Stop and Think First
Making a wise decision is hard. The ways of the world can make an unwise decision look like it’s the only option, and without taking time to pray or think it through, it could be devastating. Proverbs 1:7a says that the “fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge.” Wouldn’t it be great to go into every decision with true knowledge and wisdom from the Lord?
DISCERNMENT: Seeking God’s direction before acting
MEMORY VERSE: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Stop and Think Before You Act!
We looked at the story of Daniel with King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream this week, in Daniel 2. Daniel was faced with a seemingly unsurmountable challenge: to interpret the dream of the King, without knowing the dream! No one was able to do this, of course, so the king in his anger decided all the wise men in the kingdom would be killed. In Daniel 2:14 it says Daniel “handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.” Instead of overreacting and panicking, he prayed and asked his friends to pray for help from God. He knew God was more than able to answer the king’s request.
Family Questions:
- What was King Nebuchadnezzar asking of all the wise men in Babylon? (Daniel 2:1-12)
- What did Daniel do in response? (Daniel 2:14, 2:17-18)
- Who did Daniel ask for help? (Daniel 2:17-18)
- When the king praised Daniel, who did Daniel give the credit to?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
TEACHER: Practice the Proverbs!
Take some time at dinner this week to keep practicing the verses we are memorizing this week in the Proverbs Challenge. How many has your family been able to memorize? Bring in some applications to each verse as you go throughout your week.
FRIEND: Think First
During driving time in the car this week, talk about how decisions can affect us. Are there any decisions you made today without stopping to think first? Start with small examples, like eating junk food when you weren’t even hungry, or making the wrong turn while driving because you weren’t paying attention to directions, etc. How did this decision affect you?
COUNSELOR: Ask for Prayer
During bedtime this week, ask your child if there are any decisions they need prayer for. Discuss how Daniel went and asked his friends to pray in Daniel 2:17-18. Who else can you and your children ask to pray for you when facing a difficult situation?
COACH: Breakfast Decisions
One morning this week, make two different breakfast plates/bowls for your kids, but cover them up so they can’t see what’s inside. Have your kids choose a plate/bowl without knowing what’s in it. Why is it important to know all the facts before making a decision? (Proverbs 18:13)
Prayer
Thank God for providing wisdom when we ask for it, and for providing people for us to ask to pray for us for wisdom too. Ask God for help this week in making decisions wisely.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue talking about discernment, and we will be looking at 1 Kings 12 and the story of King Rehoboam.
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