Psalm 127:1-5 (ESV) 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 5 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.

Four Principles

1. Homes Build People.

• You were built in a home.
  • Some good: Be grateful, guard it, and build on it.
  • Some bad: Forgive, learn from it, and don’t repeat it.
• You are being built in a home, and you are building others.
  • You are still being formed in your home—by words, actions, and attitudes.
  • You are forming others in your home.
• You are building kids in a home.
  • The humans of tomorrow are being formed in your home right now.
  • Their values are being shaped.
  • Their identity is being learned.

2. Homes Rest on Foundations

• The natural importance of foundations: Every single thing in the home sits on the foundation. If it isn’t strong or built right, everything will crumble.
• The Reality: Your home is built on a foundation right now.

3. Storms Tell the Truth.

• All foundations seem to work fine when life is good. It is easy to think your foundation is just as strong as the next person’s until life gets difficult.
• Potential Storms:
  • "We just don’t feel the same way about each other."
  • "The kids all left for college."
  • "We don’t have enough money this month."
  • "My parents are ill."
• Matthew 7:24-28 (ESV) 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,

4. Make Christ the Foundation.

• Jesus must be the foundation of the home.
• His ways are code:
  • Selfless love (laying down His life).
  • Covenant faithfulness (I’ll never leave you).
  • Servanthood (thinking of your needs before my own).
  • Forgiveness.
• Life revolves around Him:
  • He is Lord of the house.
  • Time with Him is valued.
  • Everything is seen through the lens of how He sees it.
• His will is preeminent; the home exists to do His will.