We Are Blessed When We Focus on the Word – Family Devotion – June 17, 2020

Read: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds.
Deuteronomy 11:18a

We Are Blessed When We Focus on the Word

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Does anyone know where the remote is?” It was family movie night, and no one could find the remote control. They searched high and low. They checked between the cushions of the couch. They checked underneath everything and behind furniture. The family checked everywhere, but no one could find the remote control.

While Mom and Dad tried to figure out how to show the movie without the remote, Grace went into the kitchen to dish up ice cream for everyone. She opened the freezer and . . . found the remote! What was it doing in there? Someone had had accidentally left it in the freezer without thinking. Now their remote control was as frozen as the ice cream!

Sometimes we do things without thinking. We leave toys, keys, or remote controls in strange places. We fail to pay attention when someone is talking to us. We forget the important instructions they gave us. We fail to pay attention when we need to focus.

Do we sometimes do that with God’s Word? The Lord has important instructions and information that we need to hear. He tells us what he wants us to do and not do. He tells us how we have disobeyed him, how we have failed to obey him perfectly, and how we need a Savior. He tells us how Jesus lived the perfect life we could not and faced the punishment we deserve for our sins. Yet do we always listen? Are you listening right now?

A long time ago in the Old Testament, God instructed moms and dads to help their children focus on his Word, “to fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds.” To do that, the Lord encouraged his people to have reminders of God and his Word around their house. Above all, he wanted them to talk about God their Savior any chance they got—while they relaxed at home or sat around the dinner table, when they traveled, when they went to bed and when they got up. The Lord wanted parents to keep their kids focused on him so he could richly bless them.

The Lord blesses us when we focus on his Word too. God’s Word is such good news that we need to have reminders every day. Maybe you have a picture of Jesus or a cross in your home. Maybe you wear a necklace that reminds you of a special Bible passage. We hear God’s Word in worship. We hear in devotions like this. Then we talk about what God has done for us. Why? Through his Word, God strengthens our faith. He forgives our sins. He assures us that someday we will join him in heaven—and that will be unforgettable!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, forgive me for those times when I have not listened to you. It is so easy to get distracted. Help me to focus on what is most important—you and your Word. In your mercy, bless me through your Word. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name one thing in your home that reminds you of Jesus or his Word.
• Who can help you learn more about Jesus and his Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How do you get distracted from focusing on God’s Word?
• Why does God care so much that we have daily reminders and conversations about him and his Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In the rest of verse 18 it says, “Tie [these words] as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” How can you give yourself a reminder of God’s Word that you can take with you throughout the day?
• The Lord wants families to talk about him and his Word. Share your favorite Bible passage with your family and explain why it means so much to you.

Hymn: CW 382:1,2 – My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;
In ev’ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.