In Being A Father (Series)
Table Of Contents:
A Father's Care
Dad What Are You Doing With My World?
The Dad He Didn't Have To Be
A Father's Mistake
My Father In Me
To Be Like Him
Bring The Children To Jesus
A Father's Care
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13)
I remember when I was a teenager, I grew restless on the farm, and I told my father that I thought it would be easier to work for our neighbor, than for him. So when the opportunity came to work for our neighbor, I was very inclined. But my determination turned into disappointment. Our neighbor was harder to work for, than my father. I was so glad to get back, and place myself under by father's expectations and care.
I see a parallel here between my experience, and the difference between living for the world, and living under the expectation and care, of our heavenly Father. Even though the world has it's frills and thrills, the world doesn't care for our well-being like our heavenly Father does. He knows full well what we need, and He provides for us according to His will for our lives. He always has our best interest at heart.
When the world gets through with us, we are left disappointed and defeated. My father was easier on me, because I was his child. Even though he expected the work to be done, I was more to him than just an employee who was paid. I was his child, who he wanted to care for, and provide the best that he had for me. Our heavenly Father is the same way. Yes, He has expectations for us. But He also has His blessings that we are to enjoy now, and for ever.
So today, let's take ourselves out from under the heaviness of the world, and place ourselves under the authority and care of our heavenly Father. We truly will not be sorry we did! GP
I see a parallel here between my experience, and the difference between living for the world, and living under the expectation and care, of our heavenly Father. Even though the world has it's frills and thrills, the world doesn't care for our well-being like our heavenly Father does. He knows full well what we need, and He provides for us according to His will for our lives. He always has our best interest at heart.
When the world gets through with us, we are left disappointed and defeated. My father was easier on me, because I was his child. Even though he expected the work to be done, I was more to him than just an employee who was paid. I was his child, who he wanted to care for, and provide the best that he had for me. Our heavenly Father is the same way. Yes, He has expectations for us. But He also has His blessings that we are to enjoy now, and for ever.
So today, let's take ourselves out from under the heaviness of the world, and place ourselves under the authority and care of our heavenly Father. We truly will not be sorry we did! GP
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Introduction:
"And then all of a sudden Oh, it seemed so strange to me, how we went from something's missing, to a family. Lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me,
On"And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
Dad, What Are You Doing With My World?
A boy was given a world globe for his birthday. He liked it so much that he kept it beside his bed. One night his father wanted to study the globe. Thinking that his son was asleep, he tiptoed into his room, picked up the globe, and started for the door. He had just reached it when the child sitting up in bed, called out, "Hey Dad, What are you doing with my world?" That's a good question for us as parents. What are we doing with our children's world? It's a great privilege, and responsibility to make it the best place possible, for their development.
As parents, we ask the question: How can we do this?
Here are three answers from God's Word.
1. BE APART OF THEIR WORLD (Proverbs 4:1)
We as parents don't realize how much our children want us to be apart of their world. To take an interest in their interests. It is true that the adults have their world, and our children have theirs, and so we don't interact unless there is a discipline problem, or a crisis in the family. And the reason there are discipline problems is because the children are trying to get their parent's attention. "Hey Mom, Hey Dad! "Notice Me!" Our children want us to be apart of their world. To laugh with them, to cry with them, to participate with them, and yes, to discipline them.
2. ESTABLISH THEM IN THEIR WORLD (Proverbs 22:6)
As parents, we have the responsibility of building into our children a healthy self-concept. A child who does not learn to respect himself/herself, will probably never develop the confidence they need as the face the challenges in the life. They will fail to develop their skills, or use their gifts and talents in the best possible way. As a result, they will fall short of realizing the potential God has put into them.
3. BE AN EXAMPLE TO THEM IN THEIR WORLD (2 Chronicles 7:17-18)
What a child must do, is what a child must see demonstrated before him/her, and as we see there is a reward for faithfulness to God. Solomon was to follow David's example. We know that David was not perfect. He sinned and experienced the consequences of his sin. But "he was a man who sought after God's own heart." (Acts 13:22) and tried to be obedient. There are times, we as parents make mistakes. I know, I have made plenty. The question is: Are we able to admit when we are wrong. Are we willing to correct what we did, to try to improve. What is needed most of all for our children to see this kind of example. Our goals of must be integrity, uprightness, trying to be the best that we can be, as an example for our children.
Conclusion:
So what are we doing with our children's world? Are we very much apart of it? Are we working to affirm their worth, their self-esteem?
Are we being a good example to them?
Read Psalm 127:3-5 Is your life a shining witness, With a testimony true? Could the world be won to Jesus, Just by what they see in you? Dads, do our children see Jesus in us?
Have a great Father's Day! GP
(Radio Bible Class - Our Daily Bread & Outline)
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The Dad He Didn't Have To Be
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad That he didn't have to be"
Chorus to the song: "He Didn't Have To Be" Written by Brad Paisley & Kelley Lovelace.
"...having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.." (Ephesians 1:5)
Dads come in every shape and sizes. And becoming a father is more than just bringing a child into the world, as the chorus of the song above reveals. But our God is an awesome heavenly Father. When man-kind, whom He created turned against Him, He gave His Son to be a sacrifice for the sins of man-kind.
And as the apostle Paul said in out text, God predetermined that we would be His Children, because of His good pleasure. In essence Paul is saying, that God wanted to be our heavenly Father, and to have us with Him for eternity. That should make us feel very special. As His child, I know that God is always caring for me and my family. He opens doors for us, that He knows is best for our well-being.
God could have created us, for many different reasons. But I am glad that He created us, so we could be his children. Yes, "He Is The Father, He Didn't Have To Be!" GP
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A Father's Mistake
As I mentioned in the last post, we as parents are not perfect. I myself, have made many mistakes as a parent.
In writing to the Christians at Ephesus, Paul mentions a mistake that I as a father have made, and many others have made as well. That is "provoking our children to anger."
Approaching areas of correction, should not always be with anger. To our children, it may seem that we are getting upset about everything. Always coming to blows with our children, is not a good way of communicating with them, or correcting them.
Solomon was right when he said: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) Yes, there may be times when anger is necessary, but not for all the confrontations with our children. And to have them angry with us, only brings distance in our relationship with them.
Solomon also said that: "Behold, Children are a gift from the Lord." (Psalm 127:3) We need to treat them like they are a gift from the Lord. We need to show respect to them, in hopes that in return they will respect us, as being loving, and caring parents. GP
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My Father In Me
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." (Colossians 1:15)
Paul Overstreet recorded a song awhile back entitled: "My Father In Me." It is so true that in many cases, children resemble their parents, in looks, actions, attitudes, and yes, life values.
The Apostle Paul (in our text) said that Jesus was the the "image of the invisible God." When He came to this world, He showed us the Father (John 14:9-10) He showed His Father's wisdom, love, and power.
This Sunday will be "Father's Day." And I think about my father, and how I resemble him in looks, and somewhat in behavior. But most of all I think about what He instilled in me as a child. I know that my father loved the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that my father was proud of me in entering the ministry.
He had the opportunity to hear me preach. I am not sure what he was thinking, but I am confident that it was a proud thought of "That's my boy up there!" He instilled in me, a love for the Lord, and a love for people. My father had a way of saying what needed to be said to people, and at the same time, not causing them to become angry, with what he said.
As fathers, we need to think about the affect and influence we have on our children. No, none of us are perfect, and when we are wrong, we need to own up to it. But when people look at our children, may they see the best of us, in their character, attitudes, and commitment, to our Lord Jesus Christ!
May our children see, our heavenly Father, in us! GP
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To Be Like Him
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)
A while back, Paul Overstreet released a video based on his song "My Father In Me." The video features fathers and their children displaying their resemblance. We remember these sayings: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" (and) "he or she, is a chip off the old block." How do you resemble your parents? I strongly resemble my parents both in appearance and character.
The Apostle Paul strongly encourages the Christians at Ephesus (and us) since they (we) are "dearly beloved children" (v.1) to "be imitators of God." And of course the first characteristic he encourages is that of LOVE. "Live a life of love" follow the example of the love that Christ showed to us. "Jesus Christ gave His life for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (v.2)
In these days that are full of evil motives and activity, it is a great temptation to live foolishly and selfishly; doing those things that contrary to the will of God.
The Apostle Paul challenges us to make the most of everyday, imitating our heavenly Father, so the world will see Him in us. Jesus said that "any one who has seen Him, has seen the Father. (John 14:9b) That is one of the reasons why Jesus came to our world; to show us the Father. So in turn, when we commit to living the Christian life, we will be showing our heavenly Father to the world.
"Be like Jesus, this my song,
in the home, and in the throng,
be like Jesus all day long,
I would be like Jesus."
(GP)
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Bring The Children To Jesus
"But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven." And He laid hands on them and departed from there." (Matthew 19:14-15)
One of the hardest roles in life, is that of being a parent. I did not do well in this role, but no parent is perfect, and we all make mistakes.
But one of the greatest mistakes we as parents can make, is to not "bring our children to Jesus." Well, How do we do that? Is it making sure they are in Bible school, and worship on Sunday? Youth Programs etc? No doubt this will help them in their Christian development.
But more important than this, is that we as parents be Jesus to them.
By our character, and lifestyle, (and a precious gift I will talk about later) we can bring our children to Jesus.
Prior to our text, the parents were bringing their children to Jesus for a blessing. The disciples rebuked the parents. In essence they were saying: "Jesus doesn't want to be bothered with this." "He doesn't have time for this." But Jesus stepped in, and said, "Let the little children come to me."
The best gift we can give our children, is "Time." Too often we shoo our children away, because we think we have more important things to take care of. Our children are not dumb; they know right away, whether they are a priority or not. The resentment will stay with them, a long time.
In being Jesus to our children, we must remember the sacrificial love that Jesus showed to us. How much are we willing to sacrifice, to show our children that they mean the world to us? Let's bring Jesus to our children! GP
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In Being A Father (Series)
By Gary Patterson
A Series Of Post-Articles From
The Christian Journeyman Blog-site.
(Please Click Link Below)
June 5/2024
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