being pushed aside.
So, what can we do about it? Step up as children’s ministry
leaders, teachers and parents. If a church is able to provide a healthy, biblical
atmosphere for learning, that’s great! But most churches aren’t in this
position; so, we need to really teach and train up our children in the way of
the Lord. Parents who raised children faithful to God shared what they did. The
thing that stood out most to me was that matters of faith were part of normal,
everyday conversation. God wasn’t a separate conversation, but part of regular
conversations. Their children grew up learning that God was naturally a part of
every aspect of their lives. The other thing they did was have family devotional
time and they prayed together. They spent time together as a family with what
matters most, God.
Now, you will have to intentionally work to make God a part
of your conversations; but I’ve got a solution for family devotionals. During
November, I have weekly family devotionals teaching about gratitude. In December, we’ll learn about the spirit of
Christmas. It’s free so sign up and choose an evening each week to study God’s
word as a family. All you need is 15 minutes (more if you want to spend time
together doing the game or activity as a family)! You pick the night. Study in
your pajamas if it’s easier… it’s all about sharing God as a family.
This is the one major way families can combat sin in the world. Train up your children to have an unshakable faith in Christ. Set up an atmosphere where your children come to you with questions before they accept sin as normal. Parents and Children’s Ministry Leaders have an incredible job, an important job. What an amazing opportunity!
Join the challenge to Focus the Family on God this holiday season. Many of you have already joined and I pray that your family is already being blessed by these times together with God.
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