Come and Gather: Family Time with God

​Why Have a Family Time with God?

I once thought we didn’t have time for family devotions. But one day I read a report that said the average family watches over 20 hours of television a week! I wondered if TV time was eating up hours my family could be using to become more like Christ. So, I did a quick check of our TV habits and realized we were watching at least 15 hours of television a week. I was shocked!

I led the way for better family time. I quit watching one of my favorite shows. That gave us time to relax at dinner and talk about how our day went. As we began sharing our joys and concerns, we were soon praying together and reading the Bible together. Now, that family time has become one of the most important things we do together.  ​

Changing habits is difficult, it takes time, but it can be done. Here’s how we did it in our home:

1. We talked it over thoroughly before making changes. As we discovered with diet and exercise, gradual changes were the longest lasting. So, we concentrated on small baby steps.
2. I discovered that sitting in front of the tube was often a response to boredom. So, we started looking for activities the whole family could enjoy. Following a minor league ball team in our town has been fun. A family in my church plays table games one night a week, and the kids love it.  
3. We moved the TV to a less prominent place in our home, and found by doing so, it takes more effort to watch television—this is a good thing. 
4. Changing the family time from the glowing screen to God’s Word was one of the most important things we ever did as a family! 

God has really blessed that time of sharing, praying, and Bible reading. Our family devotions have become the foundation of our relationships with each other and with God. ​

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

​“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

Reprinted with permission | Pastor Jeremy Sweatt | Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, CT

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Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.

This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts: 
Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.
5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:

1. An Attitude of Service
2. Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife
3. Husbands Who are Loving Leaders
4. Parents Who Teach and Train
5. Children Who Honor and Obey

Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christin should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word. 

At the end of Gather you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.

Join the movement today and download Gather for free toady!

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How are you intentional about family time with God in your home?