WIN AT HOME:

A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

SMD

DAY 1: Are our priorities in the right place?

There are two great indicators about where family priorities lie:
their schedule and their budget. Money and time are both finite
resources, so where we spend them says a lot about what
matters to us. This why Jesus tells us to pay attention to where
we spend our money. Because where our treasure is, there our
hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21).

God gives us everything we need to do what He’s put in our

hearts to do. When we say, “I can’t afford to,” often what we
mean is, “I haven’t prioritized that.” But if we’ll align our budget
and our priorities with His plans for our lives, we’ll find we always
have enough (Matthew 6:31-34).

Romans 12:1-2 says, “Take your everyday, ordinary life — your

sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life — and
place it before God as an offering... Don’t become so well-
adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking”
(MSG).

We need to make sure our activities and our attitudes line up

with what pleases God first and foremost. Wherever we focus
our attention the most will become the driving force in our lives.

Reflect:
Are you satisfied with how you are currently prioritizing your life?
Why or why not?
What’s a step you can take today to better align your time and
money with God’s plan for your family?
MATTHEW 6:31-33
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“With God, there’s always an appointed time for things, and when you put Him first,
trust in His timing, and keep the faith, miracles happen!”
 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY 2: Being present is more important than being perfect.

We don’t have a monopoly on hurried lives.This is a high-strung, neurotic, agitated, impatient age. We
hurry when there is no reason to hurry—just to be hurrying. This fast-paced age has produced more
problems and less morality than previous generations, and it has given all of us jangled nerves.
Impatience has produced a new crop of broken homes, or more new ulcers, and has set the stage for the
creation of an independent, selfish personal world (may sariling mundo) for our children.

Dishwashers, washing machines, computers, smartphones, and the like help us complete tasks quicker.
But instead of investing the time we get back into each other, we simply squeeze more into every day.

Israel’s King Solomon wrote, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he [God]
grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2). That’s not a slam on work; that’s a warning against
addiction to work. It’s a warning against constantly chasing the next project, the next assignment, the
next bonus, the next promotion, the next level up life.

Solomon had a kingdom to rule, yet he affirmed the need for balance. Jesus likewise told people, “Come
to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest provides
balance.

Granted, it’s hard to disengage from work when we manage our schedules and messages on our cell
phones. We have massive amounts of information available at our fingertips, so why wait? Get the
answer now!

However, we need to ask ourselves, “What am I not doing so I can get on my phone right now?” Often,
we’re temporarily disengaging with those in our home or with those across the lunch table. Technologies
have shaped our lives to become a “TOUCH-SCREEN GENERATION instead of TOUCHING LIVES of
others by our presence. We can be together in one rooftop but far from each other. Slowing down
provides an opportunity to step back, pay attention, and question the ways we use technology, to
recalibrate our relationship with the constantly switched-on, logged-in world.

When we give ourselves space throughout the day, we’re able to be present to the Holy Spirit and to the
people around us — family, roommates, churchmates and coworkers. We’re able to enjoy where we are
rather than rushing to the next big thing.
Reflect:

What would the people who know you best say about your pace of life?
Are you brave enough to ask them?
What intentional step can you take this week to be fully present in your most significant relationships?

Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Slowing down is not simply a physical discipline, but it is also a spiritual one-’a soul
search’ that may reveal our need for God.
PTR. AE
 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY3: “The goal of parenting is not control of behavior,

but rather heart and life change.”

God hasn’t just sent us to do His work in the life of our children; He will use
the lives of our children to advance His work in us. Just as our children need
THE BIG IDEA:
our hugs and our affirmation, they also need to know what the parameters
Your family is
are, as well as the ramifications for crossing them. That, too, is love. It’s so
your first ministry.
easy to tell ourselves that we’re working so much to provide more for our
families, when what our families usually want is more of us that will lead
them to desire more of God through discipline.

“Discipline” comes from a Latin word meaning “pupil.” Discipline is about learning a way
of behavior, a way to live. We may think only children need discipline, but Proverbs 29
reminds us about the importance of discipline, no matter how old we are.

3 Reasons to Welcome Discipline in the home.

1. Discipline is a blessing.
Proverbs 29:18 says, “A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order; but
blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Discipline seems to hold us back.
Our natural tendency is toward what we want. But when we receive Godly instruction, we
are blessed. It’s in following Jesus we can enjoy lives free of guilt and sin’s burden.

2. Discipline brings joy.

Discipline hurts at first. We don’t want to face our failures or admit we have room to grow,
but temporary discomfort leads to lasting joy. Proverbs 29:6 teaches, “Evildoers are
snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.” Getting out of the
snare hurts, but there is joy in the healing. And those who have been trained by it yield
the fruit of righteousness.

3. Discipline leads to humility that invites grace.

When we experience correction or conviction, we tend to pretend we’re OK the way we
are. Proverbs 29:23 says, “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
and Proverbs 29:1 warns us that, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will
suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” Resisting discipline because of pride puts us in
danger. We have to humble ourselves to allow discipline to change us that brings
holiness in us by the grace of God.

“Good parenting lives at the intersection of a humble admission of personal

powerlessness and a confident rest in the power and grace of God.”

Reflect:
Are you still thinking like a child, believing discipline is useless and restrictive, or are you
looking at discipline with a biblical perspective?
How has God been disciplining you? Are you allowing Him to change you?

Proverbs 29:17 (GW) Correct your son, and he will give you peace of mind. He will
bring delight to your soul.

Our family is God’s gift to us.

How we train and treat them is our gift to God.
PTR AE-
 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY4: A FAMILY ALTAR CAN ALTER A FAMILY!

A family altar or a family devotional time is a practice ordained by
God. It is the responsibility and privilege of parents to present the THE BIG IDEA:
knowledge of God to their children. This can be done through the The family that
study of the Word of God, prayer, family worship and through the worships together
stays together.
example lived by the parents. Instruction in God’s Word was not
optional. God commanded the Israelites to diligently teach their
children.

Every family has an altar—the questions are: To which god? and, How often is it
used? If a family doesn’t have an altar where God meets them, then they are
creating another altar where they meet another god—an idol. Because anything
that takes the place of God in our lives and families can become our idol. What is
an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your
heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only
God can give. We worship and SACRIFICE praise to God at the family altar, which
is the result of our thankful acknowledgment, confession, and glorification of His
name. But if we disregard the value of the family altar, we offer our kids as a
SACRIFICE to the Corruption of the world.

We are living in a day of rapid disintegration of Biblical, foundational family

structure and values. Our society, at almost every level, is undermining traditional
marriage and family. The media, laws, educational institutions, entertainment
industry and other spheres of society are being used by the enemy to destroy
families at an alarming rate. In light of the multitude of crises facing our families,
neighborhoods, communities and nation, the wisest thing we can do as believers
is to rebuild the altar of worship in our homes, with our families, until our homes
become a place of of healing and restoration, a place of His light and presence, –
a resting place for God Himself. Without Him in our home we have no hope.

Restoring the family altar of worship and prayer heals the fragmentation of
relationship both with the Lord and with one another. If we want our hearts, lives
and families to change, then we must commit ourselves to restore the rulership
and protection of Jesus Christ in our homes through the family altar. As our homes
our healed and revived, our nation will be impacted.

REFLECT:
How does family worship impact your interactions with your kids and their
exposure to the outside world?

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord
guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

If we don't create an altar for our family where we encounter God, someone else will
create it for us where heartbreak starts.
(Pas A.E.)
 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY5: RECONCILIATION IS NEEDED FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

The Lord created us to be in community with one another,

including our families. To do this, we often need extra doses of THE BIG IDEA:
grace and kindness! Some issues are tough and will take a lot of Reconciliation in
prayer and great discernment to work through. We can't control relationships is
more beautiful
what others think, do or say, but we can control what is than victory.
happening within us and be responsible for ourselves.

Repairing a relationship often takes more than muttering "I’m sorry" and moving
on. Real reconciliation requires repentance.

Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one
who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Nothing gets resolved by
pretending everything is fine, but expressing genuine remorse and taking steps to
make it right? That is how reconciliation begins.

It takes one person to repent, but two people to reconcile. The person who has
been hurt has a choice to make as well: Will you choose to forgive?

Bitterness is empowering for a moment. After all, who doesn’t like the feeling of
being right? But bitterness will destroy a relationship if we give it a home in our
homes. Holding onto bitterness and refusing to forgive is one common way we
repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17).

The Bible challenges us to be peacemakers. “... as far as it depends on you, live

at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). We can’t make someone else repent,
but we can choose to forgive. That part of peacemaking is entirely up to us.

Reconciliation is focused on restoring broken relationships, not approving of

someone’s sin. It’s acknowledging the sin and choosing to repent. It’s seeing
someone’s vulnerability and choosing to forgive. And when both sides participate
willingly, it’s a perfect picture of what Jesus did for us. Reconciliation or not, God
will breathe redemption into the shattered pieces of your story and create
something new and more beautiful than ever before. In His way. In His timing.

REFLECT:
How does conflict get resolved in your home? Or, does it?
Where trust is deeply broken, restoration is a process—-sometimes, a lengthy
one. Is there anyone you need to take a step toward today?

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Rom. 12:18

We can’t always control what happens outside of us, but we do have power to control
what happens inside of us. (Pas A.E.)
 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY6: TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO TITHE

When it comes to honoring God with our money, the first step for THE BIG IDEA:
every Christian is to tithe. Tithing is bringing the first 10 percent of Tithing is a
your income back to God through the local church. When we display of faith
bring back a percentage of our income in the tithe, we thank God, and an act of
worship.
show that we trust Him and fight against greed by putting God
first in our finances. Tithing is an act of worship.

We want to encourage our children to give a tithe and offering because it’s an
important part of obeying God, no matter how little our tithe actually is. It’s much
easier to build this habit at an early age, than try to squeeze it in as an adult.

There’s nothing you can give God that he needs. But when you give him an
offering, you’re saying, “God, I love you. I’m thinking of you. I want you first in my
life. ”, Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your
income”.

Worship giving is undesignated. That means you don’t control it, you don’t
direct it, and you don’t tell God what to do with it. 10% of our income belongs to
God, not to us.

Worship giving is given where you worship. It’s great to give to charities or
friends in need, but that’s not worship through tithing. Your worship giving goes to
your local church.

Worship giving is planned. You don’t just give spontaneously. You pray about it.

Worship giving is proportional. If you didn’t earn anything that week, don’t give
anything. You earn a little, you give a little. You earn a lot, you give a lot.

Ultimately, God doesn’t want your money. He wants what your money represents.
The most sensitive nerve in the body is the one that goes from the heart to the
wallet. God wants your heart more than anything else.

REFLECT:
1. Are you tithing? Why or why not?
2. Who are you trusting to provide for your family? What would it look like to trust
God to provide?

Leviticus 27:30-34
“ 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from
the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

Tithing is not a POCKET issue, it’s a HEART issue. (Pas A.E.)

 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY7: EVANGELISM STARTS IN OUR HOME

Evangelism is the act of sharing the good news about Jesus so THE BIG IDEA:
EVANGELISM is
those who hear His message will turn and place their faith in Him.
good news, and
And it is most certainly something that every Christian should the way Jesus
spend their life pursuing. A pursuit that should start within a saves and
Christian home. transforms us is
the best news.

The word “evangelism” can be scary sometimes. We imagine knocking on doors

or preaching on a podium or on the streetcorner.

But what if evangelism could be as simple as sharing who God is and what He’s
done for you? Not on a podium, but around the dinner table or over a cup of coffee
on the front porch with your family members, friends and neighbors.

The goal of sharing our stories is to start a conversation, not win an argument. In
Acts 17:16-34, we get a picture of what this looks like. Paul noticed the city of
Athens was full of idols, including one to an “unknown god.” Paul didn’t yell at
them to repent before they all go to hell. He reasoned with them, starting with what
they have in common and sharing how his God is different. Paul didn’t use fancy
words or complicated theology. He met the people where they were and told them
about God in a way they could understand. As a result, many wanted to hear
more. Let’s create an environment where our children and their friends will enjoy
the story of the Gospel or the story of how we came to know Jesus as our Lord
and Savior.

The goal of sharing our stories is to start a conversation, not win an argument.
Paul didn’t ridicule the people of Athens for their idol. He treated them with respect
as he shared his faith.

Evangelism doesn’t have to intimidate us. We all have a story of how Jesus
changed our lives. We just have to be brave enough to share that story with the
people God puts in our path. And if our family knows already Jesus, why not teach
them on how to share the Gospel story to their friends and classmates.

REFLECT:
How comfortable are you sharing what Jesus did for you to your family?
Home is a place where sharing stories feels natural. Have you ever shared your
faith story with the people in your home? Why or why not?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15

The Gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.

 WIN AT HOME:
A 14-DAY FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
SMD

DAY8: CHANGE YOUR THINKING,

CHANGE
There is an invisible war ragingYOUR LIFE
at all times. It is not
THE BIG
primarily a physical battle, but a spiritual one. It is not
IDEA:
even just a moral battle, but also a mental one. It is a war
“The life
that is in the mind, of the mind, and for the mind.
we have is
According to 2 Corinthians 10:5, this battle is all about
a reflection
knowledge, thoughts, pretensions, and arguments. It is
of what we
the war for the Christian mind.
The first thing that God changes once you become a follower think.”
of Jesus is
not just your heart, but also your mind. Before you come to Jesus, your
mind is enemy-held territory. Colossians 1:21 says, “Once you were
alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your
evil behavior.” When you become a follower of Jesus, God moves in and
takes control over your soul, your heart, your body, and your mind. He
wants to guide you in your mind and thoughts. He wants to not only
direct you in how you live, but in how you think.

How we treat our churchmates, raise our children, and love our spouses
is directly connected to how we think about ourselves and God. When
our thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts, we show love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23).

But the opposite is also true. When our thoughts are full of doubt and
fear, we make selfish decisions, assume the worst about others, and fall
short of our God-given potential. We operate from our old nature, and
not as the new creation we are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

If we want to win at home, we have to first win the battle in our minds.

The key to true transformation is renewing our minds, not trying harder
(Romans 12:2). That’s why we read the Bible — to align our thoughts
with God’s thoughts. As we read God’s Word, we learn who God is and
who He says we are.

REFLECT:
Are your thoughts full of faith and hope or doubt and fear?
What is one doubt or fear you hear consistently?
“we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2Corinthians
Share to your children how God and the Bible has helped you win the
10:5
battle in your mind.
“OUR LIVES ARE ALWAYS MOVING IN THE
DIRECTION OF OUR strongest thoughts. What we think
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