Instructions and suggested activities:
Sword-sharpening Sunday – Today’s focus is on growing in the knowledge of the word of God. II Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” In the Christian armor, the sword of the spirit is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). We need to be skilled in using our swords! Attend Bible class and worship together as a family. Discuss the bible class lesson and sermon at lunch. Let each family member share something new they learned. If someone’s interest was piqued about a specific verse, topic, person, or event, have them do a deeper study about it today and share what they learn with the rest of the family. Discuss how to make application of the lessons in each person’s life throughout the coming week. Choose a point from the sermon or Bible class lesson to meditate on and study further throughout the week. *For more ways to sharpen your sword, click here.
Memorization Monday – Today’s focus is on hiding God’s word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Choose a verse, chapter, or biblical list (such as the judges of Israel, days of creation, ten commandments, etc.) and work to commit it to memory. Work on it together today, and individually throughout the week. *For tips on memorizing scripture, click here, or for a list of 100 verses to memorize, click here.
Tasty Tuesday – Today’s focus is on hospitality. I Peter 4:9, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” Share a meal or a special dessert with someone in your home. Invite a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or someone from church such as a new member, new convert, single mom, the preacher’s family, etc. *For some easy snacks and goodies for guests, click here.
Widow Wednesday – Today’s focus is on widows. James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows…” Choose one or more widows/widowers and do one or more of the following for them: 1) visit, 2) send a card, 3) bake and take cookies, 4) read the Bible to them, 5) play a board game or do a puzzle, 6) help around the house with chores/yard work *Make a widow’s day and adopt her as a grandparent! To learn more click here.
Thankful Thursday – Today’s focus is on having a grateful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Challenge each family member to make a list of the ways God has blessed them throughout the week. Share and discuss the lists at dinner, bedtime, or during family Bible time. Say a prayer of thanksgiving.
Fishing Friday – Today’s focus is on evangelism – let’s be fishers of men! Luke 8:11, “The seed is the word of God.” Challenge each family member to plant the seed in some way today: 1) invite someone to church, 2) hand out tracts or DVDs to cashiers, waiters, service techs, etc., 3) invite someone to have a Bible study
Service Saturday – Today’s focus is on serving others. Galatians 5:13, “…but through love serve one another.” Brainstorm together and list different service projects the family can do together. (Serving others includes serving members of our own family too!) Choose one to work on today. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 1) Fix dinner and deliver it to someone who is sick or just out of the hospital, 2) Have a “kids cook” night, 3) Pick up trash around the church building and grounds, 4) Cook breakfast or lunch at a Ronald McDonald house or homeless shelter, 5) Do a chore for another family member so they don’t have to. *For more family service project suggestions, click here.