Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of watching my oldest son be baptized. I can think of no greater JOY than knowing my child(ren) want to walk with the Lord. Oh tears of happiness and joy were shed. It was such a blessing watching him take his first communion in front of the church and then stand at the back for others to greet him and congratulate him was such a treat.
But, what did I do to ensure he would get baptized? NOTHING. Not a bless-ed thing. In fact, he was probably baptized in spite of my parenting abilities. I fail…a LOT. I lose my temper. I don’t always handle stress well. So, I’m quite sure it was nothing that I did, but the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit at work on his heart that made all the difference.
So how can you guarantee your children will love the Lord and enjoy studying His Word?
First, there are no guarantees in life. Parents can raise their children in church, do all the “right things” and once those children have a say in their choices, it’s up to them. All we can do is pray that God will prick their heart and make Himself known to them in a very real way, so they experience His power. But, I do think there are some steps we can take to help Foster a Love of God’s Word in our children.
- Prayer – I know that may be a given, but praying is a MUST. Pray specifically for each child and that God would give you the wisdom to make His Word real to them. Pray for your parenting and ask God to give you not only patience, but the knowledge to parent each child according to their needs.
- Model the behavior – I know it’s nice to get up early and get your Bible reading done before anyone gets up, but I also think it’s important for your kids to see you make that time a priority. Teach them that while you’re reading the Bible, they may sit with you quietly or go in another room to play quietly. This may not be an every day thing, but at least let them see you reading God’s Word.
- Daily Reading – From the time my kids were old enough to listen (basically since they were in my belly) I have read to them. We not only read books, but God’s Word. We started out with Children’s Bibles and then as they got a little older, we have transitioned to reading directly from the Bible.
- Let them ask Questions – Don’t quench their love of learning by making them be quiet and listen. Although I am guilty of this at times, I do really try to let them ask questions as they think of them, even while we’re reading. That way they know I think their questions are important and that I really am listening to them.
- Encourage them to read God’s Word daily – Although some days I am met with resistance, most days our oldest does his Bible reading without complaint. We have given him the task of reading 2 OT chapters and 1 NT chapter a day and then we can discuss it. Sometimes I encourage him to take notes or write things down he doesn’t understand or wants to talk about. But, the most important part is reading God’s Word.
- Use God’s Word gently – I have often heard of parents who “use God’s Word in discipline,” but I want to caution you on that – do so gently. Yelling at your children “Well do you KNOW what God’s Word says about…” isn’t the best approach. Instead sit them down and gently talk to them about what God wants from their behavior. Most often when I take the time to really talk to them calmly and explain how God doesn’t like their behavior, they listen and understand more clearly what is expected of them in the future.
How have you fostered a love of God’s Word in your children?
It’s not easy, but with perseverance and prayer – it can be done! Stay with Moms and Dads – you’re doing a great job!
Remember – don’t forget to visit the series page where you will find each days posts!!
This post is also part of the Marriage & Motherhood Mondays. Click the image below to read more in this series!
Annette lived many years as an exhausted wife of 1 and mother of 6. Grab your fuzzy blanket, pour your favorite drink, and browse through our encouraging tips, printables, and curriculum options. Read more about me and the ministry here at In All You Do
This Post Has 37 Comments
I enjoy inductive study.
I like the reading the bible in the year type of plan, but right now my favorite way to do bible study is actually using the YouVersion Bible App because it gives you so many options for bible study. I am currently doing a yearly study, another one called No More Perfect Moms, and a family devotional one called The Power of Same. There are so many wonderful studies to chose from.
This would be a wonderful blessing to use with my son. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I simply enjoy reading through the Bible and studying a scripture from my regular reading – looking up definitions, cross referencing and more!
I enjoying either a book of the Bible study, or a daily devotional with reflection/application-type questions. For me, it helps really drive home what the Scriptures are teaching.
Wow! Awesome giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
I’m eager to try Grapevine Studies!
They are really wonderful!! ~ Annette B.
I love to just have quiet time set aside each day to soak in the presence of the Lord
I love Kay Arthur’s Inductive Study Method.
I am a visual learner, so I like to read and do workbooks. Any topic because I want to learn about what the Bible teaches.
This looks like an awesome set of resources!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy finding what works for your family!
I haven’t found a Bible study that works for me yet although I have tried a few “a year trough the Bible”, A journey through the bible (which I felt went way to fast for my reading style. I hope to find something that I can do with my children.
As life on the field is hectic enough I can sure use all the help I can get staying focussed and grounded!
I completely understand. It’s good to have some guidance and encouragement! Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings ~ Annette
I am glad I found this site by accident!
I’m glad you’re here, Michelle!
I’ve just become acquainted with the SOAK method from Courtney Joseph with Women Living Well. I’ve even been able to have my boys use this method to help them grow in their study time.
I use the SOAK method too!! I’m starting my 9yo on it as well. 🙂 I absolutely LOVE it!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings ~ Annette
I love just using the inductive bible study method. “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin was a great book for understanding IBS even better. For my kids, I have been eyeing the “Write Through the Bible” workbooks to help them learn chunks of scripture.
We love the WTTB books too! 🙂
What a great collection! One of my almost four year old’s favorite things to do is read her Bible. There is something so wonderful to be a parent and seeing your child excited about God.
AMEN to that!!
i am enjoying reading through the Bible chronologically.
We do that in our house too!! It really is a great way to read it!
I love Bible journaling/ doodling method of Bible Study. I always retain more when I write it out.
Me too!!
I like using the Mother’s Study Bible.
I most enjoy exegetical study but often don’t have time for it, so my fall-back study habit is the SOAP method.
Thank you for this article! I have been praying a lot more for ways to show my children Christ and it always goes back to my own heart and where I am at with the Lord. Thank you for offering this give-away, too. I would love to try some of the things you offered, but either way I am excited. 🙂
I’ve been trying to use inductive study and I also love using the SOAP concept.
MY FAVORITE BIBLE STUDY IS ESTHER BY BETH MOORE
I’ve usually used a read through the Bible plan, devotionals, suggestions from friends/family and/or open the Bible to random places for studying. I’m hoping to use more topical Bible studies and inductive studying this summer, though.
Our favorite way to do Bible reading/class is going through the Catechism and a simple story with a coloring page in the morning. In the evening, we usually read a children’s Bible to the younger 3 and the regular KJV to the older (all 5 listen to both).
I am looking for something to get my kids excited about reading the Bible. While I attend womens’ Bible studies, I am having a hard time instilling the love of reading the Bible in my kids even though they are avid readers of other books. Thank you for this opportunity
Honestly, I’m still looking for the thing that really fits. I love attending a Bible-based church, and really digging into the sermon from Sunday. I also love attending a small group. I’m still searching for something great for my kids.