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  • The 5 Simple Steps to Activate Your Prophetic Gift (Even If You’ve Never Prophesied Before)

    The 5 Simple Steps to Activate Your Prophetic Gift (Even If You’ve Never Prophesied Before)

    What if I told you that the prophetic gift lying dormant inside you could be activated in the next 30 minutes? That the same Holy Spirit who spoke through Elijah, Elisha, and the apostles is ready to flow through you today – not someday when you’re “more spiritual,” but right now, exactly as you are?

    Here’s what most believers don’t realize: You’re not waiting for God to give you a prophetic gift. You’re waiting to activate what He’s already placed within you. And in this post, I’m going to walk you through the exact 5-step activation process that has helped thousands of believers worldwide step into their prophetic calling – including people who thought they could “never do that.”

    By the end of this article, you’ll understand why you’ve been hearing God’s voice all along (you just didn’t recognize it), discover the simple activation exercises that unlock prophetic flow, and have a clear roadmap to begin operating in prophecy today. Plus, I’ll share the most common mistakes that keep people stuck in prophetic dormancy and how to avoid them completely.

    Step 1: Understand What Prophetic Activation Actually Is

    Before you can activate something, you need to understand what you’re activating. Prophetic activation isn’t about becoming someone you’re not – it’s about awakening what’s already within you.

    The Hebrew word “naba” means “to speak or sing by inspiration” and carries the sense of bubbling or springing up, flowing, pouring out, gushing forth. Think of it like a natural spring that’s been covered by debris. The water is there, the pressure is building, but it needs the obstacles removed to flow freely.

    According to 2 Timothy 1:6, we’re called to “stir up the gracious gift of God” that’s within us. The word “stir up” literally means to rekindle the embers, fan the flame, and keep burning. Your prophetic gift isn’t dead – it’s just waiting to be stirred into flame.

    Key Insight: Prophetic activation uses spiritual exercises – words, actions, Scripture verses, worship, and prayer – to trigger the prophetic gifts and help believers flow freely in releasing God’s word. It’s like spiritual physical therapy for dormant gifts

    Step 2: Recognize the Two Types of Prophetic Inspiration

    Understanding how God speaks prophetically will help you recognize when He’s already speaking to you. There are two primary ways prophetic inspiration comes:

    Nataph – Rain from Above

    This is when inspiration falls on you like rain. You might be in worship and suddenly have a word for someone, or wake up with a dream that’s clearly from God. It feels like something external landing on you.

    Naba – Bubbling from Within

    This is when inspiration bubbles up from inside you. You’re talking to someone and words come out that surprise even you. You find yourself saying things that are more profound than your normal conversation. It feels like a spring of living water flowing from your belly.

    Here’s the breakthrough: Both types come from the same Holy Spirit and produce the same result – inspired utterance that carries tremendous power and authority. You don’t need to wait for the dramatic “rain from heaven” experience. God may be speaking through the gentle bubbling within you right now.

    Many believers miss their prophetic moments because they’re waiting for the Hollywood version when God is speaking through the gentle internal flow. Research from the International House of Prayer shows that 80% of prophetic words come through the “bubbling up” method rather than dramatic external encounters..

    Step 3: Break Through the Four Barriers That Block Prophetic Flow

    Most people aren’t lacking prophetic gifting – they’re blocked by barriers that prevent the gift from flowing. Here are the four most common obstacles and how to remove them:

    Barrier 1: Fear of Being Wrong

    The Lie: “What if I miss it and embarrass myself?”
    The Truth: Every prophet in training makes mistakes. Even seasoned prophets don’t operate at 100% accuracy.
    The Solution: Start in safe environments with trusted friends who will encourage your growth.

    Barrier 2: Doubt About Your Worthiness

    The Lie: “I’m not holy enough to hear from God.”
    The Truth: God spoke through Balaam’s donkey. He can speak through you.
    The Solution: Remember that prophetic gifting is based on God’s grace, not your perfection.

    Barrier 3: Timidity and Introversion

    The Lie: “I’m too shy to prophesy over people.”
    The Truth: Many of the most powerful prophets were introverts who learned to step out in faith.
    The Solution: Begin with written prophecies or prophesying in small, intimate settings.

    Barrier 4: Ignorance About How It Works

    The Lie: “I don’t know enough about prophecy to start.”
    The Truth: You learn by doing, not by studying theory endlessly.
    The Solution: Begin with simple activation exercises that build confidence through experience.

    Step 4: Practice the 5-Minute Prophetic Activation Exercise

    Here’s a simple activation exercise you can do right now to begin stirring up your prophetic gift:

    The “Holy Spirit, What Do You Want to Say?” Activation

    1. Prepare Your Heart (1 minute)
      • Find a quiet space and take three deep breaths
      • Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and speak through you
      • Release any fear or pressure to perform
    2. Ask the Question (30 seconds)
      • Think of someone you know who needs encouragement
      • Ask: “Holy Spirit, what do You want to say to [person’s name]?”
      • Don’t strain or try to manufacture something
    3. Receive the Impression (2 minutes)
      • Pay attention to the first thing that comes to mind
      • It might be a word, picture, Scripture, or feeling
      • Don’t judge it – just receive it
    4. Speak or Write It Out (1 minute)
      • Begin with: “I sense the Lord saying…”
      • Share what you received, even if it seems simple
      • Trust that God will use it
    5. Step Out in Faith (30 seconds)
      • Share it with the person (if appropriate)
      • Or write it down for future reference
      • Thank God for speaking through
      • Step 5: Develop Your Prophetic Administration Style
      • Not every prophet operates the same way. Understanding your prophetic administration will help you flow in your unique gifting:
      • The Nabi (Bubbling Brook) Prophet
      • Hears more than sees
      • Flows in inspired utterance
      • Often prophesies through conversation
      • Activation Focus: Practice listening prayer and spontaneous speaking
      • The Roeh (Seer) Prophet
      • Receives through dreams and visions
      • Sees pictures and symbols
      • Often has supernatural encounters
      • Activation Focus: Dream journaling and vision interpretation
      • The Pastoral Prophet
      • Combines prophecy with pastoral care
      • Focuses on encouragement and edification
      • Flows in healing and comfort
      • Activation Focus: Prophetic counseling and ministry prayer
      • The Warfare Prophet
      • Discerns spiritual battles
      • Calls out sin and deception
      • Operates in deliverance ministry
      • Activation Focus: Intercession and spiritual warfare prayer

    Key Point: Don’t try to be every type of prophet. Discover your unique administration and develop it with excellence.

    Conclusion: Your Prophetic Journey Starts Now

    Prophetic activation isn’t about becoming someone you’re not – it’s about awakening who you’ve always been in God’s eyes. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the biblical prophets lives within you, and He’s ready to flow through your unique personality, experiences, and calling.

    Remember: You don’t need to wait until you’re “more spiritual” or “more mature.” God uses ordinary people to speak extraordinary words. Your prophetic gift doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. It just needs to be activated.

    The prophetic streams within your belly are ready to come out of dormancy and move to the front lines of what God is doing in the earth today. The question isn’t whether you have a prophetic gift – it’s whether you’ll stir it up and let it flow.

    What’s one step you’ll take this week to activate your prophetic gift? Share in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your prophetic journey and celebrate your breakthrough with you!

  • How to Stop Fighting About Money and Build Biblical Wealth Together (Even If You’re Opposites)

    How to Stop Fighting About Money and Build Biblical Wealth Together (Even If You’re Opposites)

    Are you tired of money being the source of constant tension in your marriage? What if I told you there’s a biblical framework that can transform your financial relationship from conflict to cooperation – even if one of you is a spender and the other is a saver?

    Most Christian couples fight about money because they’ve never established biblical order in their finances. They’re trying to manage money as equals instead of understanding God’s design for financial leadership and partnership in marriage.

    In this post, I’ll share the proven biblical principles that Elizabeth Elliot learned from her parents’ marriage during the Great Depression. You’ll discover why most Christian couples struggle financially, the specific steps to establish biblical financial order, and exactly how to build wealth together while honoring God’s design for marriage.

    Why Most Christian Couples Fight About Money

    Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Money fights aren’t really about money. They’re about authority, trust, and competing visions for the future.

    Most Christian couples approach finances like business partners instead of like a biblical marriage. They split expenses 50/50, maintain separate accounts, and make independent financial decisions. Then they wonder why they feel more like roommates than partners.

    The problem isn’t your income level – it’s the lack of biblical order in your financial life.

    When there’s no clear financial leadership, every money decision becomes a negotiation. When there’s no shared vision, every purchase becomes a potential conflict. When there’s no biblical framework, money becomes an idol instead of a tool.

    But what if you understood God’s design for financial partnership in marriage?

    The Biblical Foundation for Financial Order

    1 Timothy 5:8 declares: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

    This isn’t about women being incapable – it’s about God’s design for responsibility and leadership in marriage.

    Proverbs 31:10-31 shows us the virtuous wife who manages household finances, makes investments, and contributes to family wealth – all while honoring her husband’s leadership.

    Elizabeth Elliot’s parents understood this during the Great Depression. Her father led financially, but her mother managed brilliantly. They were partners, not competitors.

    Ephesians 5:22-25 provides the framework: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.”

    This applies to finances too. Husbands lead with sacrificial love. Wives support with intelligent partnership.

    The 5 Biblical Principles for Financial Harmony

    1. Establish Clear Financial Leadership

    Biblical financial order starts with understanding roles, not splitting everything equally.

    The husband’s role: Final decision-maker and primary provider
     The wife’s role: Wise counselor and capable manager
     Both roles: Essential for financial success

    Elizabeth Elliot said about her marriage to Lars: “It’s a great relief to me… to have a husband at whose desk the buck stops. The final decision is Lars’s. If he’s mistaken, that’s not my problem – that’s his problem with God.”

    How to implement this:

    • Husband takes responsibility for overall financial direction
    • Wife provides input, wisdom, and often handles day-to-day management
    • Major decisions are discussed, but husband has final authority
    • Both understand this is God’s design, not a reflection of capability

    2. Create a Unified Financial Vision

    You can’t build wealth together if you’re heading in different directions.

    During the Depression, the Elliot family had clear priorities: God first (tithing), others second (helping the needy), family needs third. Everyone understood the vision.

    How to create your vision:

    • Pray together about God’s calling for your family
    • Discuss long-term goals (5, 10, 20 years out)
    • Agree on priorities (giving, saving, spending order)
    • Write it down and review regularly
    • Make sure both spouses can articulate the vision

    3. Practice Radical Generosity Together

    The Elliot family tithed faithfully during the Great Depression and gave extra to unemployed men who came to their door. They understood that generosity opens the windows of heaven.

    Malachi 3:10 promises: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

    How to implement this:

    • Tithe on gross income, not net
    • Give offerings beyond the tithe
    • Look for opportunities to bless others
    • Teach children to give from their first dollar
    • Trust God’s promise to provide for generous givers

    4. Eliminate Financial Secrets

    Elizabeth Elliot’s parents had complete financial transparency. No hidden purchases, no secret accounts, no financial surprises.

    Proverbs 27:14 warns about the consequences of deception, even in small things.

    How to create transparency:

    • Share all account information with each other
    • Discuss purchases over an agreed-upon amount before buying
    • Review finances together monthly
    • No “fun money” that doesn’t get discussed
    • Address financial mistakes honestly and quickly

    5. Live Below Your Means Consistently

    The Elliot family lived simply during the Depression, but Elizabeth never felt deprived because her parents were content and grateful.

    Philippians 4:11-12 teaches: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.”

    How to live below your means:

    • Create and stick to a written budget
    • Distinguish between wants and needs
    • Delay gratification for larger goals
    • Find joy in simple pleasures
    • Avoid debt except for appreciating assets

    What This Looks Like in Real Life

    When Making Major Purchases

    Wrong approach: “I want this car. Do you think we can afford it?”
     Biblical approach: “How does this purchase fit our agreed-upon financial vision? What does the budget say?”

    When Disagreeing About Spending

    Wrong approach: “You always spend money on stupid things!”
     Biblical approach: “Help me understand how this fits our priorities. Can we pray about this decision?”

    When One Spouse Makes a Financial Mistake

    Wrong approach: “I can’t trust you with money anymore!”
     Biblical approach: “We all make mistakes. How can we prevent this in the future and move forward together?”

    When Income Changes

    Wrong approach: Panic and blame
     Biblical approach: “God is still in control. How do we adjust our plan to honor Him in this new situation?”

    Common Financial Mistakes That Destroy Marriages

    Mistake #1: Financial Equality Instead of Biblical Order

    Splitting everything 50/50 might seem fair, but it prevents the unity God designed for marriage.

    Mistake #2: Separate Financial Lives

    “Your money, my money” creates division instead of partnership.

    Mistake #3: No Written Budget

    “We know where our money goes” usually means you have no idea where your money goes.

    Mistake #4: Debt as a Lifestyle

    Using credit for wants instead of needs creates financial bondage.

    Mistake #5: No Emergency Fund

    Living paycheck to paycheck creates stress and prevents generosity.

    Mistake #6: Competing Instead of Cooperating

    Trying to “win” financial arguments instead of finding solutions together.

    The Biblical Budget Framework

    Income Allocation (Recommended Percentages)

    • Giving: 10-15% (tithe plus offerings)
    • Saving: 10-20% (emergency fund, retirement, goals)
    • Housing: 25-30% (mortgage/rent, utilities, maintenance)
    • Transportation: 10-15% (car payments, gas, insurance, maintenance)
    • Food: 10-15% (groceries and reasonable dining out)
    • Personal: 5-10% (clothing, personal care, individual spending)
    • Miscellaneous: 5-10% (entertainment, gifts, unexpected expenses)

    The Monthly Financial Meeting

    Schedule a monthly “financial date” to:

    • Review the previous month’s spending
    • Adjust the coming month’s budget
    • Discuss upcoming major expenses
    • Celebrate financial victories
    • Address any concerns or conflicts
    • Pray together over your finances

    Building Wealth the Biblical Way

    Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-6)

    • Establish biblical roles and vision
    • Create and follow a written budget
    • Build $1,000 emergency fund
    • Begin consistent tithing

    Phase 2: Debt Freedom (Months 6-24)

    • Pay off all consumer debt using debt snowball method
    • Avoid new debt except for home mortgage
    • Increase emergency fund to 3-6 months expenses
    • Continue generous giving

    Phase 3: Wealth Building (Years 2+)

    • Invest 15-20% of income for retirement
    • Save for children’s education
    • Pay off home mortgage early
    • Increase giving as income grows
    • Consider real estate or business investments

    Teaching Financial Responsibility to Children

    Following the Elliot model:

    Start Early (Age 2-5)

    • Give small allowance with tithing requirement
    • Teach difference between wants and needs
    • Model contentment and gratitude
    • Let them see you giving to others

    Build Skills (Age 6-12)

    • Increase allowance with increased responsibility
    • Require saving for larger purchases
    • Teach comparison shopping
    • Include them in age-appropriate financial discussions

    Prepare for Independence (Age 13-18)

    • Open checking account and teach management
    • Require part-time job and budgeting
    • Teach about credit, debt, and investing
    • Model biblical financial principles consistently

    When Money Gets Tight

    Remember God’s Faithfulness

    The Elliot family never felt poor during the Depression because they trusted God’s provision.

    Increase Giving, Don’t Decrease It

    Luke 6:38 promises that giving creates receiving.

    Look for Creative Solutions

    • Reduce expenses without reducing joy
    • Find additional income sources
    • Sell items you don’t need
    • Ask for help when appropriate

    Maintain Unity

    Financial stress can divide couples. Choose to face challenges together.

    The Long-Term Vision

    When you apply these biblical principles consistently:

    Your marriage grows stronger – You’re partners, not competitors
     Your children learn wisdom – They see biblical financial principles in action
     Your giving increases – You have more to share with others
     Your stress decreases – You’re trusting God, not your bank account
     Your legacy improves – You’re building generational wealth and wisdom

    Starting Today: Your 30-Day Action Plan

    Week 1: Establish Biblical Order

    • Husband and wife discuss and agree on biblical financial roles
    • Create shared vision statement for your family’s financial future
    • Begin praying together daily about finances

    Week 2: Create Transparency

    • Gather all financial information (accounts, debts, income)
    • Create written budget together
    • Agree on spending limits that require discussion

    Week 3: Start Biblical Practices

    • Begin tithing if you haven’t already
    • Open joint accounts if you have separate ones
    • Schedule monthly financial meetings

    Week 4: Plan for Growth

    • Set up automatic savings
    • Research debt payoff strategies
    • Discuss long-term financial goals

    Conclusion

    Financial harmony in marriage isn’t about having more money – it’s about having biblical order, shared vision, and mutual trust. When husbands lead with sacrificial love and wives support with intelligent partnership, money becomes a tool for building God’s kingdom instead of a source of marital conflict.

    The Elliot family thrived financially during the Great Depression not because they had more money, but because they had biblical principles. They understood that everything belongs to God, that generosity opens heaven’s windows, and that unity in marriage creates strength in every area of life.

    Your marriage can experience the same financial harmony. It requires submitting to God’s design, communicating openly about money, and choosing cooperation over competition. When you do, you’ll discover that biblical financial order doesn’t restrict your freedom – it creates it.

    What’s your biggest financial challenge as a couple? Share your struggles in the comments below, and let’s help each other build marriages that honor God and create lasting wealth.

    Ready to transform your financial relationship? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly biblical marriage and money insights. If this post helped you, please share it with other couples who need hope for their financial future.

  • How to Make Christ the True Head of Your Home (Without Becoming a Religious Weirdo)

    How to Make Christ the True Head of Your Home (Without Becoming a Religious Weirdo)

    Are you tired of feeling like your Christian home is just like every other home, except you pray before dinner? What if I told you there’s a way to establish Christ’s authority in your home that actually transforms your family – without turning into a legalistic nightmare?

    Most Christian families struggle because they’ve never truly established Christ as the head of their home. They’ve made Him a guest, not the owner. But when you understand how to practically implement Christ’s authority, everything changes – your marriage improves, your children respond differently, and your home becomes a sanctuary of peace.

    In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to establish Christ’s authority in your home using proven biblical principles that have transformed families for generations. You’ll discover why most Christian homes fail at this, the specific steps to make Christ truly Lord of your household, and how to do it without becoming weird or legalistic.

    The Problem Most Christian Families Never Address

    Here’s what I see in most Christian homes: They’ve invited Jesus to be their Savior, but they haven’t made Him their Lord.

    They pray before meals, attend church on Sundays, and maybe have a family devotion occasionally. But when it comes to actual decision-making, conflict resolution, and daily life choices, they operate just like unbelieving families.

    The result? Christian families that look identical to the world.

    Children who don’t respect authority. Marriages that struggle with the same issues as non-Christian couples. Homes filled with the same chaos, stress, and dysfunction as everyone else.

    But what if there was a different way?

    What It Really Means to Make Christ Head of Your Home

    Making Christ the head of your home isn’t about hanging Bible verses on your walls or playing Christian music 24/7. It’s about recognizing that Jesus owns your family, and you’re simply stewards.

    Elizabeth Elliot’s family understood this. They had a small brass plate over their doorbell that read: “Christ is the head of this house, the Unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.”

    Think about that for a moment. Every conversation. Every decision. Every interaction was filtered through the awareness that Jesus was present and listening.

    This wasn’t about performance – it was about reality. Christ wasn’t just their Savior; He was their actual, present, active Lord.

    The Biblical Foundation You Can’t Ignore

    1 Corinthians 6:19-20 makes it crystal clear: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

    This isn’t just about individual salvation – it applies to your entire family. Your marriage belongs to Christ. Your children belong to Christ. Your home belongs to Christ.

    Colossians 3:17 adds: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

    Whatever you do. In word or deed. That includes how you handle bedtime routines, discipline issues, financial decisions, and family conflicts.

    How to Practically Establish Christ’s Authority

    Start With Your Own Heart

    You cannot establish Christ’s authority in your home if you haven’t submitted to His authority in your own life. This is where most parents fail.

    Ask yourself these hard questions:

    • Do I make decisions based on God’s Word or my feelings?
    • When conflict arises, do I seek God’s wisdom first?
    • Am I modeling submission to Christ for my children?

    Practical step: Before making any significant family decision, ask “What does God say about this?” Make this your first question, not your last resort.

    Make Scripture Your Family Constitution

    In the Elliot home, when discussions or conflicts arose, the first question was always: “Does God have anything to say about this?”

    They kept a dictionary within reach of the dining table. When word meanings were disputed, they looked it up. Truth mattered more than opinion.

    How to implement this:

    • Keep a Bible accessible during family discussions
    • When children argue, ask “What does God’s Word say about this situation?”
    • Settle disputes with biblical principles, not parental preference
    • Teach children that God’s Word is the final authority, not Mom and Dad’s opinions

    Create Visible Reminders

    The brass plate over the Elliot’s doorbell wasn’t decoration – it was a daily reminder of who was really in charge.

    Ideas for your home:

    • Frame a verse about Christ’s lordship in your main living area
    • Create a family mission statement based on biblical principles
    • Use mealtime prayers that acknowledge Christ’s presence and provision
    • Establish family mottos rooted in Scripture

    Filter Every Decision Through Christ’s Lordship

    This is where the rubber meets the road. When you’re deciding on:

    • Discipline approaches – What would honor Christ?
    • Entertainment choices – Would we watch this if Jesus were physically present?
    • Financial decisions – How can we steward God’s money wisely?
    • Schedule priorities – What matters most in God’s kingdom?

    The game-changing question: “If Jesus were physically sitting in our living room right now, how would this decision change?”

    What This Looks Like in Real Life

    During Family Conflicts

    Instead of: “Because I said so!”
    Try: “Let’s see what God says about how we should treat each other.”

    Instead of: “You kids are driving me crazy!”
    Try: “How can we honor Christ in how we handle this situation?”

    During Decision Making

    Instead of: “What do we want to do?”
    Try: “What would please the Lord?”

    Instead of: “We can’t afford it.”
    Try: “How does God want us to use the resources He’s given us?”

    During Daily Interactions

    Instead of: “Clean your room because it’s a mess!”
    Try: “God calls us to be good stewards of what He’s given us. How does your room reflect that?”

    Instead of: “Stop fighting with your sister!”
    Try: “Christ calls us to love one another. How can you show love to your sister right now?”

    The Transformation You Can Expect

    When you truly establish Christ’s authority in your home, several things happen:

    Children learn to respect authority – They understand that obedience to parents is obedience to God.

    Conflicts decrease – When God’s Word settles disputes, there’s less arguing and manipulation.

    Peace increases – Homes with clear, biblical authority structures are calmer and more peaceful.

    Character develops – Children learn to think biblically about their choices and actions.

    Marriage improves – Spouses learn to submit to Christ’s authority over their relationship.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Mistake #1: Making It About Rules Instead of Relationship

    Christ’s authority isn’t about creating more rules – it’s about deepening your family’s relationship with Him.

    Mistake #2: Using God to Manipulate

    Don’t say “God wants you to obey me” when you really mean “I want you to obey me.” Be honest about when you’re expressing God’s clear commands versus your personal preferences.

    Mistake #3: Becoming Legalistic

    The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Christ’s authority should bring freedom and peace, not bondage and fear.

    Mistake #4: Inconsistency

    If you only acknowledge Christ’s authority when it’s convenient, your children will notice. Consistency is key to credibility.

    Starting Today: Your First Steps

    Week 1: Personal Submission

    Spend this week examining your own heart. Are you truly submitted to Christ’s authority in every area of your life?

    Week 2: Family Discussion

    Have an age-appropriate conversation with your family about making Christ the true head of your home. Ask for their input and commitment.

    Week 3: Implement Decision-Making Changes

    Start asking “What does God say?” before making family decisions. Keep a Bible handy for reference.

    Week 4: Create Visible Reminders

    Add something to your home that reminds everyone of Christ’s lordship – a verse, a plaque, or a family mission statement.

    The Long-Term Vision

    Imagine a home where:

    • Children naturally think about how their choices honor Christ
    • Conflicts are resolved through biblical wisdom, not parental frustration
    • Every family member feels secure in God’s love and clear about His expectations
    • Your home becomes a place where Christ’s presence is tangible and real

    This isn’t a fantasy – it’s the natural result of truly making Christ the head of your home.

    Conclusion

    Establishing Christ’s authority in your home isn’t about becoming more religious – it’s about becoming more authentic. It’s about aligning your family life with the reality that Jesus is Lord, not just Savior.

    The brass plate over the Elliot’s doorbell wasn’t just decoration – it was a declaration. Christ truly was the head of their house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.

    When you make this same declaration and live it out practically, your home will be transformed. Your children will learn to respect authority because they understand it comes from God. Your marriage will improve because both spouses submit to Christ’s lordship. Your family will become a beacon of hope in a world desperate for authentic Christian living.

    What’s the biggest challenge you face in establishing Christ’s authority in your home? Share your struggles in the comments below – let’s help each other create homes where Jesus truly reigns as Lord.

    Ready to transform your family? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly biblical parenting insights and practical tips for creating a Christ-centered home. If this post encouraged you, please share it with other parents who need hope for their families.

  • What does the Bible say about “LOVE”?

    What does the Bible say about “LOVE”?

    What kind of God do we believe in as Christians? I’m afraid that nine out of 10 Christians today would probably immediately say a God of love. That’s probably been the last hundred years that we’ve been preaching a God of love as the good news and more recently an adjective has been added to that a God of unconditional love.

    I want to speak to you about God’s real character and I want to tell you that I believe we are mistaken biblically to tell the world that God is love, that is not the gospel we’ve been given to preach. It is not the gospel they preached in the days of the New Testament. It’s a misleading gospel, but for a hundred years it’s been so. Notice that we love adjectives rather than nouns, and we’ve added that adjective unconditional, which the Bible never did.

    The gospel for many has become God loves you and that he loves you as you are so come as you are. All these thoughts are enshrined in Christian songs which are being sung worldwide. They are sentimental rather than scriptural. I’m afraid, and I want to give you at least three major reasons why our gospel is not the God of love. That is not the most important thing for the world to know about our Christian God, and yet it’s what they’ve been told as I said, for over a hundred years.

    The first reason I want to give you is a very simple one. The Bible actually says very little about the love of God, but we’ve picked out the texts that do for so long that we get an impression the whole Bible is about the love of God, but it’s not.

    LOVE IN THE BIBLE

    There are approximately 1000 verses in the Bible that mention the love of God, but when you consider there are 35,000 verses only one in 35 verses mentioned the love of God, and when you go through the books of the Bible one by one, you get a surprise. There’s nothing in Genesis about the love of God. There’s one verse in Exodus. There’s nothing in Leviticus, there’s nothing in numbers. There are two verses in Deuteronomy, nothing in Joshua, nothing in judges or Ruth, nothing in one and 2nd Samuel or one and 2nd kings. The Book of Psalms has a number of Psalms especially which talk about the loving kindness of God. That’s an English translation of a Hebrew word  Hesed means loyal, steadfast, or faithful love based on a promise, agreement, or covenant. This type of love has a strong note of loyalty in it, loyalty to the covenant. God loves those who are within his covenant, but there’s no mention of his love for the world in the whole Old Testament. Move on from the Psalms.

    There’s one book in the Bible in the Old Testament right in the middle of our Bible, which is all about love, but it’s human love and it’s called a Song of Solomon and it’s all about his love for his girl number 61. It says that she’s better than all the 60 queens he’s already got, and it’s a love song between a young man and a young woman and that’s full of love, but it’s not God’s love.

    We move on into Proverbs, no mention of God’s love there on we go through Ecclesiastes, nothing. Then we get to the prophets. Now surely they talked about the love of God, did they? Well, Isaiah has one verse about the love of God out of the whole book. Jeremiah has one verse that mention God’s love. Ezekiel has one verse that mentions God’s love and when we come to the minor prophets, the smaller books, there’s only one of them mentions God’s love and that’s Hosea and he does, but none of the others do.

    The New Testament

    Matthew doesn’t mention God’s love. Mark doesn’t mention God’s love. Luke doesn’t mention God’s love, John does.

    the big surprise of all is the book of Acts. In the book of Acts, we are allowed to see the early church preaching and spreading the gospel right from Jerusalem to Rome and it’s an exciting story and we have the preaching of the apostles in the acts of the apostles, and yet not one verse in the whole of the Book of Acts mentions the love of God. That’s big surprise Romans. There’s one verse again, nothing is mentioned in one or two Corinthians and so we go on through the New Testament.

    one, John mentions the love of God quite a bit. In fact, nearly at the end of the Bible, in the first letter of John, you find the three little words, God is love and yet they’re not in a section describing God.

    They’re in a section exhorting believers to love one another, love one another for God is love. That’s where the phrase comes and it’s a section on behavior, not belief. Then we come to the last book of all revelation and the only mention of love in that book is where the Lord says, those who my love, I rebuke and chastise and then that’s the end of the word love in our New Testament. That should tell us something and make us think.

    The Bible cannot be described as the book about God’s love. It certainly mentions it, but that brings me to the second point. Every mention of love of God in the whole Bible is addressed to people who are already redeemed.

    Nobody who has not been redeemed ever hears about the love of God in our Bibles. It is a precious truth. It’s a truth that is a pearl, and if you throw pearls to pigs as Jesus says, they will either trample them under foot or turn and render you. Pigs don’t appreciate pearls and I believe one of those pearls is the very precious truth of the love of God, which to the redeemed is the most precious thing and therefore is kept among the redeemed. Those who have been forgiven love much and they understand this word love, which brings me to the third point I want to make. When the Bible talks about the love of God, it doesn’t use the well-known words for love, especially in the New Testament originally written in Greek, the Greeks were far more careful than the English about the use of the word love.

    Types of Love

    They had different words for different kinds of love, and I’ll mention the four main ones for you. You’ve probably heard them from your own preacher.

    There is a word Epithumia which is translated for the love of addiction. People who are sex crazy. We tend to use the English word lust for that word, but some use the word love for it. It’s the love of addiction.

    Then there comes the word eros, which is not a bad word. It is the love of attraction. And since that particularly happens between male and female as God intended, eros is the love of attraction of a young man for a young girl, which hopefully will last them a lifetime if they get married because a marriage needs eros to survive and eros is a healthy word. It’s a word for the love of attraction.

    Then they had another word, philia, which is the love of affection of friendship and usually is equivalent to the English word, like, I like someone that can be an affection between the same sex or different sex, but it’s essentially friendship of like-mindedness of having enough in common to be affectionate, the love of affection.

    The world knows all those three kinds of love and English use the word love for all those three and they’re all very common. But there was one other word for love in the Greek language which was rarely used because it was used about a love that is not common and it’s the word agape.

    Agape means the love of action, the love of action, and you can’t have agape without acting in love. It has an emotional connection because it’s usually born out of compassion or pity for someone in desperate need, but it doesn’t become agape until you act to meet that need until your compassion becomes more than compassion.

    How much is it worth in money in act? And when you act in love out of compassion for someone in need, then the word agape is appropriate and that’s the only word for love that is used of God in your New Testament.

    therefore again and again when the word love is related to God, you find immediately a mention of the cross for that is the one example where God had compassion on the human race and did something about it. And so this is how we know that God loves us because Christ died for the sinner and the ungodly.

    John 3:16 & 1st John

    God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son and even 1st John where, he says, God is love goes immediately on to say, and he sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. This is why agape is so appropriate for the love of God, but you rarely find it in normal Greek because it’s not a common emotion or action. It’s quite rare. What Christians did was seize on this rare word for love. This rare love of action that acts and does something about the need of others and particularly the need of those who don’t deserve help and the leader in the need of those who don’t even bother to say thank you, agape will still act on their behalf for enemies, not just friends.

    If it’s the love of friends, it’s philia, but God’s love is for enemies and those who have done everything not to deserve it, that’s agape and that’s the only word used of the love of God that should tell us something because when you say to the world God loves you, they will think of one of the other meanings.

    The Difficulty of Preaching The Love of God

    That’s the difficulty of preaching the love of God. They will think it means God likes me. God is fond of me. God is attracted to me, and that’s anything but the truth. God is angry with them. Actually, you need to learn about the wrath of God before you’ll appreciate his love. That’s why Romans begins with the wrath of God, not the love of God. And then the next reason I want to give you is this, neither Jesus nor any of the apostles, James, Peter, John, the lot of them, even Paul, never preached publicly about the love of God.

    I want you to check me out in your Bible. Don’t accept anything of what I’m saying because I’ve said it and don’t go around saying this is what Rodrigo Luna says, check it out in your Bible. If I’m wrong, forget it for God’s sake. But if I’m right, tell people the Bible says it or doesn’t say it. That’s your authority. Don’t follow preachers or teachers. They’re only human and I’m not infallible. Nevertheless, don’t be a human teacher fan, don’t follow this teacher or that teacher. I’m here to tell you follow the word of God. So check me out for Jesus. His father’s love was so precious. It was a pearl that you don’t throw to pigs.

    It was something you keep within the circle of those who’ve been forgiven and redeemed and who’ve begun to understand the amazing love of God as it was expressed in the action of the cross. In other words, you’ve got to appreciate the cross first and then you’ll understand the love behind it.

    Now, all that must be a big surprise to some of you when every preacher around the world now is talking about the unconditional love of God as if that’s the gospel for the world. I tell you that gospel has very little effect on unbelievers because they immediately get the wrong understanding of this word love. If we could give them the Greek words we’d preach maybe the agape of God, but even that neither the Jesus nor any of the apostles ever did and especially the Book of Acts is the surprise because that tells you how they spread the gospel they preached.

    Conclusion

    His righteousness is what the Bible majors on. That is what the apostles majored on when they preached.  Paul, therefore, was able to say, I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to save everyone who believes, for in it is revealed a righteousness from  God, a righteousness that is from faith to faith, even as it is written, ‘the righteous shall live by faith’.  Not a word about the love of God!  His gospel was a gospel of righteousness, and that is a good gospel.  That is good news. righteousness, the very first response you seek is repentance —even before faith. The gospel the apostles preached looked for a response of repentance.  You repent towards a God who is righteous.

    We have a responsibility to understand and go after the word of God without having to compromise to fit the culture. Everything in our life works by covenant and conditions. Don’t let the culture influence you to customize the message of God!

  •  The 9 Biblical Elements That Will Transform Your Family Forever (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)

     The 9 Biblical Elements That Will Transform Your Family Forever (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)

    Are you tired of watching Christian families fall apart while wondering what you’re missing? What if I told you there’s a proven framework that has shaped godly families for generations – and it’s simpler than you think?

    In this post, I’m going to share the 9 biblical elements that Elizabeth Elliot used to raise 6 children who all became responsible, godly adults. These aren’t theoretical principles – they’re battle-tested strategies that work whether you’re just starting your family or trying to course-correct along the way.

    You’ll discover why most Christian families struggle (hint: it’s not what you think), the specific elements that create lasting transformation, and exactly how to implement each one in your home starting today.

    Why Most Christian Families Are Missing the Mark

    Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Most Christian families today are trying to raise godly children using worldly methods. They’ve bought into the lie that biblical principles are “too strict” or “outdated” for modern parenting.

    The result? Christian kids who look just like the world.

    But what if there was a different way? What if you could create a home where Christ truly reigns, where children learn obedience joyfully, and where your family becomes a beacon of hope in a broken world?

    The 9 Biblical Elements That Shape Godly Families

    The Foundation of Everything

    Before you can shape your children, you must establish who’s really in charge. This isn’t about being a dictator – it’s about recognizing that Christ is the head of your home.

    Elizabeth Elliot’s family had a brass plate over their doorbell that read: “Christ is the head of this house, the Unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.”

    How to implement this:

    • Make family decisions by asking “What does God say about this?”
    • Pray before meals and acknowledge Christ’s presence
    • Let your children see you submitting to God’s authority

    2. Order in Marriage and Family

    God’s Design for Harmony

    Biblical order isn’t about superiority – it’s about function. Just like a business needs clear leadership structure, families need God’s order to thrive.

    Husbands love and lead. Wives submit as unto the Lord. Children honor and obey their parents. When everyone knows their role, chaos turns to peace.

    How to implement this:

    • Husbands: Lead with love, not force
    • Wives: Support your husband’s leadership publicly
    • Children: Learn that obedience brings blessing

    3. The Authority of the Word

    Your Family’s Constitution

    Scripture must be the final authority in your home. When conflicts arise, the first question should be: “What does God’s Word say about this?”

    The Elliot family kept a dictionary within reach of the dinner table. When discussions arose about word meanings, they looked it up. Truth mattered more than opinion.

    How to implement this:

    • Read Scripture together daily
    • Settle disputes with biblical principles
    • Teach children that God’s Word is trustworthy

    4. Prayer

    The Power Source of Your Home

    Elizabeth’s father rose at 4:30 AM every morning to pray. By breakfast time, the children knew their father had been on his knees interceding for them.

    This wasn’t legalism – it was love in action.

    How to implement this:

    • Establish consistent family prayer times
    • Let children hear you praying for them
    • Make prayer a natural response to every situation

    5. Discipline

    The Gift That Keeps on Giving

    Here’s what most parents get wrong: they try to discipline their children without first disciplining themselves.

    Biblical discipline isn’t punishment – it’s training. It’s teaching children that delayed obedience is disobedience, and that boundaries create freedom.

    How to implement this:

    • Start with self-discipline
    • Be consistent with consequences
    • Treat delayed obedience as disobedience
    • Use discipline to train, not just punish

    6. Courtesy

    “My Life for Yours” in Action

    Every table manner, every “please” and “thank you,” every act of courtesy teaches the fundamental Christian principle: my life for yours.

    When you teach a child to pass the butter to Dad first, you’re teaching them to put others before themselves. These aren’t arbitrary rules – they’re character builders.

    How to implement this:

    • Teach proper table manners
    • Require children to put others first
    • Model courtesy in your own behavior
    • Explain the “why” behind the rules

    7. Hospitality

    Opening Your Heart and Home

    The Elliot family lived through the Great Depression, eating mostly macaroni and cheese. Yet they always had a guest room ready and gave from their tithe box to those in need.

    Hospitality isn’t about having a perfect home – it’s about having an open heart.

    How to implement this:

    • Welcome guests without apology for your humble home
    • Teach children to serve others
    • Share what you have, even if it’s little
    • Make room for others in your life

    8. Work

    Building Character Through Contribution

    Start teaching children to work at age 2. Yes, 2 years old.

    A 2-year-old can empty wastebaskets, sort silverware, and pick up toys. By giving children real responsibilities, you teach them that everyone contributes to the family.

    How to implement this:

    • Give age-appropriate chores starting at 2
    • Make sure the work won’t get done unless they do it
    • Don’t pay for routine family contributions
    • Teach that work is an offering to God

    9. Responsibility

    Stewardship of God’s Gifts

    Everything belongs to God – your money, possessions, time, and talents. Teaching children to be responsible stewards prepares them for a lifetime of faithful service.

    The Elliot children received a nickel allowance and had to put a penny in the Sunday school plate. That’s 20% – more than a tithe!

    How to implement this:

    • Teach tithing from the first allowance
    • Require saving a portion of all money earned
    • Don’t waste food, water, or resources
    • Explain that everything belongs to God

    The Results Speak for Themselves

    Elizabeth Elliot raised 6 children using these principles. All became punctual, responsible, godly adults who contributed meaningfully to society. None rebelled. None walked away from faith.

    This isn’t about perfection – the Elliot family wasn’t perfect. But they had a framework that worked because it was based on biblical truth, not cultural trends.

    Your Family’s Transformation Starts Today

    You don’t have to implement all 9 elements at once. Start with one. Maybe it’s establishing Christ’s authority in your home. Maybe it’s beginning family prayers. Maybe it’s teaching your 2-year-old to empty wastebaskets.

    The key is to start.

    Your children are watching. They’re learning from what you do more than what you say. They’re being shaped by the atmosphere you create and the standards you maintain.

    Conclusion

    These 9 biblical elements – Authority of Christ, Order, Authority of the Word, Prayer, Discipline, Courtesy, Hospitality, Work, and Responsibility – have the power to transform any family willing to implement them.

    They worked in the 1940s, and they work today. They work in wealthy families and poor families. They work with strong-willed children and compliant children.

    They work because they’re based on God’s design for the family, not human wisdom.

    What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in implementing biblical principles in your home? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss practical solutions together.