5 ways to “bomb-proof” your family. Jesus: “In this world you WILL have trouble…” John 16:33 “(God) causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matt. 5:45 The “bombs” fall because: They get rid of unrefined qualities in our lives. Job 23:10 “He knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me I will come forth as gold.” 2. They help develop our character: James 1:3-4 “.. because.. the testing of your faith produces perseverance… so that you may be mature & complete..” 3. They prove our faith is genuine: 1 Peter 1:7 “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in glory when Jesus is revealed.” 4. They prove we are God’s children, sometimes needing correction. Heb 12:6-8 “….The Lord disciplines the ones He loves…” 5. Sometimes there is no reason other than God is proud of us, and wants to show others that our devotion is real & unshakeable. Job 1:8

5 “Rules of Engagement.” Bomb proof??? Not “5 ways to avoid the bombs..” “5 ways to survive the bombing.” Your family is like a snowflake… 5 “Rules of Engagement.”

5 Ways to “bomb proof” your family: 1. No Compromise. …with God, with truth, with your resolve, and with your marriage. Joshua 24:14-15 14 “So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped on the far side of The River (the Euphrates) and in Egypt. You, worship God. 15 “If you decide that it’s a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you’d rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you’re now living. As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.” Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. 1 Corinthians 7:10 (Msg) And if you are married, stay married. This is the Master’s command, not mine.

Why do Australians split up? Abuse: 29% Lack of preparation: 41% Inequality: 44% Unrealistic expectations: 45% Too young: 46% Infidelity: 55% Too much arguing: 56% Lack of commitment: 73% “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.” - Matt Biondi, Olympic gold medallist. “What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose.” - Andre Agassi. #1 Tennis player.

5 ways to “bomb proof” your family: 2. Practice REAL love. 1 Cor. 13:4-8 “Love is patient, kind, doesn’t envy, doesn’t boast, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices in truth, always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and never fails.” REAL love is “Agape” love…. Giving without expecting in return. REAL love is unconditional….. With boundaries! - Be PRO-active, not RE-active - Have a reason for the “No”. - Set appropriate boundaries… & be consistent - Be real. REAL love is spelt T..I..M..E.

5 ways to “bomb proof” your family: 3. Prioritise your time. Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. …the time you are most productive in your working life, ….is the time your family needs you the most. 4. Communicate! Aust. Inst. of family Studies: #1 reason: “Communication problems.” 23%women, 33% men. Learn to LISTEN, not talk. Some things can’t be unsaid! 5. Pray for each other & your kids. Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. GOD is in control…you are not.

Your Family……. Under attack? Nehemiah 4:14 “…Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” It’s never too late. Make the rest of it the best of it!