02/02/2025 Move Forward

Day 1:  Awakening from Spiritual Dormancy

Devotional
Have you ever felt stuck in a spiritual rut? Like you're going through the motions but not really moving forward? Many of us find ourselves in this place, especially within our homes. Just as the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, we too can find ourselves wandering, unsure of how to lead our households in faith. But God doesn't want us to stay in this place of spiritual dormancy. He's calling us to wake up and take those first steps toward a more vibrant faith life at home. It starts with recognizing where we are and being honest about our current spiritual state. The good news is that God is patient and ready to guide us out of our wilderness experience. He doesn't expect perfection; He simply asks for our willingness to begin the journey.
Bible Verse
"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.'" - Joshua 1:1-3
Reflection Question
What specific areas of your household's spiritual life feel dormant, and what is one small step you could take today to begin awakening that area?
Quote: Most households have now become spiritually dormant. This is what's happened. And a spiritually dormant household, in case you're wondering, may not participate in spiritual activities.
Prayer
Lord, wake us from our spiritual slumber. Give us the courage to honestly assess where we are and the wisdom to know where to begin. Help us take those first steps toward a more vibrant faith life in our homes. Amen.

Day 2: The Light Begins at Home

Devotional
We often think about being a light to the world, but that light must first shine brightly within our own homes. It's easy to put on a spiritual facade for others while neglecting our family's spiritual growth. Real transformation starts with authenticity in our private spaces before it can genuinely impact the public sphere. When we prioritize our family's spiritual development, we create a foundation that naturally extends beyond our walls. This isn't about perfection; it's about creating an environment where faith can flourish naturally and genuinely.
Bible Verse
"You are the light of the world. A town built 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16
Reflection Question
How does your spiritual life at home align with what others see on the outside, and what changes might help bring these into better harmony?
Quote: You cannot go out and be like, hey, guess what? Here I am. I'm gonna be the light to the world. Look at me, I'm doing all the things that I'm supposed to do. If you're not doing it in your house, if you're not doing it in your own household, you can't go out and do it in the rest of the world.
Prayer
Father, help us to be authentic in our faith, starting within our own homes. Show us how to cultivate a genuine spiritual life that naturally flows outward to others. May our homes truly be lights that cannot be hidden. Amen.

Day 3: Building on the Rock

Devotional
In a world that pulls us in countless directions, building a strong spiritual foundation requires intentional choices. Sometimes this means saying 'no' to good things to say 'yes' to the best things. It's about creating space in our busy lives for what truly matters - our relationship with God and nurturing our family's faith. This foundation isn't built overnight; it's constructed through daily decisions and consistent practices. Like a house built on rock, a family built on spiritual principles can withstand life's storms.
Bible Verse
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." - Matthew 7:24-25
Reflection Question
What activities or commitments might you need to reevaluate to create more space for spiritual growth in your household?
Quote: Your kids don't need to play every sport. Let them play one and get good at it. They don't need to play 15, play 1. They can be really good at one sport.
Prayer
God, grant us wisdom to prioritize what truly matters. Help us build our family's foundation on Your truth, even when it means making difficult choices. Give us courage to say 'no' to things that distract from our spiritual growth. Amen.

Day 4: Stepping into Leadership

Devotional
God often calls us to step into leadership roles we don't feel ready for, especially in our homes. Like Joshua, who had to lead after Moses' death, we might feel inadequate or unprepared. But God doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called. Leadership in our homes doesn't require having all the answers; it requires a willingness to follow God's guidance and take action. Whether you're a parent, spouse, or family member, God has given you influence in your household, and He's ready to help you use it wisely.
Bible Verse
"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.'" - Joshua 1:1-3
Reflection Question
In what ways is God calling you to step up as a spiritual leader in your home, and what fears might be holding you back?
Quote: Joshua wasn't the leader until he was. You're not the leader until you are.
Prayer
Lord, give us courage to step into the leadership roles You've called us to, especially within our homes. Help us trust Your guidance and provision as we lead our families closer to You. Amen.

Day 5: Moving Forward in Faith

Devotional
The journey of faith requires movement. Just as the Israelites couldn't stay at the edge of the Promised Land forever, we can't remain in our comfortable spiritual routines. God calls us to step out in faith, to move forward into the promises He has for our families. This movement might feel uncomfortable or even risky, but staying in place is no longer an option. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress toward the vibrant faith life God desires for our households. Remember, God's promises aren't just distant hopes - they're meant to be lived out in our daily family life.
Bible Verse
"Now Rahab had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, 'Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from.'" - Joshua 2:4
Reflection Question
What promise from God are you hesitating to step into with your family, and what's the first step you could take toward embracing it?
Quote: Staying safe at home is no longer an option. You have to make a decision to move forward.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to move forward in faith. Help us trust Your promises and take action, even when we're uncertain. Guide our families as we step out of our comfort zones and into Your calling. Amen.