Want to have a Free Family Fun Night with Your Kids?

One of the things that I love about being a teacher in K-4th grade classroom is that I get to learn as well as the kids. Teaching gives me an opportunity to continue my growth in the Bible along side these amazing children that are hungry for more of the word of God. It is so exciting and rewarding to see the children get truth and “ah-ha” moments as we dive into lessons. Each Sunday we are all reminded of His faithfulness, love, truth, and promises all through stories that have been recorded.

For the month of February and March we have been discussing wisdom and understanding, something that both the young and old generations need. Now, some of you may ask why would kids need wisdom and understanding at their age. They don’t need to make difficult decisions in their lives. Their lives at this age are pretty well laid out by their parents and most hard decisions are made by their parents. There is truth to that but there are decisions that need to be made at school, on their teams they are a part of, when they are with friends, when they are by themselves. Proverbs 2:6 says it perfectly. “God is the author of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. He knows what to do in every situation.” I will add that God’s wisdom plus parenting from “Love and Logic” sets your children up for success. Just because God knows what to do in every situation doesn’t mean we are released from our responsibility to teach our children right from wrong.

Here are some examples of young men who needed wisdom and understanding from God. King Solomon took the throne at a very young age. Some say 12 yrs old and some say 20 yrs old. I Kings 3:7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” Either way it’s YOUNG! As the new king, Solomon was to rule over Israel. This is a big responsibility and he knew it. Instead of asking for a long life, riches, and the death of his enemies he asks for something that pleased God. Solomon asks, “Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.”(CEV I Kings 3:9)

Daniel is another example of a young man that needed wisdom and understanding. Daniel, along with his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been taken captive as youths from Jerusalem to Babylon. There they served under King Nebuchandnezzar. During that time “God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.” (Daniel 1: 17).

King Nebuchandnezzar had vivid dreams that no magician or wise man could interpret. The King requested an interpretation of the dream as well as the actual dream itself. Since none of the magicians could come up with the actual dream the king ordered all of the magicians and wise men to be executed. This included Daniel and his 3 friends. Daniel received in a night vision (dream) what the King had dreamt and the interpretation. Before going to King Nebuchandnezzr Daniel offered praises to God. “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever. For wisdom and power belong to Him.”(Daniel 2:20)

Of course our children are not called to lead countries at a young age. However, they could be called upon to interpret dreams for presidents and kings. I do know that they are called to lead their peers. Here are a few examples of where they need wisdom, power, counsel, and understanding to lead.

1. Should I participate in bullying?


2. Should I be using bad language because my friends do?


3. Should I lie when being confronted with something I did wrong?


4. Should I get revenge?


5. Should I steal that item that doesn’t seem to belong to someone?


6. Should I change my bad attitude?


7. Should I obey & respect those in authority?


8. Should I cheat on my test?


9. Should I stress out?

I know the above scenarios seem logical for our children to make the right decision. However, the peer pressure is so intense that it is easier to cave to the path of least resistance in the moment.

Let’s take this article a bit further and let’s see how we could actually re-enact the above scenarios and spend some time together as a family.

1. Brainstorm with your children for other scenarios they face day to day.


2. Write them on slips of paper and fold them.


3. Place them in a hat.


4. Set up a throne (Oversized chair draped in a sheet. If you don’t have an oversized chair, just take an ordinary chair and elevate some how.)


5. You Dress up as a king (make a paper crown, tie a blanket around your neck to make a cape, use a broom handle. Be creative). Sit on the throne with a bible in your lap. You will play the part of God who has all the wisdom, power, counsel, and understanding.


6. Have the children carry the hat and approach you like a servant would to a king.


7. Let them pull out a scenario in the hat and read it to you in a prayer form.


8. Offer them wisdom, power, counsel, etc. for the scenario. Even take the time to find a Scripture that deals with that specific scenario. For instance, Lying: “But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom.” Psalm 51:6 and “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” Proverbs 12:22.


9. Do this a couple of times and then reverse the role.

This fun, interactive playing will pleasantly surprise you at how much fun you will have together as a family learning about where true wisdom, understanding, counsel and power comes from. Your children will not even realize that they will be learning scriptures and learning the heart of God through this family fun. Enjoy!

Karen Haler
Children’s Ministry Director
NCWC