Heart Connex Parents Page - July 20-23, 2011 - Content
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE July 20-23, 2011 Content in Life Obstacles—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: You can’t imagine how much your words bless me. Knowing that you plan to carry this legacy to the third generation makes me feel . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Philippians 4:11-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • A believer’s contentment is centered in Christ and doesn’t depend on circumstances. Untruths • To be happy, I need everything to go my way. • I deserve happiness and a life with no real problems. • Obstacles are pointless and I want them out of my life. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Philippians 4:11-12. Ask: What do you think the secret to Paul’s contentment might have been? Discuss responses. Read verse 13. Point out that the secret to finding contentment is living in Christ and completely relying on Him. Conclude by saying: If your contentment is centered in Christ, you will be at peace with your life. If not, you’ll never really know peace and will always be looking for something to satisfy you or bring meaning to your life. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Invite family members to close their eyes and to reflect on these words: If your stress level goes up and down depending on your obstacles or problems, your contentment is not centered in Christ. Say: Right now, ask Jesus to transform your thinking and declare that He is everything you need for contentment. Invite Him to be your peace from this day forward. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for standing strong and displaying peace when obstacles come. Parent Tip: Parents can move their children toward a personal relationship with Jesus through their own actions and parenting styles. For example, it is much easier for children to grasp God’s grace when they live with parents who show them grace. Likewise, it can be difficult for children to imagine a gracious God when they seldom see that quality at home.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE July 20-23, 2011 Content in Life Obstacles—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: You can’t imagine how much your words bless me. Knowing that you plan to carry this legacy to the third generation makes me feel . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Philippians 4:11-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • A believer’s contentment is centered in Christ and doesn’t depend on circumstances. Untruths • To be happy, I need everything to go my way. • I deserve happiness and a life with no real problems. • Obstacles are pointless and I want them out of my life. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Philippians 4:11-12. Ask: What do you think the secret to Paul’s contentment might have been? Discuss responses. Read verse 13. Point out that the secret to finding contentment is living in Christ and completely relying on Him. Conclude by saying: If your contentment is centered in Christ, you will be at peace with your life. If not, you’ll never really know peace and will always be looking for something to satisfy you or bring meaning to your life. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Invite family members to close their eyes and to reflect on these words: If your stress level goes up and down depending on your obstacles or problems, your contentment is not centered in Christ. Say: Right now, ask Jesus to transform your thinking and declare that He is everything you need for contentment. Invite Him to be your peace from this day forward. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for standing strong and displaying peace when obstacles come. Parent Tip: Parents can move their children toward a personal relationship with Jesus through their own actions and parenting styles. For example, it is much easier for children to grasp God’s grace when they live with parents who show them grace. Likewise, it can be difficult for children to imagine a gracious God when they seldom see that quality at home.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
