Habits of the Household Bible Study Guide (ISBN 9780310170020)
Justin Whitmel Earley’s guide (ISBN 9780310170020) offers a structured 5‑session study, blending scripture, family devotions, and practical habits. It includes streaming videos, discussion prompts, and a weekend retreat plan to deepen faith together. It provides reflective questions and a print worksheet.
Streaming Video Sessions Included
Session 1: Waking Up to Habits of the Household (17:00)
Session 1, titled “Waking Up to Habits of the Household,” opens the series with a 17‑minute exploration of how daily routines shape spiritual life. The video begins by inviting viewers to pause the rush of morning routines and examine the small, often overlooked moments that can become intentional worship. Earley presents a concise framework: identify a single habit—such as a shared greeting, a brief prayer, or a moment of gratitude—and commit to practicing it consistently for a week. He emphasizes that the goal is not perfection but a gradual shift toward intentionality. Throughout the clip, the host shares relatable anecdotes from his own family, illustrating how a simple “good‑morning” ritual can set a tone of reverence for the entire household. The session also offers practical tips for overcoming resistance: set a visual cue, use a timer, or pair the habit with an existing routine. Viewers are encouraged to record their experiences in a journal, noting changes in mood, communication, and spiritual awareness. The video concludes with a reflective question: “What small habit could you introduce today that would invite God into the rhythm of your home?” By the end, participants should feel equipped to transform ordinary moments into purposeful, faith‑centered practices that strengthen family bonds and deepen personal devotion.
To anchor the habit in Scripture, Earley cites verses such as Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 127:1, reminding families that “every word that comes from your mouths will be blessed.” He suggests creating a “habit board” where each family member can post a sticky note describing their chosen practice, fostering accountability. The video also addresses common obstacles: fatigue, distractions, and competing priorities. Earley recommends a “habit swap” strategy—if a morning prayer feels too demanding, replace it with a five‑minute gratitude list or a shared song. He encourages families to celebrate milestones with a simple reward, such as a favorite breakfast or a short walk together. The session concludes with a call to action: set a reminder on your phone, invite a friend to join the challenge, and share your progress on a private group chat. By integrating these steps, viewers can transform the mundane act of waking up into a deliberate, communal invitation to experience God’s presence at the start of each day.
Finally, Earley outlines a simple evaluation framework for the week: at Sunday dinner, each member shares one insight or challenge encountered. This debrief not only reinforces learning but also builds a culture of openness and encouragement. He reminds that habits are not static; after the initial week, families can rotate or expand their practices, gradually layering more depth—such as incorporating a short devotion or a moment of silent listening. By the end of the session, participants should feel motivated to commit, equipped with tools, and ready to carry the momentum into the next video, where mealtimes and family devotions will be explored; The overarching aim is to weave faith seamlessly into the fabric of daily life, making every waking moment a testament to God’s presence. Join us next week as we deepen our practice and discover the power of shared faith.
Session 2: Habits for Mealtimes & Family Devotions (17:00)
In Session 2, the focus shifts to the shared table, where the 17‑minute video guides families in turning everyday meals into intentional worship moments. Earley begins by reminding viewers that “every meal is a blessing” (Psalm 118:24) and invites them to pause before the first bite, offering a brief prayer of gratitude. He outlines a simple structure: 1) set a table‑setting ritual, 2) read a short scripture passage, 3) share a personal testimony or a question for the group, and 4) close with a collective blessing. The host demonstrates how to keep the routine concise yet meaningful, suggesting a 30‑second reflection or a single line of praise for each person. He emphasizes the power of “family devotions” as a regular anchor that strengthens communication and spiritual awareness. Practical tips include using a “devotion card” with a rotating verse, a timer to keep the session under five minutes, and a “thank‑you jar” where family members drop notes of appreciation for one another. The video also addresses common challenges—such as distractions from screens or rushed schedules—by proposing a “no‑device” rule during the first ten minutes of the meal. Earley encourages families to record their experiences in a shared journal or a private group chat, noting how the practice affects mood, conversation quality, and sense of togetherness. He concludes with a reflective question: “What new habit can you add to your mealtime that invites God into the conversation?” Remember to keep the habit alive daily.
Session 3, lasting 21 minutes, tackles the modern challenge of screen‑time in the family. Justin Whitmel Earley opens by noting that “technology can be a tool or a trap” (Ephesians 5:15‑16) and invites viewers to assess their own habits. He proposes a “screen‑time covenant” where each family member records daily usage in a shared journal, then reviews it together every Sunday. The video demonstrates how to set up device‑free zones: the dining room, the bedroom and the living room during family time. Earley emphasizes the importance of “formation” – the idea that daily habits shape character. He suggests a 5‑minute “digital detox” ritual: a brief prayer, a gratitude list, and a short scripture reading before any device is turned on. The host also shares a practical “tech‑pause” cue: a simple hand gesture or a timer that signals when it’s time to put phones away. He encourages families to replace passive scrolling with active engagement, such as reading a devotional together, playing a board game or doing a short creative activity. The session concludes with a reflective prompt: “What is one screen habit you can replace with a habit that builds faith and family connection?” The video also includes a downloadable worksheet that helps families track progress and celebrate milestones. By the end, viewers should feel equipped to transform screen‑time into a purposeful part of their household routine, fostering spiritual growth and stronger bonds. Families can also set a weekly “tech check‑in” to review progress and adjust boundaries now!
Session 4: Habits for Using Discipline as Discipleship (16:00)
In the 16‑minute video, Justin Whitmel Earley explains how everyday discipline can become a form of discipleship. He begins with the biblical principle that “discipline is love” (Hebrews 12:11) and reminds families that “the Lord disciplines those he loves” (Proverbs 3:11‑12). The guide encourages parents to establish clear, consistent rules that reflect Christian values, such as a nightly family prayer, a set bedtime, and a shared study time. Earley demonstrates a “discipline‑to‑discipleship” model: when a child misbehaves, the parent first offers a gentle reminder, then a short, scripture‑based discussion, and finally a consequence that is restorative rather than punitive. He stresses importance of consistency, saying that “discipline is most effective when it is predictable” (James 1:19). Families are invited to create a “discipline journal” where they record incidents, responses, and lessons learned, and to review it weekly. The video also includes a practical “discipline checklist” that parents can adapt to different ages. Earley reminds viewers that discipline should always lead to growth, not shame, encourages them to pray for humility and wisdom. At the end, a reflection prompt asks, “What one discipline habit can you implement today that will nurture your child’s faith?” A downloadable worksheet accompanies the session, providing space for goals, prayer points, and progress tracking. By integrating discipline with discipleship, families can transform everyday challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection.
Session 5: Habits to Help You Imagine the Future (15:30)
In the final 15‑minute session, Earley invites families to envision a future rooted in faith. He opens with the promise that “the Lord has plans to prosper you” (Jeremiah 29:11) and encourages viewers to set long‑term spiritual goals. The guide outlines three practical habits: 1) “Future‑Focused Prayer” – a nightly prayer that asks God to reveal His vision for each family member; 2) “Vision Journaling” – a weekly exercise where each person writes a short paragraph about their ideal future, noting biblical principles that will guide them; and 3) “Goal‑Setting with Scripture” – pairing a measurable goal (e.g., reading a book of the Bible per month) with a related verse to keep the focus on God’s promises. Earley stresses the importance of revisiting these habits monthly, allowing adjustments as life changes. He also provides a “Future Vision Map” template that helps families plot milestones, celebrate progress, and keep God at the center. The session concludes with a reflection prompt: “What one future habit can you adopt today that will bring your family closer to God’s purpose?” A downloadable worksheet accompanies the video, offering space for prayer requests, vision statements, and a tracking table. By cultivating future‑oriented habits, families can align their everyday actions with a God‑centered destiny, turning hope into tangible steps toward a faith‑filled tomorrow. Remember that every habit you nurture becomes a stepping stone toward a life that reflects God’s love, guiding your family through seasons of growth and grace. —stay
Weekend Retreat Schedule & Resources
The guide offers a 2‑day retreat plan: Day 1 focuses on morning devotion, family meals, and screen‑time limits; Day 2 centers on discipline as discipleship and future visioning. Resources include printable schedules, discussion prompts, and a vision‑mapping worksheet. Use templates to track progress daily.
Retreat Planning Guide
Use the guide’s step‑by‑step framework to design a weekend retreat that reinforces daily habits. Begin with a kickoff session that reviews the five video modules, allowing participants to share personal insights. Allocate morning time for a collective prayer and a family‑style breakfast that models the “Habits for Mealtimes & Family Devotions” session. Follow with a guided discussion on screen‑time limits, drawing from the “Habits for Screentime & Formation” video. In the afternoon, conduct a discipline‑as‑discipleship workshop, where families create a shared accountability chart. End the day with a vision‑setting activity, inspired by the “Habits to Help You Imagine the Future” session, encouraging each member to write a personal faith goal. On the second day, schedule a reflective walk, a group worship service, and a closing circle that reviews commitments. Provide printable checklists, a retreat agenda template, and a resource list of local venues. Encourage families to bring a small devotional booklet and a journal for notes. more The retreat schedule template includes a detailed timeline, suggested activities, and a feedback form. Families can customize the agenda by swapping in local worship services or community outreach projects. The guide also offers a budgeting worksheet to help organizers manage costs while ensuring a spiritually enriching experience for all participants. By following this structure, groups can experience a cohesive, faith‑centered retreat that strengthens household habits and deepens community bonds.
Best Practices for Leading Group Discussions
Start each session by reviewing the video theme, then invite members to share reflections. Pose open‑ended questions, listen actively, and summarize key points. Encourage respectful listening.! End with a shared prayer that reinforces household habits.
Group Discussion Structure
Begin each meeting with a brief recap of the preceding video, highlighting the core habit addressed. Transition to a guided reflection segment where participants share personal insights, challenges, and victories related to the habit. Use the provided discussion prompts to steer the conversation toward practical application, encouraging members to propose concrete, family‑centered actions.
Facilitate a collaborative brainstorming session, inviting the group to generate a shared action plan. Assign roles or accountability partners to ensure follow‑through. Conclude with a closing prayer that reinforces the household’s commitment to the habit, and schedule a brief check‑in for the next session to track progress.
During the reflection segment, encourage participants to use the “I feel” language, helping them articulate emotions tied to the habit. Allocate 5‑10 minutes for silent journaling, then invite volunteers to share insights. Use the “What, How, Why” framework to probe deeper: What did you observe? How did it affect your family? Why is this significant? This structure promotes critical thinking and mutual accountability. Conclude each discussion with a tangible commitment: a specific action, a timeline, and an accountability partner. Record these commitments in a shared document so the group can review progress in subsequent meetings.
Remember to keep the pace steady; use a timer if needed. Invite a check‑in where everyone writes note of what they’ll do before the next meeting.
Personal Study Guidance
Reflect after each video: jot key points, ask “What habit did I see?” and “How will it change my family?” Use the guide’s questions to dive deeper, journal daily, and set a small goal. Review progress before the next session to stay accountable and grow together. Keep a log and review weekly to see growth.
Reflection Between Sessions
After each video, pause and ask yourself: What new habit surfaced? How does it align with your family’s daily rhythm? Write a brief note—one sentence per habit—and record any emotions that arise. Use the guide’s reflection questions to probe deeper: Why is this habit important? What obstacles might appear? How can you turn insight into action? Set a realistic, measurable goal for the week, such as “We will say a short prayer before dinner” or “We will limit screen time to 30 minutes after school.” Track progress in a simple journal or a shared family app. At the start of the next session, review what worked and what didn’t, celebrating small victories and adjusting strategies. This ongoing dialogue keeps the study alive, turning theory into practice and strengthening the household’s spiritual foundation.
Daily journaling can transform fleeting thoughts into lasting habits. Each family member writes a short entry—one sentence about what they noticed, what they felt, and one action they’ll try tomorrow. Share these entries during a brief “family check‑in” at dinner, encouraging empathy and accountability. Use a shared digital calendar to mark habit milestones, celebrating when a new routine is consistently followed for a week. If a habit stalls, discuss the barrier openly and brainstorm a realistic tweak. Remember, the goal is growth, not perfection; embrace setbacks as learning moments. Over time, these reflective practices weave a rhythm of intentional living that strengthens faith and family bonds alike!