Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re widowed, single, divorced, or living in a blended family, God has a group for you, a place of intimate belonging. This cluster of believers is a smaller version of the church, or we could say the church is a larger expression of the family unit. However we view it, the purpose is to be a place for love, acceptance, prayer, and to celebrate the communion of Jesus among us.
The Book of Ephesians (New Testament) contains some of the most instructive guidance on how to do relationships (family) in God's Word. Paul speaks on proper relationships between husbands and wives, children and parents, and co-workers. But the passage also states what binds everything together: the accountability of God. We are accountable to God when it comes to how we conduct our earthly relationships. God displays how we should conduct being in relationships; with our families. Loving relationships with the rules and roles clearly defined to guide and protect with love as the ultimate motivator (Ephesians 5:29-30).
One way to conduct those relationships such as the family is to establish a foundation of faith in our lives as a family unit. Trust and watch what the Lord does after that. We know that His ability always exceeds our imagination (Ephesians 3:20).
Finding time to pray as a family beyond grace at meals is an important discipline. Finding time to read the word of God together beyond the sermon time at church on Sunday mornings. To share our hearts, burdens, and triumphs is important, as well as encouraging each other to stay strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is as uncomplicated as talking to God together. Seeking time with a trusted brother or sister or spouse can move us from defeat to victory. Building the habit of worshiping together is critical to becoming the people God desires for us to become.
ACTION
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Commit to praying for your child(ren) every day this month, by name.
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Pray specifically for wisdom, strength, patience, and keen insight into how to train up your child(ren) even if they're already grown and older.
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Pray the Lord would accomplish in them all He has planned and that they would grow to Honor Him with their lives and hearts.
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Commit to caring for our family members and forgiving others for their mistakes.
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Help each other and pray for wisdom in developing good judgement to chase after wisdom in all things.
WORD
Click on each scripture reference to read the extended scripture reference.
Ephesians 5:22-33: (vs.29):for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.
Ephesians 6:1-4: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
WORSHIP
PRAYER
Great Father God, Jesus my Brother, Holy Spirit my Comforter... lead me into deeper communion and fellowship with You and with my community of faith. Begin with my own family to teach me to be bold to lead in worship and prayer, to bring the greatest glory to You, the only wise God, forever and ever.
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