This upcoming week, we embark on a journey through a theme that is both timeless and profoundly impactful for families: "We joyfully radiate hope because we've experienced God's grace." Our focus will span engaging stories from both the Old and New Testaments, weaving through them the vital virtue of grace defined by the Bible. This week isn't just about hearing stories; it's an invitation for families to dive deep into the transformative power of God's grace and how it instills hope in our lives.

Monday: Exploring Grace

We will begin our week by laying the foundation with an understanding of what biblical grace truly means. It's God's unearned kindness and favor, a concept that will come alive for your kids through easy-to-understand definitions and real-life applications. We'll delve into Bible verses that highlight God's grace, showing its role in fostering hope and guiding us through life's challenges.

Tuesday: Noah

From the Old Testament, the story of Noah stands as a testament to God's grace in a time of widespread disobedience. Noah's faith and hope in God's promise, despite the circumstances, offer a powerful lesson on trust and God's faithfulness. This story will help your children see that, like Noah, they can hold onto hope and trust in God's plan for their lives, even when the future seems uncertain.

Thursday: Paul

Transitioning to the New Testament, the transformation of Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus vividly showcases the life-changing impact of God's grace. Saul's journey from persecuting Christians to becoming a devoted follower of Christ and a spreader of hope is a compelling narrative of redemption and the power of God's love to change hearts.

Engaging Throughout the Week

1. Daily Reflections

Each night, take a moment to share examples of how you've seen or experienced God's grace during the day. It could be as simple as noticing the beauty of nature or an act of kindness from a stranger.

2. Grace Journal

Encourage your kids to keep a "Grace Journal" where they can write down or draw instances where they felt God's grace. This can be a powerful tool for them to see how God is working in their lives.

3. Prayer Time

Dedicate part of your family's prayer time to thank God for His grace and to ask for help in spreading hope to others. This can be a beautiful way to cultivate a grateful and hopeful heart.

4. Acts of Kindness

As a family, choose one act of kindness to perform during the week. It could be helping a neighbor, writing encouraging notes, or donating to a local charity. This act of kindness will serve as a practical example of grace in action.

5. Creative Expression

Utilize the drawing idea from Day Seven, encouraging your kids to create artwork inspired by the week's stories and discussions. This can be a joyful way to express their understanding and feelings about grace and hope.

Conclusion

This week promises to be a transformative one, filled with stories and activities that highlight the beauty of God's grace and the hope it brings into our lives. By engaging with these themes throughout the week, you'll not only deepen your family's faith but also instill a lasting sense of hope and gratitude for God's boundless grace. Let's joyfully radiate hope together, knowing that we are all recipients of God's incredible grace.

Warmly,
Jonny & Danika Jordan