Obey/Reward
Write each of the following Bible verses on a piece of paper (Ephesians 6:1; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 4:29).
Write each of the following rewards on a piece of paper (Stay up 30 minutes later; play a game together; skip chore; pick 3 books to read; pick a dessert that you like; etc.).
Read one verse each morning at breakfast and challenge the kids to obey the command in the verse that day. Try to catch them obeying the verse and talk about how they did every night at dinner. If they have done well, allow them to pick a reward card.
Noah obeyed God, and we should follow his example and obey God too. When we love God, we want to obey Him and His Word.
Practice, Practice, Practice
If you have young children, play, “I Say, You Obey” to PRACTICE obeying. Give them a simple task (put your shoes in your room; put your toy on the shelf; take your plate to the sink; wash your hands; etc.) to do. If they obey right away, put a happy face sticker on a chart, or just say, “It makes me smile when I say and you obey.” (Make a BIG deal out of it!)
God is glad when we obey! Noah obeyed God, and we should follow his example and obey God too. When we love God, we want to obey Him and His Word.
Gift of Grace
To illustrate the concept of grace, give your kids (together or individually) a small gift—maybe even when they are least deserving of it. Optional: Prepare a special treat and offer it to each one.
Ask:
What did you have to do to get the gift? (Take it; receive it; etc.)
What were the two choices you could make with the gift? (Take it or refuse it)
Grace is God’s kindness to us even when we don’t deserve it. God did not want anyone to die in the flood, but He wanted all people to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God gives His grace to all people, but not all people receive His grace. Some people ignore God or refuse His kindness. God wants all people to come to Him, but He will not make them. Everyone has a choice. What will you choose?