What actions can we take to protect our families from spiritual harm today? Hearing the Warning: Jeremiah 9:21 Today “ ‘For death has climbed in through our windows; it has entered our fortresses to cut off the children from the streets, the young men from the public squares.’ ” • Windows and fortresses picture the openings and strongholds of a household. • The enemy’s goal is the destruction of the next generation. • Our calling: close the openings, strengthen the walls, and guard the hearts inside. Guarding the Gates of the Home • Monitor every “window” of media—phones, tablets, television, gaming, internet. • Set clear, consistent boundaries; install filters; keep screens in shared spaces. • Model discernment: Philippians 4:8—think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure. • Remember Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” Filling the House with Truth • Daily Scripture reading aloud; post verses where eyes naturally rest (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Play Christ-honoring music; discuss sermons and lessons on the ride home. • Replace passive consumption with active engagement: ask children to summarize passages, act out Bible stories, create Scripture art. Training the Next Generation • Teach biblical worldview early and often; answer questions before culture does (2 Timothy 3:14-15). • Encourage godly friendships: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Involve children in service—visiting shut-ins, preparing meals for needy families, writing encouragement cards—so faith moves from head to hands. Standing Watch in Prayer and Vigilance • Pray regularly for each family member by name, covering mind, body, relationships, future spouse, vocation (Ephesians 6:18). • Keep a shared prayer journal; record answered prayers to build faith history. • Fast periodically for breakthrough in areas of struggle or temptation (Matthew 17:21). Dressing for Battle: The Whole Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-17 provides a checklist: 1. Belt of Truth—commit to honesty in every conversation. 2. Breastplate of Righteousness—guard moral choices, entertainment, speech. 3. Shoes of the Gospel—cultivate readiness to share Christ at school, work, neighborhood. 4. Shield of Faith—respond to doubt with God’s promises; memorize key verses. 5. Helmet of Salvation—remind one another of identity in Christ, not in achievements. 6. Sword of the Spirit—teach every family member to wield Scripture in temptation as Jesus did (Matthew 4). Living as Light in a Dark World • Celebrate holiness, not merely rule-keeping—pursue joy, creativity, laughter under Christ’s lordship. • Practice hospitality; invite unbelieving neighbors to witness gospel-shaped family life (Matthew 5:14-16). • Speak words of blessing over one another (Proverbs 18:21). • Keep short accounts: confess sin quickly, extend forgiveness just as we were forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). Death may still roam the streets, but it need not breach our walls. By sealing the windows with discernment, fortifying the fortress with truth, and standing watch in prayerful vigilance, we shelter our families under the strong, unfailing promises of God. |
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