Merge Lesson 2Imagine the End Result

Oct. 31

Think About It …

• Note Winston Churchill’s comment during the days of World War 2. How do you think he meant that, given the context of the war?

"He who fails to plan is planning

to fail.”

"He who fails to plan is planning

to fail.”

Think About It …

• We are in a spiritual battle – for the lives of our children.– We must plan now for what we hope will happen

when they grow up– This week we consider what kinds of things we

should be doing towards the goal of raising future Christian leaders

Listen for how much we are to love the Lord.

Deut. 6:4-6 (NIV) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [5] Love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

God’s Word upon Your Hearts

• Why would Moses stress that “our God, the Lord is one”?

• What command were God’s people given in this passage?

• What distracts people today from “loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and strength?”

• Moses says that these commandments were to “be upon your hearts.” What do you think he meant by that phrase?

God’s Word upon Your Hearts

• Solomon also spoke to the issue of our hearts.

Proverbs 3:1-6 (NIV) My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your

heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. [3] Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them

around your neck, write them on the tablet of your

God’s Word upon Your Hearts

heart. [4] Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in

the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways

acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

God’s Word upon Your Hearts

• What benefits does he say result from keeping God’s commandments on our hearts?

• What does verse 3 suggest about how we do this?

• What would this mean in a practical way?• What is the benefit of modeling this teaching of

“loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and strength” before your children (both young and grownup) and grandchildren?

Listen for how God demonstrates His love for us.Psalm 103:1-12 (NIV) Of David. Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy

name. [2] Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- [3] who forgives all your

sins and heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you

with love and compassion, [5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is

renewed like the eagle's.

Listen for how God demonstrates His love for us.

[6] The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. [7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: [8]

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. [9] He will not always

accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

Listen for how God demonstrates His love for us.

[10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. [11] For as

high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; [12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he

removed our transgressions from us.

Sharing God’s Benefits

• According to Psalm 103, in what ways does God demonstrate his love for us?

• What instructions are given in the first two verses?

• What benefits has God provided you?• How can we help our children and

grandchildren never forget all the benefits God provides?

Listen for how many generations are represented.

Deut. 4:9 (NIV) Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from

your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Spanning Generations

• What were the Israelites supposed to do with events of their history?

• When you become a grandparent, what kinds of advice can you give your children who are parents?

Application

• What could you do this week that would give pleasure to both you and your child?– Go on a “date” or special outing with each child

separately– Some day you will long for such an opportunity.

Application

• As a devotional exercise– Make a list of words of wisdom that you might like

to leave for your (grand)children.– Write a letter to your (grand)children that would

be for them after you were gone.

Application

• Ask an elderly parent/grandparent to answer questions about their spiritual journey– What trials did you endure?– How did you come to find Jesus as Savior?– What decisions did you make at church camp?– How did God change your life over the years?

Merge Lesson 2Imagine the End Result

Oct. 31