Time with God

 

What do you do when you’re not in school? When I was a boy, we spent time playing Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football. My brothers and I were Cub Scouts and members of 4-H. We were also involved in our church.

When we had free time at home, we played outside with neighbors, watched TV and read. We read the newspaper, comic books and chapter books. My parents bought a series of American history books and religious books that we read. As a family, we also spent time together praying out loud. All of that was important in making me who I am.

I ask how you spend your time, because it is something that I am asking your parents and all the adults in my sermon today. We all need time to rest and refocus on God. The Bible calls us to keep the Lord’s Day. That means worshipping on Sunday and resting. It also involves reading studying God’s Word.

Did you know that there is a book named Lutheranism 101 for Kids? There is a Martin Luther pop-up book, a comic book and a graphic novel. There are many versions of the Bible for children. There are also catechisms for children of all ages.

As an uncle and a grandfather, I know that children like to spend time with friends, watch programs on TV and on their computers. They also like reading all kinds of books.

We purchased these books for our grandchildren and keep them at our home so that when they visit us, they can read them in their free time. So, today, think about how you can spend some of the time that God gives you every day. After you think about all the time that God gives you, make sure you include in your day some time to spend with God. With that, let us pray.

Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their fathers and mothers the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.