Jesus In Your Home

This exercise might be a bit of a stretch, but it also might be my favorite one in the book. When I think of my home, so much gratitude and so many memories come to mind.  At the same time, I must confess I’ve never really spent time to invite God into each corner of my family’s space.  I certainly want God’s very best blessings on our home.  Below are a few verses that shed some light on what the word of God says about our homes.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established: by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4

“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” 2 Chronicles 7: 15-16

On the next page draw out a floor plan of what your house looks like, room by room and floor by floor.  Print one for each floor if you prefer.  Your drawing does not need to be perfect or to scale but make sure you include each room of your house-even your garage if you have one!  Then I want you to take some time to write a prayer to God in each space, tell him how you want to invite him into that specific room of your home.  Ask him for his best blessings and tell him what you desire to receive from Him there.  May you take this time to create with an expectant heart.

Finding Contentment In Weakness

FINDING CONTENTMENT IN WEAKNESS

“Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

-2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Weaknesses…For me they are probably self doubt and disorganization, among many other things.  I often feel ill equipped--as in the worst person to do my job. God has given me wonderful revelations about His power and character, along with a great love for me.  There are times I recognize my strength in Him and other times my sin and the “thorn in my flesh” make me feel weak.

Take some time to examine your heart.  What are your weaknesses?  Ask the Lord to show you how to be content in imperfections. Keep in mind that Paul says, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

As you continue to reflect, move to the journaling page.  A little cottage on a hill awaits. Notice the stones in the hill supporting the house. So it is for us. As believers it is important that we recognize our weaknesses but we must not build ourselves on them. We must build upon what God says about us, that in our weakness we are strong. Because He is strong in us when we can’t be strong for ourselves.

So for today, take time to color this picture and write in the stones of the chimney a few of your weaknesses…but then fill the stones supporting the home with the strengths and attributes of the Father. Add part of the scripture verse somewhere in the picture, perhaps as smoke leaving the chimney. Let it be a reminder for you that you may boast in God’s strength, even find joy in the troubles you face. For through his power we are strong in our weakness!