House Rules From the Bunker Day 53

Rebecca and I have some good friends who we used to play cards with for endless hours. They were really good and it took a lot of effort to stay in the game (losing is no fun). Inevitably there were “house rules.” Rules that we played with, but didn’t originate with the game. It might include taking out the lowest two cards or adding in Jokers. House rules, I believe, are designed to help the “house” to have a better chance of winning. It gives them an edge. But house rules are not only about games. When our kids were young we had house rules that were different than other families.

If their friends stayed the night they had to submit to house rules. We limited tv and computer time. We spoke to each other with respect. A prayer of thanksgiving was given before we ate. Everyone goes to church on Sundays, and lights out for bed were at a certain time. There were times when we adjusted the rules, but for the most part everyone knew them. It made everything easier when we all understood the house rules and agreed to them.

Churches are a family and there are house rules as well. Our Heavenly Father wrote them down for us so that we can refer back to them.

·       James 5:16 (ESV)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

·       1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

·       1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)

 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

·       Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

·       Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)

PTherefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

·       Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

I am so glad we are family, and I praise God for you and all you contribute to sustaining our welfare. Every week we meet is like a family reunion, and I can’t wait until we are all together again. Until I can be with you in person know that my heart is with you every day in spirit. I’m just saying…

House Rules from the Bunker Day 53