Southeast Texas Family Ministry – Food for the Body. Food for the Spirit.

Southeast Texas Teen Ministry

Let’s talk about nutrition – food for the body and food for the spirit.

We have been working on talking to our kids more and more about the things we would like for them to know as they sprint towards adulthood. Today they are 14 and 11, but before we know it they will be 24 and 21.

We have always tried to set good examples, which is important. Now we are trying to take it up a notch by making sure we are saying things out loud.

Today, we are talking about physical and spiritual nutrition. Usually we start with the scripture, but today we are starting by letting them think about things they enjoy eating and feel are also healthy.

Ideally by the end of today’s “Talking to Teens” lesson, we will have set the stage for the Bible lesson to be received well. In additon, we hope to have delivered a daily living message that the children can act on and that we can also act on as parents.

The children can think more about the food choices they are making – and as parents we can think more about the things we are bringing into the house (yes, I am the one who bought Lucky Charms this week and Bluebell Ice Cream last week).

Nutrition for the Body and Spirit: A Conversation for Parents and Teens

What are some “go to meals” that combine healthy and enjoyable for you? Parents and children each fill in the answers.

______________________________________________________ Breakfast

______________________________________________________ Lunch

______________________________________________________ Dinner / Supper

______________________________________________________ Snacks

What are three foods or drinks that we are buying that you think we should quit buying at the grocery store?

What are three things we don’t buy duing grocery shopping that you would like for us to buy?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

If you look at your plate, what max portion should be meat? What portion should be a green or nutritious vegetable? What max portion should be a carb?

What are (2) foods or drinks you have been consuming that you would like to stop or cut back?

1. ___________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________

What are (2) foods or drinks you have not been consuming that you would like to add?

1.

2. John 6:51 ESV

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.

What does this mean to you?

As Christians, it essentially means that of all of the things people take seriously on earth, it is more important to get right with God, so that you can live forever. We work out. We try to eat well. We set our schedules to get 7-8 hours of sleep.

What do we need to do to get our spirits right?

As Christians, how do we get right with God?

Answer: __________________________________________________________

“Dear God, I want to be a part of your family. You said in Your Word that if I acknowledge that You raised Jesus from the dead, and that I accept Him as my Lord and Savior, I would be saved. So God, I now say that I believe You raised Jesus from the dead and that He is alive and well. I accept Him now as my personal Lord and Savior. I accept my salvation from sin right now.

I am now saved. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Savior. Thank you, Father God, for forgiving me, saving me, and giving me eternal life with You. Amen!”

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.