Hands-on Faith for Families
Week of September 16, 2013
Overview:
Outwardly doing what is right is easy, but living out your faith on a daily basis can be difficult. This entails being motivated from the inside and having the courage to do what is right before God and your neighbor. In this reading plan, parents can help their children explore what it means to have a faith that is a part of every moment. It will help kids understand a little more about prayer, obedience, imitating Jesus, the fruit of our actions and sharing our faith.
Follow Jesus' Patterns
Play: Look around and find as many patterns as you can. At home you may see patterns on your floors or sofa cushions. While driving or walking, you may spot patterns on buildings or roads.
Talk: Patterns are not found only in things we see. Our behavior can also reflect patterns. When we often repeat a behavior, whether good or bad, it becomes a pattern. If we refuse to forgive those who mistreat us, for example, then we are forming a bad pattern. The Bible teaches us not to follow the bad patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Instead we should try to follow Jesus’ pattern. He taught us how to act so that others would see that we're trying to love like Jesus. What behaviors help others see Jesus in you?
Pray: Ask God to help you change bad patterns in your behavior to be more like Jesus.
—Naomi Cassata
