Finding Spiritual Leadership

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

It was a little wire-bound notebook that would fit easily into a shirt pocket. Mine was green and I used an eraser to mark the green cover with two words—Bible Principles. I was either fifteen or sixteen years old at the time and each morning we would read a short passage of scripture and have some time to consider what thought affected our minds on that day. We were encouraged to format that thought into a principle that we could apply to our lives, even that day. The concept was simple and took my parents very little extra time to present. It was during those months that I discovered the living Word of God in a way I had not known before.

As parents Cas and I instituted various things that seemed age appropriate as our children grew. Early in their lives we would read a short devotional with scripture that seemed to connect. When our children were older I would read them stories from The Book of God by Walter Wangerin Jr. His style really drew in my children and kept them curious about the narrative.

Whatever you take away from this, please hear my heart. Do something to instill in your children an affection for the Scripture. If you can do that you have truly adopted the challenge of becoming spiritual leaders in your home.

Pastor Jordan and Pastor Justine recently put together a list of devotional guides they recommend.

For pre-K and elementary children: Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science, Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids, The Case For Christ Devotions for Kids,

For Junior High and High School: Influencer, Selfless, Prayer, Called to This, Take up and Follow, The Bible Recap (A Chronological journey through the Bible in a year)

Also, keep in mind that the Bible App has plans which are shareable and give those who are a part of them, an opportunity to talk it over. The Bible app also has a children’s version which smaller kids find quite entertaining. The stories are animated and can be interacted with. I find this app a great way to share stories with my younger grandkids.

What you do to lead your kids to discover Christ’s love is important; it’s likely one of the most important tasks you have. It’s intentional, but it’s not complicated. Take some steps this week to engage with your kids.

Prayer for today: Father, help us as parents or grandparents to take seriously the call to be spiritual leaders for those we count in our generations. We pray for opportunities provided; we commit to opportunities grasped to direct the hearts of our loved ones to you in a loving, grace-filled, and honest way so you might be glorified through their lives. Amen

Blessings,

Pastor Wes