Every afternoon, I will post something for you to share with your family in the evening. It may be a talking point, a short video, a Scripture to read, etc.
Today’s Post…
A Bath on the Inside
Anne Graham Lotz writes in her book, The Daniel Prayer, that she read a little book by an old-timey revivalist that challenged readers to “look to our own hearts and the spiritual ground that had perhaps become hardened over time.” The author listed sins that at first glance Anne didn’t recognize in herself. But, by third reading, she saw herself in them all. She spent 7 days working through that list; confessing her sins. But, at the end, she said it felt like she’d had a bath on the inside!
For our Family Devo. time over the next week or so, let’s take a look at some items on that list, one sin each day. Let’s really let the Holy Spirit reveal to us if each is a sin we’ve been committing. Then, spend some time in confession.
Explain to your children that as Christians, our sins are paid for. But, when we sin, we should still ask forgiveness. It’s tempting to make a blanket statement such as, “Forgive me for all my sins.” But, Anne writes that the author in the little booklet pointed out that because we sin one at a time, we should review and repent of our sins one by one.
Why is it important to confess sin?
- sin hinders our relationship with God
- sin often leads to further sin and a hardened heart (begin not to even identify a sin as sin anymore)
- personal revival
Today’s word: Ingratitude
- As a family define gratitude/ingratitude and make sure everyone understands its meaning.
Here’s how Websters 1828 dictionary defines gratitude.
“…heart, excited by a favor or benefit received”
“a disposition to make a suitable return of benefits or services, or when no return can be made, with a desire to see the benefactor prosperous and happy…a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty.”
- Ask, Do you have so much gratitude that it causes you to want to please God? That’s what can happen when we focus our hearts this way. Our hearts get excited and we want to bless and serve the Lord even more!
- Make a list of things to show gratitude to God for. This list can include things like salvation, but also specific blessings you’re family has received.
- Challenge your family to look for things they should have gratitude for. Spend some time thanking God together.