Family Altar time

Does your family have a family altar time? I will shamefully admit that I went for years neglecting this very important commitment. I have went through times of doing it and then for whatever reason, slacked off and eventually quit altogether. I guess my thinking was since I have my family in church, usually 3-times a week, that it was enough. My thinking was flawed. I was convicted of this recently and have since started back the family altar time. Oh sure, at first the kids grumbled, "more church?" they asked? However, as we got into it, I could tell that they actually enjoy it. They ask questions, they participate. There is no pressure from the outside world or other people to hinder them. They feel free to discuss the Bible and the truths from God.

I know this isn't really a music related post, but it was something that I felt like I needed to post about. I am seeing more and more families being torn apart. Selfish desires get in the way of true family unity. The divorce rate is skyrocketing. Teen pregnancy runs rampant through our country. Drugs, violence, and perverted lifestyles are destroying homes and families. I truly believe if more people would devote their families to God and to leading a Christian lifestyle, that there would be fewer problems in this world. Kids today are faced with so many distractions and false teachings. They need instruction and that instruction needs to come from their parents and out of the Holy Bible.

It is so easy for the family to sit on the couch, flip on the television and watch hours worth of stuff every night. Why not turn off that TV, get down on your knees this evening with your family and make a commitment to dedicate a portion of your family's time to Bible study, prayer, and worship? You will not be disappointed and you will see a change in your family. While you are praying, lift up a prayer for your church and your fellow man, we all need it.

If you have a few minutes, I would like to urge you to visit this website that I found that discusses the family altar and provides excellent tips and resources concerning it.
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/famaltar.html

UPDATE 5/27/09: Since posting this, I was able to preach a message at church concerning the family altar, you can give it a listen below: