Who has Your Heart?

Don't Drop the Baton

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Theme: Strengthening the Family Text: Joshua 24:15; 1 Timothy 1:18 Joshua 24:15 (KJV) "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 1 Timothy 1:18 (KJV) "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy..."   Introduction: Don't Drop the Baton During a relay race, four runners work together to win. Each runner may be talented, fast, and well-trained, but if one runner drops the baton, the race can be lost. The baton is passed from one runner to another until it reaches the finish line. Church, God has placed a spiritual baton in our hands. That baton includes: * Our faith * Our families * Our marriages * Our children * Our grandchildren * Our testimony * Our spiritual legacy The problem in many homes today is not that God has failed. The problem is that many people have dropped the baton. Prayer has been dropped. Bible reading has been dropped. Family worship has been dropped. Spiritual leadership has been dropped. God is asking us today: "Will you keep the charge I have given you?" Joshua kept his charge. Paul kept his charge. Timothy was instructed to keep his charge. Now it is our turn. If we are going to strengthen our families, we must understand that God has entrusted us with something valuable. The question is not whether we have a charge. The question is: Will we keep it?   1. We Have a Charge to Keep God First Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God..." Before Joshua could lead Israel, he had to settle who would be first in his life. Strong families begin when God is first. Not second. Not third. First. Illustration If the first button on a shirt is buttoned incorrectly, every other button will be out of place. When God is out of place, everything else becomes disordered. Application The strongest families are not perfect families. They are families that keep God at the center.   2. We Have a Charge to Protect Our Families Nehemiah 4:14 "Fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." Families are under attack today. The enemy attacks through: * Division * Temptation * Distractions * Confusion * Discouragement Strong families don't surrender. They fight through prayer and faith. Illustration A shepherd protects the sheep because he understands wolves are real. Parents must guard their homes spiritually.   3. We Have a Charge to Pass Faith to the Next Generation Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another." Faith is never inherited automatically. It must be taught intentionally. Example Timothy learned faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Someone invested in him. Application Our children should not only know our favorite sports team. They should know our testimony.   4. We Have a Charge to Build the Family Altar Genesis 35:3 "Let us arise, and go up to Bethel." The family altar represents: * Prayer * Worship * God's presence Many homes have televisions in every room but no place for prayer. Illustration A fireplace without fire becomes decoration. A family without prayer becomes spiritually cold. Application Families that pray together are strengthened together.   5. We Have a Charge to Live by Example 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Children often imitate what they see. More is caught than taught. Illustration A father told his son not to smoke while holding a cigarette in his own hand. The son followed the example, not the instruction. Application Our lives are sermons our families read every day.   6. We Have a Charge to Remain Faithful During Difficult Times Galatians 6:9 "Let us not be weary in well doing." Every family faces storms. Joshua faced battles. Paul faced persecution. Timothy faced opposition. Yet they remained faithful. Illustration An oak tree becomes strong because it survives storms. Without storms there would be no strength. Application Don't quit praying for your family. Don't quit believing God. Don't quit standing on His promises.   7. We Have a Charge to Leave a Godly Legacy Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." The greatest inheritance is not money. The greatest inheritance is faith. Example Abraham's faith impacted Isaac. Isaac's faith impacted Jacob. Jacob's faith impacted twelve tribes. One faithful life can affect generations. Application Ask yourself: "What will my family remember about my walk with God?"   8. We Have a Charge to Finish Well 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Paul did not say: "I started the race." He said: "I finished." Many people start strong. God is looking for people who finish strong. Illustration A marathon is not won at the starting line. It is won at the finish line. Application Stay faithful until the end. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep trusting. Keep the charge.   Conclusion Joshua said: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Paul said: "I have kept the faith." Both men understood that God had entrusted something precious to them. Today God has entrusted us with: * Our faith * Our family * Our children * Our grandchildren * Our testimony The world is changing. Culture is changing. Society is changing. But our charge remains the same. Don't drop the baton. Don't abandon your assignment. Don't neglect your responsibility. Keep the charge. Protect your family. Pass on your faith. Finish your race. And one day may we hear the Lord say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."   Altar Call If you have grown weary carrying your responsibilities... If you need strength to continue praying for your family... If you want to recommit yourself to the charge God has given you... Come to this altar today. And declare: "Lord, help me keep the charge You have placed in my hands."   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]

Families Under Attack

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Sermon Title: Families Under Attack Scripture: Nehemiah 4:14 Nehemiah 4:14 (KJV) "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."   Introduction: The Enemy Knows Where to Attack If an enemy wants to destroy a nation, he often attacks its foundation. The family is the foundation of society. Strong families build strong churches. Strong churches build strong communities. Strong communities build strong nations. The devil understands this truth. That is why Satan attacks: * Marriages * Parents * Children * Communication * Morality * Faith The enemy is not simply after your house. He is after what happens inside your house. He is after the hearts of husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and grandchildren. When Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the enemy attacked from every side. The people became discouraged. Fear spread through the camp. But Nehemiah stood and reminded them what was at stake. He said: "Fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." That message is still relevant today. Families are under attack, but God has given us the weapons to fight back.   1. The Family Is Under Attack Through Division Mark 3:25 "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand." One of Satan's greatest weapons is division. He divides: * Husband against wife * Parent against child * Brother against brother The enemy knows he doesn't have to destroy a family if he can divide it. Illustration A bundle of sticks tied together is difficult to break. Separate them and they snap easily. United families are stronger families.   2. The Family Is Under Attack Through Busyness Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." Families are busier than ever. Parents are busy. Children are busy. Schedules are full. Yet relationships are empty. Short Story A child once asked his father: "Dad, can we schedule some time together next week?" The father realized he had become so busy making a living that he forgot to make a life. Families need more than activity. They need connection.   3. The Family Is Under Attack Through Moral Confusion Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil." The world constantly challenges God's standards. What God calls right, society often calls wrong. What God calls wrong, society often celebrates. Families must stand on God's truth. Illustration A building without a solid blueprint eventually develops structural problems. God's Word remains the blueprint for healthy families.   4. The Family Is Under Attack Through Neglect of Prayer James 5:16 Many homes have Wi-Fi passwords but no prayer life. Many families talk about everything except God. Prayer invites God's power into the home. Illustration A phone disconnected from its charger eventually dies. Families disconnected from prayer eventually become spiritually weak.   5. The Family Is Under Attack Through the Loss of Spiritual Leadership Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua took responsibility. He didn't wait for culture to change. He didn't wait for government to change. He led his family. Illustration A train without an engine will not move far. Families need godly leadership to stay on track.   6. The Family Is Under Attack Through Generational Drift Judges 2:10 "There arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD." One generation failed to pass their faith to the next. The result was spiritual decline. Short Story Timothy knew God because Lois and Eunice intentionally taught him. Faith must be transferred, not assumed.   7. The Family Is Under Attack Through Fear and Discouragement Nehemiah 4:14 The people became afraid while rebuilding. Fear always tries to stop progress. Many families today face: * Financial fear * Health concerns * Relationship struggles * Uncertain futures But Nehemiah said: "Remember the Lord." Illustration David did not focus on Goliath's size. He focused on God's greatness. Families that remember God find courage.   8. The Family Can Win the Battle Romans 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." The family may be under attack, but it is not abandoned. God still heals marriages. God still restores children. God still saves households. God still strengthens families. Illustration A tree that survives strong winds develops deeper roots. Sometimes the very attack meant to destroy a family becomes the thing that strengthens it.   Conclusion: Fight for Your Family Nehemiah did not tell the people to surrender. He told them to fight. Fight for: * Your marriage * Your children * Your grandchildren * Your home * Your spiritual legacy Not with anger. Not with bitterness. But with: * Prayer * Faith * God's Word * Love * Commitment The enemy may be attacking your family today. But God is greater than every attack. Closing Declaration The devil may attack our family— But he cannot have our family. The enemy may attack our marriage— But he cannot have our marriage. The enemy may attack our children— But he cannot have our children. Because we belong to God. And as for me and my house, We will serve the Lord! Altar Call If your family has been under attack... If your marriage needs strengthening... If you're praying for children, grandchildren, or loved ones... Come to this altar today. Let's stand together and declare: "Lord, strengthen my family and help us win the battle."   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]

Who has Your Heart?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Sermon Title: Who Has Your Heart? Scripture: Joshua 24:15 Joshua 24:15 (KJV) "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."   Introduction: Everybody Serves Something Many people believe they are completely independent. They say: • "I do what I want." • "Nobody tells me what to do." • "I live life my own way." But the truth is everyone serves something 1. Some Serve Money Example: Judas Iscariot Matthew 26:14-16 Judas loved money more than he loved Christ. He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Lesson: Money is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. When money becomes our god, we will sacrifice our values for profit. Illustration: Many people work overtime to get more money but never make time for God, family, or worship. 2. Some Serve Pleasure Example: Samson Judges 16 Samson was chosen by God and gifted with supernatural strength, but he repeatedly pursued sinful pleasures. His desire for pleasure eventually led to his downfall. Lesson: Pleasure is temporary, but its consequences can be permanent. 3. Some Serve Pride Example: King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:3 “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built?” Nebuchadnezzar became consumed with pride and took credit for what God had done. God humbled him until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty. Lesson: Pride lifts us up only to bring us down. Quote: “The same sun that melts butter hardens clay.” 4. Some Serve Success Example: The Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21 This man focused his entire life on building bigger barns and accumulating wealth. He was successful in business but bankrupt toward God. God called him a fool because he prepared for retirement but not eternity. Lesson: Success without God is failure in disguise. 5. Some Serve Popularity Example: King Saul 1 Samuel 15:24 Saul admitted: “I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” Instead of obeying God, Saul wanted the approval of people. Lesson: When you live for applause, you become a slave to opinions. Illustration: Saul lost a kingdom because he cared more about public opinion than God’s opinion. 6. Some Serve Habits Example: Esau Genesis 25:29-34 Esau had a habit of satisfying immediate desires. He traded his birthright for a bowl of stew because he could not control his appetites. Lesson: A habit that seems small today can cost you something valuable tomorrow. 7. Some Serve Addictions Example: The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-16 The prodigal became addicted to a reckless lifestyle. He wasted his inheritance and ended up feeding pigs. His desires controlled him until he finally came to himself and returned to the Father. Lesson: Whatever controls you becomes your master. Others serve God. The question is not if you serve. The question is who or what has your heart? Joshua understood this truth. As he approached the end of his life, he gathered the nation of Israel one final time. He reminded them of God's faithfulness: • God called Abraham. • God delivered them from Egypt. • God opened the Red Sea. • God fed them in the wilderness. • God gave them victory in Canaan. Then Joshua asked a powerful question: "After everything God has done for you, who has your heart?" That same question is relevant today.   Why Joshua Said This Israel had entered a dangerous season. The battles were mostly over. The Promised Land had been conquered. The people were becoming comfortable. Joshua knew that prosperity often creates spiritual forgetfulness. The people were surrounded by the false gods of the Amorites. There was pressure to fit in with the culture around them. Joshua knew that if Israel lost their devotion to God, they would lose everything else. So he challenged them: Choose today. Not tomorrow. Not someday. Today.   1. Your Heart Determines Your Direction Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Whatever captures your heart eventually controls your life. What you love most will determine: • Your priorities • Your decisions • Your habits • Your future Illustration A compass always points north. No matter where you carry it, its direction remains the same. Your heart is the compass of your life. Where your heart points, your life follows.   2. The World Constantly Competes for Your Heart 1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world." The enemy doesn't always attack with persecution. Often he attacks with distraction. Today people spend more time: • On phones • Social media • Entertainment • Material pursuits Than they spend seeking God. Short Story A little boy asked his father: "Dad, how much do you make an hour?" After hearing the answer, the boy asked: "Can I buy one hour of your time?" Many things compete for our attention and affection.   3. God Wants Complete Commitment Matthew 22:37 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." Notice God did not ask for part of the heart. He asked for all of it. Joshua understood that divided loyalty creates spiritual weakness. Illustration A husband cannot successfully be committed to two wives. Neither can believers successfully serve God and the world. God demands complete devotion.   4. What Has Your Heart Will Influence Your Home Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house..." Joshua understood leadership. His personal devotion would affect his family. Parents pass down more than possessions. They pass down values. Short Story Timothy became a mighty servant of God because of the influence of Lois and Eunice. Their faith became his faith. Their devotion became his devotion.   5. Your Choices Today Shape Tomorrow Galatians 6:7 "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Every choice plants a seed. Every seed eventually produces a harvest. Joshua knew Israel's future depended on today's decision. Illustration An oak tree begins as a tiny acorn. The future often hides inside small daily choices.   6. God Deserves Our Loyalty Deuteronomy 6:5 God had already proven Himself faithful. Joshua reminded Israel of everything God had done. The question wasn't whether God deserved their loyalty. The question was whether they would give it. Illustration If someone repeatedly saves your life, you naturally develop trust and gratitude. How much more should we honor a God who saved our souls?   7. One Person's Decision Can Change an Entire Family Joshua 24:15 Joshua didn't wait for everyone else. He didn't take a poll. He didn't ask for public opinion. He simply declared: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Illustration One light bulb can illuminate a dark room. One committed believer can change the atmosphere of an entire household.   8. Choose Before the Crisis Comes Ecclesiastes 12:1 Many people wait until trouble arrives before seeking God. Joshua urged the people to decide before disaster struck. Illustration You don't buy flood insurance after the flood arrives. You prepare beforehand. Strong families choose God before the storm comes.   Conclusion: The Most Important Decision Joshua was not asking Israel to choose a religion. He was asking them to choose their allegiance. Who will have your heart? Who will direct your life? Who will guide your family? At the end of his life Joshua stood firm and said: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." His mind was made up. His loyalty was settled. His heart belonged to God. Today God is asking us the same question: Who has your heart?   Altar Call Perhaps your heart has drifted. Perhaps other things have taken God's place. Perhaps your family needs spiritual renewal. Today is the day to make a fresh commitment. Come and declare: "Lord, You have my heart, my home, my family, and my future." And together let us say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]

Build your Family on the Right Foundation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Theme:  STRENGTHENING THE FAMILY – Joshua 24:15 - And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Build Your Family on the Right Foundation Matthew 7:24-27 - “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”  The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is going to fall. Scientists travel to the town of Pisa every year to measure the building's slow descent. They report that the 179-foot tower, which was built in 1173, moves about one-twentieth of an inch a year, and is now 17 feet out of plumb. In 1990 & 2001 renovations may have saved the 853-year old tower and prevent it from collapsing. Quite significantly, the word “pisa” means “marshy land,” which gives some clue as to why the tower began to lean even before it was completed. Also, another issue is the fact that its foundation is only 10 feet deep! The reason the Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning is because it is built on a faulty foundation.  One Man Built His House On The Sand - One man built his house with little preparation. He found a spot for his house and began to build. Sand is unstable, ever changing and moving. Sand offers no stability. Sand is not a good place to build a house. Sand can never provide a firm foundation.  People who build their lives on religion, self-righteousness, and false hope will not serve God. They will not sacrifice. They only walk the easy path. Sand builders like instant results, instant rewards, instant satisfaction, and instant pleasure. They are shallow people who love the heights, but hate the depths. They are hot and then cold. They are in and then out. They are up and then down.   One Man Built His House On The Rock - The word “rock” refers to “a large outcropping of rock; the bedrock.” While one man built his house on the sand, the other dug deep. He dug until he reached the bedrock and built his house on the rock. The rock does not move. It is unchanging and stable. Rock offers a good foundation for a house. What God tells them to do in His Word, they do. What God warns them no to do, they avoid. They pay any price, walk any path, and do anything the Lord tells them to do. The house built on the rock is built by someone who realizes that God deserves the best. They sacrifice, they work, they do anything to honor the Lord. They love HIm, honor HIm, and obey Him. The rock builder’s obedience to the Word of God proves they love the Lord, John 14:15. Rock builders hear the Word of God, the Gospel, and make it the foundation for their lives.  The Foundation Nobody Sees When people admire a beautiful home, they usually notice the paint, the windows, the landscaping, and the decorations. Very few people ask about the foundation. Yet the most important part of the house is the part nobody sees. The strength of a building is not determined by what is above the ground but by what is beneath it. Likewise, strong families are not built on appearances. A family may look successful on Facebook and still be falling apart spiritually. A family may have money but lack peace. A family may have education but lack wisdom. A family may live in a large house but have no real home. Jesus said the difference between a house that stands and a house that falls is the foundation. Notice something important: Both houses experienced the same storm. One stood. One collapsed. The difference was not the storm. The difference was the foundation. Today many families are facing storms: * Financial pressures * Marital challenges * Rebellious children * Health concerns * Cultural confusion * Spiritual attacks The question is not whether storms are coming. The question is: What are we building our family upon?   1. Build Your Family on Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 3:11 "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Jesus did not say church attendance alone is the foundation. He said He is the foundation. Many people have built their families on: * Money * Careers * Education * Social status * Athletic success All of those things can disappear overnight. But Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Illustration In California, builders often construct homes with deep reinforced foundations because earthquakes are expected. Wise builders prepare for trouble before trouble arrives. Strong families anchor themselves in Christ before the storm comes.   2. Build Your Family on God's Word Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Bible is God's instruction manual for families. It teaches us: * How to love * How to forgive * How to parent * How to handle conflict * How to manage finances * How to walk with God Many families are trying to navigate life without consulting the Manufacturer's instructions. Short Story A man bought an expensive piece of equipment. Instead of reading the instructions, he assembled it himself. When it failed, he blamed the manufacturer. The problem wasn't the product. The problem was that he ignored the instructions. God's Word still works when we follow it.   3. Build Your Family with Prayer Philippians 4:6 Prayer is the glue that keeps families connected to God. The family that prays together learns to depend on God together. Illustration When Peter was in prison, the church prayed. The chains fell off. The doors opened. Prayer still opens doors that keys cannot open. Some battles in our families will not be won through arguments. They will be won through prayer.   4. Build Your Family with Love Colossians 3:14 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Love is more than a feeling. Love is a decision. Love chooses patience when emotions run high. Love chooses kindness when people are difficult. Love chooses commitment when things get hard. Illustration A fire needs continual fuel to keep burning. Likewise, relationships require continual expressions of love. If love is not fed, it begins to fade.   5. Build Your Family with Forgiveness Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Every family will experience disappointment. The strongest families are not those without problems. The strongest families are those that know how to forgive. Short Story Two brothers argued over an inheritance and stopped speaking for years. After one suffered a serious illness, the other visited him. Before he left, both were crying. One brother said: "We wasted years over something that wasn't worth losing each other." Forgiveness repairs what pride destroys.   6. Build Your Family Through Godly Leadership Ephesians 5:23 Joshua declared: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua took responsibility for spiritual leadership. Families become stronger when parents lead by example. Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Illustration A lighthouse never leaves its position. Because it stands firm, ships find their way home. Parents must become spiritual lighthouses for their families.   7. Build Your Family Through Time Together Deuteronomy 6:6-7 God instructed parents to teach His Word continually. Strong families spend intentional time together. Today many families live under the same roof but rarely connect. Technology often gets more attention than relationships. Illustration A bank account cannot grow if no deposits are made. Strong relationships require regular deposits of: * Time * Attention * Encouragement * Affection   8. Build Your Family for Future Generations Psalm 145:4 "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." The goal is not merely to have a strong family today. The goal is to leave a legacy of faith tomorrow. Joshua was thinking about future generations. David thought about future generations. Paul thought about future generations. 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Building a Family That Last

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Strengthening the Family Message #2: "Building a Family That Lasts" Text: Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”   Introduction: The Difference Between a House and a Home Anyone can build a house, but only God can help build a home. A house is made of: * Wood * Brick * Concrete * Nails A home is built with: * Love * Faith * Prayer * Commitment * Forgiveness * God's Presence Jesus tells a story about two builders. Both built houses. Both faced storms. Both experienced wind. Both experienced rain. Yet one house stood while the other collapsed. The difference was not the storm. The difference was the foundation. The same is true for families today. Every family faces storms: * Financial storms * Health storms * Marital storms * Raising children * Grief and loss * Temptations and pressures The question is not whether storms will come. The question is: What foundation are we building upon?   1. A Strong Family Is Built on Christ Matthew 7:24 Jesus said the wise man built on the rock. Christ is that Rock. Many families build on: * Money * Success * Education * Popularity None of these are strong enough to hold a family together. Illustration When an earthquake strikes, weak foundations crack first. When life's earthquakes come, only Christ can keep a family standing.   2. A Strong Family Makes God First Matthew 6:33 Families often put: * Careers first * Sports first * Entertainment first But strong families put God first. Joshua said: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." When God is first, everything else finds its proper place. Short Story A professor filled a jar with large rocks and asked if it was full. Then he added smaller stones and sand. The lesson: Put the big things in first. God must be the first rock in every family.   3. A Strong Family Communicates with Love Ephesians 4:29 - . Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Many homes suffer not from lack of love but from lack of communication. Words can: * Build * Heal * Encourage * Destroy Illustration A nail driven into a fence leaves a hole even after it is removed. Words spoken in anger can leave lasting scars. Strong families speak life to one another.   4. A Strong Family Prays Together James 5:16 - Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Prayer invites God's power into the home. Families that pray together learn to depend on God rather than panic. Story A mother once said: "I couldn't stop every storm from reaching my children, but I could pray for them before the storm arrived." Prayer reaches places we cannot go.   5. A Strong Family Practices Forgiveness Colossians 3:13 - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. No family survives without forgiveness. Every member will make mistakes. Forgiveness does not excuse wrong. Forgiveness releases bitterness. Illustration Holding unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Strong families learn to let go.   6. A Strong Family Protects Its Children Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Children need more than food and clothing. They need: * Guidance * Discipline * Encouragement * Godly examples Joshua understood that every generation must be taught to know God. Illustration A young tree requires stakes and support. Without guidance it grows crooked. Children need loving direction while they are young.   7. A Strong Family Worships Together Psalm 95:6 - Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Worship changes the atmosphere of a home. Families that worship together learn to keep God at the center. Short Story One family began reading a Psalm before dinner every evening. Years later their children said those moments became some of their strongest memories. Small spiritual habits create lasting spiritual impact.   8. A Strong Family Leaves a Legacy 2 Timothy 1:5 - when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Paul spoke of the faith first found in Lois and Eunice before it reached Timothy. Faith was passed down. Strong families think beyond today. They ask: "What will our children remember about our walk with God?" Illustration A relay race is won when the baton is successfully passed. Every generation must pass faith to the next generation.   Conclusion Jesus never promised families would avoid storms. He promised that families built on Him could survive them. The wise builder and foolish builder faced the same storm. The wise builder stood because he built on the Rock. The question for every family today is: "What foundation are we building on?" If we build on Christ: * We can survive the storm. * We can overcome the pressure. * We can leave a godly legacy. Let us determine today: "We are not merely building houses. We are building families that will stand for generations." Because families built on the Rock are families that last.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]