What parents need what children need

CELL MATTERS

HOMEFRONT, part 5

“What parents need from children.  What children need from parents.”

OPENING QUESTION:

1. From your recollection of television shows, who would say made the best “television parents”?  (The Bradys?  The Cleavers? Etc.)

Pause for prayer here and ask the Lord to minister among you as you talk.  This follow up could really stir up some stuff in our souls and we need the Holy Spirit to guide us.

DIGGING DEEPER:

1. READ Malachi 4:6.

    

2. These are the final words of the Old Testament which transition into the New Testament.  Why do you think God chose these words to end the Old Testament?
3. What kind of ‘curse’ might God be talking about here?
4. What kinds of things turn father’s hearts away from their children?
5. What kinds of things turn children’s hearts away from their fathers?
6. What does it look like when parents and children are brought together in unity?

GETTING PERSONAL:

1. In our culture we are fairly good at doing things for our children.  We drive them to sporting activities and we give them money for things they need at school.  But what about our hearts?  Are our hearts actually with our kids?  Is it possible to be around your child but not actually be with them?  Give some examples from your own life.
2. On a ‘10’ scale, how good are you at being with your children? (10 is great, and 1 is bad)

PRAYER/PLANNING:

1. We need to pray for one another.  Especially if someone shared a deep need for restoration in their relationship with their children.  Spend good amounts of time praying for them and for each other.