Hey disciple-making parents! Summer is here. The backpacks are in the closet, the schedule has opened up, and your kids are ready for some fun. That’s a good thing. But summer is also a great opportunity to pause and ask a simple question together as a family: where do all these good things come from? This month’s discussion is built around one of the most straightforward and beautiful truths in the New Testament. Every good gift has a Giver.
Bible Focus
James 1:17 (ESV) – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Devotional Thoughts
Summer has a way of filling our hands with good things. Warm days, extra time with friends, vacations, ice cream, late nights, and slower mornings. It’s easy to enjoy all of it without ever stopping to think about where it came from.
James 1:17 comes to us as an encouragement and reminder. Every single good thing in your life has a source, and that source is God. He is the Father of lights, the one who doesn’t change, who doesn’t have an off day, who doesn’t give good gifts one moment and take them back the next. His generosity is rock solid.
This summer, one of the best things you can do as a family is build the habit of noticing. Notice the good things. Name them out loud. And trace them back to the One who gave them. Gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling. It’s a way of keeping God at the center of your life even when things feel easy and comfortable.
Discussion Questions
What is one thing about summer that you are really looking forward to? Where do you think that good thing comes from?
Why do you think it’s easy to forget about God when life feels fun and easy?
James says God is the Father of lights and that He never changes. What does it mean to you that God is always good, no matter what?
What is one good gift in your life right now that you have not thanked God for yet?
How can our family make it a habit this summer to notice and name the good things God gives us?
Try This
At dinner one night this week, go around the table and have everyone name three good gifts from God: one from today, one from this past school year, and one they are hoping for this summer. Close by praying together and thanking God for each one. You might be surprised how long the list gets.
Family Prayer
Father God, thank You for every good gift You pour into our lives. Thank You for summer, for our family, and for the chance to slow down and enjoy what You have given us. Help us notice Your goodness this summer and keep our hearts close to You. Amen.
Take the Next Step
Start a Philippians Family Bible Study Today
Looking for a simple way to open the Bible with your family this summer? A Summer in Philippians is an 8-week family devotional that walks your family through one of the most joy-filled books in the Bible, one passage at a time.
Coloring Page
Additional Resources
God Made Summer – A Parent-Driven Discussion
Building a Realistic Family Bible Study Routine
My Family Discipleship Recommendations
Free Bible Coloring Pages for Kids
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