A Snow Day Devotional At Home / Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016
Scriptures: Matthew 5:13-16 & Luke 10:25-37
This snowy weekend is a great time to remember that God’s Kingdom shines the brightest when it shines in our home and through our home. Whether we live with our family, have some roommates, or are by ourselves, Jesus was clear that His light should be shining bright and strong in, and through, our home.
Unfortunately, we don’t tend to take the time we should as a household to worship, encourage, serve and pray together. That’s what our Great Commission Homes teaching all about: doing our part to welcome the light of Jesus to shine brighter in, and through, our homes.
So let’s take this snow day as God’s reminder and act of grace to slow down and make sure our faith is getting built up at home just as much as it does at church.
Read Matthew 5:13-16 and then take time to do these 4 things to see Jesus shine in a greater way in your home and through your home.
(Remember not to get too formal with this devotional – be yourselves even as you take this time to focus on Jesus and quiet your hearts and minds before Him. Have fun.)
PART 1: THESE FIRST TWO STEPS ARE ABOUT PUTTING HIS LIGHT HIGH IN OUR HOME:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Mt 5:14-15)
- WORSHIP: WORSHIP IS ABOUT GIVING THANKS TO GOD
If you’re musicians and singers, enjoy singing together. But if you’re not, don’t rule this step out. After an opening prayer, have everyone share something that they want to give thanks to God for.
- ENCOURAGE: JESUS IS ALWAYS SPEAKING GRACE AND LOVE INTO OUR LIVES
Take turns encouraging each other. Here are some ideas:
(A) If you’ve been meaning to say thank you to someone for something they’ve done at home for you or others, now is your chance.
(B) Mention things that you appreciate about each other
(C) If you have seen Christ’s love or kindness in another – let them know
(D) Share a scripture that encourages someone facing a challenge. God’s Word is supposed to encourage us in His faith, hope and love.
PART 2: THESE TWO STEPS HELP THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINE THROUGH YOUR HOME.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16)
- WITNESS: OUR HOMES SHOULD SHINE THE LIGHT OF JESUS TO THOSE AROUND US
(Read Luke 10:25-37 if you want another way to see how Jesus connected loving God with being a good neighbor)
What’s one thing your household can do today, to bless a neighbor in Jesus name? Discuss it as a household and then come up with a plan! This is your change to BE THE CHURCH to the people around you. Here are some ideas to read through before you come up your household’s plan:
(A) Shovel a driveway. Let them know today since we couldn’t go to church, our church decided it was a great day to be the church to someone else!
(B) Check in on neighbors and make sure they have what they need. Be especially thoughtful for neighbors that are seniors or may be single parents. If you’ve never reached out and even said hi – today is the day! What better way to say hello than just to let them know you were checking to make sure they were okay.
(C) Bring a neighbor some hot chocolate, cookies or some goodies.
(D) If you’re the one with the truck and you love to drive in the snow – get some grocery orders from neighbors and head out!!!!
(E) Make some phone calls. If you can’t go out yourself, make a call or two to either or neighbor or church family member and see how they are. Spread His love and encouragement to someone today just by letting them know you appreciate them!
- INTERCESSION: PRAYING FOR GOD’S KINGDOM TO COME AND HIS WILL BE DONE THROUGH YOUR HOUSEHOLD
Before you go bless your neighbors or make some calls, finish your time in prayer. Take time to pray for God’s Kingdom to come and will to be done in your home and neighborhood. Let every person just say a short simple prayer.
FINALLY: POST TODAY ON FACEBOOK #ChurchAtHome
Let your light shine by posting what you do today on your Facebook page. Either make a post or show a photo of your time in devotions or your time reaching out to your neighbors. Put the hashtag #ChurchAtHome and also tag us at Cornerstone Assembly of God.
As always, tithes and offerings can be given online by clicking this link: Give Online with Pushpay