Introduction // 5 minutes
What are some tips to a good vacation?
Sample answers may include…
- Plan/Prepare
- Budget
- Book things in advance
- Take lots of pictures
- Be spontaneous
Observation // 10 minutes
Read Deuteronomy 4:9-10
What do you see and learn about remembering the actions of God?
Commentary: There was a divine call to Israel to remember the Lord’s past redemptive acts—especially how he delivered them from slavery in Egypt. It is a common theme in Deuteronomy (see 5:15; 7:18; 8:2, 18; 9:7, 27; 11:2; 15:15; 16:3, 12; 24:9, 18, 22; 25:17). The call to remember had a significant impact on shaping Israel’s identity.
Sample answers may include
- Don’t forget what God has done (v. 9)
- God memories are to stay with you for life (v. 9)
- There is a susceptibility to forget (v. 9)
- It is important to capture a memory so it can be passed on to future generations (vv. 9, 10)
- God creates memories that are seen and felt (v. 9)
- Closely watch your life and how God has acted (v. 9)
- The actions of God are not just for that person but also for others (v. 10)
Understanding // 10 minutes
What are some of the more memorable moments in a person’s life?
Where do you see people (or parents) creating positive memories for others (or kids)? Where have you seen the opposite?
Leader Note: In this week’s message, we learned how parents are able to create positive memories through various avenues like taking family vacations and being playful. Help your group identify some of the ways they have seen parents and others create positive memories. Also, help your group see the impact of positive and negative memories in a person’s life.
What are some of the ways these memories and stories get passed on to others?
Application // 15 minutes
Where are you creating positive memories for others?
What would it look like to:
- Make up traditions?
- Capture memories?
- Prioritize vacations?
- Create adventures?
- Write letters?
Leader Note: There are many ways to create memories but it is often the intentional memories that make the most impact. The categories listed above are some practical suggestions to create intentional memories. Challenge your group to write these categories down and come up with ways to make memories for their kids and others.
Live It Out // 5 minutes
What would happen if we were intentional about creating positive memories for our kids and others? How will it shape their life? How will it shape our life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we remember all of the ways you have intentionally acted on our behalf and we offer you thanks. We thank you most of all for the giving of your son, Jesus. Help us to understand that we have opportunities to create positive memories and stories for others as well as negative ones. We ask for wisdom to create positive memories and grace for when we fall short. We also ask for the power of your Holy Spirit to work in and through our lives so that we might point others to you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.