My wife and I have been married 21 years, and in that time we have lived in 15 different residences due to moving around for my work (She is more than a Saint). Home ownership is a relative term for us. What we have learned over the years is that if we are open to it, God can do the most amazing things with the resources we are stewards of. It took a paradigm shift in our thinking that we actually don't own our home but rather are blessed to be a blessing.
So what does it mean to dedicate your home to the Lord?
It really starts with a heart change. Give thanks for the dwelling you have and the glory be to God for providing it. In each of the last 10 homes we have lived in, before we moved a single piece of furniture in to each house, we would go in as a family or even with friends and pray. We would give thanks for the home, ask God to keep a hedge of protection from evil around our doors and to dedicate it to Him to whom all things are owned. We then ask he would that God would show us how He could use it. I have been amazed at some of the ways he has taken us up on that offer. Sometimes it has come with inconvenience for the family but what an amazing ride to serve this way...
Some of the things God has used the house for: Small Group bible studies, the extra bedroom became a home for a wayward teen from our church, we have missionaries from all over stay with us, family who had medical challenges came and lived with us, a wedding for a woman at church who wanted to surprise her husband and renew her vows in our backyard (very cool), birthday celebrations, holiday celebrations, and most importantly a safe place to raise our children up in the Lord. Looking back I wish I could tell you my heart was always in the right place to give when the Lord came calling to take us up on our offer to let the house be His. The truth is there were times when I was down right grumpy about it. Yet, He reminded me of who owned it and my heart over time has softened. My wife has an amazing gift of hospitality and service and has always been open to giving all we had. I hold her with the highest regard when it comes to serving others and a model of stewardship. Thank you Rebecca for leading that way...
You might be thinking "I don't have the gift of hospitality and I don't like people in my home." It is true not everyone can make people feel welcome or don't have a place to entertain in, but read through some of the ideas below and challenge yourself to pray for God to show you how to be on purpose with the blessings in your life. If the place you live can be used to draw just one more soul to Christ and an eternity in heaven wouldn't you want to be that steward. The Lord promises to reward us for our stewardship once we have accepted Christ. Lets make the most out of what He has given...
Some ideas for your Home:
Start out with praying for God's direction on how to best use your home and your talents
Host a weekly Bible Study
Host missionaries when they travel home
Put the digital screens down for an hour and gather your family up for a devotion in the living room: Family Devotions Link
Consider tithing on any capital gains you make when you sell your home(remember he owns it all, including the proceeds if your value goes up)
Host and celebrate with family (Break out the fine china, we are only here for a while)
Be the safe house where the neighborhood kids can come and play and experience the love of Christ
If you have a green thumb with the nicest yard, host the neighborhood picnic (the grass will come back if you are as good as I think you are at maintaining it)
Give thanks everyday for the provision no matter the circumstance.
