To start with, it is important for us to know what to expect. Building means the process of erecting/constructing by putting materials together systematically, to form a complete and functional whole. It also means establishing and setting up something, according to specifications and prescribed requirements.
Glorious means deserving great admiration, praise and honour. If this is not the state of your home, get set; because, this month, God is out to turn your home into a place of praise and honour. Come along with me as we go through this powerful teaching. This week, I will be sharing with you on Building a Strong Foundation.
In Matthew 7, Jesus points out two possible foundations upon which one can build: either upon sand (by refusing to submit oneself to the Word of God) or upon a rock. The only sure foundation upon which to build a glorious home is the rock of the Word of God. Anything else, apart from the Word, is sand and no building can successful stand on a foundation made from sand. Similarly, there can be no successful family life without strict adherence to the dictates of God’s Word, as it relates to marriage and family life. God’s Word says: If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 3:11).
Always take whatever God has said as absolute and final. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable! Bishop David Oyedepo said, “When you uphold the Word of God in any area of life, you become a star in that area.”
Everything about the Christian home must be built upon the foundation of God’s Word. This includes: husband/wife relationship, child training, relationship with in-laws, etc. God’s Word also tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:11, that: Other foundation can no man lay that that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Just as you cannot build any lasting, glorious home on a weak or faulty foundation in the natural; in the same way, you cannot have a glorious home upon a wrong foundation.
Building a glorious home means consciously developing a family relationship that is a reflection of God’s original intent for mankind, as revealed in His Word. The picture we see in God’s Word, as He instituted marriage is that of a rewarding, fulfilling, enjoyable and mutually beneficial relationship, in which the two parties function in God’s counsel.
In building a glorious home, the very first place to begin from is the man and woman as individuals – their personal relationship with God, the author of marriage. The husband and wife must each have a living, personal relationship with God, apart from each other. It is the quality and strength of this relationship that will provide an invaluable resource, from which they will draw in times of temptation and impending crisis.
Without a deep relationship with God, their deepest yearnings will not be met, as only God is the source of true, lasting contentment, not a spouse. When these deep yearnings go unfulfilled, there is a tendency to misinterpret this and lash out at one’s spouse, thereby setting the stage for imminent crisis.
Also, a strong fervent relationship with God creates the deepest capacity for agape love. The Word of God says: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Romans 5:5). The kind of love that sustains a marriage can only be found in God, and only a close walk with Him can guarantee a flow of the same virtue.
By nature, a man or a woman is a rebel against God. Romans 8:7 makes it clear that the natural man is not and cannot be subject to the will of God. Until one is subject to God via a strong personal relationship with Him, his/her flesh will continually kick against God’s laid down directives in His Word concerning family life and so on. The standards of the Word of God, with respect to marriage and the family will be practically impossible to attain in the energy of the flesh, apart from the enabling power of God through the Holy Spirit.
Do you desire this enabling power of God in your life? Then you need to say “yes” to Jesus, by surrendering your life to Him. This is done by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer:
“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”
If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
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