s20070429m_The Foundation For A Strong Family

The Foundation For A Strong Family—Exodus 20:1-3

6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them

to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away,

when you lie down and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

I. THE FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG FAMILY

"Then God spoke all these words: 2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3 you shall have no other gods before me."  Exodus 20:1-3

            The Principle: [PUT GOD FIRST]

The Promise: In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:6

II. HOW DO I PUT GOD FIRST?    Give God Priority In 5 Areas

            F [INANCES]

9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

I [NTRESTS]

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20

R [ELATIONSHIPS]

9 Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

S [CHEDULE]

33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34

T [ROUBLES]

14 Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. Psalms 91:14-16

Joshua's Commitment:

Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15