Help your kids make up their mind about what they believe about God and the Bible.
Watch This
Ask This
Have you ever had to make a decision real quickly? When and what happened?
Say This
(it’s OK if you read this word-for-word)
“Has this ever happened to you? Things are going great, and then life unexpectedly forces you to make a decision. Do I…Lie to my parents? Return the money I saw someone drop? Make fun of the new kid? Go to that party? Laugh at that joke? Cheat on that test? With little or no warning you must decide how you will live your life. Don’t worry…you’re not alone. In today’s story, Daniel was minding his own business until his country was attacked. Suddenly he was in the custody of a foreign king, and was chosen to become part of the king’s court. This process would take three years, and while training Daniel would be able to enjoy the king’s nest foods and wines. Unfortunately, this would violate Daniel’s beliefs and would dishonor God. Let’s see what Daniel did.”
Read This
Daniel 1:3-5, 8 (Have your kids read if possible.)
Say This
(again, you can read this “as is”...)
“Did you catch that? In verse 8, the NASB version says Daniel ‘Made up his mind that he would not de file himself.’ In other words, Daniel made the decision ahead of time that he would not dishonor God. Daniel didn’t know what he would eat. He just knew he couldn’t eat anything that went against his beliefs.
Ask This
Have you ever decided to do something before it ever happened? What was it?
Say This
In our world of ‘just this once’, ‘everyone else is doing it’, and ‘as long as no one gets hurt’, most of us would’ve probably told Daniel that it was okay, and that God would understand. Surely, God would be more forgiving than the king, right? Many times in life we will face situations where we won’t know exactly what to do. God does not expect us to have all the answers, but does ask us to avoid doing anything that dishonors Him. Once we make that decision, God is faithful to help us handle any situation that comes our way. (Read vs 9 – 16 for how God showed Daniel favor).
Ask This
Name a specific situation that forced you into a “moment of decision” concerning your beliefs. How did you handle that situation?
What is one thing that you know dishonors God, and that you need to “Make up your mind” to avoid at all costs?
What is a step or plan you could take to help you avoid this thing in your life?
Pray This
God, thank you for examples like Daniel that show us that it is possible to live for you even in tough circumstances. Give our family the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. Help us be like Daniel, and “Make up our minds” to avoid anything that would dishonor you or your name. Help us surrender our lives to you, and trust you to see us though the challenges of life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Try This
Try to memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 as a family this month. (Tip: Give each family member an index card and have them copy the verse and use the card to help remember.)