If faith without works is dead, then your prayer establishes a full time job for your faith and an ever-growing relationship with our Father. It is important that we take time, spend time with and for the family. Sometimes it seems like our family can be distant, dysfunctional or maybe even perfect. Oh yeah, some people really believe that. But the appearance on the outside is a fragment of the truth, what remains to be seen is the unfolding of Christ in the midst. This is my question to you: “What is a family without God? If a family that prays together stays together and your family is running amuck, I would suggest that while you are binding Satan, you loose the word of God.

And while you’re at it, check what is missing in your household. Ask yourself, “Where is Christ in my family, not just in me? Ask yourself, “Am I an example to them or am I a dictator—do what I say, and not as I do?” Take notice to how often you all come together for breakfast or dinner and say grace together—that’s a fellowship within the family that should not be forgotten, and we take that time for granted. I know we are consumed with our jobs, churches, and extra curricular activities for the children, but don’t ever get too busy that you forget to pray, that you don’t spend time with your loved-ones. I have noticed that the body of Christ spends so much time in the church, that the family at home misses out on their time, there must be a balance. I don’t mean family time as in is taking your whole family to church, which is good, don’t get me wrong. But it is also not where you want to spend all your time. God did not say to do that. He gave specific instructions as to how the family should be, from the father and mother to the children.

Those that are truly working as a family usually have a prosperous life, and it doesn’t just mean with money. There is joy, peace and a comfort in knowing that home is where the heart is, if the heart is one with Christ. Confusion is Satan’s autobiography and he forms (un-prosperous) weapons to the family to break the fulfillment of God’s instructions. So now more than ever the family needs prayer, not because I said so, but because of the evidence of the Christian families. We, who are known as examples, should not take for granted that we are being watched at all times, and the world is waiting for us to mess up. Don’t’ get me wrong, and yes I do realize that we are human, and subject to error and mistakes—but we are also spiritual beings with the word of God hidden in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him. Not loving and building the family is a sin against our Father’s law. Strive and press toward the mark in your family with God. Know that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and the strength of the Lord is your joy and He honors those who follow His instructions.

What examples do we have? Who are you looking for? We don’t know the households of these well-known families in the music industry, we only know what they have given us, what they show us, and behind closed doors they are regular people just like us. We must continue to keep them in prayer. Being in the ministry is not an easy assignment; and to whom much is given, much is required. Many of these artists’ families suffer so they can give us the best of what God has given them. The songs that are inspirational are poured out from their hearts. A song may not be lyrical scripture, but they always remind us that God is the way, the truth and the light. He is the hope of glory, redeemer, way-maker, and friend. As the song by Pastor Marvin Sapp on his new CD Possess The Land says, “Never Would Have Made It.” You don’t know what he went through to make that testament. Like Kirk Franklin’s “Without You”, and Vicky Winans’- Rainbow, they gave us part of a testimony, whether it be theirs or someone else’s. It’s a reminder that this is real life that we are living and at times we will all hurt or go through circumstances, abuse and other hurts. Remember that these men and women of God have families, and keeping it all together is not as easy as money would make it seem. But if we, as a family of God keep praying for one another, the order of protection that is set will always remain maintained and keep the enemy defeated. Everyone is to do their part in building the family.

So let’s do like my jam (that’s slang for my favorite song) by the 7 Sons of Soul in the title hit of their new CD Praying 4 You, says— “I’ll be praying for you, and you’ll be praying for me.” And if we do like the Clark Sisters’ new remake and Pray for the USA, we can be better... And know in the end… WE WIN!!!!