Family – Dobra Family Ministry

Household Prayer: Graduating Class of 2026

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Classical Conversations homeschool community at Bethany class of 2026 Graduation

1 Your Commencement

Welcome friends and family and welcome Classical Conversations class of 2026…

This is your commencement.

The year of our Lord 2,026 is the 250th anniversary of America.

In 1776 what we know as the United States of America 🇺🇸 was born with the Declaration of Independence.

But where did such an idea come from?

Preceding the events of 1776 were the reformation and the great awakening.

The reformation put God’s word into the hands of every thirsty soul.

The church leadership had forgotten that no man had the authority to be gatekeepers of God’s word.

Paul says in 1st Timothy “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5)

And in 2nd Timothy “the word of God has not been chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9 LSB)

Many reformers were martyred for printing bibles in the common man’s language.

As access to God’s word was opened, Spiritual awakenings and liberation broke out across Europe and drove the Pilgrims with God’s word to the new world.

The First Great Awakening started in New Jersey in the early 1700s… and in 1740 George Whitfield preached 175 sermons to tens of thousands of people during a 45 day itinerant preaching tour.

It was out of this spiritually fertile ground that the founders began to answer the questions such as
“In what sense are “all men . . . created equal”?
“What is human liberty?”
“What is prosperity, and how is wealth created?”

In 1776 these questions were addressed and became the theological foundation of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

A little side note, Site and Sound films made a movie called A GREAT AWAKENING that tells the true story of the friendship between George Whitfield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. It’s still in theaters and I highly recommend it. https://www.agreatawakening.com

And, Isn’t it interesting how church history and the birth of our nation intertwine?

Why is this history lesson important to you six graduates on your commencement?

History, or His story, helps us understand our identity and our purpose and how our thoughts and actions can shape the future.

2 Your Identity

As you commence on this next season of the pilgrimage of life, remember your eternal identity.

God tells us in Ephesians 2 that He, God, “… being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ …”

God makes you eternally alive with Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:4-10)

You are God’s creation, His tapestry.

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

And that is Good news!

And Because of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection we can know that sin and death have no hold over us.

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”(1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Or, as you’ve heard in CC, To know God and make Him known.

3 Your Purpose

As you commence this season, knowing you have a purposeful identity, you should be seeking your specific calling or mission.

Your purpose is simple but not easy.

In simple terms we have a mandate as God’s image bearers to take dominion, and a commission to make disciples of all nations (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20).

Simple but not easy.

So whatever course you take, keep in mind your mandate and commission and “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23)

4 Your Charge

There are dangers to be aware of on your journey.

The word muse comes from the latin musus, which is thinking, to think deeply. “… to think about something carefully and thoroughly”

To amuse, the root of amusement, is the opposite, it is unthinking. “to divert the attention… [and in some cases] to deceive”

Once you commence there will be many unthinking distractions to amuse you away from your purpose.

Be full of joy and full of fellowship, but resist the temptation to be amused into complacency.

A pastor I know, recently said:
“Passion starts things.
“Faithfulness sustains them.
“The Kingdom isn’t built by people who start strong.
“It’s built by people who endure when it gets hard.
“Don’t quit in the season God is using to shape you.”
So I want to encourage you to persevere. (Romans 5:3-4)

And By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20)

Do what builds up and produces, not what tears down and consumes.

Find ways to produce, contribute, and serve your household, church, and community.

If you know God’s word, you know His will for you; to love God and love your neighbor.

Remember the reformers, the pilgrims, and the founders and how by faith, in everyday faithful living, the word of God and His salvation went forth.

In all you do proclaim the excellencies of God. Share His truth and the good news of His salvation to all creation in word and deed through everything you do (1 Peter 2:9; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15).

5 benediction

And “Now may the God of peace…
equip you in every good thing to do His will through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”(Hebrews 13:20-21)

Household Prayer: Graduation and Commencement 2024 https://ministry.family.blog/2024/05/12/household-prayer-graduation-and-commencement/

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: Psalm 78 and Saint Patrick

“Listen to the word of the Lord, you sons of Israel, Because the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, For there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, Nor knowledge of God in the land… My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:1-6

Brothers, meditating on Psalm 78. God says ““Listen, my people, to my instruction…” and to Fathers, “We will not conceal them from their children, But we will tell the generation to come … Which He commanded our fathers That they were to teach them to their children, So that the generation to come would know, the children yet to be born, That they would arise and tell them to their children, So that they would put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But comply with His commandments.” (Psalm 78:1-7) Wow! We need to be scholars of God’s word and teach our wives and children and communities God’s revealed word.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

A convicting Saint Patrick song. https://youtu.be/VOa-8_r2HSo?si=jevEirhbm1WE_4R

Household Prayer: Saint Patrick’s example – proclaim the excellencies of God https://ministry.family.blog/2024/03/15/household-prayer-saint-patricks-example-proclaim-the-excellencies-of-god/

Scripture to meditate on

“Listen to the word of the Lord, you sons of Israel, Because the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, For there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty, Nor knowledge of God in the land… My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:1-6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/hos.4.6.NASB2020

“Listen, my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will tell riddles of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But we will tell the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His power and His wondrous works that He has done. ¶For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they were to teach them to their children, So that the generation to come would know, the children yet to be born, That they would arise and tell them to their children, So that they would put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But comply with His commandments,” Psalm 78:1-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.78.1-7.NASB2020

“When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mrk.6.34.NASB2020

“Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”” Genesis 1:26-28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.1.26-28.NASB2020

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate [work or produce] it and tend [keep or protect] it.” Genesis 2:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.2.15.NASB2020

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.18-20.NASB2020

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.2.10.NASB2020

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach wrongdoers Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:12-13 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.51.12-13.NASB2020

Household Prayer: courage in the face of wickedness

“There certainly is a reward for the righteous; There certainly is a God who judges on the earth!”” Psalm 58:6, 10-11 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.58.6.NASB2020

Brothers, was meditating on the increasing public shows of Islamic conquest in America. Most recently traffic blocked in NY for Muslim prayer and reciting Surah Muhammad 47:4 “So, when you meet (in fight) those who disbelieve, strike at their necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (and take them as captives)…” How do we lead our families in these days?

My meditation this morning was this 1) praying to God for protection from the wicked that would do us harm, prayed Psalm 58, “God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, Lord…”

2) praying we would be bold to tell that and they would hear that they are destined for hell and turn to Jesus for salvation, prayed over Acts 3-4, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away… that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,… whom God raised from the dead… there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

3) knowing the growing threat of violence praying we prepare and train, Nehemiah 4, “But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night…”

4) prayed that we not have a spirit of fear but of courage, “‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God…’” Isaiah 41:10. I pray we walk in this faith and encourage and disciple age appropriately.

“But, despite all these apparent strengths, the foundations for [Christian] Byzantine security had over time shown evidence of innumerable hidden weaknesses. Most significantly, the long-lived stability of the imperial order had encouraged a lax estimation of the importance of military preparedness. When the first few ragged Islamic armies began to venture out of the Arabian desert, their shrewd commanders quickly saw and exploited those weaknesses.” The Last Crusader: The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus by George Grant https://a.co/6rpxm4P

“Take Jesus’s talk of swords. He tells his disciples that “he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” They respond, “Lord, behold, here are two swords,” to which Christ concludes, “It is enough” (Luke 22: 36, 38 KJV). Whereas most modern-day Christians allegorize this verse into meaninglessness, for most premodern and especially medieval Christians, its meaning was clear: Christians are to fight two sorts of evils with two sorts of swords—a spiritual sword against spiritual enemies, and a physical sword against physical enemies. Taken together, these two swords were, and are, “enough.”” The Two Swords of Christ: Five Centuries of War between Islam and the Warrior Monks of Christendom by Raymond Ibrahim https://a.co/0hijsvZt

“¶God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, Lord… The righteous will rejoice when he sees vengeance; He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. And people will say, “There certainly is a reward for the righteous; There certainly is a God who judges on the earth!”” Psalm 58:6, 10-11 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.58.6.NASB2020

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you,” Acts 3:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.3.19-20.NASB2020

“let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead… there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:10, 12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.4.10.NASB2020

“But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night… then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears, and bows. When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”” Nehemiah 4:9, 13-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/neh.4.9.NASB2020

“‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.41.10.NASB2020

Household Prayer: church riots, law, justice, and salvation

“… through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.3.19-20.NASB2020

Brothers, quick thought this week after the church riot stunt last Sunday and the continued increase in violent rhetoric and actions by the leftist red/green axis (marxist/islamist/anarchists), reflecting on the “three uses of the law” theological concept. A framework “recovered and clarified by the Protestant Reformers.” I’m praising God that the civil magistrate rightly applied the second or civil use of the law, restraining evil (Rom. 13:4). I’m praying that the first use of the law, exposing human sinfulness, will cause a guilt in the criminals that leads to repentance and belief in Jesus unto their salvation (Rom. 3:20).

“The Law for the Lawless: How to Restore Order in the Home, the Church, and the Nation” by David Mitzenmacher https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-for-the-lawless/

I did my required 3 hour conceal carry renewal class Monday night. I pray we include self defense and security training in our household plans. (Gen. 14:14, Neh. 4, Ps. 144:1-2, 1 Cor. 16:13-14, 1 Tim. 5:8)

Why, if we are “just” waiting on God, would Abram’s household train? Because God calls us to step onto the battle field in faith and engage in the battle in faith while we wait for Him!

Are we training or have we fallen into the moral vanity of this age? “Many don’t feel a responsibility to be prepared to protect their spouses and children when that primal task can be outsourced…A moral vanity has trumped the obligation to protect their lives and the lives of those they love…” In the Blood: A Thriller (Terminal List Book 5) by Jack Carr https://a.co/bgOdVwy

“for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.3.19-20.NASB2020

“And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was counted with wrongdoers’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”” Luke 22:36-38 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.22.36-38.NASB2020

THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE note: Luke “22:36 But now. When Christ sent them out before, He had sovereignly arranged for their needs to be met. Henceforth they were to use normal means to provide for their own support and protection. The money bag, knapsack, and sword were figurative expressions for such means (the sword being emblematic of protection [defensively], not aggression).”

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.5.8.NASB2020

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1co.16.13-14.NASB2020

Trust in God, Duty is ours, Results are His

Household Prayer: capable to defend our families https://ministry.family.blog/2024/08/15/household-prayer-capable-to-defend-our-families/

Household Prayer: And blessed be God Most High https://ministry.family.blog/2025/01/17/household-prayer-and-blessed-be-god-most-high/

Household Prayer: shine before people

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on Matt. 5:14-16; Acts 13:47; Eph. 5:8; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9 and considering how simple, life long acts of holiness (being set apart for God) and obedience can shine the light of the gospel and give us opportunity to do our part for the creation mandate and great commission (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20). Recently a local civil magistrate reached out to Jessica as the representative of 7 Classical Conversations homeschool communities and has presented her and the students of those communities an opportunity to influence, ie. disciple, some future civil magistrates. I don’t want to over state it, details are yet to come, but praise God that…

Setting ourselves apart for Christ (the definition of holiness) in obedience to Christ in the education of our children as a means “to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ” as “a particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations and take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ” … is shining a light that could make an impact. Praise and glory to God Most High! My prayer is that we continue to walk by faith.

“Christian education and Community in the church are the means to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ. A particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations, take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Household Prayer: Why education and community – Dobra Family Ministry

“The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!” Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples – Dobra Family Ministry

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed You as a light to the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ”” Acts 13:47 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.13.47.NASB2020

“for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.5.8.NASB2020

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:12-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.12-14.NASB2020

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1pe.2.9.NASB2020

Household Prayer: spiritual discipline inventory

“… discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.4.7-8.NASB2020

Brothers, I read a post about spiritual disciplines. Instead of making resolutions I pray we take inventory of our spiritual disciplines and set a strategy and tactics to center our lives on Christ by ordering our days and weeks with spiritual disciplines: worship, prayer, fasting, sabbath rest, and scripture reading, meditation, and study. I pray our spiritual disciplines will be the model and set the rhythm of our households to be centered on Christ.

“A life ordered by spiritual discipline is not a cramped life. It’s a free one… Spiritual discipline is freedom… In Genesis, [God] doesn’t leave the world a formless mess… disordered days slowly produce disordered souls. But when prayer, Scripture, worship, and rest are built into a man’s week, things start to settle… When your life is structured around [Christ], you stop fighting the grain of the universe. And that’s where freedom actually is.” Pastor Michael Foster https://x.com/thisisfoster/status/2009625345536803178?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“… discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.4.7-8.NASB2020

Worship – start your week on Sunday with Worship

“¶Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courtyards. Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples fairly.”” Psalm 96:7-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.96.7-10.NASB2020

“But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”” John 4:23-24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/jhn.4.23-24.NASB2020

Prayer What is prayer? How do I pray? – Dobra Family Ministry

“But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.6.6.NASB2020

“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.6.18.NASB2020

Fasting

““Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.6.16-18.NASB2020

“Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the sons of Israel assembled with fasting, in sackcloth and with dirt upon them.” Nehemiah 9:1 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/neh.9.1.NASB2020

“In each and every province where the command and decree of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and mourning rites; and many had sackcloth and ashes spread out as a bed.” Esther 4:3 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/est.4.3.NASB2020

Sabbath – end your week with rest

““Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/exo.20.8.NASB2020

“For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death.” Exodus 31:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/exo.31.15.NASB2020

“Consequently, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:9-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/heb.4.9-10.NASB2020

Scripture Household Prayer: Students of Scripture Build your House – Dobra Family Ministry

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/pro.2.6.NASB2020

Note: Prov. “2:6 His mouth. The words of His mouth are contained in Scripture. It is there that God speaks (cf. Heb 1:1, 2; 2Pe 1:20, 21). Wisdom comes only by revelation.”

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world.” Hebrews 1:1-2 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/heb.1.1-2.NASB2020

“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/2pe.1.20-21.NASB2020

“¶I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; I will certainly remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work, And on Your deeds with thanksgiving.” Psalm 77:11-12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.77.11-12.NASB2020

Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.9.6-7.NASB2020

Brothers, still meditating on Christmas advent and thinking about the past year, and what a year it was! Last year started with a homeschool bill that would have placed the state in authority over children in place of their parents. All glory to God! The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!

Save the date: ICHE Cherry Pie Day 2026 – March 11th

Take dominion. Make disciples. By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

Rule yourself well, rule your household well, and bring God’s truth and grace into every sphere of life that you enter into until every nation proclaims “Jesus is Lord!” – Amen

“There is an obvious way to take dominion of the earth, then, and it is simply through obeying God… One simple act of obedience, which Knox fulfilled, is marriage and child-rearing… Those who are committed to raising and nurturing godly families are doing some of the greatest kingdom work imaginable… When you raise godly children, they eventually raise godly children of their own, who raise godly children of their own, and on it goes… God commands us to take dominion of the earth by ruling over it for His glory. He reveals that the best way to take dominion is through the fulfillment of the Great Commission… As we do this, entire nations will eventually be Christianized for Christ… You need to study the Scriptures to learn doctrines. Then, by applying the doctrines, we take dominion. The movement is always from doctrine to dominion.” Resist Tyrants, Obey God: lessons learned from the life and times of John Knox https://press.founders.org/shop/resist-tyrants-obey-god/

Government “was instituted by God Himself. We are not free to do government however we like. We’re bound to do it the way God designed it to be done… It is the duty of all of God’s image-bearers to labor for the wellbeing of others. [Matt. 7:12]… we should seek for every layer of our country to become as Christian as possible… If that’s the duty of all individuals, how much more so for government leaders? They are the ones God has specifically instituted to promote the public good… They’d be like the wicked servant who buried his master’s talents and made no attempt to return a profit. Instead, government officials must seek to increase the prevalence of Christianity in their country, laboring to return a profit. That’s what it means to promote the public good… ‘Kings shall be thy nursing fathers’ [Isaiah] (49:23)… the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the church and promote the glory of God.” King of Kings: a reformed guide to Christian government by James Baird https://press.founders.org/shop/king-of-kings/

Our families, wives and children, involved in our faith and ministry.

“When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.” Acts 21:5 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.21.5.NASB2020

Household Prayer: investing in Gospel dominion

“For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/2th.3.10.NASB2020

Brothers meditating on several passages based on some comments from the FLF conference. First, “Do not outsource or subcontract the discipline and instruction of your children in the Lord.” by Larry Taunton. A paraphrase, “Education is a product that costs money to develop and distribute. If you want a quality education product delivered in a loving community, then it will have a cost.” And “Money is bullets to be aimed at the enemy in the fight.”

In a time of entitlement, when many want or feel they deserve everything provided for free and often from the government (like ‘school choice’ handouts), I’m meditating on Gen. 3:19, 2 Thess. 3:10, and 1 Tim. 5:8 and praying we heads of households depend on God’s provision and work hard to provide all the tools, resources, and means for our wives and ministry of our children’s education. I pray we not fall into the traps of entitlement and demand a handout “like the nations” (1 Sam. 8:10-20). And whatever our lot, I pray we give all glory and thanks to God the provider of all good gifts! (Psalm 103) May God establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

Rule yourself well, rule your household well, and bring God’s truth and grace into every sphere of life that you enter into until every nation proclaims “Jesus is Lord!” – Amen

Take Dominion

“There is an obvious way to take dominion of the earth, then, and it is simply through obeying God… One simple act of obedience, which Knox fulfilled, is marriage and child-rearing… Those who are committed to raising and nurturing godly families are doing some of the greatest kingdom work imaginable… When you raise godly children, they eventually raise godly children of their own, who raise godly children of their own, and on it goes… God commands us to take dominion of the earth by ruling over it for His glory. He reveals that the best way to take dominion is through the fulfillment of the Great Commission… As we do this, entire nations will eventually be Christianized for Christ… You need to study the Scriptures to learn doctrines. Then, by applying the doctrines, we take dominion. The movement is always from doctrine to dominion.” Resist Tyrants, Obey God: lessons learned from the life and times of John Knox https://press.founders.org/shop/resist-tyrants-obey-god/

“Paul fundamentally admonishes parents—specifically fathers—to raise their own children… The job of raising children does not belong directly to the school, society, church or the youth group. It belongs to parents. According to the Apostle Paul, it doesn’t take a village to raise a child. It takes a dad.” Discipline In The Home https://founders.org/articles/discipline-in-the-home/

“Parenting has consequences. Every word, every habit, every moment — it all shapes the soul of your child.” https://youtu.be/vIThYlPNKws?si=lq0yLNawd96AMDSH

“By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”” Genesis 3:19 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.3.19.NASB2020

“Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits… Bless the Lord, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, my soul!” Psalm 103:1-2, 22 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.103.1-22.NASB2020

“May the kindness of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.90.17.NASB2020

“And he said, “This will be the practice of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and put them in his chariots for himself and among his horsemen… He will also take your daughters and use them as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. And he will take a tenth of your seed and your vineyards and give it to his high officials and his servants. He will also take your male servants and your female servants, and your best young men, and your donkeys, and use them for his work. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants. Then you will cry out on that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you on that day.” Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”” 1 Samuel 8:10-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1sa.8.10-20.NASB2020

Household Prayer: labor in faith as a husband and father

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me…” Philippians 1:21-24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/php.1.21-24.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on morning reading Philippians 1:21-24 and Thursday’s Advent reading Matt. 1:20 led me to this prayer… when it is my time, take me Lord, but if it is Your will that I live another day, may I labor to bear fruit, and as a husband and father to provide, protect, proclaim, instruct, and disciple to the glory of God forevermore – Amen!

Get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.” Philippians 1:21-24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/php.1.21-24.NASB2020

“But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.1.20.NASB2020

“God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”” Genesis 1:28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.1.28.NASB2020

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it.” Genesis 2:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.2.15.NASB2020

Household Prayer: offer sacrifices of thanksgiving

“1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His mercy is everlasting. The redeemed of the Lord shall say so… 21 They shall give thanks to the Lord for His mercy, And for His wonders to the sons of mankind! 22 They shall also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.” Psalm 107:1-43 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.107.1-43.NASB2020

Brothers, I led the family through Psalm 107 as a Thanksgiving devotional. No matter our state, wandering (107:4), rebellion (107:11,17), fear and dread (107:26), dwelling in lands of wickedness and oppression (107:33-40), when we cry out to Him he is listening and ready to deliver us, which our response should always be to give thanks to the Lord! Verse 22 is particularly interesting, our thanksgiving is a sacrifice to the Lord. Thankful for all of you. Thankful for our families and homeschool labor. Thank you Jesus! – Amen

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His mercy is everlasting… Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them from their distresses. He also had them walk on a straight way, To go to an inhabited city. They shall give thanks to the Lord for His mercy, And for His wonders to the sons of mankind! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And He has filled the hungry soul with what is good…” Psalm 107:1-43 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.107.1-43.NASB2020

Household Prayer: thanksgiving for undeserved grace https://ministry.family.blog/2023/11/21/household-prayer-thanksgiving-for-undeserved-grace/

Household Prayer: Thanksgiving 2022 https://ministry.family.blog/2022/11/21/household-prayer-thanksgiving-2022/

Household Prayer: Thanksgiving https://ministry.family.blog/2021/11/18/household-prayer-thanksgiving/