Worship and prayer

In the first half of this year, we have had series of family bible time posts discussing our territorial dominion.

Drawing insights from Josh 1:9, I trust God that we are increasing in strength, courage and fearlessness, abiding with God always.

We will discuss a lot more about the last bit of that verse ‘the Lord your God will be with you’. God is omnipresent, but we have a role to play in securing his divine presence.

Are you a true worshipper? John 4:24

Do you pray effectively? James 5:16

Do your children understand worship?

 Do your children pray effectively?

Worship and prayer can be taught. Yes, your children can learn by observation but there is a place for active teaching too.

Activity 1: Together with your children, come up with a plan of when and how they can learn to worship effectively.

  • For example, Ps 134:2- Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

When you read a psalm during worship or sing a song, encourage your children to do the action-Lift up both hands with excitement or clap or dance or use musical instrument (you can create simple ones like shakers).

  • Allow your children to take turns in leading praise and worship sessions at the family altar and encourage them to practice this in their personal devotion too.
  • You can create a family play list using Spotify, for instance, and ensure that your children learn the lyrics of the songs. To do this, ask each family member to suggest songs that they wish to include on the list. You can suggest that they list songs that ignites their spirit to worship whenever they hear it.

Occasionally, it may be helpful to do a video recording for a few minutes during a worship or prayer session. In a relaxed family time, play the recording to allow everyone see how well they are engaging with worship or prayer.

Activity 2: Together with your children, come up with a plan of when and how they can learn to pray effectively.

  • Firstly, you can ask from them why they are struggling with improving their prayers. It may be because they don’t know what else to pray or they think you are praying too many times. Answer their questions using scriptures e.g 1Thess 5:17; Mark 1:35-39; Daniel 6:10
  • Secondly, pay attention to meditation and memorizing bible verses. For instance, you can pick a verse for the week and meditate on it every night. You may print and paste it or create small cards to help everyone to memorize the verse. Then, teach your children how to use these bible verses for effective prayer.
  • Thirdly, you can encourage them to a keep a gratitude list so that they don’t run out of what to say during thanksgiving prayers. Also, ask each member of the family to raise prayer requests so that you all know what to pray about using scriptures.
  • Fourthly, allow the  children to take turns in leading prayer sessions daily.

Finally, pray that God will baptize everyone of you with the Holy Spirit. With help from the Holy Spirit, we can continue to grow deeper in worship and prayers and abide in God’s presence always.

# True worship

# I will pray

The Lord is with you

The Lord is with you Josh 1:9

Greetings to all strong, courageous and fearless families. In this FBT post, we will be discussing another important key to possessing more territories-‘The Lord your God is with you wherever you go’.

We will look at this scripture alongside the promise Jesus made to send us the HolySpirit Jn 14:16

In the old testament, the people of God were reassured of God’s presence through physical manifestations like cloud, pillar of fire, smoke etc Ex 19:9,18, Ex 13:21.

In the new testament, the same promise was given to us that God will be with us forever through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit Jn 14:16-18.

If we are to take territories as Joshua did, we must be conscious of the presence of God. We must ask ourselves some important questions.

Activity 1: Am I saved and do I have assurance that the Holy Spirit dwells in me? Ask each member of the family this question.

In previous posts about the Holy Spirit Parts 1-3, we discussed about the Holy Spirit-who He his and His role in our lives. Please refer to that post.

In the short clip, retelling the Easter story, we explained the need for baptism of the Holy Spirit following the experience of salvation that is accompanied by the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

Now, we must pay attention to this subject-Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it is true that if you are saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you. However, the scripture establishes that believers require a baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Please read and understand the following verses:

Luke 11:13, Acts 2: 38-39, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:2-7

Activity 2: Have I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Ask each family member this question.

Beyond the first experience of speaking in tongues, every believer must be hungry and thirsty for more of what the Holy Spirit gives a believer.

Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Let’s see some examples of what the power of the Holy Spirit can help us achieve:

  • It confers boldness and confidence to share the gospel (Acts 4:31),

That confidence can also be utilized at school and in the work place to make an excellent presentation for instance.

  • It heals all kinds of infirmities (Acts 19: 11-12). That power can also heal emotional hurt and help us deal with malice, bitterness etc
  • It helps to overcome negative attitudes and never miss doing the bad things that you once delighted in doing Acts 9:17,20.

Activity 3: Share with one another experiences of how the power of the Holy Spirit has helped you.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the depth you have attained in God, there is still more. Keep growing in your intimacy with God and you will conquer more territories.

Family circle:

Pray that you will grow deeper in your fellowship with the Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

#God is with you always

#Be conscious of divine presence

Recommended reading:

Study the Acts of the Apostles with your children

Tongues: Beyond the upper room By Kenneth Hagin

God’s generals for Kids By Roberts Liardon

A UNITED FAMILY

We started this year on the journey of taking territories, and we have been equipping our families with the requirements for taking territories as God instructed the Israelites in Joshua chapter 1.

We have discussed strength, courage, and obedience. We are taking further steps to consider another important requirement- UNITY.

We have established that territories are not just given, they are taken forcefully, and when an army goes to war, one important requirement for victory is unity: everyone working together and playing their part to achieve a common goal. Can two walk together except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Where there is no unity, soldiers break ranks and make formation and tactics ineffective, giving the enemy a weak point to invade. A house that is divided against itself shall not stand Matt 12:25

Our common enemy, the devil, understands the importance of unity, that is why one of his strategy is to sow discord or disunity amongst brethren. John 10:10a

Activity 1: Discuss the importance of unity and the devil’s attempt to cause disunity using examples from Jesus’ disciples Luke 9:46, Luke 22:24 and the early church Acts 6:1-2.

The devil knows that a united family under God can achieve anything they set their heart to achieve. Tower of Babel Gen 11:5-6, Nehemiah and the building Neh 4:6, the early church Acts 5:12-14. Our Master Jesus confirmed this:

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:19-20

So as a family, for us to take territories, we need to add unity to our strength, courage and obedience, and according to scripture we should be united spirit, soul and body.

UNITY OF THE SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY

Unity of spirit  Eph 3:3-6: This means unity in our belief in God through Jesus Christ as well as doctrines, teachings, devotions to God and hope of eternity. The devil most times attacks this and makes the church/ family disagree in this aspect, and if he succeed in doing this, he limits what we can achieve. Remember John 10:10.

Unity of soul Acts 4:32-33, Acts 5:12-14: This reflects what we think and how we interact with the rest of our family members, what our core values are, and to what extent we are willing to go to ensure that this is in line with Christlike virtues.

Unity of body 1Cor12:12,26: Although this scripture is an analogy about the body of Christ, the use of the human body parts being different but member of one body, with each part working for the benefit of the whole body and looking out for the interest of the other parts explains the unity of the body. Each member of the family using their own talents, giftings, knowledge for the benefit of the whole family and avoiding anything that will put the family at a disadvantage.

Activity 2: Each member of the family to take turns and discuss their talents and gifts and how they can use it to foster unity in the family 1Cor12:15-26.

For instance, if one child can play the keyboard and another can play the drums, they can play both instruments together during family worship to make it more awesome.

If one child knows how to do paper craft and the other knows how to draw and make designs, they can work together sometimes to produce more beautiful crafts instead of saying ‘don’t touch my thing.’

Share in the comment section other ways of fostering unity in the family.

*If there is no unity in the army, they cannot win a battle, if there is no unity in the family, we cannot take territories.

# To strength, courage and obedience; add unity.

Obedience PART 2

In this post we will go a step further to discuss how to live in obedience to God’s word always. Remember from our last family bible time that apart from strength and courage, obedience is also an important requirement in taking territories according to Josh 1:6-7.

Talking about obedience, Paul said that the things he wanted to do, he struggles to actually do. Rom7:19

This implies that knowing the right thing to do is a step towards obedience, but having the will to do the right thing is another essential step. Sometimes we know what to do but we are not doing it because the will of God has not taken over our will. James1:22

For God’s will to take over our will, His word (which is His will) must not just be in our mouth and brains, but must settle in our heart, only then can it affect us outwardly.Prov4:20-23, Psalm119:11. Let’s call this “spiritual food digestion”.

So, lets look at the process of spiritual food digestion and compare with physical food digestion..

When we read the word of God it gives us knowledge. It tells us what to do. This is like placing food in our mouth. When we read the word over and over again and memorize it, meditate (think) on it; this process gets the word into our heart. It is only when the word gets into our heart that it can transform us and influence our will.

As physical food is to the body, so is the word of God to our Spirit. Our physical body will benefit from the food we eat when digestion has taken place and our digestive system has absorbed the nutrients in our food.

Similarly, the spiritual food (word of God) will only transform our heart when we have digested it and ensure that the word of God is written on our heart.

Activity 1: Get a picture of the digestive system showing the processes involved in the digestion and absorption of food. Explain to your child how we can digest and absorb spiritual nutrients from God’s word.

Digestion processPhysical foodSpiritual food  
Starting pointPlace the food in the mouthRead the bible
 Chew the foodRead a selected verse over and over again. Memorize it.
 Swallow the food–> stomach–> intestinesThink on the verse with the help of the Holy Spirit. Absorb the word into your heart.
 Nutrients are absorbed and circulated to the system in the body in a form that is usefulThe word of God in your heart is expressed in your emotion, how you feel and behave. It comes up in your thought and it influences your will.
End pointThe body is nourishedThe spirit is nourished. The heart is transformed ready to do God’s will

For example, Phi 4:4 says Rejoice in the Lord always;again, I say rejoice.

Step 1: Read it repeatedly and memorize it.

Step 2: Think on the key words-‘rejoice’, ‘the Lord’, ‘again.’ By the help of the Holy Spirit and discussing the verse together as a family, you understand what the word says more and more. Your joy is in the Lord, not in happenings around you, and you have joy always.

This word will come up in your thought during the day/night, it will remind you to be joyful always as your joy is in the Lord and the Lord doesn’t disappear, He’s forever alive and present with us, so our joy and rejoicing is continual.

This word will therefore be expressed in your emotion-you will feel joyful always, sadness cannot  persist, you will express a joyful mood towards people around you always. Even when you feel offended or unhappy, this verse in your heart will bring you back to a state of rejoicing.

The word will influence your will. You will choose to rejoice always.

Activity 2: Now it is your turn to pick a verse and try out the steps highlighted above.

*Heart check: If the verse is in your heart, it will come up in your thought, your feelings and your choices will be guided by that verse.

Activity 3: Be intentional about engraving the scriptures on your heart and that of your child. Ps 119:24, Deut6:6-9

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Your child may find it interesting to create their own scripture boards. Print or write scriptures on A4 paper and design it as you like. Then agree on where you would place them in your home-rooms, hallway, landing area etc.

You can place the paper on canvas to make it more beautiful and stick it on your wall with command strips to avoid damaging the walls or you can buy ready made scripture boards.

Family circle: Pray that the Lord will help every member of your family to hide God’s word in their hearts in Jesus name. Amen.

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.