G. T. Ministries
Strengthening the Family
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Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Strengthening the Family Theme Scripture: Joshua 24:15 “...Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Introduction: The Family Is Under Attack We live in a time when families are being challenged from every direction. Marriages are under pressure, children are facing influences never seen before, communication is breaking down, and many homes are struggling spiritually. The enemy understands something many people forget: If he can weaken the family, he can weaken the church, the community, and the nation. Before Joshua died, he gathered Israel together for one final message. He reminded them of everything God had done for them—from Abraham, to Egypt, to the Red Sea, to the Promised Land. Then Joshua confronted them with a decision: "You cannot live on yesterday's testimony. You must choose today who you will serve." Joshua understood that every generation must make its own commitment to God. The same challenge stands before us today. The strength of a family is not found in money, education, or possessions. The strength of a family is found in its commitment to God. Why Did Joshua Say, "As For Me and My House"? Joshua was about 110 years old. He had seen miracles, victories, failures, and battles. He knew: * A nation is only as strong as its families. * Children tend to follow the example of their parents. * If parents abandon God, future generations often do the same. * Every family must intentionally choose God. Joshua was not forcing anyone. He said: "You choose for yourselves, but my mind is already made up. My house will serve the Lord." Today God is looking for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and guardians who will make the same declaration. 1. Strong Families Have a Clear Commitment Joshua 24:15 Joshua removed all uncertainty. He didn't say: * We might serve God. * We will serve God when it is convenient. * We will serve God when things get better. He declared it. Illustration A ship without a destination will drift wherever the current takes it. Many families are drifting because nobody has established a spiritual direction. Strong families have someone who says: "In this house we pray." "In this house we honor God." "In this house Jesus comes first." 2. Strong Families Build on God's Word Deuteronomy 6:6-7 God instructed parents to teach His Word continually. The Bible should not be a Sunday morning book only. It should guide: * Decisions * Attitudes * Relationships * Finances * Parenting Short Story A father gave each child a Bible on graduation day. Years later one child said, "Every time life got difficult, I remembered what Dad taught me from that Bible." The greatest inheritance is not money. It is God's Word hidden in the heart. 3. Strong Families Pray Together Philippians 4:6 Prayer invites God's presence into the home. Families that pray together often survive storms that destroy other homes. Illustration A bundle of sticks tied together is difficult to break. One stick alone snaps easily. Prayer ties family members together. When one becomes weak, the others help carry the load. 4. Strong Families Learn to Forgive Colossians 3:13 Every family will experience misunderstandings. The difference between strong families and broken families is not perfection. It is forgiveness. Short Story Two brothers stopped speaking over a small disagreement. Years passed. At their mother's funeral they finally embraced and wept. One brother said: "We lost years over something that didn't matter." Families become stronger when grace is greater than pride. 5. Strong Families Spend Time Together Ecclesiastes 3:1 Love requires time. Children spell love: T-I-M-E Illustration A plant needs water regularly. One heavy watering a year will not keep it alive. Families need regular connection: * Meals together * Worship together * Conversations together * Activities together Relationships grow where attention flows. 6. Strong Families Protect Their Spiritual Atmosphere Proverbs 4:23 Joshua knew that Israel was surrounded by pagan influences. Today's families face influences through: * Television * Social media * Entertainment * Peer pressure We must guard what enters our homes. Illustration If a homeowner leaves the door open all night, unwanted things may enter. Likewise, families must guard the doors of their hearts and homes. 7. Strong Families Lead By Example 1 Corinthians 11:1 Children often do what they see more than what they hear. Joshua did not merely tell his family to serve God. He served God himself. Short Story A little boy saw his father kneeling beside his bed praying every night. Years later he said, "I learned how to pray by watching my father." People may forget our sermons. They rarely forget our example. 8. Strong Families Leave a Legacy of Faith Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another." Joshua wanted future generations to know God. Strong families think beyond today. They ask: * What values are we passing down? * What faith are we passing down? * What example are we passing down? Illustration A relay race is won when the baton is successfully passed. Every generation must pass the baton of faith to the next generation. Why We Must Follow Joshua's Example Today Because: * Families are under attack. * Children need godly direction. * Society cannot replace spiritual leadership. * The church is strengthened when families are strengthened. * Future generations depend on the decisions we make today. Joshua understood that if families served God, Israel would remain strong. The same principle is true today. Strong families build strong churches. Strong churches build strong communities. Strong communities build strong nations. Conclusion: Make The Choice Today Joshua stood before the people and said: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Notice he said this day. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Not when life settles down. Today. Every family must answer: * Who will guide our home? * What values will shape our home? * Who will be Lord of our home? Joshua's answer was clear: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let that become the declaration of every husband, wife, single parent, grandparent, and child in this church. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" Altar Call Perhaps your family has been struggling. Perhaps prayer has disappeared from your home. Perhaps relationships have been strained. Today God is calling families back to Him. If you want God to strengthen your family, restore your home, and establish His presence in your house, come and stand before the Lord today. Let's make Joshua's declaration our declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Amen. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]
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