Empowering the Next Generation Through Faith and Vigilance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of investing in the next generation and the spiritual warfare that surrounds them. We began by celebrating the blessings and growth our church has experienced, including the expansion of our school and the upcoming dedication service. This season of new beginnings, with the start of the school year, is a perfect time to take inventory of our spiritual investments in our children and youth. We emphasized the critical role parents play in declaring God's blessings over their children and the importance of being vigilant against the adversary, the devil, who seeks to distort and destroy.
We delved into the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, who fervently prayed for a child and dedicated him to the Lord. This act of dedication is a powerful declaration that parents have the God-given authority to speak blessings over their children, regardless of external influences. We were reminded that God is our ultimate source of blessing, and His divine intervention can turn our work into success. Hannah's story teaches us that even in moments of anguish and frustration, we can boldly approach God and remind Him of His promises.
We also discussed the importance of parental involvement and vigilance in the digital age, where social media and technology can expose children to harmful influences. Parental control must go beyond mere restrictions; it requires active engagement and spiritual guidance. We concluded with a powerful reminder that God's blessings are not limited by our imperfections. Even when we fall short, we can always return to God, seek His help, and trust in His abundant grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Investing in the Next Generation: As parents and guardians, we have a divine responsibility to invest in the spiritual growth of our children. This involves not only bringing them to church but also actively declaring God's blessings over their lives. Our words and actions can shape their future and protect them from the adversary's schemes. [01:58]
2. The Power of Dedication: Hannah's story in 1 Samuel teaches us the significance of dedicating our children to the Lord. This act is a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan for their lives. It reminds us that no external authority has the power to define our children's destiny; only God does, and we must continually speak His blessings over them. [05:11]
3. Vigilance Against the Adversary: The devil is constantly seeking to distort and destroy the lives of our children. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, we must be sober and vigilant. This means being aware of the spiritual battles our children face and actively praying for God's protection and guidance over their lives. [04:02]
4. Parental Engagement in the Digital Age: In today's world, parental control must go beyond setting restrictions on devices. It requires active engagement and spiritual guidance. We must be aware of what our children are exposed to and ensure that we are the primary influence in their lives, teaching them to seek God in all things. [24:33]
5. God's Abundant Blessings: God's blessings are not limited by our imperfections. Even when we fall short, we can always return to Him and seek His help. Hannah's story shows us that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. Our faithfulness in seeking Him and reminding Him of His promises will result in His divine intervention in our lives. [20:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Celebrating God's Blessings
[01:58] - Investing in the Next Generation
[02:57] - The Importance of Routine
[04:02] - Vigilance Against the Adversary
[05:11] - The Power of Dedication
[06:49] - Parental Authority and Leverage
[08:08] - Jesus' Prayer of Blessing
[09:15] - Hannah's Anguish and Vow
[10:53] - Reminding God of His Promises
[13:16] - Praying for Our Children
[14:52] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[18:12] - God's Divine Intervention
[20:49] - God's Abundant Blessings
[24:33] - Parental Engagement in the Digital Age
[29:57] - Teaching Our Children About God
[34:37] - Trusting God with Our Children
[39:09] - The Story of the Shunammite Woman
[42:43] - Returning to God in Our Imperfections
[44:46] - Closing Prayer and Thanksgiving
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 19-20 - The story of Hannah praying for a child and dedicating him to the Lord.
2. 1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
3. John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Hannah's emotional state when she prayed to God for a child, and what did she vow to do if God granted her request? (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
2. According to 1 Peter 5:8, what are believers instructed to do in response to the devil's schemes? [04:02]
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between His followers and Himself in John 15:16?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Hannah's story teach us about the power of dedication and the role of parents in their children's spiritual lives? [05:11]
2. How can the instruction in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober and vigilant be applied to modern-day parenting, especially in the digital age? [13:16]
3. In what ways does John 15:16 encourage believers to trust in God's plan and provision for their lives and their children's lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual investments in the next generation. How can you actively declare God's blessings over your children or the youth in your community? [01:58]
2. Considering the story of Hannah, how can you incorporate the practice of dedicating your children to the Lord in your daily life? What specific prayers or actions can you take? [05:11]
3. In what ways can you be more vigilant against the adversary's schemes in your children's lives? Are there specific areas where you need to increase your awareness and prayer? [04:02]
4. How can you engage more actively with your children in the digital age to ensure that you are the primary influence in their lives? What practical steps can you take to monitor and guide their online activities? [24:33]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt you fell short as a parent or guardian. How did you return to God and seek His help? How can you remind yourself of God's abundant grace in these moments? [32:06]
6. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust in God's abundant blessings despite your imperfections. How can you remind yourself of His promises and seek His divine intervention? [20:49]
7. How can you create a routine of praying for your children and reminding God of His promises over their lives? What specific prayers or declarations can you incorporate into your daily routine? [13:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Speaking Blessings Over Our Children
As parents and guardians, we have a divine responsibility to invest in the spiritual growth of our children. This involves not only bringing them to church but also actively declaring God's blessings over their lives. Our words and actions can shape their future and protect them from the adversary's schemes. The power of our words cannot be underestimated; they can either build up or tear down. By consistently speaking blessings, we align ourselves with God's will and create a spiritual covering over our children.
In today's world, where negative influences are rampant, it is crucial to be intentional about the words we speak over our children. We must remember that our declarations have the power to shape their identity and destiny. By affirming God's promises and blessings, we can counteract the lies and distortions that the enemy tries to sow in their hearts and minds. Let us commit to being a source of encouragement and spiritual strength for the next generation. [01:58]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Think of a specific blessing or promise from God that you can declare over your children today. How can you make this a daily habit?
Day 2: The Significance of Dedication
Hannah's story in 1 Samuel teaches us the significance of dedicating our children to the Lord. This act is a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan for their lives. It reminds us that no external authority has the power to define our children's destiny; only God does, and we must continually speak His blessings over them. Hannah's dedication of Samuel was not just a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to raising him in the ways of the Lord.
Dedication is more than a ceremonial act; it is a daily commitment to nurture our children's spiritual growth. It involves teaching them about God's love, guiding them in their faith journey, and being a godly example. By dedicating our children to the Lord, we acknowledge that they are His and that we are stewards of their lives. This perspective helps us to prioritize their spiritual well-being and to seek God's guidance in our parenting. [05:11]
1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV): "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
Reflection: How can you make the dedication of your children to the Lord a daily practice? What specific steps can you take to nurture their spiritual growth?
Day 3: Spiritual Vigilance
The devil is constantly seeking to distort and destroy the lives of our children. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, we must be sober and vigilant. This means being aware of the spiritual battles our children face and actively praying for God's protection and guidance over their lives. Spiritual vigilance involves recognizing the enemy's tactics and standing firm in our faith to counteract them.
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is easy for our children to be led astray. As parents, we must be proactive in guarding their hearts and minds. This requires us to be spiritually alert and to intercede on their behalf. By staying connected to God through prayer and His Word, we can discern the enemy's schemes and take action to protect our children. Let us commit to being watchful and prayerful, trusting in God's power to safeguard our families. [04:02]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can be spiritually vigilant for your children? How can you incorporate prayer and God's Word into your daily routine to protect them?
Day 4: Engaging in the Digital Age
In today's world, parental control must go beyond setting restrictions on devices. It requires active engagement and spiritual guidance. We must be aware of what our children are exposed to and ensure that we are the primary influence in their lives, teaching them to seek God in all things. The digital age presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for us to connect with our children and guide them in their faith journey.
Active engagement means being involved in our children's digital lives, understanding the platforms they use, and having open conversations about the content they encounter. It also involves setting boundaries and teaching them to make wise choices. By being present and involved, we can help our children navigate the digital world with discernment and integrity. Let us commit to being intentional about our engagement and to providing spiritual guidance in every aspect of their lives. [24:33]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your children in their digital lives? What steps can you take to ensure that you are the primary influence in their spiritual growth?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Abundant Blessings
God's blessings are not limited by our imperfections. Even when we fall short, we can always return to Him and seek His help. Hannah's story shows us that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. Our faithfulness in seeking Him and reminding Him of His promises will result in His divine intervention in our lives. God's grace is sufficient, and His blessings are abundant.
As parents, we may feel inadequate at times, but we can trust in God's ability to work through our weaknesses. His blessings are not dependent on our perfection but on His grace and love. By continually seeking Him and relying on His strength, we can experience His abundant blessings in our lives and in the lives of our children. Let us trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to do more than we can imagine. [20:49]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's abundant blessings? How can you remind yourself of His promises and seek His help in your parenting journey?
Quotes
1. "You make the investment of being a part of a local church, a local ministry and have your kids a part of it. And then last week, we had our elementary kids, our HP kids. Pastor Matt and Hannah was in here sharing what was going on with them. We even had Danny Mejia from Guatemala was here talking about our shoe boxes. How not only did we pour in to what we have here. We also had our elementary kids. We also pour out. Don't ever forget the vital investment of sowing away from your need." [01:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to remind you today that the Democratic Party does not have the authority to declare anything of your children. No politician. No Republican. No liberal. No, not even a school teacher. Not an administrator. When it comes down to it, you have the God-given right. You have the God. What is the word right there? You have the ability to speak over your children. And they will be who you say they're going to be." [05:59] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to be perfect. To receive the blessings of God. Watch this. But you do have to be obedient. What does that mean? Can you clarify? I will. When you do mess up. And you will. You cry out to God and say Lord. Help me. Amen. Come on some of you have been older than me. This is what we do. God. I just need you. It's okay to say Lord. I don't have a clue what to do with this. Will you help Will you call on Anyway." [32:06] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I just want to tell somebody right now. You don't have to be perfect. To receive the blessings of God. Watch this. But you do have to be obedient. What does that mean? Can you clarify? I will. When you do mess up. And you will. You cry out to God and say Lord. Help me. Amen. Come on some of you have been older than me. This is what we do. God. I just need you. It's okay to say Lord. I don't have a clue what to do with this. Will you help Will you call on Anyway." [32:06] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want us to remind. I want to remind you this morning. If you go boldly to the throne room of God. And you ask Him to remember you. Not only would God do what you ask Him to do. But He is able to do more. Than you ask Him for. And I'm just believing God. For a seven fold return. On what it is you're asking God for. If you believe He can do it. And I just believe He can do it. I believe that God needs to do more. Than my little finite mind can ask Him for. Right church?" [20:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I don't care if you've got a kindergartner. Or if you've got a kid. Going into college. It's time to get off the mat. And turn your mat. Into a house of prayer. And say hey God. Remember me. was good stuff. I think I gave extra tithe. Or something that Sunday. I was like this is good church. Parental control does not include. Parental contact. Just because. You put some kind of little something. On your phone. And thank God for that. Or a little something on a game boy. And thank God for all of that. But it never takes the place. Of that one on one. Parental contact." [23:55] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want to remind you today that we have an adversary. And we're not just going to call him whatever. We're calling him what the devil calls him. The devil. The devil, that word so much attached to that. That means trickster. That means penetrator. You give him an inch, he'll take a foot. You give him a foot, he'll take a yard. You give him a yard, he'll take a half a mile. Give him a half a mile, he'll take a mile. And then the next thing you're trying to figure out." [04:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I want to remind you today that the Democratic Party does not have the authority to declare anything of your children. No politician. No Republican. No liberal. No, not even a school teacher. Not an administrator. When it comes down to it, you have the God-given right. You have the God. What is the word right there? You have the ability to speak over your children. And they will be who you say they're going to be. Not just some evil worldly minded person that has more time with your kid. Because they are. Or an administrator or a teacher or someone they talk to on social media. Or whatever is connected. Do not let go of your place. Do not let go of your leverage. Parents has leverage. What is leverage?" [05:59] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to remind you today that the Democratic Party does not have the authority to declare anything of your children. No politician. No Republican. No liberal. No, not even a school teacher. Not an administrator. When it comes down to it, you have the God-given right. You have the God. What is the word right there? You have the ability to speak over your children. And they will be who you say they're going to be. Not just some evil worldly minded person that has more time with your kid. Because they are. Or an administrator or a teacher or someone they talk to on social media. Or whatever is connected. Do not let go of your place. Do not let go of your leverage. Parents has leverage. What is leverage?" [05:59] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I want to remind you today that the Democratic Party does not have the authority to declare anything of your children. No politician. No Republican. No liberal. No, not even a school teacher. Not an administrator. When it comes down to it, you have the God-given right. You have the God. What is the word right there? You have the ability to speak over your children. And they will be who you say they're going to be. Not just some evil worldly minded person that has more time with your kid. Because they are. Or an administrator or a teacher or someone they talk to on social media. Or whatever is connected. Do not let go of your place. Do not let go of your leverage. Parents has leverage. What is leverage?" [05:59] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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