Engaging at Home

This week has been all about engaging the world around us as living representations of the will of Christ, for the glory of God.  We’ve looked at some practical ways we can engage:

• As experienced disciples of Jesus.
• As new disciples of Jesus.
• With the “good news” of Jesus.

Today we focus on engaging at home.

As a spouse, what can you do  to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your marriage and the glory of God?

• Resolve to spend at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted, untelevised, unplugged, quality time with your spouse each   day (Eph 6:33).
• Humbly evaluate your God-given role, seek his wisdom and strength, then dedicate yourself to serving as the spouse God would have you to be (Eph 5:22-33; Tit 2:1-8).
• Pray with your spouse every day (1 Thes 5:16-18).
• Pray for your spouse every day (1 Pet 3:7).
• Periodically ask if your spouse’s needs and expectations are being met and what you can do to love them in more God-glorifying ways (1 Cor 7:1-5).  You might consider these 15 questions to help you evaluate the state of your marriage.

As a parent, what can you do to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your children and the glory of God?

• Recognize and joyfully accept the challenging responsibility that comes with being the parent of a God-given child (Eph 6:1-4).
• Pray with your children every day (Rom 12:12).
• Pray for your children every day (James 5:16).  You might consider these 31 ways to pray for your children.
• Take advantage of daily opportunities to point the minds of your children in God’s direction (Deut 6:4-9).
• Correct your children, with the ultimate goal of saving their souls (Prov 19:18; 29:15).
• Help them prepare and hold them accountable for their Sunday and Wednesday Bible class opportunities (Prov 22:6).

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.   Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  (1 Pet 4:8-9)

In an effort to serve others through hospitality, why not plan now to invite someone each month of this year into your home or out for a meal?

January: ______________________________________________

February: _____________________________________________

March: _______________________________________________

April: ________________________________________________

May: _________________________________________________

June: _________________________________________________

July: _________________________________________________

August: _______________________________________________

September: ___________________________________________

October: ______________________________________________

November: ____________________________________________

December: ____________________________________________

Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  “Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).