Empowering the Next Generation Through Love and Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Intergenerational Relationships

Building strong, intergenerational relationships within the church is crucial for the spiritual growth of our youth. Research from the Fuller Youth Institute shows that children who form five meaningful relationships with adults in the church are more likely to maintain their faith into adulthood. These relationships provide a sense of belonging and support that is essential for their spiritual development. It is not just about having adults present but about creating genuine, impactful connections that make children feel heard, loved, and known.

These relationships are more impactful than any technological or material resources we can provide. The key is to ensure that children feel heard, loved, and known by adults in the congregation. Multi-generational worship and service are also important as they foster a deeper, more resilient faith. By engaging in these practices, we can help our youth develop a strong foundation of faith that will carry them through the challenges of life. [27:38]

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 young person in your church. How can you begin to build a meaningful relationship with them this week?

Day 2: Unconditional Love

Unconditional love means choosing to love regardless of circumstances. It is not dependent on the recipient's response but on the giver's commitment. This steadfast love provides children with a sense of stability and security, which is crucial for their emotional and spiritual well-being. When children know they are loved unconditionally, they are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.

Unconditional love is about being a "velvet-covered brick"—firm in your values and beliefs but soft and approachable in your interactions. This kind of love is consistent and unwavering, providing a safe space for children to grow and explore their faith. It is important to show this love through actions, not just words, by being present, attentive, and supportive in their lives. [48:45]

1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can show unconditional love to a child or young person in your life. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this love today?

Day 3: Scheduled Quality Time

Spending scheduled, quality time with children is essential for building strong relationships. Whether it's through family vacations, daily routines, or special activities, dedicating time to be with children shows them that they are valued and loved. This time together helps to strengthen the bond and allows for meaningful interactions that can shape their faith and values.

Quality time is not just about being physically present but about being fully engaged and attentive. It means putting away distractions and focusing on the child, listening to them, and participating in activities that they enjoy. This intentional time together can create lasting memories and provide opportunities for deeper conversations about faith and life. [50:00]

Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Reflection: Plan a specific time this week to spend quality time with a child or young person. What activity will you do together, and how will you ensure that this time is meaningful and focused?

Day 4: Focused Attention and Eye Contact

Giving children focused attention and making eye contact when interacting with them communicates that they are important and valued. This practice helps to build trust and shows that you are genuinely interested in their lives. It also fosters open communication and deeper connections, which are essential for their emotional and spiritual development.

When you give a child your full attention, you are telling them that they matter and that their thoughts and feelings are important. This can be especially impactful in a world where distractions are everywhere. By making eye contact and actively listening, you create a safe space for children to share their hearts and minds, which can lead to meaningful conversations about faith and life. [51:19]

Proverbs 20:12 (ESV): "The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both."

Reflection: Think about your interactions with children or young people. How can you improve your focused attention and eye contact to make them feel more valued and heard?

Day 5: The Power of Prayer

Praying for and with children is a powerful way to support their spiritual growth. It shows them that they are loved and cared for by both their family and God. Prayer provides a foundation of faith and helps children to develop a personal relationship with God. It is a way to invite God's presence into their lives and to seek His guidance and protection.

Prayer can be a daily practice that becomes a natural part of a child's life. It can be done at bedtime, before meals, or during moments of need. By modeling a life of prayer, you teach children the importance of relying on God and seeking His will. Praying together also strengthens the bond between you and the child, creating a shared spiritual experience that can be deeply meaningful. [57:02]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Make a commitment to pray for and with a child or young person in your life. What specific prayers will you lift up for them, and how can you involve them in the practice of prayer?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the importance of ministering to children and the next generation. We acknowledged the spiritual warfare that targets our youth and emphasized the critical role we play in shaping their faith and values. The enemy is actively trying to influence our children at younger ages, and it is our responsibility to reach their hearts first with the love and teachings of Christ. We discussed the significance of building strong, intergenerational relationships within the church, as these connections are vital for the spiritual growth and maturity of our youth.

We highlighted research from the Fuller Youth Institute, which shows that children who form five meaningful relationships within the church are more likely to maintain their faith into adulthood. These relationships are more impactful than any technological or material resources we can provide. The key is to ensure that children feel heard, loved, and known by adults in the congregation. We also stressed the importance of multi-generational worship and service, as these practices foster a deeper, more resilient faith.

Practical steps were shared on how to build and maintain these relationships, including showing unconditional love, scheduling quality time, giving focused attention, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in ongoing communication. Meaningful touch and having fun together were also emphasized as essential components of a healthy, supportive relationship. Finally, we prayed for our children, schools, teachers, and administrators, asking for God's protection, guidance, and blessings as they embark on a new school year.

###

Key Takeaways

1. being. [48:45]
3. Scheduled Quality Time: Spending scheduled, quality time with children is essential for building strong relationships. Whether it's through family vacations, daily routines, or special activities, dedicating time to be with children shows them that they are valued and loved. This time together helps to strengthen the bond and allows for meaningful interactions.

4. Focused Attention and Eye Contact: Giving children focused attention and making eye contact when interacting with them communicates that they are important and valued. This practice helps to build trust and shows that you are genuinely interested in their lives. It also fosters open communication and deeper connections.

5. The Power of Prayer: Praying for and with children is a powerful way to support their spiritual growth. It shows them that they are loved and cared for by both their family and God. Prayer provides a foundation of faith and helps children to develop a personal relationship with God.

### [48:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:29] - Introduction and Prayer
[21:38] - The Enemy's Target on Our Children
[23:05] - The Importance of Reaching the Next Generation
[24:38] - Racing to the Heart of the Next Generation
[26:10] - The Silver Bullet: Five and One
[27:38] - The Power of Relationships
[29:10] - Multi-Generational Worship
[30:43] - Personal Testimony: Whitney's Experience
[32:17] - The Role of the Congregation
[33:49] - Supporting High School Seniors
[35:11] - Encouraging Young People
[36:21] - Four Tips for Intergenerational Insight
[37:45] - The Importance of Serving
[39:12] - Making Teens Feel Welcomed
[40:41] - Building Strong Relationships
[41:57] - The Bridge of Relationship
[43:28] - Rules Without Relationship Equals Rebellion
[44:48] - Building Relationships Through Shared Interests
[46:02] - Unconditional Love Explained
[47:22] - The Importance of Consistent Love
[48:45] - Being a Velvet Covered Brick
[50:00] - Scheduled Time with Children
[51:19] - Focused Attention and Eye Contact
[52:51] - Ongoing Communication
[54:22] - Meaningful Touch
[55:43] - Having Fun Together
[57:02] - The Power of Prayer
[58:18] - Praying for Schools and Teachers
[59:29] - Conclusion and Introduction to Miss Katie

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to the sermon, why is it important to build intergenerational relationships within the church? [[27:38]]
What are some practical steps mentioned in the sermon for building and maintaining strong relationships with children? [[50:00]]
How does the Fuller Youth Institute's research support the importance of relationships in maintaining children's faith into adulthood? [[27:38]]
What role does prayer play in supporting the spiritual growth of children according to the sermon? [[57:02]]

Interpretation Questions

How do the Bible passages from Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Proverbs 22:6 align with the sermon's emphasis on the importance of teaching and guiding children in their faith?
In what ways can the church community act as a support system for children, as suggested by the Fuller Youth Institute's findings? [[27:38]]
How does the concept of unconditional love, as described in the sermon, reflect the teachings of Ephesians 6:4? [[48:45]]
Why is it significant that children feel heard, loved, and known by adults in the congregation, and how does this impact their spiritual development? [[27:38]]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own experiences. Have you had meaningful relationships with adults in the church during your childhood? How did these relationships impact your faith journey? [[27:38]]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of scheduled quality time with children. What are some specific ways you can incorporate this into your weekly routine? [[50:00]]
How can you show unconditional love to the children in your life, especially when they are difficult or challenging? [[48:45]]
Think about the children in your church community. How can you make an effort to know their stories and support them in their faith journey? [[27:38]]
The sermon mentions the power of prayer in supporting children's spiritual growth. How can you incorporate praying for and with children into your daily life? [[57:02]]
How can you encourage multi-generational worship and service in your church to foster a deeper, more resilient faith among the youth? [[29:10]]
Identify one child or teenager in your church. What specific steps can you take this week to build a meaningful relationship with them and support their spiritual growth? [[27:38]]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "What we're doing this weekend, the enemy hates. Absolutely, absolutely hates it. I know a lot of times whenever we talk in church, we talk about, you know, the enemy and spiritual warfare and this and that and the other. But can I tell you what we're doing this weekend? Get this. It's one thing for you to come to church and you to be ministered to. But can I tell you whenever we start crossing generations and ministering into the next generation, can I tell you the devil hates that boy? He hates that with everything." [21:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We must race to the heart of the next generation and we must get there first. All right? We must get there first, younger, faster, and even better than before. We got to get there first. We got to get to the kids' heart before the enemy tries to get them. We've got to invest into them so that whenever they go into places that are not godly, that do not have godly values, they are prepared and ready to roll so that they have a way of defending themselves God has put on the inside of them." [24:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The closest our research has come to that definitive silver bullet, this sticky finding. Now watch this. High school and college students who experience more intergenerational worship tend to have the highest faith maturity levels within society. You get that? Multi-generational. Let me explain. And I know, because I've been to conferences, I've been to pastor's conferences, I've met pastors who say, yeah, but praise God, we're a... We're reaching the next generation, and we care about the next generation." [29:10] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you've got young kids and you've got kids that are going into their senior year, you need to make sure that they are in the house of God. I know we sacrifice a lot for them to be in sports and all that, but can I tell you it? Marla McCluck, the Mentor of the Church, It doesn't matter anybody else. There are not justion and divinity within them. They are, I'm sure, a major league sport. It's getting paid for it very slim, even then. The extent of that is 20 years, 25 years. I promise you, at some point in their life, they're going to need Jesus. And you should have them in the house of God." [35:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Intergenerational insight, number one. These are four tips that they would recommend. Here it is, number one. Involvement in all church worship during high school is more consistently linked to mature faith in both high school and college than any other form of church participation. Did you hear that? Worshiping together. Is worshiping together with kids important? Come on. And can I tell you, we believe in kids ministry, and we believe it. But listen, it's all right for your kids to be in here and to worship and have fun." [36:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "You never want to put more on the bridge of the relationship than it can handle. Okay. Let me say it this way, real clear, Charlie Riley style. You ready? Rules without relationship equals rebellion. Rules without relationship equals rebellion. Okay. Listen to this. I do not speak real clear into some people's lives. Why? Because I don't have a strong relationship with them. Matter of fact, there are people that I've literally said, Hey, listen, I would love to speak into that, but I don't feel like I can because I don't feel like I know you well enough." [43:28] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Unconditional love means choosing to love regardless of circumstances. That's what unconditional love is. I'm going to love you regardless of the situation and circumstance. Now let me explain. Because today, maybe in Peru, maybe online, they say, Pastor Charlie, I give my kids unconditional love. What you're going to find out is that isn't always the case. Let me give you an example. Let me show it to you. Unconditional love depends on the giver's commitment. Listen, not the qualifications or the response of the recipient." [46:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The most important person that you talk to is the person in front of you. You hear what I'm saying? The most important person you talk to is the person in front of you. Those kids sense that. They sense that. Listen to this. You ready? Number five. Ongoing communication. You have to always communicate. Always keep the communication going, all right? Some of the words that you need to learn, there are six words that you need to learn always, even with kids. Here it is. You ready? Listen. Look at this right here. Yep. Hey, can I get a help from the back?" [52:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Meaningful touch. Everybody say meaningful touch. Let me ask you a question. Do you believe that children and children need meaningful touch? Come on. Absolutely. Let's go a little bit further. You ready? What is Dr. Dobson and Dr. Clinton from Focus on the Family, they've come up with a number that a kid needs to feel secure and accepted by the family. I want you to take a guess what that number is. How many touches does a kid need every day? Every day? Four? Five? Two? Three? Four? Five? Two? Three? Two? Three? Two? Three? Two? Three? Two? Three? Twenty? Twenty-six? How about this? You're going to be amazed. Fifty? I heard fifty. A child to feel secure and accepted in the home and loved. One hundred touches per day." [54:22] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We oftentimes think that we don't play a role in growing those young kids around us. But the truth of the matter is when you see a young kid out there, when you see a young kid in the foyer, when you see a young kid in the worship service and they're here, one of the greatest things you can do is connect with them. Say hi to them. Introduce yourself to them, all right? Be welcoming to them. Let them know that you love and you care about them and you're rooting them on in their faith. Build a relationship with them." [32:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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