The days of Noah Mirrors Today!

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]

Strengthening the Family

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]

The days of Noah Mirrors Today!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2359736/support]