“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named…” (Eph. 3:14-15 ESV)

A family begins when a man and woman joins together becoming one flesh

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24 ESV)

Wives be subject to your own husbands

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives…” (1 Pet. 3:1 ESV)

Husbands love your wives 

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” (Eph. 5:25 ESV)

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (Eph. 5:33 ESV)

Husbands and wives submit to each other 

“Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph. 5:21 ESV)

Children are a heritage and reward from the Lord

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV)

A family grows together 

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” (Psalm 128:3 ESV)

Parents train up your children in the way they should go

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6 ESV)

Children honor and obey your parents in everything

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Col. 3:20 ESV)

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exo. 20:12 ESV)

“My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.” (Prov. 6:20 ESV)

Provide for your family

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8 ESV)

Manage your own household well

“For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?” (1 Tim. 3:5 ESV)

Therefore…

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh. 24:15b ESV)

“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” Psalm 193:16-18 ESV)

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10 ESV)

If you think little things you do don’t matter, think again. The Bible is filled with many examples of how little things do big things. 

Little things do much

• Faith the size of a mustard seed — “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matt13:31-32 ESV)

  “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20 ESV)

• A little boy’s lunch that fed thousand — There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9 ESV)

• The small rudder guides a large ship — “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” (James 3:4 ESV)

• A small stone brought down Goliath — “Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.” (1 Sam. 17:40 ESV)

• A little bit of yeast affects the entire loaf of bread —  “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Gal. 5:9 ESV)

• The small tongue has great power — “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5 ESV)

Therefore…

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29)

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jer. 33:3 ESV)

Quote:

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” – Jesus Christ 

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:1-3 NIV)

There are three promises given in the first three verses of Psalm 40 for those who regard the weak. Each one is stated twice. Repetition is often used in Scripture to provide emphasis about something God wants you to understand clearly. 

For those who regard the weak

1)    God blesses them – “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak” and “they are counted among the blessed in the land.”

 2)    God protects and preserves them - “The Lord protects and preserves them” and “he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.”

3)    God heals them -“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

Therefore…

“ I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 40:11-13 NIV)

“A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.” (Prov. 26:21 NLT)

There are quarrelsome people everywhere and they are quick to start an argument and stir up trouble and create strife. If you spend any amount of time on social medea platforms you will undoubtably be confronted by argumentative people with no filters on what they say. If you respond to them in any way, you will get further abuse. The answer is to give no answer to them. If you do, you end up getting caught up in their argument and you will become just like them. So, once again, don’t answer them!

Give no answer to foolish arguments 

“Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.” (Prov. 26:4 NLT)

“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” (Prov. 23:9 ESV)

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Prov. 29:11 ESV)

Stay away from argumentative people

“Stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone” (Titus 3:9 NCV).

“A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.” (Prov. 17:4 NIV)

Therefore…

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning…” (Phil. 2:14 ESV)

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2 ESV)

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov. 19:11 ESV)

Quote:

“One day, we’re going to give an account of every word we used on the Internet or our phones. That ought to give anyone pause before they post anything.” – Rick Warren

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…” (Eph. 1:3 ESV)

He blessed us with holiness

“… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”(Eph. 1:4-6 NKJV)

He blessed us by forging our sins

“… In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and [b]prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. ” (Eph. 1:7-10 NKJV)

He blessed us with an inheritance

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:11-12 NKJV)

He blessed us with salvation 

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14 NKJV)

Therefore…

“…Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, l far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:15-23 NKJV)

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14 ESV)

Empathy: The ability to identify with or understand another's situation or feelings; giving pity, compassion, sympathy, understanding, charity, clemency, forbearance, mercy, grace, love. 

Jesus demonstrated empathy 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15 ESV)

“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” (Mark 1:41 ESV) 

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt 9:36 ESV)

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.” (John 11:33-35 ESV)

The apostle Peter counseled Christians to be tenderhearted 

“Love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8, NKJV). 

The apostle Paul encouraged empathy 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

The apostle John asked…

 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

We are to show empathy in love

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1 ESV)

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17 ESV)

Therefore…

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… (Col. 3:12 ESV) 

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15 ESV)

 Quote:

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer“

“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 106:1 ESV)

Give thanks in all circumstances 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess. 5:18 ESV)

Give thanks always and for everything 

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Eph. 5:20 ESV) 

Therefore…

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1 ESV)

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:15-17 ESV)

 Quote:

“No matter what our circumstance, we can find a reason to be thankful.” - David Jeremiah

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jer. 29:7 NIV)

Pray for those in authority that they will become saved 

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4 ESV)

Pray that God will lead those in authority into truth

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” (Prov. 21:1 NIV)

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” (Dan. 2:21 ESV)

“He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.” (Job 12:23-25 NIV)

Pray for God’s will to be done 

“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:9-13 ESV)

Therefore…

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (1 Chron. 7.14 NIV)

A prayer to pray for our government leaders

 Dear Heavenly Father,

 I lift up all those that are in leadership position in our government, both locally and nationally. 

 May they be drawn by your Holy Spirit and come to the saving knowledge of your Son, Jesus Christ.

 May they be endowed with wisdom, strength and justice to administer their duties in a manner that is right and pleasing in Your sight. 

 Give them the wisdom to rightly and justly administer the law and to carry out their judgements and decisions in the fear of the Lord. 

 Keep them from adopting laws, which are contrary to Your truth.

 Guard their consciences from being seared by evil. 

 Give each one wisdom, insight and integrity in the decisions they have to reach. 

May we live peaceably in this land as we wait for the any day return of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen

“Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.” (Deut. 1:13 ESV)

Many Christians choose not to vote

Millions of Christians do not vote! They say they don’t want to get involved with “dirty politics” or, they don’t think their single vote will make any difference. But, it has been said, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.” Actually, not voting is a form of voting! It has been calculated that If the non voting Christians decided to vote and they voted biblical values, they could turn this country back around for righteousness sake. They would be able to squash the many evil anti-Christian type policies confronting our country today. So, do vote!

Why Christians must vote…

• Vote as salt and light in the world - “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

• Vote to put the righteous in authority – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Prov. 29:2 NKJV)

• Vote as an act of righteousness - “Then I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning; After that you will be called the city of righteousness, A faithful city." (Isa. 1:26 NASB)

• Vote in obedience to whose authority you are to submit, as is established by God -  “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Rom. 13:1 NIV)

• Vote to protect others around you from the crooked and treacherous - “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Prov. 11:3 ESV) 

• Vote to maintain peace - “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14)

Therefore…

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Prov. 29:2 ESV)

Quotes:

“A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law." - Thomas Jefferson

“In a world that might say one vote doesn’t matter…it does matter because each person is of infinite worth and value to God… Your vote is a declaration of importance as a person and a citizen.” - Dr. James Dobson

“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressman and government officials, but the voters of this country.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.