Archive for August, 2009
It’s never to soon to begin to teach the promises of God’s Word through Christian children’s books. Little ones learn earlier and faster then most of us imagine. They are blank slates waiting to be filled with vital information, and what can be more vital then our relationship with our loving heavenly Father.
Let your little ones hear about the blessings God promises early and often so that they can grow to love Him as they grow up and get in the habit of thinking about all He gives and does for us. Dt 6:7 ” Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” It’s your parental duty as a Christian and a joy God gives us to do.
Where was that verse? I know I can quote it, but is it in Genesis? Its hard to back up our knowledge of God’s Word if we don’t remember references.
I know I’ve struggled with this. Perhaps the answer is to start very young, when languages and information tend to take root easier. Young children, even before reading, can learn about God’s Word with Christian computer games, and have a lot of fun while doing it. Audible voice helps those who can’t yet read. It’s surprising how fast kids can grow and learn when the right tools are being used.
Start your kids out early in learning God’s Word and it will follow them their whole life.
Several years ago, the Dance Dance Revolution phenomenon was sweeping videogame consoles around the country. Featuring a dance pad that encouraged kids to get up on their feet and stomp to the rhythm, this game had managed to do what millions of remonstrating mothers had failed to do: convince their kids to get some exercise. The game went on to inspire many sequels and variations.
More recently, the secular themes of Dance Dance Revolution have been given a Christian spin in the computer game known as Dance Praise. As one might expect, the game works in much the same way – with the notable difference that its songs focus on the glory of God. The game is licensed to include a large quantity of chart-topping Christian songs from various genres including rock, hip-hop and electronic.
What does that really say? How often have you read a portion of scripture and wondered what the author was really saying? Many very devout men have studied the scriptures for years and are much better qualified to explain God’s Word to you then I am. Many of them have written informed commentaries and Christian devotional books. Meet some of them in Bible references and commentaries that will enhance your understanding and the benefit you receive from your study time.
There are many choices on the bookshelf. Any from qualified sources would be a good addition to your library and your understanding. Don’t take the Word of God lightly. “Study to show yourself approved”.
Psalms 119:1 The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. There is nothing more ready to convince us of God in this world then His own creation.
Christian books and DVDs that show us the wonders of the world around us can be entertaining and educational ways of examining what God has done. In nature we see God’s love, intricate nature and sense of humor (see the platypus or the hammerhead shark, or in my case look in the mirror).
This is a good time to point out to your kids that this didn’t all evolve, God created it. Reinforce for yourself that He created it for you, for your enjoyment. Spend time with God’s nature and sense His peace and the assurance of His presence in you and introduce the wonders He created to your children and grandchildren as He has instructed us to.
There is no area in our lives where Americans tend to fall down as often as in our financial skills. America is in deep need of financial wisdom right now and it won’t be found from our government. When our financial lives are in order, it frees us to do what God wills us to do, and relieves much of the stress we deal with daily.
Crown Ministries has been making an effort for many years with Christian Financial books and aids to help Christians get back on their financial feet so that they are free to serve. Get the help you need now, before things get worse and find out what God can do with you when you’re faithful in this important area. How can we teach our children how to be wise financially if we lack in that area ourselves? As always I encourage you to learn and grow.
It’s not uncommon to turn on the television and find a cartoon show that entertains even as it teaches moral lessons. As zany and off-the-wall as many of today’s most popular animated shows can be – see Spongebob Squarepants for an apt example – most of them have a heart of gold. Television producers and programmers realize that young children are especially impressionable and that they should be shown positive messages.
Veggietales, a computer-animated series of Christain parables and moral lessons, practically invented this formula. The series began in the early ’90s with a direct-to-video release model, but it was eventually adapted into a hit NBC TV show. The series was so successful that it spawned a wide variety of merchandise, including jigsaw puzzles. Although the show ran its course a few years ago, it is still revered by children across America.
You can play the secular version, there’s not a problem with that, but having a Christian version to play helps keep us mindful of God’s Word and our relationship to Him.
Spending family time together playing Christian card games helps us grow together. Action can be fast and exciting, giving even very active children an outlet for their energy and helping them keep their minds on the game.
Try Christian card games for family or group time and have fun and find a new dimension, a spiritual dimension, to your play.