Congratulations! We've come to the 40th day in the 40 Days of Reconciliation, which is Day 4 in the Family Leadership Series. Glory to God. Let us start by thanking God.

Father, thank You so much for helping us go through these 40 days of reconciliation. Even me who has been leading this series, I will never remain the same. Lord, I hope You've transformed people in their thinking. I hope You've encouraged those who were already strong. Lord, I hope that the weak have been made strong by You. It's only You who can make them strong. These series only bring us to You; they show us who You are. Lord, may You reign in our hearts. May You continue to identify with us even as we go through the final topic. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Today our final topic in the 40 Days of Reconciliation is Belonging. Just that—belonging.

Then we have another scripture from 2 Samuel 8:15:

"David ruled over all Israel and made sure that his people were always treated fairly and justly."

There is one more scripture again, Luke 19:10. It talks about Jesus Christ:

"The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost."

We see from the days of Moses, God was preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. To David, He promises that a son from him would rule forever. And from David, we see Jesus Christ coming, who now rules forever.

It helps us remember that God has not forgotten His promises. He is ruling in Christ as the scriptures reveal. It shows there is a Kingdom running right now. God has promised more things about this leadership to come. There is a time coming and we will see this Kingdom much more clearly.

Revelation 19:15:

"Out of his mouth came a sharp sword with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron. And he will trample out the wine in the winepress of the furious anger of the Almighty God."

It shows that the war isn't over. There is a war. Don't think so much about these wars of the earth... those are rooted in human weakness. But there is a war with the right cause, bringing righteousness. And the scripture clearly reveals Christ Jesus as a triumphant warrior. One who has already won—we know where He won from, on the Cross—and we know that we are coming to victory. He is bringing His church to victory.

God sent His Son into the world so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. We find that in John 3:16.

So God has loved everyone. And we thank Him. This includes everyone in His Kingdom. You don't say, "Me, I'm left behind." No. God is the God of justice. This is where you are included.

Now for people who feel oppressed: Will you please come to Jesus? Because in Him there is no oppression. The oppressed are set free. In Him, you have your justice. You have your freedom. When you accept Him, He sets you free. This is what it takes. It takes you to believe in Him. It takes you to accept the sacrifice which was made for you for the forgiveness of your sins. And then you relate with Him.

It is the Divine Belonging. Belonging with Christ. You know He is your Savior. You surrender. Sometimes we surrender to humans when we are defeated. But here He defeated, not us, but the enemy who held us captive. Failing to come and identify with Him is ignorance that keeps us in the dark under captivity. We need to know that we've been set free by the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Deliverer. We need to know we are free and come back to Him and live triumphant with Him.

May the Lord bless you. May the Lord keep you strong. In our relationship with Him, He expects us to feel accepted, valued, and connected with Him. This gives comfort, and the feeling that you are respected. You can see this in His relationship with the disciples; He is still the same, full of love for you.

May God bless you. May He keep you strong. Thank you so much.

Focus on the Lord of salvation. Blessings will flourish in the lives of those who obey. Give God your life and teach obedience to your children. May the Lord help us to stay attuned to him.

God commanded the people of Israel to obey Him and instruct their children in righteousness. We must maintain commitment to setting a good example of obedience in order for children to practically witness the difference when God is so close to His people. Obviously no one has any greater capacity to do that than a God-fearing parent.

1. What are some of the challenges that hinder us from setting a good example of obedience before our children?
2. Read Deuteronomy 6:7, again: "Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." Why is it that some parents find it very hard to teach God's word to their children?
3. If you were to make a deliberate plan for teach Godliness to your children, how would it look like?

Read your Bible with understanding and pray with your family continually. This will help you know and obey God's word yourself before you try to teach it to your children.

Consider making a deliberate plan for teaching Godliness to your children.

Ask God to help you overcome the challenges you have already observed, in your commitment to setting a good example of obedience before your children?

Israel, remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.Questions to Ponder:Suggested Action:Prayer Prompt: