Today’s message summary of February 12, 2017 from Pastor Gus Brown:
It is never too late to redeem your family and its members. Life will have its challenges, but we recognize that God is in control and that He redeems those who choose to follow Him.
The mindset of a family or its members need to be transformed from “I can’t” to “I can do it.” “I can succeed.” “I can achieve.” It is important to put behind the problems and issues and move forward to a place where God helps you to be successful.
A family needs to pursue dreams and visions of hope. Success is something that must be pursued.
The parents must develop a value system that projects God’s value of the person and the family.
Your appearance speaks as to how you value God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
Ecclesiastes 9:8
Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head.
Revelation 3:5, 7:9
In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.
Mark 16:15
Then He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”
The word “white” represents being morally or spiritually pure, spotless, innocent, free from evil intent, harmless.
Exodus 28:2
Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, for glory and beauty.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothes. Instead, it should consist of what is inside the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God’s eyes.
Value is built into your appearance…how you are seen.
Value is built into your background…the name that you build for yourself.
Value is built into your abilities…how you use your skills in life.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
Proverbs 3:4, 22:1
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.
Parents, set your goals for the family.
Psalm 127:1-4
Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food–yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves. Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.
God will do things in your life that you are unable to do for yourself. He will give you favor before others as you trust in Him.
God has a starting point with each one of us, but He wants us to progress from there as we grow in faith and reliance upon Him. He desires to build us and advance us in order that people can see how we are successful in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives the ability to understand the will of God through Jesus Christ and to live according to His Word.
As parents making goals for your children:
- Your goals must include others. (If your goal is self-centered, it is worthless.)
- Your goals must be worthwhile.
- Your goals must be clear.
- Your goals must be measurable.
- Your goals must be expandable. As you see things more clearly over time, you have the ability to add to your goals.
- Your goals must be filled with conviction, and have a biblical foundation.
Akron Alliance Fellowship 