But when my friend asked that, I thought it wouldn't hurt.
The big question is -- what do you read?
Oh sure, I could read about Jesus and His miracles but they hear about those in Sunday School. So, I go to texts they often don't read.
I like to approach it with a bit of humor. Last week when one of my children was really not honoring the fourth commandment, one of my favorites (Honor your father and mother), I read about the need to obey your parents. And I love to insert their names into the text, especially Pete's when he's been a real stinker.
This week I'm reading Leviticus to them, specifically Leviticus 13 which is called "The Test for Leprosy" in my Bible. In this often unread chapter we talk about sores; white and black hairs, and isolation of the the indivduals infected. Great fun to read. I read to Megan and Pete as they eat breakfast. I decided today I probably had leprosy and needed to be put into isolation for seven days (as long as I get to take my Bible, journal, a few other books; my coffee and coffee maker and computer -- oh yes, and my fountain pen and extra ink). My husband heard our conversation from the bedroom and told me when I walked in that I couldn't have leprosy without him cause he wanted to be isolated with me. Next week I think I'll read to my kids about when women had their menstual cycles. They were sent outside the camp for a week I think also. Unfortunately, I can't get sent outside the camp because I had a hysterectomy in 2006. Darn!
What does this accomplish in my kids?
I don't know. I find it funny. Plus, I know all of God's Word is "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
God's Word always accomplishes work in the reader's and hearers' hearts. I usually don't know what that is no matter what I read -- especially, I rarely know what God is doing in other people's hearts. I've learned that isn't my business. That is between them and God. Jesus even said this to Peter one time after Jesus came back to life. Jesus had just gotten done telling Peter to follow Him. Then, the text says (John 21:20-21), "Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them . . . (and) said to Jesus, 'Lord, and what about this man?'"
Jesus answers, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"
(Did you notice that exclamation mark? Yeah, that's in the Bible.)
Essentially, Jesus told Pete it wasn't his concern, wasn't his business at all. Sometimes we think we need to know how God is working in others. We don't. We moms and wives are really bad at this at times. We love our children and husbands so much we sometimes overstep our boundaries and try to do the Holy Spirit's job. He doesn't need our help.
So, here's the question -- do you read the Bible to your kids? Why not try? Pick anywhere. How about Revelation or Daniel or Ezekiel. Oooo, the first few chapters of Ezekiel are great! A bunch of horses and angels and all sorts of stuff. It'd made for some conversation starters.