Devoted: Always be prepared

Devoted: Always Be Prepared

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Matthew 7:24-25
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
-you may have to replace some damage, but it will be standing

My Spouse and I need to be prepared for:
1. The culture we live in
2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

*Cultural things that will erode a marriage:
a) humanism
People will become utterly self-centered, greedy for money….
Transform vs. Conform
My response: Romans 12:2
b) materialism
People will become…greedy for money
I have also learned why people work so hard to succeed; it is because they envy the things their neighbors have. -Ecclesiastes 4:4
c) hedonism
…loving…pleasure instead of loving God
1 Chronicles 12:32 Understand the times you live and how you should respond Romans 12:2

2. The crisis we will live through
*Psalm 69:1-3
1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
3 I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.”
THEY WILL COME!! What does a couple do when their marriage is in deep water?
*Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
THE WATERS WILL ALWAYS RECEDE!!!

a. remember: God says you have nothing to fear!
b. remember: God is always with you!
c. remember: Keep trusting in God!
He uses the storms to help transform you!
The Key to coping with a crisis: Commitment; willing to be unhappy for awhile; it’s not always bliss

3. The Changes we will live with
Matthew 7:24-25
“for everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
BUT GOD NEVER CHANGES!!!
The Keys to coping with Change:
“I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be…I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.” Philippians 4:11,13
a) Contentment: Enjoy the present day!
b) flexibility: be ready to grow and change together!!
c) faith: trust Christ!!!