Published 6/4/19
From: 101 Ways to Strengthen the Parent‐Child Connection
Devotions, Tips, and Activities
By: Michael and Tiffany Ross
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Family Quest
Gather some construction paper, scissors, and colored pencils. Create a shield with the paper and decorate it with symbols of God such as the cross, a dove, a flame of fire, a lamb, and the symbols for alpha and omega.
Talk It Out
· What are shields used for?
· How is God your shield?
· Explain the symbols you drew on your shield.
Parent-Child Connection
During today’s lesson, emphasize that Jesus is our shield (Psalm 84:11) and our faith (Galatians 2:20). A Christian’s armor is nothing more, and nothing less, than a multifaceted presentation of who Jesus is to us. If we need protection from the temptation to lie or to steal, we need more of Jesus. In all honesty, that’s the upside of any temptation. The things that tempt us to sin can also end up motivating us to depend more on Jesus, allowing Him to be our shield. And when those burning darts start flying—I could so easily slip that candy in my pocket without anyone seeing me—you can raise your shield with a simple prayer: “Jesus, I need You!” Keep holding up the shield until those smoldering arrows get extinguished.
Talk to God
As you pray, encourage your child to (1) thank Jesus for being her shield and (2) ask the Lord for joy in her heart and help to always trust Him.
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