We gathered around lunch that our Jewish friends had invited us to share.  They recited the Shema, “Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words I command you today shall be in your heart.  And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.  And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

It is a statement of faith, identity and a way to refocus throughout the day upon the Lord!  What terrific advice for all passionate followers of Christ.  To be sure that we refocus upon our faith in Christ throughout the day with our family.  Our families live in a world of constant messaging from media, friends and enemies.  To refocus our hearts and minds on Christ is a sure way of staying on course as a family.

Interestingly the Scriptures call for us to talk with our children and surround them with positive symbols of faith throughout the day as well.  That doesn’t mean we clutter our homes with cheesy Christian doodads.  Consider baptism, wedding, baby dedication photos.  Paintings that are inspiring.  Gardens, good books and movies are also great material for the symbols.  The point is that we saturate our world with meaningful things that reflect our personal faith walk with Christ.

In our home are photos, items from missions trips, a pulley from a well, Becky’s church planting grandfather’s Bible, a notebook from my grandfather, paintings, music, lots of music and so forth that reflect our family’s faith walk.  We are surrounded by memories of God’s goodness to us and His fulfilled promises in our lives.

Finally live out your faith!  “Don’t go along with evil.  Model the good.” 3 John 11a, Message

It’s where youth ministry begins.  It’s something we can all do!

Tomorrow, how the Church equips you!

Peace