God's presence in your home

God's presence in your home. Part 1. By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

There is a popular song that says, “When Jesus is in a family; happy, happy home…” This is true.  A godly atmosphere is the one that is filled with the presence of God. This atmosphere involves upholding the fear of God in the family and practically obeying His commandments concerning family responsibilities for the man, woman and children.  Therefore, let the man obey God’s commandment by carrying out his covenant responsibility of loving his wife (Ephesians 5:25).   When unconditional love in words and actions is showered on the wife, it will automatically flow to the children and a godly atmosphere that keeps joy flowing continuously in the family, is retained.

Let the woman on her own part, also obey God’s commandment of submitting totally to her husband as the head of the family as commanded in Ephesians 5:22, with no reservations. Her submission will let love flow from her husband and allow the presence of God in the family to remain, since she is obeying God’s commandment.  This way, there will be joy in that family.  Let the children be brought up in the same atmosphere of the presence of God and honouring their parents in accordance with the Word of God too and joy will be further promoted in the family.

The right atmosphere for joy to dwell in your home is a godly atmosphere.  The Word of God says:  You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for ever more (Psalms 16:11).

When we talk about the home, as husband, wife and children, you have a great part to play in determining the spiritual atmosphere of the home.  You can determine to make your home a conducive place for the Holy Spirit to dwell in or not. You need to keep your home for Jesus and out of the reach of the devil.

Keeping the home involves doing it physically and spiritually.  Spiritually, you keep your home by prayers, the Word of God, fasting and watching.  Physically, you keep it clean and tidy.  The cleanliness in some homes commands attention, while in some others, you wonder whether cleanliness means anything to them.

No matter how small or big the place you are living is, keep it clean, to the glory of God.  Some women appear neat outside, but leave their homes in a mess with everything there “rioting”. This is hypocrisy.  Cleanliness is part of spirituality.  Woman, be clean inside and outside!

The woman, as a home keeper, prepares food for her household.  The Word of God says:   She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens (Proverbs 31:15). Members of her household are all adequately taken care of.  It all depends therefore, on how efficient she is in performing this duty.

Keeping the home requires diligence, spiritually and physically.  It is energy and time-consuming, but the result speaks for itself.  A lazy woman cannot keep a home.  But God will always supply the required strength.