In an effort to create more content for our website, the Pastoral team made the decision to have different people from our Leadership Team share something from their heart each month. I (Pastor Zack) won the golden ticket to go first. They will only get better from here folks!
Last night, 2/28/25, several men and one woman graduated from the New Life Program at the Modesto Gospel Mission that attend Haven of Hope. I have not been able to shake the importance of families having godly father's, husband's, etc., in the home and as such I thought I'd share something the Lord laid on my heart around the first of the year regarding men being the priest of their homes.
Verses to reflect on:
Esphesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
A man's devotion as the "priest of the home" signifies his primary responsibility to lead his family spiritually, acting as the intercessor between God and his household, actively teaching Biblical principles, and setting a godly example through sacrificial love and a dedicated prayer life, mirroring Christ role as the High Priest.
It is important that we do not shrink back from this God-given responsibility and allow our wives to be the leaders in the home in spiritual matters. (Women who do not have a saved husband, we lift you up before the Lord and pray your husband will soon take on this awesome responsibility). We know that God has called us (men) to be priests and spiritual leaders of our homes, so if he has called us to be, he will also equip you to be, should you be intentional about spiritual growth and leadership.
Key aspects of being a "priest of the home":
* Intercession and prayer - Regularly praying for your family's needs, concerns, and spiritual growth and bringing their requests before God with a dedicated heart. Your wife and children should grow accustom to the sound of you praying for them and others.
* Bible Study and Teaching - Actively study scripture and share what has been gleaned with your family, explaining how it applies to today and teaching them in understanding God's Word.
* Spiritual Leadership - Lead family devotions, spearhead church attendance and other church functions. This will set the tone for a spiritual atmosphere within the home, encouraging open discussion about faith and values.
* Modeling Christ-like Character - Demonstrate the love, compassion and sacrafice that Christ exemplified, serving as a living example of godly behavior in front of those who know you best.
Devotional questions:
1. How can I be more intentional about leading my family in prayer and Bible study?
2. What are the areas of my life that need to better reflect Christ's character, which my family can then emulate?
3. How can I better communicate God's love and grace with my family members?
4. What specific needs do my family members have that I should be praying for regularly?
Practical steps:
a. Establish a regualr family devotional time. Set aside a consistent time each week together as a family to read the Word, pray and discuss spiritual matters.
b. Be intentional with your words. Speak words of affirmation, encouragement, and love to your family, in alignment with biblical principles.
c. Seek guidance from spiritual leaders. Never be afraid to reach out to Pastor Ryan, Pastor Cole, or myself (Pastor Zack) for advice on how to be a better priest in your home. It's important to remember that being the "priest of your home" is a continuous process of growth and committment , requiring intentional effort that will cultivate a strong spiritual foundation within your family unit.
Be blessed Haven of Hope and know that you and your family are prayed for!
