In what ways can we ensure God's presence remains in our homes? A solemn word from Jeremiah 9:21 “For death has climbed in through our windows; it has entered our fortresses; it has cut off the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares.” Windows and doors matter • The prophet pictures death slipping through unguarded openings • Homes today face spiritual invasion through entertainment, conversations, and friendships • Vigilant households close those openings by conscious, consistent choices Daily saturation in Scripture “Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:9) • Read the Word aloud at the table • Post verses where eyes naturally drift • Memorize passages together so truth follows each family member throughout the day Prayer as constant incense “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “They devoted themselves to…prayer.” (Acts 2:42) • Begin and end every day in corporate and private prayer • Speak brief prayers over children, meals, schedules, and unexpected needs • Celebrate answered prayer so the household sees God’s active presence Obedient love draws God near “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” (John 14:23) • Obedience is not optional but relational, keeping fellowship vibrant • Quick confession and repentance remove barriers that grieve the Spirit Protect the eye gate “I will walk in my house with integrity of heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:2-3) • Screen choices honor holiness • Remove items, images, or habits that dull sensitivity to sin Worship that fills the rooms “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” (Colossians 3:16) • Play Christ-honoring music • Sing together while working or driving • Turn routine moments into praise Relationships that reflect covenant grace “Husbands…treat your wives with consideration…so that your prayers will not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) “Be kind and tenderhearted…forgiving each other.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) • Speak respectfully, even during conflict • Model quick forgiveness and gentle correction • Teach children the joy of serving one another Open doors for ministry “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.” (Hebrews 13:2) “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) • Welcome neighbors, missionaries, and those in need • Turn the dining table into a place of testimony and encouragement • Let children watch faith expressed in tangible service No compromise with darkness “For we are the temple of the living God…‘Therefore come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-17) • Draw clear lines against occult, profanity, and immorality • Choose friends and activities that reinforce devotion to Christ Regular spiritual house inspection “Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40) “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Schedule periodic family talks to assess attitudes and practices • Invite trusted believers to speak truthfully into household life • Adjust quickly when the Spirit highlights drift Putting it into practice • Guard entry points by discerning media and relationships • Read, post, and memorize Scripture daily • Maintain unbroken prayer and responsive obedience • Fill rooms with worship and gracious speech • Offer hospitality and live on mission together • Refuse compromise and conduct regular spiritual checkups God delights to dwell where His Word is honored, His Son is obeyed, and His Spirit is welcomed. |
    |