September 2012
Family Focus: Developing God's vision for your family
"Vision" is the ability to see the preferred future. People of vision can see through the present, whether pleasant or problematic, towards a better, brighter tomorrow. Our family focus this month is on deepening our understanding of, and commitment to, God's vision for our families. God says in His Word, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a vision for our families that far exceeds even our most fantastic dreams. It is important, however, to remember that God's vision for your family is not primarily about your "happiness". Instead, God desires that we would experience the greater joy of being set apart for His eternal glory. Blessings are always a part of our obedience to God's vision; however, sometimes the blessings are wrapped in worldly challenges.
Family memory verse
Psalm 127:1a (NIrV) - "If the Lord doesn't build a house, the work of its builders is useless."
Psalm 127:1a (ESV) - "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
{Kids, challenge your parents to memorize this verse with you!}
Activity #1
Take your family's last name and write it on a piece of paper "vertically"...Like this:
S
M
I
T
H
Next, take each letter and come up with a word that describes your family. It can be funny or serious...you get the idea!
Shouts a lot!
M
I
T
H
Prayer Time
Praying together as a family will make a HUGE difference! Read Matthew 7:7-11 together. One practical way to deepen your family's prayer time is to keep a "family prayer journal". Choose someone to be the "prayer secretary". Then, taking turns, share prayer requests and specific things that you are thankful to God for. If you are asking God for something, then write it down and look for God to answer it. When He does (and He WILL), go back to your prayer journal and record how God answered your family's prayer. A part of God's vision for your family is that you will learn to trust Him more--and that is exactly what prayer is all about.
Bonus Prayer Idea: Since the school year is just getting underway, why not strategically pray for your child's classmates? Just take the class roster and make your own Class Prayer Roll. This idea blends the wonder of prayer with the passion of evangelism. Praying with your kids for their classmates can make a real difference in the school year! Who knows, maybe God will answer one of these prayers later in the school year!
Scripture Meditation #1: Psalm 127:1-5
Read the passage aloud (several times, if necessary). Then, take some time to discuss the following questions (or raise some of your own questions!):
> What kind of materials and tools do people use to build a house?
> What "tools" does God use to build "the house" of your family?
> Verse 1 talks about "the watchman" who keep watch over a city. Why are watchman needed?
> What are some of the dangers that your family needs to watch out for?
> Verse 2 talks about hard work. Take some time to talk about the relationship between "trusting God" and "working hard" in your life as parents. {Your kids need to hear your honest successes and struggles of faith.}
> Verses 3-5 speak of the wonder and worth of children. Parents, take the opportunity to tell your children how special they are to you. Children, thank your parents for their faith and example for you.
Activity #2
Gather some construction paper and markers. Working together as a family, creatively imagine a picture that reflects God's patient work in you. How would you depict in picture or scene form God's vision for your family? {FYI, a bonus treat may be in order for those families that bring this to October's Super Sunday!}
Scripture Meditation #2: Ephesians 5:1-6:4
[You may want to break this into smaller sections.] Take turns reading God's Word together as a family. Afterwards, reflect on and discuss the following questions:
> What are some of the positive (i.e. "good") characteristics of God's beloved children mentioned here by Paul?
> What are some of the negative (i.e. "bad") characteristics that we are to avoid?
> Parents, take a few moments to lead in a prayer of confession where you acknowledge before God some of the ways you've done wrong and thereby model for your children the need for repentance.
> Moms/Dads, take a few moments to share with your kids how Ephesians 5:22-33 is a picture of God's vision for your relationship. Share with them how Jesus' love for the church models this perfect love for you to follow.
> Children, what does Ephesians 6:1 command of you?
> What are some examples of how you have "obeyed" and "disobeyed" your parents?
> Fathers, what does Ephesians 6:4 command of you?
> Explain to your children what the "discipline and instruction of the Lord" is.
Activity #3
Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Brainstorm a list of 5-10 things that your family can do (i.e. "good works") for extended family, neighbors, classmates, teachers, or someone at church. Choose one item from your list and DO IT before the end of the month.
Just For Parents
Listen, I know how frustrating or frightening it can be to try to lead your family spiritually. But know this, God's grace is sufficient to sweep away your insecurities. Trust the Lord to guide your conversations. Half the battle is simply dedicating time for the Lord. You'll be surprised just how far a courageous and willing spirit will take you! Besides, who else is going to step up to lead your children into godliness? God has commissioned you to love and lead their little hearts. As someone very aptly stated, "If it was going to be easy to raise kids, then it wouldn't have started with something called labor." May your vision for your family GROW to match the Lord's! And remember, we are here to help as well.
Here is a link to some fun printable resources for the little ones!
