The Challenge: DAY 8 – God’s Commands #3
His WAY
Welcome to DAY 8 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for the Ten Commandments #5 and #6 – “Honor your father and mother” and “You shall not murder.”
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
- HAND COMMANDS – The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
- Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
A few questions for feedback:
Discuss Commandment #5 – What does it mean to honor your father and mother? (One blessing of youth is that you can know you’re in God’s perfect will by simply honoring your parents and obeying them. Compared to the process in adulthood of earnestly “seeking” God’s perfect will for your life, it’s so easy!!!)
Commandment #6 – Some Christians use this commandment to teach their belief in pacifism. The wording actually refers to murder. There is a difference between ‘to murder’ and ‘to kill for justice’ – as in a judicial execution, in service to one’s country in a just war situation, or in self-defense. There is need in this world for godly people in all spheres of society, and that includes the military. My husband has preached the Gospel to many military soldiers throughout the world and this specific explanation – about the difference between “to murder” and “to kill” – has helped many people in the military to surrender their lives to the Lord. Without this understanding, many soldiers do not realize that it can be possible to be both a good soldier and a good Christian. On a more personal family note, our oldest son is a young man who strongly loves the Lord, and he is currently serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Our son definitely sought the Lord for guidance in this decision, and as parents, we prayed with him in that regards. We have a peace about his decision, and believe that wherever our son will be sent, he will go as God’s ambassador.
This commandment can also refer to abortion; as mission-minded families, it is vital to instill in our children the importance and value of LIFE.
By the way, although I refer to a quote by Helen Keller, I do not recommend her as a Christian role model, but rather, as a remarkable example of determination and perseverance.
Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .
Click here for DAY 9
The Challenge: DAY 7 – God’s Commands #2
His LAW
Welcome to DAY 7 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today your family will learn the HAND COMMANDS (finger motions) for the Ten Commandments, specifically today #3 and #4. We’ll also discuss how to keep God’s Word and His Law in our hearts.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Bruchko and the Molitone Miracle, by Bruce Olsen
- HAND COMMANDS – The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
- Missionary Quote by Ron Luce of TeenMania
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: MIDDLE EAST
- Memory Verse: Proverbs 7:1, 3
A few questions for feedback:
Discuss Commandment #3 – As a family, do you honor the Lord’s name and even guard how you say the name of “God”? In our home, we train our kids to always conclude their prayers with a strong “In the Name of Jesus, Amen.” Far too often, Christians “water-down” prayers, especially in public settings, in an attempt to not be offensive; instead, we need to be unashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ and BOLD in our witness. If we’re given an opportunity to pray, at family gathering or a city meeting, our prayers should glorify the Lord without shame. Also, if you ever hear a person swear, by taking the Lord’s name in vain, it’s a great time to witness and to let that person know how much you love Jesus and His wonderful Name!
Regarding Commandment #4, how does your family remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy? Does your family have a specific day of “spiritual rest” from your regular work, to focus on the Lord?
Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .
Click here for DAY 8
The Challenge: DAY 6 – God’s Commands #1
His PATH
Welcome to DAY 6 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today your family will consider God’s path of life and two “ditches” to avoid: legalism and lawlessness. This week we’re focusing on God’s Ten Commandments, and learning the HAND COMMANDS. These simple finger motions can help you to show people their need for God’s salvation.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: David Livingstone – Africa’s Trailblazer – From YWAM’s Christian Heroes Then & Now Series
- HAND COMMANDS – The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
- Missionary Quote by David Livingstone, Missionary Explorer to Africa
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
- Memory Verse: Matthew 7:13-14
A few questions for feedback:
Discuss as a family Commandment #1 and #2. What does it mean to love the LORD your God and to only serve Him? Is there anything in your family that is out of place? Also, are there are “idols” or things in your life that take priority over your relationship with the Lord? What do you think about walking on God’s path and not falling into either legalism or lawlessness; which “ditch” is more of a tendency for your family?
Continue the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE . . .
Click here for DAY 7
The Challenge: DAY 5 – Get the Vision! #5
GOD’S MISSION!
Welcome to DAY 5 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s 5-minute focus is to look at the word “MISSION” and to think about having a MISSION STATEMENT, or purpose statement for your life. What is your mission in life (for you personally and for your family), and how does this purpose relate to God’s Great Commission?
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Operation World – When We Pray, God Works and Operation World Online
- Missionary Quote by Howard Thurman, Minister and Civil Rights Leader
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
- Memory Verse: Galations 2:20
A few questions for feedback:
Have your ever written a MISSION STATEMENT or a PURPOSE STATEMENT for your life and/or for your family? Take some time to write this, and be sure to keep this statement brief, focused, and very specific. What is your purpose in life? What is God’s calling for you as a family? Can you articulate this in one simple sentence? Write it down.
The Challenge: DAY 4 – Get the Vision! #4
GOD’S PASSION!
Welcome to DAY 4 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s 5-minute focus will encourage you to love God and to love others, and specifically to love others who don’t yet know the Lord. Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to heaven, and we need to share this news with others. And we need to realize that the Gospel is not BAD NEWS, it is GOOD NEWS!
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Evangelism by Fire – Igniting your Passion for the Lost, by Reinhart Bonkke
- Missionary Quote by Oswald J. Smith
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
- Memory Verses: John 14:6, John 3:3, John 3:18, Acts 4:12
A few questions for feedback: Do you have a list of 5 people in your sphere of influence who don’t yet know Jesus? Did you pray for them? Have you ever shared the Gospel with these people? Ask God for more of His love for these 5 people, and for wisdom to share the Lord.
The Challenge: DAY 3 – Get the Vision! #3
GOD’S JOY!
Welcome to DAY 3 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s 5-minute focus is about JOY, and getting more heavenly JOY by seeking God for more of His passion for the lost. There’s more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents . . .
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: A Chance to Die – The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliot
- Missionary Quote by Amy Carmichael, Missionary to India
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
- Memory Verse: Hebrews 12:2, Luke 15:7
A few questions for feedback: Do you have a heart for people who don’t know Jesus Christ, or do you find that you really don’t care as much as you should? Do you have God’s “passion” for the lost? Have you ever experienced the JOY of leading someone to the Lord?
The Challenge: DAY 2 – Get the Vision! #2
GOD’S COMPASSION!
Welcome to DAY 2 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s focus is about being “moved” with God’s compassion and learning how to actively respond to the needs that God places on your heart. If God compells you to help assist with a specific need, He will also enable you by His grace (and through His provision, wisdom, and connections), to take action.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Hudson Taylor – Deep in the Heart of China
- Missionary Quotes by Hudson Taylor (online bio at wholesome words)
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: ASIA
- Memory Verse: James 1:27
A few questions for feedback: Has there ever been a specific need that God has stirred in your heart? Has there ever been a mission need or burden that you just couldn’t get out of your heart or perhaps a need that makes you cry? What spiritual needs stir in the hearts of others around you, perhaps missionaries you know, or some mission-minded friend, or your pastor; ask them how God brought this need to their heart. And consider sponsoring a child . . . or if you already do, take a few minutes to pray for him or her.
The Challenge: DAY 1 – Get the Vision! #1
GOD’S VISION!
Welcome to DAY 1 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Through these daily 5-minute videos and online discussions, we are going to focus our families toward God’s Great Commission and getting more of His passion for the lost. Feel free to leave comments and feedback. Let’s encourage one another to become more mission-minded!
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: The Mission-Minded Child
- Missionary Quote by Oswald J. Smith
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: Oceans and Continents
- Memory Verses: Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20, Duet. 6:9
A few questions for feedback: Do you desire God’s vision for your life? Did you check the online geography quiz at lizardpoint.com? Did you show it to your kids? Do you know the Bible references for God’s Great Commission in Mark and Matthew? Can you (and your kids) say these verses from memory? Did you put up a map or a globe in your house? Where? Do your kids have a map or a globe in their bedrooms?
40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
You are invited to take a FREE Online Mission Class:
Introducing the 40-DAY Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!!!
It’s eight-weeks to becoming more effective . . . for eternity! (Just 5 minutes a day!)
For several months, this idea for a “40-Day Mission-Minded Family CHALLENGE” has been stirring in my heart. The vision is to provide eight weeks (Monday through Friday) of FREE on-line encouragement to motivate you and your family to become more effective for eternity.I warn you. These online videos won’t be slick, glossy, or high-tech; but they will be biblical, focused, and heart-felt. In just 5 minutes a day, you and your family will be motivated to love God, and to love others. You’ll be challenged to guard the gates of your home, to raise the bar for your kids (for God’s glory), and to move beyond the typical self-centered focus our “Me-First” culture to focus more on the huge needs of our world and to seek God for your part in His Great Commission.
Throughout these 40 days, we’ll be referencing our mission-minded set:
- The Mission-Minded Child – Raising a New Generation to Fulfill God’s Purpose
- The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny
This 40-Day CHALLENGE will give you the opportunity to get a FREE “sneak-peak” of these resources . . . or if you can follow along with your own copies, you’ll be encouraged to apply the vision of these mission-minded books into your daily family life.
Every day will include a hard-hitting missionary quote, a quick-look at a particular geographical area of the world, a look at a recommended missionary biography book or resource tool, a targeted mission-minded Bible verse, and a practical (and very specific) challenge for you and your family.
In just eight weeks, you’ll move forward toward becoming a more effective family for eternity. Spread the word . . . invite a friend to join you in the challenge, or a young person with a heart for missions, or another family, or maybe even your Sunday school class or a home group.
Take the Challenge!
A Personal Note:
This 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE is designed to be utilized over 8-weeks, although some families have been going through several videos (or even a week’s worth) at one time. To begin the challenge, you don’t need to “sign-up” for anything; instead, just click on a day’s title, watch the 4-5-minute video, take the suggested geography quiz-for-the-day, ponder or memorize the daily Bible verses and quotes, and then take ACTION on that day’s CHALLENGE. Suggested links and mission resources are added each day to assist you and your family in further learning. Please feel free to add your own feedback and comments . . . as you allow the Lord to draw you closer to Himself, and to stir-up more of His passion for the lost. We trust it will be a blessing (and a challenge) to you and your family!
As Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China said, “The Great Commission is not an option to consider, but a command to obey.”And as I say, “Missions is not just for missionaries; God’s call is for all.”
In His Love & For His Harvest,
Ann Dunagan
Week 1 – GET THE VISION!
MONDAY: God’s Vision – Start your “40-Day Challenge” by clicking here…
TUESDAY: God’s Compassion
WEDNESDAY: God’s Joy
THURSDAY: God’s Passion
FRIDAY: God’s MissionWeek 2 – GOD’S COMMANDS! (The Ten Commandments)
MONDAY: Hand Commands #1
TUESDAY: Hand Commands #2
WEDNESDAY: Hand Commands #3
THURSDAY: Hand Commands #4
FRIDAY: Hand Commands #5Week 3 – PRAY TO GOD!
MONDAY: A Time to Pray
TUESDAY: A Place to Pray
WEDNESDAY: Parents who Pray
THURSDAY: Kids who Pray
FRIDAY: Families who PrayWeek 4 – GOD’S ATTITUDES! (The Beatitudes)
MONDAY: The DISCIPLES
TUESDAY: Those who MOURN
WEDNESDAY: The MEEK
THURSDAY: The MERCIFUL
FRIDAY: The PERSECUTEDWeek 5 – GUARD THE GATES!
MONDAY: Stop it at the DOOR!
TUESDAY: Guard the EYE Gate
WEDNESDAY: Guard the EAR Gate
THURSDAY: Guard against EVIL influences
FRIDAY: Guard your TONGUEWeek 6 – GIVE TO GOD!
MONDAY: Stewardship
TUESDAY: Sacrifice
WEDNESDAY: Creativity
THURSDAY: Hospitality
FRIDAY: GenerosityWeek 7 – GET READY TO GO!
MONDAY: Get Passports
TUESDAY: International Adventure
WEDNESDAY: The 4 Spiritual Laws
THURSDAY: The Gospel Colors
FRIDAY: The EvangeCubeWeek 8 – God’s MISSION!
MONDAY: His DESTINY
TUESDAY: His PLEADING
WEDNESDAY: His LOVE
THURSDAY: His CROWNS
FRIDAY: His MISSIONComplete Set — 40-Day Challenge
Playlist:
(Note: We added this YouTube playlist for your convenience. There are many additional links — online geography resources, recommended mission resources, Bible verses, links to learn about the missionary from the day’s mission motto or quote, etc. — are available on each day’s video page. Please see the Harvest Ministry website links above.)
Mission-Minded books
These videos accompany the vision of our 3-book mission-minded set: The Mission-Minded Child, The Mission-Minded Family, and The Scarlet Cord: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. For our current 3-book special, please see this link.
You’re Going OVER!!! (You’re not going under!)
BE ENCOURAGED as Jon Dunagan shares from Luke 8:22-25 about Jesus calming the fierce storm and the fears of His disciples (concluding on Part II with a time of prayer).
As you listen, receive the word of the Lord to YOU today: “YOU’RE GOING OVER, you’re not going under. PEACE BE STILL.”
Audio #1
Listen to the first part of Jon’s message: “You’re Going Over, You’re Not Going Under!”
Audio #2
Listen to the second part of Jon’s message: “You’re Going Over, You’re Not Going Under!” concluding with a time of prayer.
May God bless and encourage you from His word, in Jesus’ Name.
