Family Devotionals
Written by Cheryl Moody
It is so important for parents to recognize that children learn from what they see and hear. It is the parents’ responsibility to set and continue a good example from the beginning. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” How many times have we seen a child do something inappropriate that was obviously copied from observing an adult? Watching what you say and how you react as well as maintaining a positive outlook is so important in the formation of your children’s lives. While they may scoff at your ideals now, they will come to appreciate them as they grow.
Life is what we make of it. You can make the most of it by trusting in God and living a life that will please him. How will you live your life?
Happiness comes from within. Being part of a loving family and growing up in a strong Christian home has made my life very exciting, rewarding, and most of all . . . happy!
Written by Mary Earheart-Brown
I Scripture: Psalm 100
Sharing worship together is a great part of being a family. Worshipping with young children can bring wonderful stories of the cute thing a child said, sharing the Lord's Supper, a peaceful child sleeping on your lap. It can also bring frustration to the parent of a young child as you rush to get to church on time, struggle to keep your child quiet and focused during the sermon, or keep a cranky, hungry toddler from wailing during a prayer.
Thank you, God, that Faith CP Church is a welcoming place for all the noise of worship. For the sound of a baby crying that reminds us that we all, young and old, are essential to the life of the church. For the sound of the child who prays just a little bit too loud, reminding us to be passionate when we pray. For the giggles and whispers of the youth, reminding us that God gives us friends to love and nuture us. For the whistle of a senior citizen's hearing aid, reminding us of the importance of wisdom and life experiences. Make a joyful noise!
Written by Michele Fletcher - The Value of the Dinner Table 
I didn’t realize until I had my daughter, who is now five, the value of the dinner table. The time dedicated to my daughter at the dinner table is spiritually invaluable. Not only do we discuss how her day goes at pre-school, we discuss morals, how to treat others with respect, and how to grow spiritually. Recently, my daughter and I, for example, had a conversation about one of the Ten Commandments, “Thou Shall not Steal” since an occurrence of this activity had occurred at her pre-school in the past. It is at the dinner table, in my home, that my daughter hears what I really believe and really feel.
Additionally, after 11 years of teaching in public schools, I have also learned the importance of having dinner with my family. Many of my former students, for example, lack a healthy balanced meal on a regular basis. Yet, they are succumbed to eating fast food or nothing at all. More importantly, many of them didn’t have any or very little interaction with an adult. I then learned the importance of communicating and instilling spiritual reality and principles to a child. Being spiritually fed is just as important as a healthy, balanced meal.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
