May 10, 2020

THE POWER OF A GODLY WOMAN…AND MAN!
May 10, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

It is estimated that we each meet more than 10,000 persons in a lifetime, who form an instant opinion, negative or positive, about us. What kind of impact do you think you have on most of those people?

Open:

Today in America is called “Mother’s Day,” as we honor those women who have helped make us into the person we are, or a day when we as mothers are honored. The power wielded by those with parental authority over children is tremendous, so God has laid out many admonitions to be followed. We will definitely make an impact upon those whom we raise, whether good or bad. The bottom line is, what is our responsibility before God?

Key Verse: Jeremiah 17:7: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.

Focal Passages: Jeremiah 17:7-10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Psalm 62:5-7; 1 Cor. 13:13.

LEARN TO LEAN

  • Read Jeremiah 15:5. Is it natural for humans to give control of their life over to God? Why or why not? However, if we try to do life our way, what does God say will be the consequences? Although things may go well for a season, what will be the final result of a life built around yourself?
  • Read verse 6. Why is the person who shuts out God a “fool” (Psa. 14:1)? Were we created to do life on our own? Why or why not?
  • Read 2 Cor. 12:9-10. Why would you guess so many people turn to God when life becomes too much for them to handle?

LEAN TO LEAD

  • Read Jer. 17:7-8. Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt as though you had come “home”? Why is this an analogy of the person who embraces Christ as Savior?
  • Read Psalm 1:1-3,6. This Psalm leads one to think perhaps Jeremiah was familiar with Psalm 1. What are some of the qualities in these two passages that can be likened to a Christian whose roots are deep in the Lord?
  • Read Psalm 62:5-7. What are some things you find it very difficult to wait for? Was “an answer to prayer” one of the things mentioned? Why do we find it so hard to wait for God to answer our fervent prayers?
  • Why is it so important that you learn to lean on Jesus before you can safely and responsibly lead others?

LEAD IN LOVE

  • Can you name some professions where a lack of love would/could make a difference in the lives of those one works with? Why would it matter?
  • Read 1 Cor. 13:13. Why is love greater than faith or hope? If, as a parent or guardian, you use methods of dictatorship or control, why will the child come to fear or hate you (in all probability)? Will they long to get out of the house? Can anyone give an example?
  • Read Jer. 17:9-10. Why is it not wise to follow your feelings when making life decisions? What is the best way to weigh the desires of your heart?

LIFE LESSONS TO TAKE AWAY:

1) Love  —the way you will have the greatest impact on others.

2) Recognition —as you lead, others must be able to recognize that God is

your only authority, and the one on whom you lean.

3) Appreciation —those whom you lead need to be assured that their actions

and personhood are of great value, both to you and to God.

Close:

Days set aside to examine the responsibilities of parents or guardians are so beneficial, especially in this day when everyone is taught to do things “your way.”

As parents, learning to trust in Jesus is the greatest gift, outside of loving the other parent, that we can give our children. When we make Jesus our focus and friend, talking to Him throughout the day in a conversational manner, we are leaving an imprint on our children’s minds. It shows we know He’s there and we are positive—not hopeful—He is listening to our every concern. It is a habit one can form that will have great rewards!

There is no greater joy, John writes, than to see our children walking with the Lord. If we drop them off at church for an hour, drop them off at school for eight hours a day, there are few periods of time left to truly teach them about God. If you are learning to lean on Jesus, and desire to lead others, first make sure you are leading your own children to know the Lord Jesus as Savior.

Nothing we have here on earth will be in heaven with us, except the souls of those we’ve led to the Lord. He who wins souls is wise (Prov. 11:30)!