Today is June 15 - Father’s Day. Pastors across
the country probably delivered a Father’s
Day message to their congregations. My husband has been doing an eight-week study
on Crowns at a small church in northeast Iowa where he is filling in until the
congregation, with God’s guidance, finds a new man to be their under shepherd.
In today’s message, “Gray Hair is a Special Crown ” (Proverbs 17:6),
Jim noted three points for which we should thank God for:
1.
Fathers who love us
2.
Fathers who labor for us
3.
Fathers who lead us
I.
Fathers who love us
A father’s love is demonstrated by their devotion.
*A father’s love and acceptance should not rest upon the child’s performance.
-- All of us do foolish things in the process of growing up … remember the prodigal son and how the father embraced the wayward son upon his return home. (Luke 15:11-24)
*One of the greatest ways a father can demonstrate his love and devotion for his children is to spend time with them.
-- Time spent with your children will mean more to them than you can imagine.
-- The lack of a father’s attention can result in irreparable harm to his children.
A father’s love is demonstrated by their devotion.
*A father’s love and acceptance should not rest upon the child’s performance.
-- All of us do foolish things in the process of growing up … remember the prodigal son and how the father embraced the wayward son upon his return home. (Luke 15:11-24)
*One of the greatest ways a father can demonstrate his love and devotion for his children is to spend time with them.
-- Time spent with your children will mean more to them than you can imagine.
-- The lack of a father’s attention can result in irreparable harm to his children.
Together time can mean a lot to
both of you. It can be a learning experience, but an enjoyable time doing
daddy/son or daddy/daughter things, just the two of you. You will come to
understand your child’s needs better and you children will look forward to
spending time with daddy. Time spent with your children needs to be a high
priority.
No matter the age, kids need to feel their fathers (and mothers) truly care about them … that it’s not just words – but action.
No matter the age, kids need to feel their fathers (and mothers) truly care about them … that it’s not just words – but action.
Do not allow fear take root in your heart and prevent you from doing what God desires of you. When we walk with God, when we pray, when we read and study the Holy Bible, when we are still and listen to what God has to say, when we obey His instructions, when we believe, when we Trust, He will show us the way to go every time, all the time. God will never lead you astray.
Satan is the one who does that. If you profess to be a Christian and you are a dad, step out in faith, believing God will steer you along the right road. He will never take you down the wrong path. Your thoughts .. thoughts Satan puts into your mind, are destructive. Do not listen to him.
Turn from Satan and turn to God.
Remember what Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:23 (New Living Translation) – “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap for me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
A father’s love is demonstrated by their
discipline.
*The Bible tells us discipline is instructional.
“He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24)
*The Bible tells us discipline is instructional.
“He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24)
II.
Fathers who labor for us
“But if anyone does
not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has
denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
-- It is not only working outside the home for monetary gain, but also within the home. It is not demeaning nor is it just woman’s work to do laundry, make beds, wash dishes, go shopping, make meals. If it seems drudgery, figure out a way to make it a fun time for you and your children. Your children look up to you. Give them the best example for them to follow.
-- It is not only working outside the home for monetary gain, but also within the home. It is not demeaning nor is it just woman’s work to do laundry, make beds, wash dishes, go shopping, make meals. If it seems drudgery, figure out a way to make it a fun time for you and your children. Your children look up to you. Give them the best example for them to follow.
1.
Fathers who lead us
-- Whether you know it or not, you are instructing your children – not merely by what you say, but by how you say it. Be careful your words don’t come across in a critical or belittling tone.
-- Your children not only need to hear what you say, but how you say it and how you live and act.
Keep God No. 1. Your family will be in excellent hands when you allow God to guide you.
-- Whether you know it or not, you are instructing your children – not merely by what you say, but by how you say it. Be careful your words don’t come across in a critical or belittling tone.
-- Your children not only need to hear what you say, but how you say it and how you live and act.
Keep God No. 1. Your family will be in excellent hands when you allow God to guide you.
A poem, “Watch Your Step,” author unknown, says
this:
“Father there’s a call for you; watch your step!
Little eyes see all you do; what your step!
Little feet go Daddy’s way Follow you from day to day,
Lead O Lead them not astray; watch your step!
Little eyes see all you do; what your step!
Little feet go Daddy’s way Follow you from day to day,
Lead O Lead them not astray; watch your step!
Walk the safe and narrow way; watch your step!
Let the children hear you pray; watch your step!
Would your ways of wisdom teach;
With God’s truth their young hearts reach?
Then be faithful, I beseech; watch your step!
Let the children hear you pray; watch your step!
Would your ways of wisdom teach;
With God’s truth their young hearts reach?
Then be faithful, I beseech; watch your step!
Father, near your journey’s end; watch your
step!
Let the Savior be your friend; watch your step!
He will guide your feet aright,
To the land of pure delight;
Would you walk with Him in white?
Watch your step!”
Let the Savior be your friend; watch your step!
He will guide your feet aright,
To the land of pure delight;
Would you walk with Him in white?
Watch your step!”
.
Be compassionate
Be consistent
Be cooperative
Be committed
Be courageous
Be consistent
Be cooperative
Be committed
Be courageous
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
June 15, 2014
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