03/09/2025 Faith and Blessings
Day 1: Choosing Your Foundation
Devotional
Every house needs a solid foundation. Without it, the entire structure becomes unstable and vulnerable. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives and families. In today's world, we're often tempted to build our lives on shifting sands - career success, material possessions, or social status. But these foundations won't withstand life's storms. When we choose to build our lives on God's truth, we're investing in something eternal. This choice isn't always easy, and it often requires careful consideration of what we value most. Just like a builder must count the cost before starting construction, we must honestly evaluate what we're willing to invest in our spiritual foundation.
Bible Verse
'Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?' - Luke 14:28
Reflection Question
What foundation are you currently building your life upon, and what changes might be needed to ensure God is at the center?
Quote: Count the cost. You will have to give up. There is a cost to being a follower of Jesus. You will have to give up everything.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me evaluate the foundation of my life honestly. Give me the courage to make necessary changes and the wisdom to build my life on Your unchanging truth. Amen.
Day 2: First Fruits, Not Leftovers
Devotional
We often treat God like a last-minute addition to our busy schedules, giving Him whatever time and energy remain after everything else. This approach reveals where our true priorities lie. When we give God our leftovers, we're essentially telling Him He's not our first priority. But God deserves our best - our first fruits, not our remnants. This means making intentional choices about how we spend our time, energy, and resources. It might mean saying no to good things to say yes to God-things. When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into proper perspective.
Bible Verse
'You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.' - Joshua 24:19
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life are you giving God your leftovers instead of your first fruits?
Quote: When we give God our leftovers, we are basically saying, here's my doggy bag, God. That's where we're at. We're giving God, our doggy bag. When we give him our first and our best, we are going, God, here is my first and best.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for times I've given You less than my best. Help me reorganize my priorities to put You first in every area of my life. Amen.
Day 3: Breaking Free from Busyness
Devotional
Our society celebrates busyness as a badge of honor, but this constant activity often masks deeper spiritual issues. When we're always rushing from one thing to another, we leave little room for God to speak into our lives. The noise of our busy schedules can drown out His still, small voice. Sometimes, we need to step back and evaluate whether our packed calendars are actually hindering our spiritual growth and family well-being. Creating margin in our lives isn't just about having free time - it's about making space for God to work in and through us.
Bible Verse
'Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.' - Joshua 24:1
Reflection Question
How might your busy schedule be affecting your spiritual life and your family's well-being?
Quote: What if the culturally acceptable busy lifestyle is leading your and your household's physical and mental health issues... What if always being busy and always having a screen on in front of you is causing both of these issues?
Prayer
Dear God, help me recognize when busyness is becoming a barrier between us. Guide me in creating space in my life for what truly matters. Amen.
Day 4: Leading Your Household
Devotional
Spiritual leadership in the home isn't optional - it's essential. As parents and family leaders, we have both the responsibility and privilege of guiding our households in following Jesus. This means making intentional decisions about our family's spiritual direction, even when those decisions might not be popular. It means creating an environment where faith can flourish and establishing patterns of worship that will shape future generations. Your choices today aren't just about you; they're about creating a legacy of faith that will impact your children and their children.
Bible Verse
'But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.' - Joshua 24:15
Reflection Question
What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen your family's spiritual foundation?
Quote: Your 5 year old does not get to decide if they're following Jesus. They're following Jesus because you're following Jesus. That's how it goes. They don't get that decision. You make that decision for them.
Prayer
Father, grant me wisdom and courage to lead my household in following You. Help me create a home where faith can grow and flourish. Amen.
Day 5: Building a Lasting Legacy
Devotional
Every family leaves a legacy, but not every legacy has eternal value. The choices we make today shape not only our present but also our future generations. When we commit to serving God faithfully, we're building something that extends far beyond our lifetime. This legacy isn't primarily about material inheritance - it's about passing down faith, values, and a living relationship with God. Like Rahab, whose faith-filled decision impacted generations to come, our commitment to God today can create ripples of blessing that touch lives far into the future.
Bible Verse
'Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall, so that she dwelt on the wall.' - Joshua 2:15
Reflection Question
What spiritual legacy do you want to leave for future generations, and what steps are you taking to build that legacy?
Quote: We are called to leave an inheritance to our children's children. And that doesn't necessarily mean finances. It could mean our faith.
Prayer
Lord, help me build a legacy that honors You. Guide me in creating traditions and patterns that will point future generations toward Your love and truth. Amen.