Spiritual Tools to Build a Relationship

Have you ever had a bunch of parts laying around, some tools to work with, yet didn't know how to get started? Sometimes that is how life is (or feels)! Many times that is how we feel in trying to spend more time with God as a family. There are many 'things we can do', but what is right and how do we get started? Key point, don't overthink it!

We have tried to stick with reading a Bible story, singing songs or daily prayer time and let's just say it didn’t go like we wanted it to (all the time or even the first time). In fact, we felt like our kids weren’t listening, they were restless, wanted to play with toys and the moment almost ended in tears(or did). As Christian parents, God has equipped us with the tools to lead our family, but sometimes we don’t know how to use them. Yes, we do! God has instructed us to teach/lead our family, but we are searching for someone to show us how. Many families struggle having devotions and time spent in God’s Word together. If you DON'T DO IT, WHO WILL? I promise the World is very willing to teach them 'something', in most cases not what is pleasing to God.

What does this look like in your home? How do you take the tools God has given you to impact your home? It starts with US; that's right, You and Me; knowing God in our own hearts through a personal relationship with Him. We must first spend time with Him, love Him and be diligent to proclaim His word with our family(in good times and bad).

As we go through life, living and facing challenges, good times and bad; that is how we teach our family about Jesus. Knowing it may be hard, being transparent with them (and yourselves) and telling your family it is hard somedays to pray, to read your Bible. Be honest with them, “I haven’t been studying my Bible like I should” but tell them you want to try and do better. None of us are perfect but setting aside time each day, making it a priority, reading your Bible or having taking time to reflect with your family will show them the importance. God will begin to grow more within each of you . What we love about this; is you will see personal growth, growth in your marriage, growth in your children and even your church family. Our family’s spiritual growth is foundationally important to our church's spiritual growth.

Below is a scripture that has helped us better know how to use the tools God has given us for our personal walk with Christ and how to use those tools to spiritually impact our family.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[b] You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (Take time to read this whole chapter)

While I accepted the October Bible Challenge of reading a Daily Proverbs with the kids; it didn’t happen every day! I mean, we put that on our family ministry website and everything, even challenged you, our readers to join us. How hypocritical, right? NO, life happens, give yourself some grace! God did. But, I would strive to pick back up the next day, catch-up, talk about their day and try to apply the scripture to each of our lives. Sometimes our time together was just listening to the study be read to us from my Bible app on my phone. We're clinging to the promise from God, that HE will keep those words in our hearts and our children will know where to turn for answers, guidance and knowledge as they go through this chaotic life.

We want to challenge you: husbands, wives, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and/or guardians. There is nothing more important than when you take the time to slow down and share God's word with your family. We're not just talking about on Sunday’s and going to church. We mean to gather the family up and teach your family about God. Husbands lead your wives in prayer each day. Not just when you both feel like your life is falling apart! These acts will strengthen your families' spiritual development. When we fulfill the verse above I can feel the Holy Spirit in our home. God will use you to make a spiritual impact on your family as you seek HIM and teach HIM to your family. Little is much when God is in it.

This week, reflect on Deuteronomy 6 . Read your favorite Bible verse and explain why it's your favorite. Set aside time at the family dinner table to just talk about what is going on and pray together. Say those sweet bedtime prayers with your kids and enjoy those early mornings to pray with them before work and school (even if you are running late). One of my favorite times of day is driving the kids to school, because that is our time to pray together and get our focal point on Him.

Through this platform we pray something along the way will be a blessing to you and your family as we strive to Be Real. Be Intentional. Living with a Purpose in this crazy, chaotic world. You may share prayer requests, you don't have to leave your name on the website at: ourlifelived.com, under the Contact Section, Prayer Request form and click submit. Our kids enjoy saying a prayer for any requests that come across the site.

We are not above anyone, just trying to do our small part to further HIS Kingdom and share God’s Love with others.

When life is spinning, pick your focal point!

-The Lord family