¹ Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. ² It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. ³ Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. ⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. ⁵ Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:1-5 (NKJV)

The first few months of this year were spent in a sermon series entitled ”Reviving the Family.”  So, after this past Mother’s day there was a rekindling of the desire in my heart to see families staying together and serving the Lord.  As a Pastor many people come to me with problems they are having for prayer and counsel.  I would have to say most of the problems I am asked to give counsel for are family related problems.  In our world today the family has become a very confusing and controversial subject for many.  In our world today children are considered a burden because of career goals and dreams so many consider abortion or avoid having children all together.  Also, the issues of gender roles within marriage, homosexuality, divorce and parenting are other issues our culture debates today.  The bible gives counsel and clear teaching about all of these issues.  Also, the bible places a great emphasis on the fact that children are a blessing.

The problem for most Christian families today in regard to the family and most other issues is that we have accepted the cultures values above God’s law.  Instead of looking to God’s Word for what it has to say on the family we look for the approval of our culture.  We have compromised God’s truth for what Oprah, Tyra Banks and Jerry Springer say is okay and what is not.  The bible says as Christians we are in this world but not of it.  That means we are going to look totally different from the rest of the world in all areas of life and especially the family.  Christians need to be looking to God’s Word on issues of the family and the Bible is full of those answers.  God’s Word gives us clear counsel on how to parent our children, how to love our spouse, and what makes a family successful.  God’s Word never says having a family is always easy,  it is very hard work but God’s Word gives instruction for the family even during those difficult times.  Christians need to get back to the Word of God and making it a part of our lives because it is a “Living Word” and when we get that part right God will do amazing things in our families.  God’s Word comes with a promise that it contains all that we need to be thoroughly equipped for every good work God calls us to and that includes the responsibility of our families.

¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

II Timothy 3:16

In conclusion I also want to say just one more thing to our godly mothers.  Thank you so much for choosing life and giving your life to serve children who have nothing to offer you in return as the world may see it.  Children are a heritage from the Lord!!!!  May God bless our godly mothers and raise up more of them we truly love and appreciate all you do!

Let me also suggest a couple of books for our families especially for husbands & wives:    The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott & The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Dewayne Slusher