Life is full of adventures for children and adults.  Some days are tough, others fly by.

We need encouragement to keep our minds focused on Christ and radiate His love in all we say and do.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 KJV

Having a verse for the day will help you through the hard times and enable you to encourage others. By using an encouragement vessel you will be able to focus your thoughts on Christ and start your day on a positive note.

Make an encouragement vessel.

• Fill a vessel or container with Bible verses. Need some verses to get started? Print these verses.

• Each day before your family goes out the door or gets started with their daily activities, gather around your encouragement vessel.

• Have each person choose a verse and read it. This is their verse for the day. They can carry the verse with them, read it, and draw upon God’s strengthening and encouraging power though out the day.

• When you are finished choosing verses, have a time of family prayer.

Use an encouragement vessel daily to help you stay focused on Christ, draw your family together, and encourage others.

Be Determined!

Using object lessons and games are a good way to help children remember the concept you are teaching them.

This video has an object lesson/game you can use with children and adults. It teaches us not to give up and to keep trying.

God wants us to be determined to obey His Word and not give in to life’s pressures.

God is there to help you stay determined!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Parents, teachers, and grandparents all have a responsibility to train and build children up in the Lord. Sometimes we may feel this task is overwhelming. We get discouraged by the negative influences and feel like we are failing.

We have hope!

The task of building godly characteristics and values into our children is not fully upon our shoulders. The Lord is with us. He is the ultimate architect and builder. The Lord has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

When you feel like it’s no use, your children aren’t listening to anything you have said, or only picking up on bad examples. Keep your focus on God. Keep praying. Continue to be a godly example.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Watch for those “thank you, God” moments.
They may not come as soon as you like, but keep watching.

Teaching children is a challenge. Many times you think they are not paying attention or could care less. Don’t let what you see now bring you down. God has a bigger picture. When you are reviewing a lesson, talking to a parent, or watching children play, you may find the “thank you, God moment” you thought they did not learn.

For our family devotions each child needed to bring something that was their favorite, special item. Without any prodding or suggestion they brought their Bibles. We are not a perfect family. Each day has it’s own struggles. It was encouraging to see this “thank you God” moment.

We are learning and growing in Lord through God’s grace. Be encouraged that your are not the only person in the world trying to build up your children. We are in this together. Daily we are learning, making mistakes, asking forgiveness, and trying again.

Don’t give up! Give it to the Lord! Let Him help and guide you!