I love being at home with my family, and it’s an honor to be entrusted by God to provide, care for, and lead them into more of His goodness. Since I’m a Schuller, positivity is in my blood, and being intentional about the tone I set in our household is a top priority. Though the world outside can be harsh and unkind, it excites me to know that I play a part in helping my wife and children feel safe whenever they walk through our door.
World-shaking calls take root in a Christ-centered home.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that tempt me to be distracted as I try to love my family well. I’m intense, and when I’m focused on what’s in front of me, I don’t always take kindly to distractions. I have to make a consistent effort to unplug so I can bring my best to the ones I love the most. And though I fail often, it helps me to focus on these three areas as I seek to model God’s heart to them:
- Words. I don’t think we can ever underestimate the power of our words. If the Lord spoke everything we see into existence, we certainly have the authority to create the atmosphere around us through what we say. We can’t utter discouragement and defeat over ourselves and our loved ones and believe that they’ll flourish — that would be like consuming ice cream, french fries and hamburgers three times a day and expecting to be healthy. If we want to have a marriage that’s blessed and children who are stable, confident, and grounded, we must say things that edify, encourage, and uplift. In fact, Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Simply put, this verse declares that the things we speak have the power to strengthen souls and bring health to physical bodies! Therefore, as we intentionally fashion an environment of grace in our families, we do well to agree with God’s heart in uttering things like, “You are more than a conqueror!,” “The Lord has a good plan for your life!,” “I believe in you, and so does Jesus!,” and most importantly, “I love you very much!”
- Attitude. We’ve all heard about the power of having a positive attitude, and while there are indeed great benefits to being happy and upbeat, when it comes to loving our families well, attitude and action are inseparable. Far more than just a state of emotional well-being, the Bible tells us that we “…must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:5 NLT). The passage then goes on to explain how our servant-hearted Savior emptied Himself for the sake of those He loved. Therefore, as we strive to attain and maintain a Godly frame of mind, we must do it through the lens of understanding what Jesus would do. The attitude that will uplift our family is the one that sacrificially points them to His heart, which, even in the midst of trials and setbacks, is full of hope, faith, and unspeakable joy!
- Actions. When it comes to loving our loved ones well, there’s only one way to do it — by giving them our time. We can say words and have a positive attitude all day long, but unless we back those things up with action, we’re just a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Like Jesus, we’re called to be filled with His power and become a servant to others. So the next time our spouse wants to go on a date, our kids need help with a project, or there’s a Saturday free for a family outing, we can savor the moment, seize the opportunity to make a memory, and shower them with the boundless grace of Christ!
Friend, I’m lifting you up in prayer and rooting for your success as you strive to intentionally bring the Lord’s heart to your home. May He encourage, equip, and empower you to glorify Him through words, attitudes, and actions that will inspire and bless your family!
Bobby Schuller
Let LOVE, JOY, and GRACE Reign in Your Life!
As we embrace new rhythms in this back-to-school season, it can be helpful to have tangible reminders of God’s heart around us. Especially as our schedules get busier, being surrounded by divine encouragement keeps us anchored in Him so we can bless and uplift our friends and family. In fact, this is the heart behind this month’s “Love, Joy, Grace” special offer.
For your generous gift of just $75 or more, we’ll send you a boxed set of four magnets that feature the phrases, “Love is spoken here,” “Joy is chosen here,” “Grace is given here,” and “Love, Joy, Grace,” in addition to a sturdy matching tote bag. Adorned with a watercolor floral motif in calming shades of green and blue, the neutral-colored bag is flanked by the words, “Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here.” Its sturdy handle is a vibrant, contrasting blue, and its strong canvas construction makes it perfect for carrying books, groceries, or other goodies in both a sustainable and inspirational way!
With your donation of $100 or more, we’ll also include a matching throw pillow. Flanked by the same blue and green floral motif as the tote bag, this soft and comfy home decoration boasts the phrase “Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here.” A perfect addition to any bed, chair, or couch, our prayer is that it will be a constant reminder to design a home atmosphere that reflects God’s warmth, kindness, and love.
Request your gift by calling us today at (866) GET-HOPE (438-4673), or visit here.
From Hannah’s Heart: Healing on the Front Lines
Our beloved Hannah recently returned from a mission trip to Puerto Rico. We thought you might enjoy reading this first-hand account she sent while she was in the middle of her adventure:
“Thank you all SO much for your prayers; they have been answered!! It’s been INCREDIBLE. Everything God has been stirring in my heart and I’ve been praying for during COVID is happening here.
The first night, I was able to pray for every person on the team (it’s mainly teenagers), and every person we prayed for was miraculously healed! A 15-year-old boy with cerebral palsy started weeping and worshiping on his knees because he said it was the first time in his life he’s never felt pain in his legs, and his body was functioning perfectly. All his pain left. A girl with a broken toe was instantly healed — she’s been walking and enjoying the trip with no pain. A girl with a swollen ankle, who’s had pain in her ankle for weeks — had her swelling go down in a matter of moments, and now she has no pain. A girl with scoliosis who has never been able to bend her back backward with no pain. There were about eight others healed, too.
Friends, God is truly Jehovah Rapha & He’s the same yesterday today and forever! Watching teenagers bewildered and crying and worshiping Jesus with all their hearts is beyond words. It’s been hard to sleep because I’ve been so excited about seeing God’s will manifesting here and now! He is amazing!”
Define Your FAMILY’S VALUES
Intentionality is the key to meaningful change. Nothing happens without a purpose, and vision only becomes reality when time is invested. In fact, nowhere is this more true than in our families. Without concerted effort, routines can take us hostage, and once we hop on the hamster wheel of busyness, it’s hard to get off. This is why it’s crucial to define and live out our FAMILY VALUES!
The priorities we set in our homes have the power to impact our children, grandchildren, and the generations after them, so there’s never been a better time to get serious about creating a Godly atmosphere in our families. The world abounds with frustrations and temptations, but when we honor Jesus by loving our loved ones well, the eternal impact of our decisions will long outlive us.
Because we want to support you in the important task of defining your family’s values, we’re making a very special FREE gift available to you this month. When you go to hourofpower.org/familyvalues, you can download a special printable “Our Family Values” worksheet that can be filled out and framed or copied to remind everyone in your household what’s most important. We hope it serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, renewed vision, and a positive culture shift in your home environment!
Embrace a Fresh Start!
Have you noticed that the Bible often mentions seasons? That is because seasons are part of the human fabric. The Scripture reminds us that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). We have four seasons of weather (unless you live in southern California, of course)! We also have occasions dictated by the calendar. For example, Lunar New Year is celebrated in February and our Jewish friends celebrate Rosh Hashanah in September. Intervals are important because they mark the end of one thing and the beginning of another. As such, seasons invite transitions.
For those of us with children at home, back to school is one such division. Late August or early September means that our routines are about to change. No more lazy vacations on the shore, fair food, and straying from our exercise regimes. The back-to-school season necessitates changes to our family rhythms. No more staying up until midnight watching reality TV and sleeping until 10 a.m. In short, back to school marks the transition from spontaneity to structure. This structure is part of what is required for children to learn and grow.
You may no longer have school age children or grandchildren at home, but I want to invite you to think of this season as a fresh start. What do you hope to accomplish in the fall that was not feasible during the summer? Perhaps it is time to get that walking routine going again now that the summer heat is fading. Or maybe you aspire to grow through education. I literally went back to school in my 30s to get my seminary degree. Whatever you hope to accomplish, I want you to know that God will be there to guide, support and resource you. Commit your plans to the LORD, do the next right thing and see what happens. The best is yet to come my friends!
God loves you and so do I!
-Pastor Russ Jacobson
What’s Happening on Hour of Power?
- Upcoming Sermon Series: This month, Pastor Bobby begins a series of back-to-school messages entitled “Disciples Making Disciples.”
- Special Guests: Last month, we welcomed guest preachers Nona Jones and Daniel Fusco to the broadcast, in addition to musical guests Michael W. Smith, the Voices of Hope Children’s Choir, Charles Jones and Tehillah Alphonso. If you missed any of them, be sure to catch up at hourofpower.org/episode.
- Upcoming Guests: This month, we will welcome musical guests Charles Jones and Enterline to the broadcast.
* Programming information is subject to change.
What’s Happening at Shepherd’s Grove?
- Last month, we joined hundreds of churches around the country to host the “Global Leadership Summit,” which is a two-day intensive seminar that trains and equips Godly leaders in every part of the world.
- Our annual “Irvine Feeds the World” event is happening this month. In partnership with Kids Around the World, our goal is to pack thousands of meals with the help of our congregation, students, preschool, and the local community.
- Our outreach ministry has a new focus for the third quarter on combating hunger. We’re excited to bring the love of Jesus to our community by helping them in tangible ways.
