Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners is done randomly and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
My husband is a youth minister, and he has received many questions from parents over the years regarding ways that they can interest their children in reading the Bible. His youth ministry consists of students sixth grade through twelfth grade, and most parents come to him with these questions around ninth or tenth grade.
My husband always begins by inquiring about their child’s spiritual journey up to that point, as well as some of their family activities in regards to faith and Bible reading. I would estimate that approximately 70% off the time, the parent responds with something like, “But my child has always been a good kid! He (or she) has never needed this before!”
It is conversations such as these that has made me realize the importance of starting my kids on a daily devotional time early on. It is difficult to introduce Bible reading to a teenager who has never been encouraged by his or her parents to have a devotional time. Starting this habit when they are little is the best way to ingrain this into their daily routine so that it becomes something that they enjoy and anticipate. Even with the smallest of kids, reading short Bible stories daily that introduce Biblical characters and concepts can begin the foundation. For kids who are older, there are many great resources out there that provide good devotionals for kids. These devotionals are perfect for kids who still have difficulty reading and understanding the Bible straight away. The Plans I Have For You Devotional is a great example of such a devotional.
The Plans I Have For You is a 90 day devotional written by Amy Parker and published by ZonderKidz. It teaches kids to dream about the future (as they usually do!) while recognizing that God has a plan and purpose for each of us. The devotional combines scripture with thought provoking discussion and activities.
The devotional also has an accompanying journal, The Plans I Have For You Journal. The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.
It is the beginning of a New Year, and I truly want to help you help your kids begin their daily quiet time with God. It can be their own spiritual New Year’s Resolution. Let it morph into a family devotional time, and use the opportunity to discuss the daily topics.
Right now the kids and I are using one by Max Lucado and it is terrific.
I have one by Max Lucado that my husband got for me. This is something I struggle with doing daily and I know my teenage son does too
We like God’s Good News by Billy Graham and have been using it for our daily readings.
Would love this for my 8 year old daughter! 🙂 thank you
Came across your site through pinterest. Have enjoyed reading your blog. This post especially has inspired me to start a daily devotional with my daughter.
Thank you, Sandra!