Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Family Devotions: a Very Important Tradition

Our church denomination’s magazine, called New Horizons, recently had an uplifting article called “Family Devotions: Passing Down a Tradition.” The article gives many examples of families forming the habit of reading Scripture together,memorizing it, praying, singing hymns/songs to the Lord, and discussing the Lord’s work in their lives. What struck me was the evidence of God working in a covenantal way in families, from generation to generation to generation.

That could be a whole study in itself, and entire books have been written about covenant theology. What is important in this brief column today is the importance of family devotions. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 says, “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul…You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house.”

Having family devotions does take discipline. It means keeping children at the table in order to open up the Word. It means saying no to the doorbell ringing, phone ringing, the computer clamoring for attention, a host of activities that could usurp some time to read and pray. Forming the habit takes effort and time. But we need to take advantage of these family eating times to feast also upon our Lord, too.

Missions Fest

We are anticipating a challenging time at our church’s missions fest this weekend. There will be speakers from out of town coming to talk about how God is working in different parts of the world. One will speak about the spread of the Gospel in France; another will talk about local churches sending teams of people out to different parts of the world. We will have times of worship together, and times of prayer together.

This is a time for the whole family to come out and sing, pray, learn, and grow together. We are to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching them to do what Jesus taught us. There will be a book table, too. If you know of any books about missions to add to the book table, let us know!

Treasures of Encouragement

Hi Everyone: Treasures of Encouragement is the title of a book I borrowed for a couple weeks. The woman who lent it to me said it was one of the best books she’s ever read! The subtitle reads, ‘Women Helping Women in the Church’. The author is Sharon W. Betters and it is published by P and R Publishing.

Sharon explains that from a stable and secure relationship with Christ we can reach out to those around us, especially when they are needing encouragement. Some chapter titles are: Priceless Treasures of Encouragement and Taking Responsibility for One Another in part one, Thinking Biblically. In part two, Living Biblically, a few chapter titles are: Spiritual Mothering, Apples of God in Settings of Silver, and Treasures in the Wilderness of Suffering.

Looks like the book is available from several sources, so pick one up — it’s worthy study.

The Family Meal Table and Hospitality

The Family Meal Table and Hospitality is a fantastic manual by Nancy Campbell from Above Rubies. This manual is a workbook, too, with spaces to record observations and Bible study notes. Ladies, do you realize the importance of the Family Meal Table? When we sit around the table, we not only feast on food because we are hungry, but we feast on God’s Word together. Recapture the power of the meal table….fellowship together. The days of child rearing our little ones pass quickly (although it doesn’t seem like it sometimes!) If you need some direction in establishing your family’s meal table, consider reading through this manual.

The subheading to the title says, ” ‘What does God have to say about the table in your home? This study guide will tell you. Be prepared to enlarge your vision!’ ”

We are selling the Family Meal Table DVD; if you want a copy, mail us $18 (cash, money order or check) Send payment to IX Publishing, Inc., PO Box 2578, Dearborn, MI 48123-2578. That includes postage and handling. This DVD is life-changing and very encouraging. Allow a few weeks for delivery.