Family Devotions
Service
Sneaky Service
Do:
Huddle up and read through the Bible passage and talk through the questions below. Think up a bunch of things that you can each do around the house to serve each other. It could be simple things like setting and clearing the table, emptying the dishwasher, or making beds. Or it could be bigger, more difficult things like fixing something broken or cleaning the garage. Get a big piece of poster board or paper and write everything down on it and hang it up where everyone can see it. Then try to be sneaky as you each finish things off the list. Try not to let anyone see you do them, or cross them off once they’re finished. It may take a week or two, but once the whole list is crossed off, have an family outing to your favorite ice cream place to celebrate how you all served each other.
Read:
Matthew 6:1-4
Ask:
After you’ve read the Bible verse, ask each other the following questions:
· Why do you think Jesus tells us not to brag about how we give and serve others?
· How do you feel when you help someone out?
· Why do we want others to see us being helpful and serving?
Tree Huggers
Do:
Pick an afternoon or evening and go to a nearby park or cemetery. Spend some time picking up trash and cleaning things up as much as you can. After you’re done cleaning up, be sure to give at least one tree a great big hug. Before you head home, huddle up as a family and read through this week’s Bible story.
Read:
1 Timothy 4:4-5
Ask:
After you’ve read the Bible verse, ask each other the following questions:
· God is in charge of everything, especially the world that He’s made. How does it show respect for God when we take care of the things He’s created?
· What are some other ways that we can show respect to God?
So Hospitable
Do:
Pick an evening this week and invite another family over for dinner. It can be another family from church, neighbors, or even just some relatives. Work together as a family to prepare the meal and clean up before your guests arrive. Be sure to make them feel welcome in your home throughout the dinner. After cleaning up, sit down together as families and read through the Bible passage below, and talk through the questions.
Read:
1 Peter 4:9
Ask:
After you’ve read the Bible verse, ask each other the following questions:
· What does it mean to be welcoming and to show hospitality?
· What are some specific ways that we can be welcoming to others in different situations (i.e. at school, at work, etc.)?
· How does it make you feel when someone is welcoming to you, without expecting anything else in return?
Provide for You
Do:
Sit down as a family and read through the Bible passage below. Then get out a big sheet (or sheets) of paper and talk about all the ways God provides for you as a family as you write them all down as a list. Put the list up in a prominent place where everyone in the family can see it and be reminded about how God takes care of us. Then brainstorm some ways that you can help provide for another family’s needs. It could be donating food to a food pantry, helping out in a soup kitchen, or even just helping the neighbors with yard work. As you work through the list, both of how God provides for you ad how you can help provide for others, ask the questions below.
Read:
Luke 5:27-31
Ask:
After you’ve read the Bible verse, ask each other the following questions:
· What would be a good day that we can do some of the things we’ve put on our list?
· How do you feel when someone helps take care of you and your needs?
· How do you think God feels when we take care of others?