1. Psalm 127.

2. Psalm 127: (A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.) 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the one who watches it stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of hardship; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3. 3 See, sons are the inheritance of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

4. A Sound Investment Strategy?

6. Psalm 127: (A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.) A Psalm by Solomon… * How would Solomon have evaluated his life?

7. “ 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the one who watches it stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of hardship; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Beware of MISPLACED SECURITY * Frustration! * What are you trusting in? * Are you investing in what God wants?

8. “ 3 See, sons are the inheritance of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Children are a BLUE CHIP INVESTMENT * What does God want? * Children belong to God * cf. Acts 2:39 “ For the promise is for you and for your children…” * cf. 1 Cor 7 “… they are holy…” * Dedications?

9. “ 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” What is GOOD for God is GOOD for us * Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him”

10. “ 3 See, sons are the inheritance of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is his reward.” A word to MUMS: Being a mum is a SMART CAREER CHOICE * Comparing with others you know? * Investing in children is no 2 nd -rate option!

11. “ 3 See, sons are the inheritance of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is his reward.” A word to DADS: Remember the VALUE of children * By Solomon to fathers * Invest time and energy into your children * Don’t neglect your children (or their mother!) * Be a spiritual leader and overseer at home

12. “Unless the LORD...” A word about PARENTING: Trust the LORD for results * Trust in God, not in parenting programmes * God’s ambitions for his children?

13. “ 3 See, sons are the inheritance of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is his reward.” A word about REGRETS: Our God is a God of FORGIVENESS and NEW BEGINNINGS * Christ died for sins once for all

14. A Sound Investment Strategy?