What Are Some Good Resources for Family Devotional Time? Here's a few to Have on Your Radar Screen.

As a Christian dad, one of the things I'm "about" is raising my four boys to know and love God.  I can't create gospel-change in them, but I want to do what I can to cultivate a heart that responds to the gospel in them.

But (at least in my own experience) I also know how tough it is to do this.  Schedules get crazy busy, and so good intentions don't pan out.  When we do create time to gather for family devotions, it feels like there's always one or two kids that are creating distractions.  Lightning doesn't strike often in terms of "aha moments" and profound prayer requests.

And yet we keep doing family devotions - in all of their imperfections, and not always as consistently as I'd like.  But we keep at it.  

And as we keep at it, I'm always on the look out for resources that can help my wife and I teach our kids the Bible and point them towards Jesus.  Below I've listed some resources I've got on my radar screen that fit into this category of family devotions and discipling our kids.  

Honestly, I'm more familiar with some of these than others.  Some of these we used when our kids were younger, and some I'm hoping to use when they're older (but haven't yet).  Others I've just recently learned about, but have heard good things about them from sources I respect.  All that to say: This list is broad, and every resource won't be the best for every family.  I've probably included more resources here than any one family may want.  I've only got boys, so these resources may show an (unintended, but hopefully understandable) bias that way.  Do a little exploring and find what's a good supporting resource for you.

I've organized these resources into the larger categories of (1) "Kid/youth friendly Bibles," (2) "Biblical and theological helps - geared towards kids," and "Miscellaneous."  Click on any of the pictures or titles to be taken to an Amazon page where you can learn more about any of the books.

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Bibles that are Kid or Youth Friendly

The Jesus Storybook Bible

This is the Bible we used when our kids were a little younger (though I recommend this for any age!).  Easy to read and great graphics, and it really follows the Bible's storyline and keeps the focus on Jesus, as opposed to being a random collection of isolated Bible stories.

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The Bible App for Kids

If you've got a phone or a tablet, this is a great, interactive Bible for kids.  My boys love it.  Download the app from the App Store (for free).  I just saw they've recently produced a print version for families that want that sort of keepsake.

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The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden

A great overview of the Bible focusing on the biggest theme(s) of the Bible.  Written by a (in my opinion) really thoughtful and helpful evangelical pastor, Kevin DeYoung.  I highlighted this book a few months ago - check out that post here.

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The Action Bible

This is the Bible we've been reading through since my older kids have started to get into upper elementary grades.  It's got great graphics that are similar to comic books or graphic novels, and the content is solid.

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The Following Jesus Bible - English Standard Version

This is the next Bible I anticipate getting for each of my boys - probably when they're around the age of 12.  See a short video preview of this Following Jesus Bible here.

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Biblical and Theological Truth - Easily Geared Towards Kids

What's in the Bible?

A series of DVDs that walk kids (and parents) through the story of the Bible.  From everything that I've seen, these videos are well done - they're accurate, funny, and engaging.

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Theo Presents

I just found out about this, so I'm new to Theo Presents myself.  I love their goal of teaching theological truth to kids in a well-done way.  I hope to explore this resource a bit more in the coming days.  Here's the post that originally drew Theo Presents to my attention.

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New City Catechism

A question-and-answer format of building a framework of theological truth into our minds and hearts.  Accessible to both adults and kids (I'm slowly working through this with my 6-10 year olds); everyone is able to do something with it.

big Truths for Young Hearts

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Another resource I'm hoping to rely more on in the next year or two, as I consider having my sons read through it with me when they're 12.

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Miscellaneous

Adventures in Odyssey

I listened to Adventures in Odyssey when I was younger, and it's still around today (and my boys love it).  The series teaches solid truth and values character-building.  And there's a BUNCH to choose from!

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Chronicles of Narnia - Radio Theatre

Good fiction that will stir your kids' imaginations in fun ways.  And written by C.S. Lewis, one of the twentieth centuries strong Christian thinkers.  The "Radio Theatre" format is perhaps a bit more kid-friendly, as it includes some dramatization (sounds effects, different voices, etc).

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Don't Forget!

Finally, don't forget that the biggest (and best) "resource" for helping disciple your kids is YOU: your character, your example, and you personally growing as as follower of Jesus Christ.  With that in mind, know that Brookside has a  kids and family ministry designed to equip parents, share God's love and truth with kids, and give families a common worship experience.  Check it out at our D6 page online!

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I'd love to hear how any of these resources have been helpful for you, and/or any additional family-friendly discipleship resources you'd recommend!