The Lord of the House
Today’s Verse:
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. ~Psalm 127:1
The word except is used in a powerful way in the Bible to describe something exclusive to God. Except means “only,” “with the exception of,” “without,” or “unless.” Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Apart from the new birth, no sinner can be saved. The psalmist tells us that without the Lord, we cannot build our family. This morning, let us see the Lord of the house.
We see the Lord.
“Except the LORD….” Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” The Lord must be preeminent in our homes. First, the Word of God must be read, meditated upon, memorized, and loved. Second, prayer is essential in undergirding the home. The family that prays together stays together. Third, singing hymns together and listening to godly Christian music help set a good atmosphere in the home. Everything about the home must have the Lord in it. “Except the LORD build the house….”
We see the love.
The Lord builds every home with love. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” When a husband and wife love each other, the home is a place of safety and security. Children who grow spiritually and emotionally healthy are children who see love in action. This means our love must follow the requirements of 1 Corinthians 13, where love beareth all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things. A loving home exercises loving discipline in the lives of the children so that they are receiving proper correction. A loving home is where love is lavished.
We see the leadership.
The psalmist speaks about arrows in the hands of a mighty man. A mighty man is a man of strength. He is capable of pulling his bow back regardless of how strong the tension might be. He is capable of aiming his arrows so that they hit the intended target. The Lord builds the house with strong leadership and direction. A submissive wife wants a husband who gives direction. Children who walk in the way they should go grow up in a home where there is leadership and godly direction.
We see the loyalty.
The Lord builds the house where there is loyalty. Children should be taught to uphold and respect the family name. The husband and wife must have a relationship where nothing is allowed to come between them. Parents and children must have a relationship with truth, honesty, transparency, commitment, and support. Loyalty demands that a family honors the name of the Lord and the church that they attend and that they speak well of the spiritual leaders whom God has placed in their lives. Loyalty means we do not quit, abandon, or walk out on our family, church, or commitments.
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Is the Lord building your home? It’s not too late to start!
Have a devoted God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 18-20