Family ‘Devotions’ -2

Last time, we discussed some general guidelines for a family Bible time. After reading it, some might ask, “I still don’t know just how to carry it out.” That is the subject of this article.
At what age is the best time to start reading the Bible to your children? Isaiah 28:9 says it should be underway by the time children are weaned. Some have found profit in a father reading the Bible to his children before they are born! After all, children start hearing two months before birth.
When our children were younger, we used Keys for Kids (CBH Ministries), Bible storybooks, books of devotions for children, visualized stories, and the like. One of the best things you can do is to just read a verse from the Bible and explain it in simple terms he or she understands. Focus on a book at a time but be flexible if a particular need arises. The goal is to teach them to love the Bible and find spiritual food in it.
When our children were old enough, our best Bible time was something we called ‘Wisdom searches.’ We each had a notebook and pen and someone was assigned the job of being sure these were ready each morning. Then we read through Proverbs, sometimes a chapter a day, but more often a part of a chapter. We had a focus subject to look for like honesty, diligence, or slothfulness. Each child read a verse and then shared how they thought the verse dealt with our subject, if it did. We set a time limit, for our goal was not to get through so much material but to gain wisdom from God’s Word.
This could also be done looking for the major themes of Bible. For example, read John and share how each story or discourse guided readers to understand and believe the Gospel. This makes a great focus for children who have not yet received the Savior. Again, begin and end the time with prayer. Keep a written record of your prayer targets so everyone can see how God shows “Himself to be strong in the behalf off them whose hearts are perfect toward Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9)
In addition to the above, for several years during breakfast, I read biographies of great Christians to the family. This meant I was late in eating but it often stimulated discussions about what the person faced and how they dealt with trials. It also focused the conversation on spiritual things during that meal.
It would be profitable for those parents who are having successful Bible times with their children to share with younger or struggling parents what they do that is working. Let’s help each other build God’s Word into our families.