We're finishing this mini-series on Overcoming Pitfalls of Family and Ministry!

3. Please God wholeheartedly

1. 1. In ministry we were/are all in

1. 1. 1. We served as a family
      2. We have gone soul winning as a family
      3. We have sung as a family
      4. We have worshiped as a family
      5. We have sat together as a family in church
      6. We have had family devotions
      7. We have had long talks about life and godliness
      8. We have prayed together and seen God do great things as a result

1. 1. In family we were/are all in

1. 1. 1. We have Trained - it never stops until they are adults on their own
      2. We have done a ton of teaching - it never stops either
      3. We have played - we did a lot of this
         1. Games
         2. Walks
         3. Movies
         4. Fun Family Fridays
         5. Beach days
         6. Coffee shops
         7. We have been to Disney, Busch gardens, and Cedar Point
         8. We have hiked in Nevada, Arizona, California, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan
         9. We have been to the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, The Gulf of America (or Mexico :)) and all of the Great Lakes
         10. Dr. Dave Teis - spend money having fun with your kids
      4. We also attended church some 300 nights each year in revival services, conferences, and camps

So how do you overcome the pitfalls of family and ministry?

Dave and Bethlie make three suggestions:

1. Have ONE priority
   1. GOD IS EVERYTHING
   2. I know that we are taught that Family is First
      1. Bethlie and I perhaps take a different approach
      2. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto you.
         1. All these things:
            1. Refers to God's blessings and favor and provisions
         2. The kingdom of God encompasses all of our Christian lives and responsibilities
            1. Our walk with God - that is a priority
            2. Our family - that is a priority
            3. Our ministry - that is a priority
         3. This doesn't have to be about 1, 2, 3
            1. It has to be about living our lives each day doing the right thing in the right way
         4. His righteousness:
            1. What does He want?
            2. What is right according to Him?

1. Pursue all responsibilities passionately and intentionally
   1. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. famously said - Duties never conflict.
      1. Like any saying that can be challenged - it isn't the Bible
      2. But he has a point
   2. Duties must be fulfilled
      1. God doesn't want us to give up one for the other
      2. He wants us to live our life and win on all fronts
   3. Ministry is not above family
      1. Serve the Lord - with your family
   4. Family is not above ministry
      1. Serve the Lord - with your family
   5. Both are life and and both are God given responsibilities
   6. Win at both

We're wrapping up this Overcoming Fear series!

6. Fear can be overcome

1. 1. It takes power
   2. It takes love
   3. It takes a sound mind