Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World | Danny Green | 01.26.20
Talk It Out
Summary
The sermon at Skybreak Church focused on the importance of parenting and raising positive children in a negative world. The speaker emphasized that children are a heritage from the Lord and should be nurtured in a home that is a place of hope, unconditional acceptance, correction, and discipline. The sermon highlighted the need for parents to actively engage with their children, teaching them the principles of God, and creating an environment where they can thrive. It also stressed the importance of discipline, not as a form of punishment, but as a means to guide children towards understanding the consequences of their actions and the value of correction.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we discuss the important topic of parenting. Open our hearts and minds to receive what You want us to learn, and help us to apply these teachings in our lives. May we be instruments of Your love and guidance to the children in our care. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one funny or memorable thing a child has said to you recently?
Key Verses
1. Psalm 127:3
2. Deuteronomy 11:19
3. Proverbs 22:6
4. Galatians 6:7-9
Questions
1. What does it mean for children to be a ‘heritage from the Lord’?
2. How can we create a home environment that fosters hope and positivity?
3. What are some ways to show unconditional acceptance to children?
4. Why is it important to differentiate between acceptance and approval?
5. How can we effectively discipline children without anger?
6. What role does correction play in a child’s development?
7. How can we balance technology use with face-to-face interaction in parenting?
8. What are some practical ways to teach children about sowing and reaping?
Life Application
This week, focus on creating a positive and hopeful environment in your home. Take time to have meaningful conversations with your children, emphasizing their strengths and potential. Practice showing unconditional acceptance and find a moment to teach them a valuable life lesson.
Key Takeaways
1. Children are a special possession and a blessing from God.
2. Home should be a place of hope, acceptance, and discipline.
3. Discipline should be consistent and administered with love, not anger.
4. Teaching children the principles of God is a continuous, everyday process.
5. Parents should be role models, guiding children with love and wisdom.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the gift of children and the responsibility You have entrusted to us as parents and guardians. Help us to create homes filled with hope, love, and discipline. May we always seek Your guidance in raising children who honor You and live fulfilling lives. Bless our efforts and let Your wisdom guide us in every step. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Creating a Hopeful Home
Devotional
In today’s world, children face numerous challenges that can drain them of hope. As parents, it is our responsibility to create a nurturing environment that fosters hope. A hopeful home is a sanctuary where children can dream without fear and receive encouragement. This means planning positive things to look forward to and speaking encouraging words about the future. By doing so, we can help our children build a strong foundation of hope that will carry them through life’s challenges.
Bible Verse
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. – Psalm 127:1
Reflection Question How can you create an environment of hope in your home today?
Quote Your home must be a place of hope. A place of hope. It’s very important to understand hopelessness is not just isolated to adults only. Your children also experience a daily barrage of negativity that drains them of the positive power of hope.
Prayer Lord, help me to create a home filled with hope and encouragement. Guide me to speak words of life and positivity to my children, so they may grow up with a strong sense of hope and purpose. Amen.
Day 2: Unconditional Acceptance
Devotional
Unconditional acceptance means loving your child regardless of their behavior. It is crucial for children to feel valued and loved, even when they make mistakes. Acceptance is not the same as approval; you can disapprove of a child’s behavior and still provide acceptance of them. This is the key to building a strong, loving relationship with your children. Assure your kids that they are unconditionally accepted and a vital part of your family always, regardless of what’s going on.
Bible Verse
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6
Reflection Question In what ways can you show unconditional acceptance to your child today?
Quote Acceptance is not the same as approval. You can disapprove of a child’s behavior and still provide acceptance of them. In fact, that’s the key.
Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to show unconditional acceptance to my children. Teach me to love them as You love me, regardless of their behavior. May they always feel valued and cherished in our home. Amen.
Day 3: The Power of Discipline
Devotional
Discipline, when administered with love and consistency, helps children understand that their actions have consequences. It is important to create a system of rewards and consequences so that children recognize that wrong brings pain and right brings pleasure. By punishing and disciplining wrong behavior, you will help them realize that there are consequences for their actions. Remember, never discipline when you’re angry. Take a moment to calm down before addressing the issue.
Bible Verse
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. – Deuteronomy 11:18
Reflection Question How can you implement a consistent and loving discipline system in your home?
Quote Create a system of rewards and consequences. Our kids must recognize that wrong brings pain and right brings pleasure.
Prayer Lord, grant me the wisdom and patience to discipline my children with love and consistency. Help me to teach them the importance of consequences and guide them in making the right choices. Amen.
Day 4: Open Communication
Devotional
Creating a vibrant home environment filled with open communication and fun activities makes children feel safe and energized. Never, ever withdraw or resist speaking to your son or daughter. Open communication is key to building trust and understanding. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings with you, and always be ready to listen. This will help them feel valued and understood, and it will strengthen your relationship with them.
Bible Verse
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. – Psalm 127:3
Reflection Question What steps can you take to improve open communication with your children?
Quote Never, ever withdraw or resist speaking to your son or daughter. Never put up a wall of silence to prove a point or create a standoff between you and your child.
Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to foster open communication in my home. Give me the patience and understanding to listen to my children and to speak with love and wisdom. May our home be a place where everyone feels heard and valued. Amen.
Day 5: Teaching Biblical Values
Devotional
Using everyday moments to teach biblical values helps instill godly principles in your children. Take advantage of daily interactions to share lessons from the Bible and demonstrate godly behavior. This will help your children grow into positive, godly individuals. Remember, children learn by example, so strive to live out the values you want to instill in them. By applying these principles, you can help your children develop a strong foundation of faith and character.
Bible Verse
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 11:19
Reflection Question How can you incorporate teaching biblical values into your daily routine with your children?
Quote One of the best things we could do for our children is cultivate an openness to correction and a desire for advice and assistance.
Prayer Lord, help me to teach my children Your ways. Give me the wisdom to use everyday moments to share Your Word and demonstrate godly behavior. May my children grow up with a strong foundation of faith and character. Amen.