Memorize these two verses as a family:

2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:14: “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality.”

Listen. God wants us to use our time, money, and talent to help others. Sometime we don’t want to give because we are afraid that if we give, we won’t have enough. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that Jesus became poor (he was born in a stable), so that we could become rich! Jesus gives us treasure that lasts forever. God also promises that when we give to others out of our plenty, there will come a day when someone else’s plenty will help us.

Discuss. What time has God given our family that we can use to love others? What money has God give us that we give to those who are in need? Who could we give to? What talents has God given our family that we could use to love others and help our church?

Set Goals. Now that you have talked about your family’s time, money, and talents, make a plan …

• How will you make time to love others?
• How will you use some of the money God has given you to love others?
• How will you use your family’s talents to love others and help the church?

Daily Practices:

• Listen to God. Sit silently in his presence; listen for his voice, submit yourself to his will for the day.
• Respond to God. Pray through the outline of the Lord’s Prayer: worship, surrender, daily needs, forgiveness, and protection.
• Bible Reading. Read the Bible as a disciple, listening to what God has to say, responding with obedience, repentance, worship, and trust, and sharing with others what you are learning.
• Praying for your five. Pray for five people in your life that God will work through the circumstances of their life so that they are open to follow Jesus. Pray for opportunities to invite them to follow Jesus with you.
• Prayer with others. Pray with spouse, family, and others.

Weekly Practices:

• Discipling Friendships. Cultivate friendships with others for the purpose of following Jesus together.
• Community Worship. Join with fellow believers to receive the Gospel through the Word and communion and respond with worship and prayer.
• Participate in training that develop your gifts and deepen your walk as a disciple of Jesus.
• Give your time, money, and talent. Give what God has entrusted to you to love your neighbor, make disciples, and strengthen the church.
• Sabbath. Take a twenty-four hour break, where you cease from all paid and unpaid work. Connect with God, family, and friends. Rest. Play. Enjoy activities that recharge you.