FAMILY

Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’”

INSIGHT -In Hebrew family is written as mishpachah & it means clan, origin, tribe, kindred, lineage -Jacob was in Laban’s (father in law) house when there was conflict for his livestock had multiplied abundantly. The angel of the Lord spoke to him in a dream with instructions that he should return to the land of his forefathers.

PRAYER: Our Father, protect our families always from oppression & distress. Cover us with Your blood always & guide us in the way that we should go. Unite all family settings nuclear & extended; And liberate all families in the world with Your love. Amen

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

INSIGHT -God commands us to obey our parents & promises long life on land which He provides. -Jesus was a perfect example where He obeyed both his earthly parents & God. He followed Gods will by dying on the cross for our sins. We are called to obey our parents here on earth & most importantly honor God by doing His will so that His promises may be evident in our lives.

PRAYER: God our Father, we honor & adore You for Your great glory. We come to You in obedience asking for Your mercy in our lives & families so that we may follow Your Holy will. Grant us long life & lead us in whatever we do or say so that Your glory may be evident in our homes. Amen

Acts 10:2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

INSIGHT -Cornelius a centurion of Caesarea was a steadfast man & feared God will his household, gave to charity & prayed always. -His whole family & servants were God fearing & the Lord answered his prayers. Although Gentiles, they were filled with the Holy Spirit & baptised.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit fill our households with Your love & intercede for us always. Bestore on us Your fruit & gifts, help us to do good works & pray without ceasing. Baptise us with Your Holy fire & fulfil our deepest prayer requests. Amen

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

INSIGHT -A husband & wife in matrimony are one flesh in Christ. The parents are responsible to ensure children get proper training to become believers. -Eph 5:31-32 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. If we believe in Christ, then we form the body of Christ which is the church.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus have mercy on us & forgive us our trespasses. Lead our heart’s in Your salvation so that our families may be sanctified by Your grace. May the Word become flesh in our lives & dwell among us. We praise & glorify You forever. Amen

Matthew 12:49-50 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

INSIGHT -Jesus’ brothers & mother wanted to talk to Him & He said that whoever does God’s will is His brother, sister & mother. Just like the disciples we are called to do His will. -Family is ones’ lineage & household/ honoring parents is a command with a promise/ married couples are one flesh in Christ & should train their children in God’s Word/ those who do the will of God qualify to become Jesus’ mother, brother or sister.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we love You & believe in You. Lead us in doing the will of the Father & qualify us in Your family. Restore peace & unity in all broken families in the world. Give us love & warmth within our family settings as we seek You with contrite hearts. Amen

Our Father who at in Heaven; Hallow be Your name….

Please meditate on this week’s theme, family