Father’s dramatically impact several social issues in America. The data on the negative effects of father absence on: poverty, maternal and child health, incarceration, crime, teen pregnancy, child abuse, drug and alcohol use, education and childhood obesity can be seen at: http://www.fatherhood.org/media/consequences-of-father-absence-statistics#sthash.c3yqbGJy.dpuf
The “Father Factor” in homes, families and our society is powerful.
Most fathers want to be a good parent to their children. Mistakes are made out of a lack of intentionality. I believe there are three things every Christian father must intentionally do.
1. Feed. The Bible talks about God’s words being sweeter than honey. Feed on scripture daily. Talk and listen to the Lord throughout the day. You eat every day and you must feed yourself spiritually every day. You do not have to go to Bible college or attend seminary to be an extraordinary father to your children. You just need to spend time with Jesus.
Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
2. Seed. Plant into the lives of your children. Scatter seeds of encouragement, generous forgiveness, quick apologies, and show transparency. Your children will never forget the words you say to them through your tears and they will never forget the grace you pour over them when you accept their apologies and forgive their failings.
Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
3. Lead. Have high expectations. Harvey Mackay author of “Outswimming the Sharks” tells this story of his father: “Jack Mackay taught me about time management. I still remember him telling me, “If you want to go fishing tomorrow, be on the dock at 2pm sharp.” There I was at 2:05pm, waving bon voyage to my dad who was driving away in the boat without his fishing buddy. Tough love, lesson learned.””
Have high expectations and consistently lead in doing the right things even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
In what ways did your father feed, seed, and lead?
Comment here:
Happy Father’s Day!
The “Father Factor” in homes, families and our society is powerful.
Most fathers want to be a good parent to their children. Mistakes are made out of a lack of intentionality. I believe there are three things every Christian father must intentionally do.
1. Feed. The Bible talks about God’s words being sweeter than honey. Feed on scripture daily. Talk and listen to the Lord throughout the day. You eat every day and you must feed yourself spiritually every day. You do not have to go to Bible college or attend seminary to be an extraordinary father to your children. You just need to spend time with Jesus.
Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
2. Seed. Plant into the lives of your children. Scatter seeds of encouragement, generous forgiveness, quick apologies, and show transparency. Your children will never forget the words you say to them through your tears and they will never forget the grace you pour over them when you accept their apologies and forgive their failings.
Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
3. Lead. Have high expectations. Harvey Mackay author of “Outswimming the Sharks” tells this story of his father: “Jack Mackay taught me about time management. I still remember him telling me, “If you want to go fishing tomorrow, be on the dock at 2pm sharp.” There I was at 2:05pm, waving bon voyage to my dad who was driving away in the boat without his fishing buddy. Tough love, lesson learned.””
Have high expectations and consistently lead in doing the right things even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
In what ways did your father feed, seed, and lead?
Comment here:
Happy Father’s Day!
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