Dinner Table Conversations
Jesus modeled that personal is powerful. Our dinner tables give us a great opportunity to create moments that lead to movements.
I. As Parents - attentive & alert
Family Discipleship Moments: capturing and leveraging opportunities in the course of everyday life for the purpose of gospel centered conversations.
I am currently enjoying the Five Minute Journal. It is teaching me the importance of slowing down, enjoying those around me and having an attitude of gratitude.
The Five Minute Journal
Rule: When I arrive home from work, the very first thing I tell my wife is the best thing that happened that day.
No Exceptions: No complaining.
Just the best thing that day, even if it was just a cup of good coffee. This has the effect of starting our evening off on a positive note and it changed our relationship.
it creates an atmosphere of gratitude
you cannot do todays family discipleship tomorrow
moments are never prearranged appointments
Two Key Components of Moments
Characteristics of God: to know God
Who is God?
What has He done?
What is He doing?
What is He like?
2. Godly Character: to grow in holiness
Who am I?
Who has God called me to be?
What as He asked of me?
How can I become more like Him?
"Sometimes a child will ask a shallow question just to see if it's safe to ask a deeper one about faith" Dan Scott
II. As Hosts - listening & eating
Jesus timeline and meals;
He performed the first miracle at the wedding in Cana; John 2:1-12
feeding of 5000; John 14: 13-21
before His crucifixion in the upper room; John 13
after His resurrection He shared breakfast on the beach with His disciples; John 21: 1-14
Excuses Excuses …
Excuse # 1: "I don't like to have people in my home"
I'm not much of a cook - order in!
"I don't feel good about the way my house looks" - eat out!
It's all about who you eating with.
Excuse # 2: "I wouldn't know what to say"
instead about worrying about what you will say, think about what you can learn about the other person by listening.
any worthwhile conversation starts with listening.
Excuse # 3: "I just don't have time"
you eat an average of 21 meals per week: eating is already on your schedule
Radically ordinary hospitality - those who live it see strangers as neighbors and neighbors as family of God.
III. As Servants - surrended & sacrificial
If you want to do something big, do something small. Living and modeling a surrendered and sacrificial life makes an impact on your children you are discipling. A great idea is when your front yard becomes your back yard. Engage those around you, and experience the gospel impact that makes in your home and neighborhood.
God does not need your good works, but your neighbor sure does, Martin Luther.