An obedient family

An obedient family Joshua 1:6-7

We have discussed two important keys to possessing territories: “Be strong”, ”Be courageous”. This Family Bible Time Post will focus on another essential key: “Obedience”.

In our anchor passage Joshua 1:7, the Lord instructed Joshua to be strong, courageous and obey. If we want to take territories like Joshua, we ought to be obedient too.

I want to highlight the importance of ongoing obedience, as this was something the Israelites failed to uphold. They did not convey the commandments of the Lord or the wondrous acts of God to succeeding generations.

“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.” Judg 2:10.

What is truly astonishing is how quickly the Israelites forgot God’s acts and His commandments. Whenever a judge who knew, obeyed, and served God arose, the Israelites would win battles and find peace. However, upon the death of the judge, they would revert to their sinful ways.

This post is a call to ensure that you obey God as an individual and also instruct your children to obey God and pass it on. This is a major key to ensure that your generation is established in the land that the Lord gives you for an inheritance (An inheritance or territory may be a physical space or a domain of influence- refer to previous post, “Be strong and Courageous”).

Activity 1: Take some minutes to think about any act of disobedience as a person or as a family and repent before God truly.

Do not pretend to be completely obedient, allow the Holy Spirit to search your hearts. Ps 139:23-24. This is an opportunity for cleansing, renewal of heart and restoration.

What should we obey:

-Commandments in the bible: 2nd Tim 3:16-17

-Specific instructions to each family member or to your family generally. Ps32:8

Remember, the disobedience of one person can lead to punishment for the whole family. For instance, Achan took for himself some of the spoil of war and brought destruction upon the entire congregation Josh 7:1; the Israelites continued to marry from foreigners and these women turned their hearts to idols 1Kg 11:2. They also desired to have a physical image to represent God like other pagan worshippers did for their gods despite God’s commandment against graven images. Judges 17

How does this apply to us today?

-If we fail to obey the instructions attached to the covenant of wealth such as tithing, then we will not receive the blessings God promised. Mal 3:10, Deu 8:18.

-If your child chooses an unbeliever friend, they will learn bad habits, desire ungodly things; and eventually bring corruption into the home 1cor 15:33.

-God commands us to fellowship with Him personally and as a family (Josh 24:15, Jer 29:13) If we fail to serve God wholeheartedly, we will miss direction and guidance. The entire family will suffer for it.

-When disobedience and disrespect thrives in a family, it causes disunity. A home that is not united can not possess territories. Mark 3:25

Refer to previous post on gates and walls.

Activity 2: Discuss examples of people in the bible who obeyed God partially or totally and see what reward they received e.g

Moses Num 20:12

Samson Judges 16:17

Saul 1st Sam 15:15

The three wise men Matt 2:12

Naaman 2nd King 5:10

Key messages:

  • Obedience must be prompt, complete and willing.
  • It is not enough for parents to be doing what is right, you must ensure your children are instructed to do what is right too.

Prayer:

Father, we ask that you break the yoke of disobedience and rebellion in our lives. Help us to obey all your commandments willingly in Jesus name.

A COURAGEOUS FAMILY

In our last Family Bible Time, we continued our territory conquering adventure, exploring the keys to building a strong and united family. We shall be talking about ‘a courageous family’ within the next two weeks.

In the blog post ‘Be strong and courageous’, we differentiated between being strong and being courageous, these two words are important as God emphasized them thrice while commissioning Joshua. Josh1:6,7&9.

Activity 1: Differentiate between strength and courage with biblical examples

Courage is what you use when you seem to be facing a bigger opposition , when it look like the odds are not in your favour, when it looks like the territory is impossible to possess.

God instructed/commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous to take the land promised (Vs6), obey His commands (Vs7) and to confront any opposition (Vs9)

Refer to the previous post ‘be strong and courageous’ to see biblical examples of demonstration of strength and courage.

Activity 2: Every member of the family is to recount an instance where they demonstrated courage, or an area of their life where they think they need to display courage.

Courage is the decision to proceed despite discouragement or fear. It is usually not based on our ability or strength, it is reliant on a greater force, power or help. Courage kicks in when strength seems insufficient. Below are examples of what we can rely on as the basis of our courage.

  1. Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8, John14:16 (Amp)
  2. God’s promises Josh1:9, Matt28:20
  3. Past victories Josh1:5, 1Sam17:36-37
  4. Strong fellowship (with God and godly family) Matt19:26, John15:7, Josh1:16-18

Activity 3: Discuss how each of these can be deployed to build courage.

Family circle:

Pray for each family member to gain courage, specifically in the areas identified during the discussion of Activity 2.

Pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to gain courage as a family to take territories this year.

A STRONG FAMILY

Last family bible time, we talked about being strong and courageous as a requirement for taking territories as God will have us do this year. Hope you had a productive discussion. This week, we will take a deeper dive focusing on ‘strength’.

God told Joshua to be strong and courageous as he embarks on taking territories Josh1:6-7,9, it is therefore important for us to consider what it means to be strong and how to build a strong family so we can take territories as a family. Joshua had this in mind when he said “as for me and my household…” Josh24:15b

Our text compares two men who built their house but in different ways, and they experienced different outcomes when faced with similar things Luke6:47-49

Activity 1: Discuss using the parable and the meaning, what differentiates the two men.

How strong a structure is depends mostly on what it is standing on, and the true test of strength is opposition and challenges Prov 24:10. Territories are taken, not given, and it requires strength to do so. The Israelites had to fight wars to take many lands, so it is with spiritual and physical territories Eph6:10-12

A strong family according to our text is the one that is built on God’s word and principles, it is strength from God’s principles that helps to stand strong in the face of storms. Storms will come, even Jesus experienced it; Paul also, but the solid foundation in God made them stand. MK 4:35-41, Acts 27:23-25.

How is a strong family built? Some pillars are listed below. You can add more pillars in the comment section below.

-The word of God; (reading, studying, meditating and taking action) Luke6:47-48, Dan11:32b, Josh 1:8

-Unity Ecc4:12 (how do you ensure unity as a family?)

-Love (see family bible time titled ‘Love in the family’) 1Cor16:13-14

-Waiting on God Isa 40:31 (how do you wait on God as a family? For example, scheduled fasting, family retreat)

Activity 2: Discuss each of these foundation pillars of a strong family and how your family can adopt or improve on them

Remember strength is not built by accident, it is intentional, and a family is as strong as the weakest member. Make up your mind to intentionally build strength as a family in 2025 so you can continue to take territories for God this year.

Activity 3: Each member of the Family should stand and face the rest of the family and say “I will do my part to contribute to making our family strong, I will not be a weak link”

Next Family bible time, we shall be talking about “A Courageous Family”

God bless you.

Be strong and courageous Josh 1:9

This year, the Lord is calling us to take more territories as families. There are various domains that need to be re-possessed for God. For example: education, family, government, lands and natural resources.

This post will focus on one of the essential requirements for overcoming and possessing territories-strength and courage- and serves as a guide to steer conversation on the topic.

In your family bible time, please explain the following to your children:

  1. What does it mean to be strong and courageous?
  2. Biblical examples of strong and courageous people and what territories they dominated
  3. What is the importance of courage in gaining territories?

Strong means being able to withstand force, pressure or wear. Strength can be physical, spiritual, mental or financial. Strength says I have power to do it, I will go ahead.

Courage is synonymous to bravery. Courage says I will proceed in the midst of fear, doubt or opposition, by the help of God.

Activity 1: Discuss amongst yourself how strength can be developed e.g Spiritual-consistent prayer and bible study (Jos 1:8); Physical-regular exercise, balanced diet (1Tim 4:8); Mental- identity discovery in God (Jer 1:5); Financial-savings (Pr 6:6).

Discuss among yourself what it takes to be courageous. For instance, access to God’s voice (Josh 1:9), faith in God (Dan 3:16-18).

Some biblical examples:

Joshua and Caleb demonstrated courage when they gave a good report about Canaan despite seeing the giants. They were not afraid like the other spies and later on Joshua was assigned to lead the Israelites to possess Cannan. At age 80, Caleb said , give me this mountain…(Josh 14:12). Joshua and Caleb possessed many lands with the children of Israel.

Daniel was strong because of his faith in God. Dan 11:32b. He had no fear Dan 6:10. As a result, he continued to prosper in the governing council in Babylon for many generations. Daniel dominated in government in a strange country.

Activity 2: Discuss other examples-how they demonstrated strength and or courage; and what territories did they conquer?

(some answers: Samson; Gideon’s army, David and his men, three Hebrew boys, Jesus going to the cross)

Please share any other answers with other families by leaving a comment at the end of this page.

Activity 3: As you discuss the biblical examples, point out the importance of courage.

For example, Moses was not killed because his mother (Jochebed) was courageous (Ex 2:3)

Reflection:

It is time to apply what you have been discussing to your family context.

Are you slacking in taking actions to dominate your sphere of influence because of fear? For example, you know that God wants to use you to amend certain policies in your workplace, be courageous and take responsibility. When next an opportunity comes to be part of a committee, go for it.

If your child is showing interest in leadership, encourage them to apply for a position on the school council when next there’s an opportunity to do so.

Conclusion: Think about the biblical examples and be determined to take giant steps this year. Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid!

Family circle: Identify areas you have been discouraged in the past or projects you have abandoned because of fear or opposition and mention them in prayers.

Father, we believe in the word and your almightiness. We step out this year with faith and courage to take more territories for you in Jesus name.

Family memorials

Celebrating the help of God

As we approach the end of the year 2024, it is time to count our blessings and celebrate the faithfulness of God this year and indeed our whole life time.

This post is about showing our children how to acknowledge the help of God and build memorials around it individually or collectively as a family.

Every passing moment, the Israelites enjoyed God’s goodness-breath of life, daily meals, shelter etc. God specifically instructed them to build memorials around certain events as a way of passing on to the next generation the acts and almightiness of God.

Similarly, it is important that apart from giving thanks to God all the time, we should consciously build family memorials that will be passed from generation to generation to remind our descendants of God’s doings. In the face of technological advancements and consistent quest of man for self-dependence, it is important that we intentionally communicate to our children and even other people around us what God has done.

Here are a few scriptural examples:

  1. The Israelites crossed Jordan river on dry ground and erected memorial stones.

That this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Josh 4:6-7

2. The remembrance of the Passover: this was commanded to commemorate the exit of the Israelites from Egypt.

And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘ This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt. It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord ’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. Ex 13:8-9

3. Ebenezer-The stone of help to commemorate the victory of Israelites over the philistines.

 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”1Sam 7:12

4. David’s kills Goliath: David remembered the memorial he had established in his heart after killing the bear and the Lion and used it to build faith to defeat Goliath.

Moreover David said, “The Lord , who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” I Samuel 17:37

5. Communion: Jesus instituted the communion and commands that we do it in His remembrance.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

      Activity 1:

As a family, try to make a list of moments or situations where you experienced the help of God.

     How to build memorials:

-Be intentional: Take notes, keep records, and set time to intentionally re-visit those memorials, choose not to forget little wins, big wins, little helps, big helps, unexpected positive turns. Psalm 103 is a good stating point, use each of those benefits to form your own memorials.

Bless the Lord , O my soul, And forget not all His benefits Psalms 103:2

-Be Creative: God instructed the use of physical things like stones or feasts/ actions,/fastings/sacrifices to build memorials, People like David built his in his heart.

You can choose special meals for some specific events in your life while remembering the acts of God behind those events. You could pick souvenirs from your next holiday, thanking God for something specific about the holiday, or write special notes to your loved ones, appreciating God for something specific in their life, create a photo album either soft or hard copy, sing songs and record yourself, recreate short bible stories and act it within the family.

You could have a family relocation thanksgiving day (some families never return to their home country). A day like this will remind the coming generation that the relocation was instructed by God for a divine purpose.

-Re-visit the memorials: This reminds you of how powerful God is, and reassures us that He is still able to do much more. Jacob came back to Bethel, Paul re-visited the churches, David re-visited his encounters with the bear and Lion.

Watch your wedding videos again, or your children’s naming ceremony, watch it together with them, tell them stories, take them to some places that means much to you, tell them the stories behind it. My family eats roasted plantain and groundnut as evening snack most Sundays and we hold important conversations; I am sure they will tell their children about the meal and the life lessons.

Activity 2: This is where you all need to put on your creativity hats. You can leave a comment to share your memorials and their significance with other families.      

Use the rest of the year to intentionally build new memorials, recollect old ones and re-visit them.

Family circle: Give thanks to God generously for all His goodness. Pray for the grace not to forget His benefits and to consciously pass the stories on from generation to generation.

The love of the father

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jn 3:16

This post is to remind us about the love of the father and how we should respond to it.

How does God show us His love?

Sacrifice-God gave His only begotten son to die for our sins and reconcile mankind to God. What a great sacrifice of love! Jn 3:16

Intercession- God the son didn’t leave us as orphans. He sent us the Holy Spirit to be with us forever as a Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby Jn 14:26-27

Abiding presence- God promises us His abiding presence  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:20b

Activity one: list other ways by which God demonstrates His love to us

How should we respond to the love of God?

1)Receive it with thanks: We did nothing to merit His love and sacrifice of His dear son. Just simply receive God’s love thankfully.

2a)Keep his commandments- “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” Jn 14:15 2b)love in action and in truth 1Jn 3:18

Obeying God’s commandment demonstrates our love for God. Let your obedience be from your heart. Explain this to your children with examples-It is possible for a child to run an errand grudgingly. Indeed the action has been performed but it wasn’t done happily. Similarly, our obedience to God must be accompanied by willingness and rooted in love for God.

3) Love others as God loved us: Just as we didn’t do anything to qualify for the love of the father, we should not demand that people do something to merit our love for them. Simply love others with the Godly love you received freely.

Activity two:

Ask each child to write I Cor 13 substituting the word ‘love’ with his or her name e.g Esther is kind; Philip does not envy …. Etc

They can paste it somewhere as a reminder.

Reflection:

Pause to think about this-God loves me even when I don’t deserve it; I will do the same to myself and other people.

Family circle: Father, as we behold your word daily, we pray that we shall be changed to conform to your divine nature-love divine in Jesus name.

Family dedicated to God through worship

Family dedicated to God through worship Rev 4:11

Worship means to honour something above everything else.

(Explain further to the children that anyone or anything can become an object of worship, taking the place of God, if we think of it as being the most important thing at any given time)

Activity 1: Ask each family member to make a list of important people/important things in your life. Then draw a circle around the most important people/person or things.

Discussion 1: Have a discussion about whether it is possible to think of God as most important every moment since we have to go to school or work and focus on other activities.

At this point, explain to the children that firstly, worship is not just a physical exercise, our heavenly father wants us to worship in Spirit and in truth Jn 4:24.

Secondly, even our day to day activities can bring honour to God if we do excellently and our work is praised by others. For example, if you do well in a subject or sports and you get a prize, the people around you think they are praising you, but as a worshipper who knows that God must be honoured above everything else always, you should return the praise to God in your Spirit. This can be done on the spot as we can talk to God everywhere.

In addition, even when we do not get a sticker reward or prize, as long as we do our daily activities (school/work, play, eating, caring for others etc) as unto the Lord, we are bringing honour to our God Col 3:23. This is an act of worship to Him Rev 4:11

  • How should we worship? Jn 4:24

Activity 2: Ask your children to mention ways of worshipping (take note of whether they mention what you just discussed)

Their list is likely to include: singing, playing instruments, dancing.

Emphasize what you just learnt that worship is not limited to the list above. It includes any act that brings glory to God.

Activity 3: Make a plan of how to teach your children to sing, dance, encourage them to play instruments especially if you have noticed they are gifted in this area.

Suggestions:

Karaoke

Create a play list for family dance

Plan to learn some choruses, hymns and psalms together as a family

Plan a summer worship concert. You can invite friends, if possible.

  • Benefits of worship

We are created to worship God rather than worship God because we want to get Him to meet our needs. However, worship is immensely beneficial to us.

  1. Worship attracts God’s divine presence and if we worship permanently, then we become carriers of God’s presence all the time.
  2. In God’s presence we find rest, joy and pleasures Ps 16:11

 *We need to intentionally teach this generation to reference God in worship; to worship in Spirit and in truth, not just by lip movement or listening to a song absent mindedly.

Reflection:

Why do I have to worship God always?

How does God want us to worship him?                           

How many songs or hymns can I sing in a row?

Family circle: Pray that God will baptize you afresh with the Spirit of worship.

ARROWS AND ARCHERS (Part 2)

You are welcome to another family bible time. This is a continuation of the last topic arrows and archers. The aim of this post is to examine challenges against arrows and how to overcome them using bible characters.

It is important that the first part of this study be done before this. Click here

Activity 1– do a quick recap of part 1 of this series, ask the children what is required of them as arrows.

Many stories from the bible  reflects how the devil uses all sort of means to oppose and corrupt whatever God intends John 10:10-11. He started with Adam and Eve (Gen 3:1-7), continued all through old testament into the New testament tempting our Master Jesus Christ in order to derail him Matt 4:1-11.

The devil has not stopped, he continues to throw challenges to attack God’s intentions, and this includes the purposeful arrows that God has given us Ps 34:19. The bible advised that we should not be ignorant of the vices of the devil, so we will look at some stories in the bible. We will identify the challenges thrown at some arrows fashioned by God and learn to avoid falling prey 2nd Cor 2:11.

Joseph the 11th son of Jacob was indeed an arrow, purposed by God for greater things, but the devil did not spare him Gen 49:22-23. His challenges include:

  • Household challenges: Joseph was obviously his father’s favourite and this was not hidden, this became a tool in devil’s hand, and it created strife among his brethren- favoritism and sibling rivalry. Gen 37:3

Activity 2: if you have more than a child, find out if any of them feel that they are not the favourite, explore reasons why and attempt to set things straight. Also ask the children if they have favourite amongst the parents—attempt to make them understand that any act of love is coming from both parents and one should not be favoured above the other. Make necessary amendments.

  • Isolation: Joseph was sold into a strange land Gen 37:28. One of the devil’s tool is to isolate and tempt (similar with Jesus, David, Eve)
  • Temptation: Temptation comes in various forms, and what is a temptation to one child might not be a problem to another. In Joseph’s case, he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife to engage in immorality Gen 39: 7-10. Arrange one to one time with each of your children and identify their struggles/weakness and offer support. It may be a habit or a behavior.
  • Unjust treatment: Joseph went to prison for wrong accusation, this was an attempt by the devil to discourage him Gen 39:20. The bible records the possibility of this happening and how believers should respond James 1:2-4.

Activity 3:  Discuss similar real life situations when you experienced challenges and how God helped you. Explore similar situations in the lives of the children, if applicable.

For instance, children can feel isolated when all their class mates are having a discussion about something ungodly and they choose not to join others. Parents should praise and encourage them to keep doing what is right.

Further reading: Read through the life of David from when he was first mentioned in the bible till when he was anointed king (or any other bible character) and identify similar challenges under the headings mentioned above.

How to live in continuous victory over battles against arrows:

  1. Maintain your role as partners with God. You are a partner, not the owner. Always ask God for further instructions to guide the arrows in your care, keep them sharp and focused. Refer to previous post for scriptural examples.
  2. Support your child to establish a growing relationship with God through worship, bible study and effective communication with God (prayer). Refer to helpful resources from previous posts.

Reflection:

Do you know your role as an arrow?

Do you understand that there is a battle against all arrows?

Do you know what steps to take to win the battle against arrows and remain a conqueror?

Family circle: Take turns to pray for each arrow asking God to help them overcome any challenges that have been identified.

ARROWS AND ARCHERS

Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord , The fruit of the womb a reward. ‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. ‘How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies [in gatherings] at the [city] gate.’ Psalm 127:3-5 (Amp)

This passage is mostly used when talking about children, but the complete passage talked about the arrows (children) as well as the warrior/ archer (Parents). We cannot talk about an arrow without a bow and better still without an archer, because an arrow is useless without the other two.

Activity 1: pray for someone you know that is waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, that they will receive this gift speedily in Jesus name. Exo 23:26

The usefulness of an arrow is in hitting a desired target, this cannot be effectively achieved without a skillful archer, this is synonymous to giving a tennis ball to a golfer. No matter how sharp an arrow is, it’s potential will always be limited by the skill of the person shooting it.

Going back to our bible passage, the bible described children as gifts from God, they are put in our custody by their maker, to care for, tend and groom, every child needs to understand that they are from God, but in the custody of parents. These arrows are created for specific targets, and they come with specific instructions from their manufacturer Jer 1:5. God’s plan for these arrows are good and not evil, the target is always something great, that gives glory to God and advances His kingdom Jer 29:11

God expects that the archer in custody of these arrows develop the required skills to direct the arrow to the God ordained target, so we cannot ignore that part of the warrior in our bible passage. Psalm 127:5

Children are the arrows, they need to be kept sharp so that when they hit the target, they are able to cause desired effect Prov 22:6. They also need to remain in the direction of the target in order to fulfil purpose Prov 22:6, 2Tim 3:15. The world we live in makes dusts that blunts arrows and will attempt to keep them blunt. Also, winds will blow in attempt to change their course away from target.

Parents are the warrior, we need to know the instruction that comes with the arrows entrusted into our care and then develop necessary skills to be able to direct them to their target. For instance, Mary was given specific instructions about the baby she was to conceive, same for Samson’s parents who were given specific instructions about their unborn child. Luke 1:30-33, Judges 13:3-5.

Activity 2: What do we do as arrows and archers to ensure these things? Discuss using the bible characters below.

Examples are used to communicate principles, let us see scriptural examples that reflects arrows (child/children) with specific targets and warrior (parents) that ensured they fulfilled this purpose or did contrary:

  1. Samuel. 1Sam 1:10 . 1Sam 1:22-24. 1Sam 3:19-21.
  2. Timothy. 2Tim1:5
  3. Jesus Christ. Luke 1:30-33, Luke 2:41-43
  4. Samson. Judges 13:3-5

Benefits of sharp arrow in the hands of skillful archer Psalm 127:5

  1. Joy to God and the archer (Parent)
  2. Glory to God
  3. Fulfilment  of God ordained purpose

Reflection:

Do you understand the role of parents as archers?

Do you understand the role of children as arrows?

What must you do to keep the arrows sharp and win the battle against raising Godly children?

Family circle:

Pray for wisdom and the right strategy to target your arrows.

Pray for each arrow you have been blessed with asking God to keep them sharp and useful for His glory.

GATES AND WALLS

Case study: Renovation of the broken walls of Jerusalem led by Nehemiah. Neh 3:1-3&31-32; 4:6

Ancient cities were often fenced round with walls and gates, we know of Jerusalem, Jericho and others (Isa 62:6. Josh 6:20). After Jerusalem was attacked and the inhabitants were taken captive, the city was ravaged, her walls broken down and her gates burnt with fire. The news of these atrocities made Nehemiah unhappy and by divine favour, he got permission from the king of Babylon to embark on a renovation project (Neh1:1-3. Neh2:5-6).

Scriptures then recounts how the wall and gates were built in record time because every household decided to build the wall in front of their house as well as the gates they are responsible for (Neh3:1-3 & 31-32. Neh4:6).

Let us take some time to talk about the usefulness/importance of walls and gates in a building:

  1. Boundary
  2. Protection/ Security
  3. Control

In our world today, there are so many unsolicited and subtle vices from media, workplace, school, magazines, games easily creeping into homes, diluting our spiritual values and consecrations, breaking down the spiritual walls and burning down the gates of our family altars that are supposed to keep us unspotted from the world (Psalm82:5, Gal5:19-21). Therefore, it is important that we deliberately ensure the stability of our walls and keep our gates secured James1:27, Rom12:2, Prov 4:23. In order to keep our hearts and our homes from the influence of this corrupt world, we need to ensure spiritual walls and gates are put in place.

This does not happen by chance, it is a deliberate effort to ensure that the we are influencing the world spiritually whilst avoiding the corruption in the world. We should ensure that things don’t just happen spontaneously in our heart or homes without it being checked.

For instance, what music do we listen to?, what movies or TV programmes do we watch?, what video games do we play?, what books do we read?, what relationship do we keep? What habit do we encourage or condemn?

Do you need to put boundaries in place to disallow jealousy, selfishness and other loveless characters? For instance, when a platter of food is placed on the family table, discourage the habit of someone eating a lot without considering others.

Parents we need to know that our children observe a lot from us, and we should ensure that the things we advise them to do corresponds with the things they see us do.

It takes deliberate effort, no one builds a wall by chance or by mistake, it takes deliberate effort and planning. If we don’t put these checks in place, the devil can easily sow tares in the home while men are asleep. Matt13:24-26

Back to our story, everyone repaired the wall and the gate allocated to them and Jerusalem was fortified again in record time.

Activity 1: Discuss as a family areas that you think needs boundary, security and control in order to prevent corruption from the world. (If we don’t take action, any cracks will eventually lead to a wide gap and subsequent collapse of the wall).

Activity 2: Discuss steps that should be taken to ensure walls and gates in the identified areas without judging anyone.

The walls of Jerusalem was built in record time even in the midst of opposition because every family took responsibility for the wall and gate next to them and at the same time kept watch against intruders Neh4:7-9, 13, 16-17. If every Christian home does the same, taking conscious effort to influence people around them with the gospel (build), whilst keeping themselves unspotted from the worldly influence (armed watch) then the world can be effectively influenced to a great extent for the kingdom of our God.

But remember, it starts with fixing your wall and gate.

Reflection:

Have you identified the vices that are causing cracks in the walls of your home?

Have you identified gates that are wide open allowing anything and everything the world has to offer into your home?

What will happen if you don’t take action?

Family circle:

Take turns to pray for one another based on the areas that you have identified e.g pray against the spirit of quarrelling, impatience, unkindness, wrong choices, laziness etc.

# take responsibility!