The Power of Intentional Conversations
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, as we study Your Word today, teach us the importance of intentional conversations about faith. Help us to seize every opportunity to share Your love and truth with those around us. Holy Spirit, guide our words and actions. Amen.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
REFLECT:
This proverb is a well-known verse that underscores the long-term impact of early spiritual guidance. The phrase "start children off on the way they should go" suggests a proactive and intentional approach to parenting and mentoring. It implies that the foundation we lay in a child's early years will influence their future decisions and faith journey.
This past weekend at Pathway Church, we had a Parent Panel on stage to wrap up our Pass It On series. One of our guest speakers, Shauna Rodman shared how she and her husband are intentional about their conversations with their daughter, Kayleigh. They use car time, bedtime, and everyday moments to talk about God and His love. This intentionality is crucial in shaping Kayleigh's understanding of faith and her relationship with God.
Another guest speaker, Andrea Wells, also highlighted the importance of sharing the "why" behind her decisions with her kids, grounding them in scripture. This transparency helps her children understand that faith is not just a set of rules but a guiding principle for life.
Reflect on your own life, are you intentional in your conversations about faith? Do you seize everyday moments to share God's love and truth? This proverb challenges us to be proactive and consistent in our spiritual guidance, knowing that the seeds we plant today will bear fruit in the future.
APPLY:
All throughout this series, we have been talking about having intentional conversations about faith with a child you influence. It could be your own child(ren), a friend of your child, or a family member. Consider sharing a personal story of how God has worked in your life and encourage them in their faith journey.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I WILL have a five-minute Intentional conversation with the kid in my life.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Help me to be intentional in my conversations about faith. Give me the courage to share Your love and truth with those around me. May the seeds I plant today bear fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.