What steps can we take to welcome God's presence into our homes? The Ark Finds a Home—Our Starting Point “So David did not take the ark home with him to the City of David; instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.” (1 Chronicles 13:13) Why This Matters Obed-edom welcomed the ark—the visible sign of God’s presence—into his house. Three short months later “the LORD blessed his household and everything he had” (v. 14). His story sketches a simple blueprint for any family that longs for the same nearness and favor today. Step 1: Treasure His Presence Above All • Re-center the home: serve God first, schedules second (Joshua 24:15). • Talk often of what He has done; keep gratitude on your lips (Psalm 107:2). • Designate spaces (a chair, a table, a room) where Scripture is read and hearts are quiet before Him. Step 2: Guard a Holy Atmosphere • Remove what grieves the Spirit—media, décor, habits, or conversations that celebrate sin (Ephesians 4:30). • Model repentance quickly; children learn holiness by seeing adults confess and change (1 John 1:9). • Remember Psalm 101:2: “I will walk in my house in integrity of heart.” Step 3: Fill the Rooms with His Word and Worship • Post verses where eyes naturally land—by the door, on the fridge, near the computer (Deuteronomy 6:9). • Let music that honors Christ set the tone; sing together, however simply (Colossians 3:16). • Read aloud: a psalm at breakfast, a gospel story at night. Scripture read audibly invites His voice into daily rhythm (Romans 10:17). Step 4: Practice Obedience in the Ordinary • Pay bills honestly, speak truthfully, keep promises—small acts signal large reverence (Luke 16:10). • Show hospitality; God’s presence grows where love for people is active (Hebrews 13:2). • Use possessions for kingdom purposes; Obed-edom offered his very house, and blessing followed (Proverbs 3:9–10). Step 5: Cultivate Continual Fellowship • Dialog with God through the day: praise while cooking, petition while driving, whisper thanks during chores (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Share testimonies at the dinner table; what He did at 10 a.m. becomes family lore by 6 p.m. • When conflict arises, invite Him in immediately—peace returns when hearts yield (Philippians 4:6–7). The Expected Outcome “The LORD blessed his household and everything he had” (1 Chronicles 13:14). The same God still delights to dwell where He is welcomed. Proverbs 3:33 affirms it: “He blesses the home of the righteous.” Open the door, guard the atmosphere, keep His word central, live in obedient fellowship—and watch His presence turn a house into a sanctuary. |
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