Intentional Parenting: Navigating Defining Moments with Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Fellowship Bible Church's online community. Today, we continue our series on "Intentional Families," focusing on defining moments in our lives and how they shape us. These moments can be planned or unplanned, arising from crises, conflicts, or celebrations. As parents, it's crucial to recognize these moments and speak truth into our children's lives, helping them navigate through challenges and affirming their God-given identity.
We explored the story of Esther, a Jewish exile who became queen in the Persian Empire. Despite the absence of any direct mention of God in the Book of Esther, His presence and sovereignty are evident throughout the narrative. Esther's defining moment came when she had to decide whether to risk her life by approaching King Xerxes to save her people. Her uncle Mordecai played a pivotal role by interpreting reality for her, affirming her identity, and calling her to action. This story illustrates the importance of speaking truth and encouragement into our children's lives, especially during defining moments.
As parents, we must be intentional in our roles, whether as caregivers, coaches, or consultants, depending on our children's age and stage of life. We should seize opportunities to celebrate and affirm our children's identity in Christ, helping them understand their purpose and calling. By doing so, we create a sense of belonging and security, which is vital for their spiritual growth and development.
In closing, I encourage you to think about one thing you can do to address a defining moment in your child's life. Whether it's through prayer, conversation, or a specific action, be intentional and trust that God will work through you to impact your child's life profoundly.
### Key Takeaways
1. Recognize and Seize Defining Moments: Defining moments can arise from crises, conflicts, or celebrations. As parents, it's essential to recognize these moments and speak truth into our children's lives, helping them navigate through challenges and affirming their God-given identity. [41:10]
2. Speak Truth and Interpret Reality: Like Mordecai did for Esther, we must help our children see the truth and deconstruct the lies they may believe. This involves interpreting reality for them and providing a perspective grounded in faith and truth. [52:28]
3. Affirm Their Identity in Christ: It's crucial to affirm our children's identity as God's children. This helps them understand their purpose and calling, providing a sense of security and belonging that is vital for their spiritual growth. [55:06]
4. Call to Action: Encourage your children to take action in their faith journey. Just as Mordecai called Esther to act, we should inspire our children to step out in faith and trust God's plan for their lives. [55:47]
5. Be Intentional in Different Parenting Roles: Depending on your child's age and stage of life, your role as a parent will vary. Whether as a caregiver, coach, or consultant, be intentional in your interactions, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. [59:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:21] - Introduction to Intentional Families
[41:10] - Defining Moments in Crisis
[42:36] - Esther's Story Begins
[44:11] - The Persian Kingdom and Xerxes
[45:31] - Queen Vashti's Defiance
[46:33] - The Search for a New Queen
[47:11] - Esther's Introduction
[47:58] - Mordecai's Role
[48:47] - Esther Becomes Queen
[49:41] - Haman's Plot
[50:12] - Mordecai's Appeal to Esther
[51:03] - Esther's Defining Moment
[51:50] - The Absence of God in Esther
[52:28] - Mordecai's Guidance
[53:23] - Speaking Truth
[54:11] - Affirming Identity
[55:06] - Calling to Action
[55:47] - The Importance of Speaking
[56:41] - The Result of Esther's Courage
[57:29] - The Feast of Purim
[58:31] - Esther's Courageous Decision
[59:32] - Parenting Roles and Seasons
[01:00:13] - Practical Examples from Personal Experience
[01:01:01] - Celebrating Birthdays
[01:01:55] - Partnering with the Church
[01:02:44] - The Mountain Program
[01:03:26] - Defining Moments in Ministry
[01:04:07] - Nathan's Leadership Journey
[01:05:01] - High School and Beyond
[01:06:06] - Defining Moments in Marriage
[01:06:59] - Parent Panel Podcast
[01:07:48] - Closing Thoughts
[01:13:28] - Encouragement to Take Action
[01:14:11] - Prayer and Blessing
[01:15:02] - The Power of Belonging
[01:15:43] - Final Prayer and Benediction
[01:16:29] - Invitation to Join In-Person
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Esther 4:13-16: "Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, 'Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 'Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was the defining moment for Esther in the story, and how did Mordecai help her recognize it? ([51:03])
2. How did Mordecai interpret reality for Esther and what truth did he speak to her? ([52:28])
3. What actions did Esther take after Mordecai's appeal, and what was her attitude towards the potential consequences? ([58:31])
4. How does the story of Esther illustrate the importance of speaking truth and encouragement into our children's lives? ([55:06])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the Book of Esther does not mention God directly, yet His presence is felt throughout the narrative? ([51:50])
2. How does Mordecai's role in Esther's life reflect the importance of parental guidance in helping children understand their identity and purpose? ([52:28])
3. What can we learn from Esther's courage and willingness to risk her life for her people about our own faith and actions? ([58:31])
4. How does the concept of "defining moments" in the sermon relate to the different roles parents play at various stages of their children's lives? ([59:32])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent defining moment in your child's life. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to speak truth and encouragement into that moment? ([41:10])
2. Mordecai helped Esther see the truth and deconstruct the lies she believed. What are some lies that your children might be believing, and how can you help them see the truth? ([53:23])
3. Esther's story shows the importance of affirming identity. How do you currently affirm your child's identity in Christ, and what are some new ways you can do this? ([55:06])
4. Think about a time when you had to call your child to action in their faith journey. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome? How can you improve in encouraging your children to step out in faith? ([55:47])
5. Depending on your child's age, your role as a parent will vary. Identify your current role (caregiver, coach, or consultant) and discuss one intentional action you can take this week to support your child in this stage. ([59:32])
6. Esther fasted and prayed before taking action. How can you incorporate prayer and spiritual preparation into your family's approach to defining moments? ([58:31])
7. The sermon encourages us to think about one thing we can do to address a defining moment in our child's life. What is one specific action you can take this week to be intentional in your parenting? ([01:13:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognize and Seize Defining Moments
Defining moments in our lives can arise from crises, conflicts, or celebrations. As parents, it is essential to recognize these moments and speak truth into our children's lives, helping them navigate through challenges and affirming their God-given identity. These moments are opportunities to shape their character and faith. By being attentive and intentional, we can guide our children through these pivotal times, ensuring they understand their worth and purpose in God's plan. [41:10]
Esther 4:14 (ESV): "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Reflection: Think about a recent defining moment in your child's life. How can you intentionally speak truth and encouragement into their situation today?
Day 2: Speak Truth and Interpret Reality
Like Mordecai did for Esther, we must help our children see the truth and deconstruct the lies they may believe. This involves interpreting reality for them and providing a perspective grounded in faith and truth. By doing so, we help them understand their circumstances through the lens of God's sovereignty and love. This guidance is crucial, especially during times of confusion or doubt, as it helps them build a strong foundation of faith and trust in God's plan. [52:28]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify a situation where your child may be believing a lie about themselves or their circumstances. How can you help them see the truth and interpret their reality through God's perspective?
Day 3: Affirm Their Identity in Christ
It's crucial to affirm our children's identity as God's children. This helps them understand their purpose and calling, providing a sense of security and belonging that is vital for their spiritual growth. By consistently reminding them of their identity in Christ, we reinforce their value and worth, which is rooted in God's love and grace. This affirmation helps them navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith, knowing they are deeply loved and called by God. [55:06]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Take a moment to affirm your child's identity in Christ today. How can you remind them of their unique purpose and calling in God's kingdom?
Day 4: Call to Action
Encourage your children to take action in their faith journey. Just as Mordecai called Esther to act, we should inspire our children to step out in faith and trust God's plan for their lives. This involves encouraging them to make decisions that align with their faith and values, even when it requires courage and sacrifice. By doing so, we help them develop a proactive and dynamic faith that seeks to make a positive impact in the world. [55:47]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a way you can encourage your child to take a step of faith today. What specific action can they take to live out their faith in a tangible way?
Day 5: Be Intentional in Different Parenting Roles
Depending on your child's age and stage of life, your role as a parent will vary. Whether as a caregiver, coach, or consultant, be intentional in your interactions, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Understanding and adapting to these roles helps you meet your child's needs effectively, fostering their growth and development. By being present and engaged, you create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. [59:32]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on your current role in your child's life. How can you be more intentional in providing the guidance and support they need at this stage?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's never too late to start, so I'm thankful that you're here, and to do the first thing, the first thing that God is calling you to. And at the end of my message, I'm just giving you a fair warning. I'm going to ask you to think about one thing, the first thing you think you can do to discuss this or to begin and act on this topic of defining moments." [11:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Over the course of this past weekend, we've had baptism here and we've had baptisms after every service. And I invite you to stick around. After this service is we have some more after this service. It's a defining moment. Someone is identifying with Christ publicly and they're identifying with his life, his death and his resurrection. And we as a church gather around. It's a defining moment. I'm going public with my faith. So I encourage you to do that." [42:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And you might look at the center stage of Xerxes and power and authority and control. And you see this. This Jewish exile woman now at the center of God's plan and the center figure of changing the narrative of this story. So Mordecai understood that about his niece. And he speaks to her and he interprets reality. He then affirms her identity and then he calls her to action." [52:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you know we do that? We do that. We need people to tell us what's true. We need people when we go through a challenge or a crisis or conflict. We need people to say, I'm sorry, you're going through this time. This is just a season. Everyone goes through it. But here's what I believe about you. Here's what I believe about what God is doing. We need people that those are defining moments. They're unplanned. They just happen." [54:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And if I perish, I perish, I'll get my life for him. Do you know we get a type? We get a picture before Christ even shows up on the on the scene of someone laying down the throne and if necessary, perish. So that relief deliverance can happen. Do you know this is a pre preaching of the gospel before it even happens that Jesus Christ gave up his throne to live and to die and to rise for us? You know, that's the picture we see here." [58:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And it's my hope that I wouldn't overwhelm you, and I wouldn't give you guilt and shame, but rather, we would just start where you're at. It's never too late to start, so I'm thankful that you're here, and to do the first thing, the first thing that God is calling you to." [11:21] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so his wise men, also known as yes men, come into his life and say, This is what we should do. What are we going to do? The whole kingdom, if they hear that a woman can say no to her husband, that's just going to be really bad for our economy. It's going to be really bad for our society. So let's make a law. And we've always done this. It's just human nature. Let's make a law and legislate. No. No woman is able to say no to her husband. That'll do it. That'll win their hearts. Not." [46:33] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And Uncle Mordecai shows up and says, no, do not think because he saw he saw what God might do with her. He looked to her to speak when when the world was telling her to keep quiet. And so this courageous girl is called into reality. Do you know we do that? We do that. We need people to tell us what's true. We need people when we go through a challenge or a crisis or conflict. We need people to say, I'm sorry, you're going through this time. This is just a season. Everyone goes through it. But here's what I believe about you. Here's what I believe about what God is doing. We need people that those are defining moments. They're unplanned. They just happen." [54:11] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And then he says, speak. He says, who knows? Who knows if you haven't been, if you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? In other words, Esther, don't believe the lie. You are right at the center. You are right in the kingdom that God is wanting to build. Speak. Say something. Say something." [55:47] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And we talked about just a lot of it's your context. When you're with and together, you can be more instructional. When you're on the sidelines, you can talk about the experience, interpret the experience they're going through. And when they're away from you, you can be that blessing when you're around them. It's never too late to be a mom. It's never too late to be. A dad to the children God has given us." [01:00:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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