A man who lives by God's Word "is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers" (Psalm 1:3). As the river of God's Spirit nourishes the man of the house, his wife and children also flourish and grow. Their home is full of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Family life in our society is as dry and withered as a desert. But that makes every oasis stand out all the more. Flourishing families, watered by the Spirit of Christ, are hard not to notice. Some may think these families are weird because they're not like the desert around them, but others will want to know their secret. They will long to have the living water of eternal life for themselves. What a thrilling opportunity for the godly! As we walk with God, he blesses our marriages, he blesses our children, and he uses our families to attract others to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A bitter, broken family is the closest thing to hell on earth. A faithful, flourishing family is the closest thing to heaven on earth. "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children" (Proverbs 17:6). God's blessings flow from the older generation to the younger, and back again.

PRAYER--"Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18) May your kingdom flourish in us and grow through us, Lord Jesus. Amen.