Sunday 2 March 2014
Speaker: Pastor Ernest Nwokolo
In the midst of dark circumstances..
•Why did Lot’s daughters remain virgins even in the midst of the devious Sodomic environment?
•Why did the Rechabites refuse wine offered by a respected gatekeeper?
•Why did King Lemuel steer clear from womanizing and alcohol?
•Why has Israel remained a family after all these years?
•Something must have empowered them…. Lets learn from them!
1. Job…an Interceding Father
•Read Job 1:1-5:
“In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
•Wealthy but discrete and righteous. What do we do with little funds God advances to us?
•Created a family forum for re-energizing the family…..what tells you this is a righteous forum?
•Still Job interceded and would not neglect any small issue
2. King Lemuel …Built by a Mother
“The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him: “Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God! Don’t dissipate your virility on fortune–hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders. “Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer, Lest, hung over, they don’t know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death. “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down–and–outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
•A dedicated and sound mother
•Consistent with outlining and transferring family virtues…chastity, non alcoholism, responsible leadership, maintaining the rights of the poor, speaking up for justice and boldness.
•What are your family values? What avenues will you use to disseminate them – meal, altar, mails, all the time?
3. The Virtuous Family
• A good woman is hard to find, and WORTH far more than diamonds. Her husband TRUSTS her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
• Never SPITEFUL, she treats him GENEROUSLY all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and ENJOYS knitting and sewing.
• She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and ORGANIZING her day. She looks over a field and buys it, with money she’s put aside. She PLANTS a garden. First thing in the morning, she DRESSES for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to ASSIST anyone in need, reaches out to HELP THE POOR. She doesn’t WORRY about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly RESPECTED when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well–made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say and she always says it KINDLY. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
• Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear–of– God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
4. Vital Considerations
•Who are you in moments of stress?
•Who are you in poverty?
•Who are you in moments of abundance?
•Who are you when your neighbour is not good?
INTEGRITY is the retention of your vital characteristics, virtues and values in the event of changing circumstances
5. Let’s Adopt
•Forgiveness – Genesis 50:14-20
•Trust
•Value – pump up your values
•Expansion of Quality time together
•Affirmation and positive orientation
•Capacity Building – commit to mutually do this
•Annual Family Retreat
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!!
