The bible is the word of God yet how often do we look to it for instruction?

The Father who __________ __________.

Leadership takes on many forms in the Bible that we as fathers can learn from. In the book of Nehemiah, we see one of the most effective leaders in Israel’s history. Walls and gates rebuilt in 52 days, enemies repelled, and Nehemiah leads the people well!
But then we read in Chapter 13 that just a short absence by Nehemiah results in the people returning to their old ways.

Did Nehemiah not lead well?

It’s when we are not present that our “leading well” is tested. But do not be dismayed by failure.
Nehemiah came back to chaos, yet he continued to do what he had been called to do.

The Father who _____________.

The Psalms are full of verses where the Father listens/hears our voice, our cries, our sorrows, and/ or our praises. Yes, God listens to the righteous and while our children are far from righteous, we are not God (so we cannot place the same conditions).

God is omnipresent but Him being “present” is the real lesson to take away. How often are we physically present but mentally absent? We have allowed the world to dictate our minds too often. Everything and anything takes our focus off our families and certainly off God.

The simple question that brings shattering conviction is:
Why don’t I listen?

The Father who ________________.

The previous characteristic lends itself to this. With listening comes the opportunity for encouragement.
How are we going to know the words of encouragement our children need if we don’t know our children?

In 1Thessalonians 2 Paul gives an example that explains why he treated or spoke to them in a certain way. 11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

The word for encourage was paramutheomai [Par–am–oo–theh’–om–ahee]

Wiersbe explains “This word carries the same idea of “encouragement,” with the emphasis on activity. Paul not only made them feel better, but he made them want to do better. A father must not pamper a child; rather, he must encourage the child to go right back and try over again. “

Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won’t become discouraged.”

Resentment is a very real consequence and it not only causes hurt, but it prevents healing and growth.

The Father who _______________.

Luke 15 contains probably the most read parable – The “prodigal” son, but we are going to see if we
understand the fullness of the father’s forgiveness.

The father seeing his son coming from a long way off indicates that he habitually looked for his return. Perhaps the normal parental reaction to the younger son’s return would be anger or at least deep disappointment, but his father’s response was displayed:

– Compassion – “Filled” with compassion
– Love – the father “ran and threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him”
– Celebration – The father orders a feast
– Joyful restoration of status for his son – the robe, the ring, and the sandals all distinguish the “lost” son as a full member of the family.

We think we have the ability to forgive but how often do we settle with just moving on without true restoration?

The Father who ____________.

Love has been pigeonholed to only be a “pleasant” thought, but sometimes love will seem unpleasant (but this form of love is absolutely necessary!)

Proverbs 3:11-12 11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline; 12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.

Hebrew 12:11 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

The love that most of us think of regarding God the Father is from John 3:16 – “For God loved the world in this way…” The father gave that which was most precious to Him, (because only He could make the way and because He loves us.

Do your children know that you love them?
Do you tell them or show them? (or both?)
What is most precious to you?

Our time is usually the thing that we covet the most. We hold on to it and are slow to share it, even with our children.

The Father who ____________ his children.

The blessing as described in Scripture always included five elements:
1. Meaningful and appropriate touch
2. A spoken message
3. Attaching high value to the one being blessed
4. Picturing a special future for him or her
5. An active commitment to fulfill the blessing

Proverbs 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity How blessed are his sons after him.

Happy Father’s Day!