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Analyze your screen time. (And this goes for your kids’ screen time too.) Do you know exactly how much time you, “a mom after God’s own heart” (and your “children after God’s own heart”), are watching TV or playing on your phone? Chart or record it for a while if you like.
Then think about how you could use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God.
We know the obvious answers, don’t we? (And it has nothing to do with TV/phone/computer—and everything to do with time!)
These acts of devotion occurred because there was time for them to occur. There was also a passionate heart-desire to see them occur. These faithful believers were fiercely intent on knowing God.
Dear mom, with the TV off (or at least on less) and your phone put aside, these activities that shape both heart and soul—of both mother and child—are more likely to happen.
A mom after God’s own heart feeds her soul, but she’s also intent on feeding the souls of her children. Select a devotional book for yourself, and one that’s age-appropriate for each child. Then set aside a special time each day for enjoying these books.
They will soon become treasures. If your children can read, have them read their books to you. If your children are older, have them tell you what they’re learning. And be sure you share how you’re growing too. Lead the way to God’s heart!
Hannah knew God’s Word. Mary knew God’s Word. Timothy’s mother and grandmother (and Timothy too) knew God’s Word. (Are you noting the common denominator in these moms and children after God’s own heart?) Choose a verse to memorize this week.
Don’t know where to begin?Then memorize Luke 10:27, Acts 13:22, or Colossians 3:2. Each one is a verse about the heart.
And pick verses for your children. Again, be sure they are age-appropriate. Even an 18-month-old can remember “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Then see how creative you can be at celebrating each verse learned by heart with all the extra time you have without screen time. What fun!
RESPOND
Father, strengthen my resolve to show my family what it means to be a devoted person of faith. I want to model a joyful commitment to the body of Christ. Give me a heart to pass on to my kids this legacy of eternal importance.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring booktoday!
REFLECT
Chart or record your screen time (many phones have this capability built in) for a while if you like. How could you use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God?
REMEMBER
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.
