Heart Connex Parents Page - July 31-August 2, 2011 - Encouraging ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE July 31—August 2, 2011 Encouraging Friends—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (A parent goes first today): Say: On a scale of 1-7, with 1 representing a distant relationship and 7 representing a close relationship, I give our relationship a ___ because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Acts 16:40 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • God wants us to encourage those around us. Untruths • What I say or do has nothing to do with anyone else. • People don’t need me, and I really don’t need them. • Only weak people need to be encouraged. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Acts 16:40. Note that after they had been released from jail in Philippi, Paul and Silas went to the house of Lydia to encourage fellow believers. Share that Paul had baptized Lydia, and she had been open to God’s work in her life. Say: Paul and Silas may have shared how the earthquake came while they were praying in jail and how the jailer became a believer. While we don’t know the exact things they talked about, we can be sure that they talked about the faithfulness of God. Discuss why it might be encouraging to hear the testimony of how God helps and protects others during difficult times. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: “Comfort” is another word for “encourage” in the Bible. Affirm that God comforts us in the middle of our difficult times so we can encourage others in their difficult times. Say: We can encourage others because of the salvation we have in Jesus. Encourage each family member to identify two people who need encouragement. Challenge them to talk to these individuals about how Jesus has had an impact on their lives. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Look at each family member and say: May God bless you and give you an opportunity to encourage someone by sharing how Jesus has changed your life. Parent Tip: Your children need to be encouraged, especially by you. This week write a letter to your teen and share how he or she encourages your life. Mail the letter and pray that it makes a difference in his or her life this week.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE July 31—August 2, 2011 Encouraging Friends—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (A parent goes first today): Say: On a scale of 1-7, with 1 representing a distant relationship and 7 representing a close relationship, I give our relationship a ___ because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Acts 16:40 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • God wants us to encourage those around us. Untruths • What I say or do has nothing to do with anyone else. • People don’t need me, and I really don’t need them. • Only weak people need to be encouraged. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Acts 16:40. Note that after they had been released from jail in Philippi, Paul and Silas went to the house of Lydia to encourage fellow believers. Share that Paul had baptized Lydia, and she had been open to God’s work in her life. Say: Paul and Silas may have shared how the earthquake came while they were praying in jail and how the jailer became a believer. While we don’t know the exact things they talked about, we can be sure that they talked about the faithfulness of God. Discuss why it might be encouraging to hear the testimony of how God helps and protects others during difficult times. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: “Comfort” is another word for “encourage” in the Bible. Affirm that God comforts us in the middle of our difficult times so we can encourage others in their difficult times. Say: We can encourage others because of the salvation we have in Jesus. Encourage each family member to identify two people who need encouragement. Challenge them to talk to these individuals about how Jesus has had an impact on their lives. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Look at each family member and say: May God bless you and give you an opportunity to encourage someone by sharing how Jesus has changed your life. Parent Tip: Your children need to be encouraged, especially by you. This week write a letter to your teen and share how he or she encourages your life. Mail the letter and pray that it makes a difference in his or her life this week.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
