What Should I Do As A New Christian Mom?

Michelle,

I'm so happy about your decision to become a Christian. It's wonderful that you desire to lead a godly life and to teach your children about God because these things are so important.

As a new Christian, I recommend that you do the following:

1. Attend church regularly with your family and get everyone involved in the activities of the church. Your relationship with God will be strengthened through worship, you and your children will learn more about God and His purpose for your lives, and all of you will develop relationships with other Christians.

2. Read the Bible daily. The Bible contains instructions on how to live a godly life so reading your Bible is important. Find a translation that is easy for you to understand. I find that the New Living Translation and the New International Version are easy to read. Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) is a website that has many different translations. Set aside some time every day, for example 15 minutes in the morning, to read your Bible. If you miss a day or two, don’t give up. The point is to spend quality time with God and in His Word.The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which contain Jesus’ teachings are good place to start. Another good choice is Proverbs – it has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month. As you read your Bible, you may want to write in a journal or notebook things that you learn, your thoughts about the Scriptures and ways you can apply the Scriptures in your life. I find that this practice helps me remember what I read.If your children are able to read, encourage them to establish their own personal time with God when they read their Bible.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Have a time each day when your family gathers together to read the Bible and pray, such as after the evening meal. The Scripture does not need to be long; a few verses is good, especially if your children are young. Ask your children questions about the Bible verses to make sure that understand what is read. During this time you talk to your children about God. Tell them what God is doing in your life.

4. Pray regularly. It is good to have set times of prayers during the day, such as before getting out of bed in the morning, before reading God’s Word, at mealtimes and before going to bed at night. During these times, you can pray with your children and encourage them to pray.Also, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) by praying short prayers (one or two sentences) throughout the day as problems occur in your life or in the lives of people you know, to thank God for meeting a need or to praise Him for who He is.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6

5. Memorize Scripture. This is something that you can do with your children which will help all of you to learn what the Bible says. Remembering Bible verses that you have memorized can strengthen you during times of temptation, encourage you during times of trouble, help you to make wise decisions. By memorizing Scripture, you will be able to share them with others.

"I have hidden your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:115.

6. Pray for God to show you what your spiritual gifts are and to provide you opportunities to use your spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are abilities God gives believers to do the work He wants us to do, such as teaching, giving, encouraging and leading (Romans 12:6-8).