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Fourthstream

King, Kingdom & Community

GOD IS FAMILY

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Today we are taking a look at God’s vision for family. It is hard to imagine family interaction between the Father, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and Wisdom herself. And yet this is the family picture where we find our roots. Just as the Father loves His Son, we too are offered the gracious love of our Father through His Son Jesus.

It is breath-taking how simple God designed family life to be, and how complicated we have and continue to make it. This is because family life, just like any part of a solid life, gets confused within the many voices within and without. But having a God-family is within reach. But it is all about heart – and not merely “what” we do. It takes spiritual faithfulness to bless the earth with a family filled with love and devotion to one another. And, as you can tell by looking around, it is a commodity.

It is up to us to cut through the noise and establish a home that best reflects the family values God reveals to us – by how He treats His own family.

To be a part of God’s family has amazing benefits. We don’t have to work for His love. We don’t have to hide our weaknesses. We don’t have to worry about pleasing a Father Who does not understand our challenges and foibles. What a relief – and what a motivator!

Find lots of great family support at MyStrongHome.com – as you pray for, establish, and maintain a Jesus-centered home.

Enjoy!

Dave and Burnadette Nadler

God & Families
Lady Wisdom
Strong Home Tune-up
A Family Heart Song

SH1: FAMILY AT PEACE

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There are several insights the God Story gives us about how a home can experience true peace. While the challenges to family life are many and varied, HOW we prepare and follow through as partners and parents has much to do with our success in family life. Think about it: what is your picture of family success? Your spouse’s view? Truth be told, most couples never define OR intentionally pursue the things which make for a truly successful home.

The Bible clearly explains what it means to be a motivated father. A nurturing mother. A child who can bring honor to both parents and God alike – even during the mutually challenging teen-aged years. A father (husband) needs to know his partner and his children respect him – that they are in his corner through both ups AND downs. Mothers (wives) need to know they are valued above everyone but God Himself. Kids need to grow in parent-responses which prepares them to “rule their own spirit” so they can be a success in the world.

If we miss the boat on creating an environment suited to true maturity we do a huge disservice to our kids and to each other. Is there anything more distasteful than a grown man or woman who has never learned to control their own spirit?

Here is the God Story’s bottom line on a strong home: Husbands and wives: Ephesians 5:25-33/1 Peter 3:1-9. Sons and daughters: Proverbs 4:20-27. Check it out!

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. 

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.”  – Proverbs 4:20-27

Take a few minutes and preview the resources at MyStrongHome.com. There is a free introductory course that will help you to determine if this would be helpful to your family in charting or fine-tuning your course. Enjoy!

Being One of God’s Kids
MyStrongHome.com
A God-Kid Song:

K11: KINGDOM GENERATIONS

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We don’t select our parents. That part of our story is out of our hands. Nor do we have any control over how our life launches. Circumstances, health, genes – things are well under way by the time our own choices begin to emerge and dominate.

God is interested in generations. He blesses homes, families and even nations – especially those who embrace His Kingship. And for the Christ-follower, it is cool how our own spouses, kids and grandkids can be a part of our “work” – and that almost every possible human relationship can provide windows into spiritual opportunity.

Today we dive into Titus 2:1-8 and talk about how generations are launched and impacted for the sake of the Kingdom. Family is important for sure, but seeing the Kingdom grow in and around our relationships can be exhilarating in our quest for a satisfied mind. Friends, co-workers, and neighbors are all part of the opportunities of life. Wherever we can provide shelter there is opportunity for Kingdom generations!

“The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face — even Jacob. Selah.”  – Psalm 24:1-6 (Selah means to cast up to the highway of our God)

Titus Kingdom Worksheet
Men & Women of God and the Kingdom
A Kingdom Song

K13: MY STRONG HOME

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How did you feel about growing up? What about what you provided for your kids? As parents we do the best we can – but the challenges are daunting – even though the rewards are amazing! And do you feel “values supported” as a parent within our broader culture? How would you evaluate the choices you have personally made to associate with others who want to do family right (your community)?

One of the most potentially powerful forces in our world is the bond between family members. Obviously God placed family at the core of His plan. The Father and His Son. The Holy Spirit. Lady Wisdom. And He calls us His own sons and daughters! (2 Corinthians 6:18).

Today we explore the ingredients which enhance a spiritual home. Our post is based upon some of the helpful ideas found in our MyStrongHome.com course – where we process 12 Principles for a Spiritual Home Paradigm. We think you’re gonna like it!

“Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master. Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them. Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end. Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.” – Colossians 3:18-21/the message

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

Here are some resource links:
The first is for you and your teens based upon Proverbs 3. Wise Sons and Daughters
Watchful families visits core principles of the family heart. Watchful Families
The tune-up reviews some couple relationship ideas.  Strong Homes Tune-up
The Homefires pdf visits a number of strategies to move family forward in grace.
Keep the Homefires Burning
Family Heart Song

Enjoy!