Foundations Oct 30, 2010

Saturday, October 30, 2010

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isaiah 8-10 & Ephesians 4

CORE VALUE #10: Marriage and Family

SCRIPTURE READING 

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV); Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Malachi 2:13-15 (ESV); You cover the LORD’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.

God wants to see the families of His church thrive. He wants to see husbands and wives who are committed to their vows of faithfulness. He wants to see children who are being trained in godliness. The best thing that a couple can do for their family is to keep Christ as the centre of their marriage. Families have a great opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom together! Whatever phase of life you are in, spend some time really meditating on the following listening prayer exercises.

PRAYER & MEDITATION

1. What are some of the things you do to purposefully train your children in godliness. Is there ever a separation between “spirituality” and “everyday stuff” in your home? Ask  the Holy Spirit how you can include Him even more as the centre of your family.  Brainstorm ideas together with Him. (Alternative: pray for your future children OR for children in whose lives you have influence)

2. In what areas does your marriage need to grow? Ask the Holy Spirit how you and your spouse can grow in intimacy. If you and your spouse are on completely different pages, ask the Holy Spirit for His insight. Spend some time praying for your spouse today. (Alternative: Pray about your future marriage OR intercede for the marriages in your immediate family.)

3. Ask Jesus to show you how your family can be a blessing to others as a unit. What can you do together as a family to grow in closeness and to transform the lives of others? (Alternative: What can you do with nieces/nephews/grandchildren/siblings, etc.?)