School supplies, back packs, & don't forget prayer!

"Enemy-occupied territory is what the world is.” C.S. Lewis

I'm guessing many of you are printing school supply lists and preparing to buy new sneakers and back packs. Yes, the school year is officially right around the corner and there's always a lot to get ready for! 

In the midst of all the natural preparations, it's important that our kids' spiritual lives are attended to and nurtured. We want them prepared inwardly for the school year. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you where your child needs instruction and encouragement for this year. Pray for a word, phrase, or image that God wants to use to define this school year for your child, then share it with your child. Let it be the covering and protection for their little hearts and minds, keeping them from every assault of the enemy.

In Kingdom Kids, we are entering the school year with a focus on the Armor of God,  found in Ephesians 6:10-18. I encourage you to have intentional conversations and pray these powerful truths around your children as you send them off to school. 

I close with this passage from the Message translation.  I hope it inspires you as it does me.

^10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.