H@HKIDS!: THE LANGUAGES OF GOD

This post from Colleen Coombs is the second in a new series for us, HOPE AT HOME KIDS (H@HK). When you see H@HK in the title, you know we are giving you something geared specifically to use with your children. For many, these posts will be good read-alouds for during family devotions, and for some they will be great to email or print out for your older children to read on their own. We'd love your input-- what are some topics you'd like to share with your children? We are excited about this opportunity to share with your children!
Click HERE to read Colleen's first post. You won't want to miss it!

Job 33:14-16

He speaks in one way and then another.
      We might not even realize it.
 He might speak in a dream or in a vision at night.
      That's when people are sound asleep in their beds.
 He might speak in their ears.
      

Since the beginning of creation, when Adam and Eve were formed, God has been speaking to his children. He is the most loving Father we could ever imagine and he wants to talk to his children everyday. As we look at the Bible, it is clear that God uses different ways to speak to His children - we call these ‘languages.’ 

So what exactly is a language?

“A way of communicating or speaking ideas or feelings by the use of words, signs, sounds, gestures, or symbols that have meanings.”

We know that throughout the ages people have found countless ways to communicate with each other and that not all of these ‘languages’ are verbal - something that you hear with your ears. Sometimes a language can be seen, felt physically or experienced emotionally.

Let’s take a look at different languages people use that are nonverbal - not spoken aloud. You may already know some of these! 

   1. Hieroglyphics

This is a form of writing in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, thoughts, or sounds.

2. Sign Language

This language uses physical, facial, and other body movements as the means of communication, especially among deaf people or between people of different languages. 

3. Braille

This is a system of printing or writing for the blind in which the characters or alphabet are represented by touchable points or dots. 

4. Body language

This language is gestures, positions, and facial expressions by which a person shows various physical, mental, or emotional conditions and communicates nonverbally with others. (Like when someone is mad; they may cross their arms in front of them, or stomp their foot)

There is even a language called ‘the languages of flowers’! Every flower has a different meaning when you give it to someone. As well, the color of the flower can have added meaning.

So you see it is not at all unusual that God chose to use different ‘languages’ when talking to His children. He created each of us uniquely and He uses unique ways to help us hear from Him. 

Some of you learn better through verbal or oral direction – auditory learners. Others may learn better through seeing things – visual learners. Still others learn through physically feeling something – we call these tactile or kinesthetic learners. God has languages that fit each different learning style so He can communicate with us in a way we can understand Him best! What kind of learner do you think you are? How about your brother or sister? Can you guess which kind your mom and dad are? God is such a loving Father that He doesn’t want any of His children to miss out on knowing Him and discovering the amazing plans He has for them. He wants to talk to all his children everyday!

To Register for Hope at Home Kids, August 4, here in Atlanta, Click HERE. Want to know more? Check out H@HK