A Prayer to Include Family Worship in Your Family's Routine - Your Daily Prayer - March 2

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A Prayer to Include Family Worship in Your Family's Routine
By: Megan Evans

Bible Reading: "One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4 (CSB)

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While the idea of family worship is desirable, implementation often comes with challenges. Today's families are busy, easily distracted, and scattered. Having raised three children of my own, I get it. Between work, school, sports, hobbies, and other activities, the family calendar stays full from morning to night. It's hard enough to keep screens down and eyes on one another, so where does intentional time with God fit into our daily routine? 

As believers, we already have what we need to start building a family worship routine today! Think of it like brick-building. Jesus Christ is our firm foundation, and through our love and personal relationship with Him and promised guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can begin layering each day with praise, thanksgiving, and devotion.  

Every time we point our children's eyes to Jesus, we spread another layer of mortar between their hearts and praise. For example, when we tell our children that God made the beautiful butterfly that just landed on their finger, they learn to worship Him as Creator. When we pray together before trying something new, kids learn to worship God as their True Peace and Confidence. When we talk about how God helped people in the Bible as we face hardship, we teach worship of God as our True Identity and Strength.  

As it says in Psalm 145:4, "One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts." Incorporating worship into our family's routine is a privilege and blessing to our families. As parents (and other routine caretakers), our willing hearts become the willing hands with which we can set worship in place. Let's set an example by making church a priority, loving others, and sharing what God is teaching us in Bible study, prayer, and daily faith.

Family worship can look like spontaneous moments as well as intentional times of focused devotion together, and God will bless our efforts to teach our families to seek Him. Prayer is the place to begin! Ask God to show you how to begin worshipping as a family, then faithfully follow His lead day by day—and keep trying.  

I recall my family's unique experience. One night after dinner, a popsicle placed in the eager hands of my four, seven, and nine-year-old children gave way to five quiet minutes. During those captive moments of slurping, I carefully reached behind me to open the latest children's devotional I had purchased in hopes of learning to study the Bible together. Those moments led to a brief Bible story, a question or two, and even smiles as we bowed to praise God and thank Him for teaching us His Word. I couldn't quite believe we had finally pulled it off!  Everyone was still at the table—and no one was even crying! It wasn't deep theology or a fancy lesson plan with song and craft, but it didn't have to be. For my family, this worship routine seemed to work for us.  

I decided to try again the next night and the next. It was real life, and it didn't always look perfect. There were still occasional staggered meals and nights Dad worked late. We soothed cranky tears, rubbed backs, and coaxed syllables out of emerging readers who soon wanted a turn reading from the Bible. But a neat thing took place over the next several years. As my family fell in love with our dessert devotional time, we also fell in love with worshipping the Lord together. 

We were made to worship! One glance at humanity and you can see a world struggling with misplaced awe and devotion. Our human hearts naturally want to bow to something, and worshipping together guides our families to find true fulfillment in the worship of the One True God. New habits take time and practice to implement. As we seek God's help, He will reveal worship opportunities and give us creative ideas that will work for our unique family structure.  

Let's Pray:
Father God, you are worthy of all our praise and devotion. Teach my family to incorporate your holy worship into our daily routine and create in us a desire to put you first. Lead me as a parent (or other caretaker) to model enjoyment and give me a willing heart. Teach me creative ways to reach my family and not to give up. Help us learn to guard the time set aside for you and build our day around you rather than trying to squeeze worship into leftover margin. Today's fast-paced world rarely leaves blank spaces of time in our day, and you deserve our best. Forgive us when we've given you less. Lead us to prioritize corporate worship at church, where we can come together with other believers to praise your Name and study the Bible. Then, throughout the week, stir our hearts to read your Word, listen, and talk with you in prayer. Point our hearts to the awe and wonder of your character and promises, and help us share with one another what we are learning as we grow and experience you, God. May this be the day we incline our hearts to praise you always! In Jesus' Name, Amen.  

Photo Credit: ©thinkstock

Megan Evans is a military wife, and a mother to three wonderful children. She and her family reside in middle Tennessee. As an author and blogger with a heart for discipleship, Megan writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day. Check out her book, “Permission to Walk: A 40-Day Journey to Unhurried Peace” and learn the daily pace of life that Jesus taught as we daily navigate this distracted and fast-paced world. You can connect with Megan at www.unhurrymyheart.com.

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Originally published Sunday, 02 March 2025.

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#77 My Life: Flesh | My Identity Dr. Stephen Phinney: If my flesh is my identity, corruption is my lifestyle. We must return to the simplicity and purity of following Yeshua's life. Mar 2

 

	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today. Share The End Times Chronicles   Watch now   #77 My Life: Flesh | My Identity Dr. Stephen Phinney: If my flesh is my identity, corruption is my lifestyle. We must return to the simplicity and purity of following Yeshua's life. Mar 2   READ IN APP   Listen to the podcast version: Brought to you by Dean & Julie Leto. Listen now · 10:01 THE FADING IDENTITY OF GALATIA In the Bible, the human flesh, trash left behind by the Adamic nature, is the “why” we do the things we hate. It does not encompass the entirety of who we are. Scripture emphasizes that our true identity is found in our relationship with Yeshua, that is if we are born-again. In Genesis 2:7 (ESV), God depicts our original identity, it is written, "Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." This highlights that while our bodies are formed from the earth, it is God's breath that gives us true life and identity. Moreover, the New Testament further clarifies that believers' identity is rooted in Christ. Galatians 2:20 (ESV) declares, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Here, the apostle Paul underscores that our earthly flesh, though a significant part of us, is secondary to our new identity in Christ. Thus, while our flesh is a part of our existence, our true identity is found in our union with Yeshua, who transforms and defines our lives beyond the physical realm. As I was growing up, I couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that consumed my mind. The voices of others echoed louder than my own, defining who I was, or at least who they thought I should be. Growing up, I was the "quiet one," the "introvert," the "overthinker." Labels were slapped on me like stickers, and slowly, they became the image I saw in the mirror. I started to believe that my worth was confined to what others saw and spoke. In school, I worked tirelessly to meet expectations that weren't mine, hoping to hear a "good job" or "well done" from teachers and peers. But even when the praises came, they felt hollow because they weren't for me; they were for the image others had crafted. In college, the struggle intensified. My self-life image became a lens through which I thought everyone viewed me. I found myself caught in the comparison trap, measuring my worth against filtered images and highlight reels that scrolled though my frail mind. Fellow students spoke about their achievements, travels, and relationships, and I couldn't help but feel inadequate. My identity seemed to waver with each scroll, lost in the sea of opinions and judgments. I remember one particular moment vividly. I had worked on a personal project, something I was genuinely passionate about. When I shared it, the response was lukewarm, and a few dismissive comments hit me harder than they should have. It was then that I realized how deeply I had intertwined my sense of self with external validation. My heart sank, and I felt a wave of disappointment not just in others, but in myself for letting their words hold so much power. Seeking solace, I turned inward. I started to breakdown, my shuddering increased, and my shaking hands amplified all the more. I concluded I was a social misfit. I reflected on the person I was beyond the labels and judgments. but yet, that always faded quickly. I turned to my wife for positive affirmation at every turn - living off her steadfast beliefs versus mine. My discipler (counselor) at the time said, If you don’t stop living off your wife’s faith, you will never discover your identity in Christ. He then quoted Galatians 1:10, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse became a life-passage for me, reminding me that my worth was defined by something far greater than human opinions. Gradually, I began to reclaim my identity. I pursued my God ordained calling that brought me joy, regardless of external approval. I surrounded myself with people who saw me for who I truly was, not just the labels of my past. It was a journey, and there were days when doubts crept back in, but I learned to silence the noise and listen to the VOICE that lived within me. Now, as I walk those dark recesses of my past, I carry a sense of Yeshua’s self that is rooted in authenticity. I still hear the voices of others, but they no longer drown out the voice of my indwelling Savior. I am no longer defined by what others say or see; I am defined by the person I am growing into, one day at a time. THE BACKWARD WALK OF THE GALATIANS The Galatian church faced significant identity struggles, primarily due to the influence of false teachers who sought to distort the gospel. These teachers, often referred to as Judaizers, insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must adhere to Jewish customs and laws - blending the law with grace, such as circumcision, to be fully accepted by God. This created confusion and division among the believers in Galatia, as they grappled with the question of whether their identity as indwelt Christians was sufficient or if they needed to adopt additional religious practices. Paul addressed these identity struggles in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizing that faith in Christ alone is the foundation of their identity. In Galatians 3:28 (ESV), he declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Paul sought to remind the Galatians that their identity was rooted in their relationship with Yeshua, not in external rituals or ethnic distinctions. By stressing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings, Paul aimed to restore the Galatians' confidence in their identity as beloved children of God, fully accepted and justified by faith. Sadly, according to history, the Galatia church never did listen! False teachers often ensnare believers by preying on identity-related issues, creating confusion and division within the body of Christ and their culture. By introducing teachings that distort the true indwelling Gospel, they undermine the believer's understanding of their identity in Christ. These false teachings often emphasize external rituals, cultural practices, or legalistic requirements as necessary for acceptance and salvation, leading believers to question the sufficiency & supremacy of Christ's sacrifice. This was evident in the Galatian church, where false teachers insisted on adherence to Jewish customs, causing the believers to struggle with their identity as believers. By shifting the focus away from the grace and truth of the gospel, false teachers sow doubt and insecurity, diverting believers from their foundational identity as children of God, redeemed and justified by faith in Jesus alone. This tactic not only weakens their faith but also fractures the unity and harmony within the church. Believers who prioritize doctrines and religious regulations over the life and teachings of Yeshua often fall into the same struggle that Paul addressed in the Galatian church. By focusing on legalistic adherence to rules and traditions, they risk losing sight of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the essence of the gospel. This misplaced emphasis can lead to a sense of spiritual bondage, where believers measure their worth and acceptance by their ability to follow human-made doctrines rather than embracing the freedom found in Yeshua. Paul reminded the Galatians that righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone, not by the works of the law. Similarly, modern believers must keep their focus on the grace, love, and redemption that Yeshua offers, allowing His life to shape their faith and identity, rather than being ensnared by legalistic interpretations and practices. Share As I observe the modern church, I can't help but notice a troubling pattern that mirrors the sin of the Galatians. Many believers today seem to be entangled in the same web of legalism and doctrinal rigidity that Paul warned against. Instead of embracing the freedom and grace found in Yeshua, they focus on adhering to strict religious practices and doctrinal debates, believing that these outward expressions define their faith. This misplaced emphasis creates division and strife within the church, as believers judge one another based on their adherence to man-made rules rather than the love and compassion exemplified by Christ. If we continue down this path, we risk fracturing the unity and harmony that the church is meant to embody, ultimately leading to a broken and ineffective witness to the world, let alone to each other. We must return to the simplicity and purity of following Yeshua's life and teachings, allowing His love to guide our actions and unify us as His body. The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribed Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff. Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney   Like Comment Restack   © 2025 Dr. Stephen Phinney P.O. Box 71, Sterling, KS 67579

5 Warning Signs of a Cult Masked as a Church Contrary to popular belief, cults are not always easy to spot. By Lesli White

 

5 Warning Signs of a Cult Masked as a Church

Contrary to popular belief, cults are not always easy to spot.

By Lesli White

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Cults may appear wonderful on the outside, but they are very manipulative on the inside. Cult leaders are desperate to trick you into joining. They are after your obedience, your time and your money. Cults use sophisticated mind control and recruitment techniques that have been refined over time. Many people think that a cult can’t deceive them, but that’s far from the case. Beware of thinking that you are immune from cult involvement. Cults have millions of members around the world who once thought they were immune and still don’t know they’re even in a cult because they’ve masqueraded so well.

To spot a cult, you need to know how it works and understand the techniques it uses. They will use these secrets and techniques to trick and control you, and you must spot them. Once you understand how cults work, you will be better able to identify them, avoid recruiters and protect family and friends. Here are five warning signs of a cult masked as a church.

The pastor/leader is always right.

If the pastor or leader is always making themselves right, this may be a sign of cult involvement. There is no tolerance for questions or critical inquiry. If you disagree with church leadership, then you are told it is your issue because you have to learn to submit to imperfect authority. Whenever you bring up a legitimate, biblical issue to leadership, they find a way to turn it around on you and point out that you are not only wounded but also have no right to question them.

No one is always right, including pastors. A pastor’s responsibility isn’t to interpret the Bible; their job is to preach the Gospel. It’s not based on what they think. It’s based on what God says. If your pastor or leader is unwilling to acknowledge or admit their mistakes or doesn’t accept an obvious mistake, that should be a major red flag. Also, if there’s a problem in the church, your pastor should be approachable. If a pastor is so unapproachable and not open to constructive concerns or criticisms, then their heart is not in the right place.

Deception.

A cult needs to recruit and operate using deception. Why? Because if people knew their true practices and beliefs beforehand, then they would not join. A cult needs to hide the truth from you until they think you are ready to accept it. A cult will also have a slick, well-rehearsed public relations front which hides what the group is really like. The mission of the cult may look similar to a church. You will hear how they help people experiencing poverty, support each other in the community, emphasize peace or save the environment.

They will tell you how happy you will be in their group. Everyone in the cult always appears to be happy and enthusiastic, mainly because they have been told to act happy and will get in trouble if they don’t. But you will not be told what life is really like in the group or what they really believe. These things will be introduced to you slowly, one at a time, so you will not notice the gradual change until, eventually, you are practicing and believing things that, at the start, would have caused you to run a mile.

Exclusivism.

A normal religious organization would not have any trouble with you moving to another similar organization as long as you stayed in that same religion because it is the belief system that matters, not membership in an organization. For example, if you are Christian, then you could move from one church to another and still be Christian. However, cult leaders will tell you you can only be saved or can only be successful in their organization alone. No other organization has the truth, and all others miss the mark. So, it is not the belief system that decides your future, but it is the belief system and your membership with that particular group. The cult leaders will make you believe there is nowhere else you can go and still be saved, and if you ever leave the “one true church,” then you are going to hell. This is a fear-based control mechanism designed to keep you in the cult.

Fear and intimidation.

Cult leadership is feared. To disagree with leadership is the same as disagreeing with God. The cult leaders will claim to have direct authority from God to control almost all aspects of your life. If the cult is not a religious group, then questioning the leaders or program will still be seen as a sign of rebellion and stupidity. Guilt is a tactic they will use to control you. Maybe the reason you’re not making money is that you’re not “with the program.” Maybe the reason you’re not able to convert recruits is because “your heart is prideful and full of sin.” It could never be that the program isn’t working, or those recruits have valid reasons for not joining. It’s always your fault; you’re always mistaken, so you must try harder.

No accountability for leadership.

This happens when leaders only allow those they know to agree with them into leadership positions. It is biblical for a church to have elders in place. But they need to be mature elders – not puppets of the pastors. The elders are the buffer between the shepherd and the sheep. In fact, elders are the basis for the New Testament church, and as Paul planted churches, he appointed elders in every church. The Bible tells us, “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust” (Acts 14:23). Your church must have checks and balances. If your church leaders refuse to allow a mature elder board or council to be put into place – your church might be a cult.

If your leaders tell you that you are not being good “sheep” unless you are serving in the church in the capacity they want you to, your church may be a cult. If you are not “free” to serve – rather “compelled” to serve by leadership, then they have become your enslavers, and this is not of God. Our Heavenly Father gives free will and never requires us to be His slaves. He invites us to serve Him, and if we fall short, He does not reject us or shun us – His love is unconditional. If your free will has been taken from you in these areas – your church might be a cult.