For from Him and through Him and
to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen.
Romans 11:36
Father, thank You for leading Matt and I through others and the stirring of our own hearts to come up with core values for our family. I commit these to You and confess that I do not have what it takes to be consistent or strong in any of these areas myself much less guide and train my children to do so. You hold us together and You have become to us wisdom and lived the perfect life on our behalf. So, with that being said, here are the things that the Gurneys want to be about. All for the purpose of honoring You, knowing You, and helping others see and want You more and more.
Gracious
Under Authority
Real
Nurturing
Enduring
Yearning for God
You are a gracious God and lavish Your perfect grace upon Your children every moment of every day. I praise You for that, Father, and completely know that I don't deserve Your love and grace, but because of Your great mercy You have chosen to pour out Your grace and forgiveness on unworthy sinners. We want to be a picture of Your grace to one another and to those around us. Being quick to forgive, slow to anger, willing to overlook an offense, and finding joy in giving without receiving. We want to display Your graciousness for the sake of Your glory!!
You are such a comforting Authority that has complete control and sovereignty over every detail. Help me to trust You and find the freedom that You offer as I submit to You out of reverence for Christ. Jesus, please help the four little blessings running around this house to see the protection and freedom that living under mommy and daddy's authority offers them. We ultimately want them to enjoy being under Your authority and control, so help us be good (yet weak) examples to them.
God, You are so honest and real! Thank You for Your promises that reflect the truthfulness that is wrapped up in Your character. We want to foster such realness in our family, so we will be real with You in our times of weakness, need, sin, and shame. Fill our home with sweet conversations and confessions that glorify Your matchless Name!
We want the relationships represented among the six of us to be helpful, encouraging, kind, and causing growth. Living constantly in one another's space can be messy at times. We get tired, selfish, and weary of looking to one another's needs above our own. We naturally live for our own kingdoms instead of all together living for Your Kingdom! Draw us closer to Your heart and give us unity at the foot of the cross that will have the flavor of nurturing. Remind us often to take care of our own bodies, both physically and spiritually, as well as spur one another toward love and good deeds that will make much of You!!!
May we never give up, Lord. Again, reflecting Your never giving up, always and forever character! You are our Example and You are our Help!!! Produce in us a mindset to press on no matter what it is that we're doing. In everything we do, may we do it as unto You! Help us to endure and finish well!!!!
As a bottom line, may the foundation of our home be one built on yearning for You, our Great and Awesome God! As a deer pants for water, may our souls thirst for You. May we earnestly seek You as individuals and as a family as one would search for water in a dry and weary land. You are better than life itself! Mark our lives with a longing for Your presence and Your Word.
Thank You, Jesus, for desiring good in us. Goodness that will bring You such attention! Goodness that will not be about men, but You! Goodness that is supplied by Your indwelling Spirit! May we be in constant pursuit of You and grow in our trust in You. You will give us these desires as we desire You! Thank You for the answer, YES, in Jesus!!!!
For from Him and through Him and
to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen.
Romans 11:36
