Heart Connex Parents Page - April 20-23, 2011 - Risky
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE April 20-23, 2011 Risky Callings—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: Just for fun, let me tell you about my favorite TV show when I was your age . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Esther 4:10-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • Believers should bless and release family members who have a clear call from God, even if it involves risk. Untruths • I have to protect my family members so they will be able to meet my needs. • God understands that family has to come first in some situations. • Religion is about peace and love, so I’m not sure where risk fits in. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Esther 4:10-17. Tell your family that Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin, Esther, because she didn’t have a father or mother. Say: An evil court official planned to execute all the Jews living in captivity. Esther, who had hidden the fact that she was a Jew, was the only one who could approach the king to ask him to stop the massacre. Point out Mordecai knew God had chosen Esther for this task, and he understood the risk since the king could kill Esther for approaching him without being summoned. Say: Even though Mordecai knew the risk, he released Esther and encouraged her to fulfill her assignment from God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Tell your family about the God-given instincts family members have to protect each other. Invite your family to acknowledge that each member likely would sacrifice his or her life to protect the others. Say: But following Jesus is an exception to normal instincts. He expects family members to release each other to His call—even if it involves risk. A family member who pressures someone to abandon that call for safety’s sake is being disobedient and hinders the kingdom of Christ. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless the members of our family for being ready to release each other to Christ’s call, no matter what. Parent Tip: The enemy knows the name of every child. The roaring lion intends to devour each one while on earth and to do his worst to each one for eternity. Christian parents must call out to the Savior, asking Him to bring their children to Him.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE April 20-23, 2011 Risky Callings—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: Just for fun, let me tell you about my favorite TV show when I was your age . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Esther 4:10-17. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • Believers should bless and release family members who have a clear call from God, even if it involves risk. Untruths • I have to protect my family members so they will be able to meet my needs. • God understands that family has to come first in some situations. • Religion is about peace and love, so I’m not sure where risk fits in. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Esther 4:10-17. Tell your family that Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin, Esther, because she didn’t have a father or mother. Say: An evil court official planned to execute all the Jews living in captivity. Esther, who had hidden the fact that she was a Jew, was the only one who could approach the king to ask him to stop the massacre. Point out Mordecai knew God had chosen Esther for this task, and he understood the risk since the king could kill Esther for approaching him without being summoned. Say: Even though Mordecai knew the risk, he released Esther and encouraged her to fulfill her assignment from God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Tell your family about the God-given instincts family members have to protect each other. Invite your family to acknowledge that each member likely would sacrifice his or her life to protect the others. Say: But following Jesus is an exception to normal instincts. He expects family members to release each other to His call—even if it involves risk. A family member who pressures someone to abandon that call for safety’s sake is being disobedient and hinders the kingdom of Christ. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless the members of our family for being ready to release each other to Christ’s call, no matter what. Parent Tip: The enemy knows the name of every child. The roaring lion intends to devour each one while on earth and to do his worst to each one for eternity. Christian parents must call out to the Savior, asking Him to bring their children to Him.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
