 Be Purposeful | Family ~ Heavenly Heritage Romans 8:16-17 “... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,...” I wanted to focus more today on us as children of God. When we focus on the original purpose of ‘family,’ we will be transformed and our earthly family becomes more attentive to us. Based upon this verse, we are elevated into the position of co-heir with the Messiah; fellow-heir with Christ – joint-heir with Jesus; sharing God’s immeasurably rich inheritance with Him. As children of God, we are His heirs. Much like an earthly father leaves his children an inheritance, our heavenly Father bestows upon us an inheritance as well. But there is one major condition… we must be His child. We must be born again into His family, and pick up our cross to follow Him no matter what the cost. So what does it really mean that we are joint-heirs with Christ? It means that we share in His life example. We surrender our hearts to Him in all things, and we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our lives. PLAN BE. As family, as an heir, we are born for this purpose...to be a blessing. As God’s children, "adopted" into His family, we have been assured an inheritance from our Heavenly Father. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ," Romans 8:17. This heavenly heritage is God’s purpose and will for us. We receive the promise of our inheritance by hearing the word of truth and believing in Christ. When we understand and value the glory that awaits us, we are better able to endure whatever comes our way in this life. We can give God praise even during trials because we have His guarantee that we will receive all He has promised: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" 2 Corinthians 4:17. Prayer: Dear Lord, it’s amazing to me they my inheritance comes to me strictly by saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus Christ. Being heirs of God is one part of my inheritance, but being a joint-heirs with Christ is yet another. What an awesome thought that I have received an inheritance together with Jesus Christ! How humbling these thoughts are. How grateful I am. As an heir, I do not have to work to earn my inheritance. Help me to remember this always, and that the purpose of being a co-heir WITH Christ, my brother, is to be a blessing to others. To Be like Christ. Help me remain mindful, purposeful, grateful and honored as part of your Amazing Heritage, Amen. Cheers to your PLAN BE, Sandi References: Alyssa J Howard Living by the LIght of the King | allyssajhoward.com
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 Be Dedicated to: Family - Meal & NightTime Prayers
Today I asked my three boys (ages 19, 21, and 24, all out of the nest) if they remember what prayers we used to recite together on Colby’s bed every night when they were younger. They all texted me the same prayers! Amazing that they still remember as my memory had failed to recall some of these precious prayers but I loved the moments. God bless their young memories! Being dedicated to a family prayers can really have wonderful payoffs. I am sharing our precious family time prayers. Please feel free to use them, and/or share with us the ones you say with your family. Here is a trip down my memory lane ... DinnerTime (still say this even today, no matter where we are or who’s watching) Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts for which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord, Amen. Then we would popcorn pray out loud for anyone/anything pressing (e.g. if a neighbor/family member/friend was sick, hurting or needing prayers of encouragement). ------------------------------------ (3) Blessings & (1+) Bummer During dinner we would then go around the table and everyone would share at least three blessings and one bummer of the day. This made for great family discussion and kept us attuned with where everyone was at in their stage of life. Please note, it is very important to keep your kids’ focus on the positives in life (“blessings”), but it is crucial to talk about young kids’ “bummers” too. If your kid has more bummers than blessings, then the family needs to be aware of this and try to help them, be supportive in working through their problems, and ultimately focus on the blessings in their life. Having everyone talk at the dinner table is a great way for each member to listen to each other, stay connected and support each other. Glass Half-Empty Some people think more negatively, therefore, this is a great exercise in focusing on the blessings in their lives which they may not even acknowledge. Glass Half-Full Some people may naturally think more positively, or may feel the need to appear a certain positive way, and may feel the need to keep negative emotions to themselves, therefore, this is a great exercise in expressing their thoughts instead of suppressing them. It's ok to have bummers. People disappoint. Life if far from perfect ;) ------------------------------------- NightTime Prayers with My Boys I’m happy to share our NightTime Prayers. Please note that this is just how we did it. You may have different prayers that are more relevant to your family. I applaud you to find your own Scripture that uplifts you and your kids, thereby drawing them closer to their Creator, developing a relationship with Friend Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” [Matthew 6:9-13, NIV] The Light of God surrounds me, the Love of God enfolds me, the Power of God protects me, the Presence of God watches over me. Wherever I am, God is. (Heard this prayer from someone on a morning talk show once) "A gentle word answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." [Proverbs 15:1] “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16] "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. [Psalms 4:8] --------------------------------- It is never too late to pray with your kids (no matter how old they are). Start today! As a wise young man, who was a football player at Arizona State University told my son, Troy, when Troy was interviewing him for a sports broadcast, “The good news is that Jesus always meets you right where your two feet are!” I just love that and have never forgotten his words. I just wish I could remember his name. :/  Remember God’s Words
Deuteronomy 18-19 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children,speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates,…" The first thing that comes to my mind about Being STILL with family is being a living example of what that looks like. When are you STILL with the Lord? and is your family able to watch you? Then, when you sit down to eat, make lunch or breakfast, walk the dog, drive in the car, go on a walk, do homework, having an argument, ...whatever it is...then when you ask them to pray or give gratitude...they have seen you with your God. Your God is their God too! Just as we saw Jesus with his disciples… we are able to imitate and repeat what He did. Our children will follow us. We must be the ones who love the future generation. The only way is to Be Still. Teaching them the importance of time with their creator, savior, forever friend, counselor. Our God-given job is to love them and lead them to their Creator…. and pray that they will seek Him on their own one day. Show your children God’s love by loving them and others as Christ loves you. Remember God’s Words This Weekend. Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to remember your words...to Be STILL as an example to my family so that they can learn to Be Still with you, and when we are together as a family. Remind me to pray together, to be quiet, to be quick to forgive, to look for what’s best, and to speak gently into areas of their lives that need growth. Even one minute a day to Remember for each of us/all of us to BE STILL with you. Amen.- Sandi |
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