FATHER'S DAY MESSAGES
    These Father's Day messages were preached by Rev Mike Jones while pastor of Grace Free Will Baptist Church. Information and help was drawn from numerous sources on a busy Pastor's Schedule. I pray they will "plant a seed" of help to other Pastors as well as help men everywhere realize the great joy and responsibility of being a Father.

A FATHER'S RESPONSIBILITY

Gen 18:17-19 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Have you ever noticed that on Mother's day we tell Mothers how great they are and on Father's day we tell Father's what they need to do to be great Fathers-it's almost as if a Mother "automatically" becomes great while a Father must continually work at it!!
There are a number of "description" given of a Father.   A father is:
-a person who growls when he feels good and laughs very loud when he's scared.
-a person who gets very angry when the school grades aren't as good as he thinks they should be.
-a person who hurries away from the breakfast table, off to the arena which is sometimes called an office. There, with calloused, practiced hands he tackles the dragon with three heads: weariness, work, and monotony.
-a person who gives his daughter to a man who isn't nearly good enough so he can have grandchildren that are better than anyone else's
A Dad is a fellow who has replaced the currency in his wallet with snapshots of his family.
Someone has said (and I believe it is true) that "A Boy loves his mother, but he follows his father." That places a tremendous responsibility on Fathers. Let's look at a few of them:
His Leadership-Leave his parents, Learn his children, lead his home. His Love for his wife- As Christ loved the Church, As his own body

THE PROVIDER- The Father is charged with providing for the family. Paul says that if a man will not provide for his own he has denied the faith and is worst than an Infidel. He told the Thessalonians that if a man would not work neither should he eat. It is the responsibility of the Father to provide food and shelter for his family.
    The entrance of sin into life meant that man had to earn his living by the sweat of his brow. This turned work into a JOB instead of a JOY. But then God gave us a "Two edged sword" to allow us to turn our labor into Joy again.
    A) The Privilege of Providing for a Family- This meets some deep inner need of man and makes him feel complete.
    B) The New Birth- It is the presence of Christ in a man's heart that changes work from wearisome into wonderful. Matt 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

THE PROTECTOR- Families need an Authority Figure. The lack of such a Figure can be seen in today's society: Suicide, drug abuse, alcoholism, and sexual promiscuity are epidemic among teenagers. An estimated 20 teens attempt to end their lives every 30 minutes. Approximately 685 teens become drug users ever 30 minutes. Some 23 teenage girls have abortions every 30 minutes. More than 3 million American teenagers have been treated for alcoholism since 1980. About 9,000 teenagers are killed each year while driving drunk.
    A) Father's have to be worthy of and accept that responsibility. A man inherits some respect but most of it has to be earned by consistent living.
    B) Wives are commanded by God to give this respect to the husband- Eph 5:22, 33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. the wife see that she reverence her husband.

THE PUNISHER- Prov 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Never punish your child when YOU'RE angry- you're not punishing them to satisfy your Pride but for their good . Compliment and criticize your child's behavior--not the child. (EXAMPLE- A Minister's son had played hokey from school for 3 days. When he was caught his father told him that he was going to punish him equal to the crime so he banished him to the attic of the parsonage for 3 days where all he had was a bed and 3 meals. After supper when the minister tried to lay down all he could think of was his son all alone in the attic so he climbed the stairs and found his son wide awake. They hugged and then lay down together to spend the night. The next two nights were the same. Just like God this father shared the punishment with the "sinner".

THE PATTERN- A man was crossing a field to a tavern one day when he looked behind him and saw his son. "Look dad", the boy exclaimed. "I'm following in your footsteps". The dad immediately turned around and went back home. One congregation found that where both parents are faithful to the Lord 93% of the kids remain faithful. If one parent was faithful the figure dropped to 73%. When both parents were only moderately faithful then only 53% of the young people remained faithful and when both parents were only occasional attendee's the figure dropped to 6%. These statistics speak a loud and clear message. Your children will follow you leading.

THE PRIEST- DEU 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Fathers, Your responsibilities are awesome. You need help. The Heavenly Father wants to enable you to be the Father you should be. Commit yourself to him today.

A CHECK LIST FOR FATHERS

Deut 6:6-7

There were two significant news reports last week- A fight broke out at a little league game- between parents and coaches!!! The American Atheist Society had a champagne dinner celebrating 25 years of "Prayerless Schools". Fathers have a responsibility today that is awesome; and can only be handled if that father has a personal continuing relationship with Christ.

1. I would love the mother of my children more- Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; I would seek to be faithful in doing little loving things for her--opening the car doors, placing her chair at the table, giving her little gifts on special occasions, and writing her love letters when I'm gone from home. I would take her hand as we stroll in the park. I would praise her in the presence of my children. A child who knows his parents love each other has a security and stability about life which is gained no other way.

2. I would listen more. Most fathers find it hard to listen. We are busy with the burdens of work; at the end of the day we are tired. I would listen when my child shares his little hurts and complaints, and what he is excited about. And I would try to refrain from words of impatience at the interruption. Such times can be the best times to show love and kindness.
    One evening a small boy tried to show his father a scratch on his finger. Finally, after repeated attempts to gain his father's attention, the father stopped reading the newspaper and said impatiently, "Well, I can't do anything about it, can I?" "Yes, Daddy," his small son said, "You could have said, 'Oh'".
    I would try to understand what my child says because I now believe that the father who listens to his child when he is small, will find that he will have a child who cares what his father says later in life.
    In listening I would pay more careful attention to my child's questions. It is estimated that the average child asks 500,000 questions by the age of 15. What a privilege for every parent-- unlimited opportunities to share something about the meaning of life and about your own dependence on God!

3. I would seek more opportunities to give my child a feeling of belonging. PS 127:3 Children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward. When a child feels he belongs in his family and is of real worth there, it is not a big step to also feel accepted, loved, and of worth to others and in God's sight. A child feels he belongs when he is involved in the responsibility and work of the family. Celebration of birthdays, when the person rather that the gifts is central, creates a sense of belonging. That same sense is built into the chid when he hears prayers prayed on his behalf. No part of child guidance is more important than assuring the child by action and word that he is important and that he has a place in the affections of the family.

4. I would express words of appreciation and praise more. Many children seldom hear words of commendation and encouragement when they do a job well or exhibit good behavior. Probably no other thing encourages a child to love life, to seek accomplishment and to gain confidence more than proper, sincere praise- not flattery, but honest compliments when he does well. Correct the wrong; Commend the right.

5. I would spend more time together. Eph 5:16 Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. A group of 300 seventh and eighth grade boys kept accurate records of how much time their fathers actually spent with them over a two-week period. Most saw their father only at the dinner table. A number never saw their father for days at a time. The average time a father and son were alone for an entire week was 7 1/2 minutes.
    Authur Gordon tells an interesting experience from his youth, "When I was around 13 and my brother was 10, Father promised to take us to the circus. But at lunch there was a phone call; some urgent business required his attention down town. My brother and I braced ourselves for the disappointment. Then we heard him say, "No, I won't be down. It will have to wait." When he came back to the table, Mother smiled, "The circus keeps coming back, you know." "I know, said Father. "But Childhood doesn't"

6. I would laugh more- Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Somehow we manage enough muscle to handle the big things of life but forget that life is largely made up of little things. A father's faithfulness in the small things determines the happiness of his children...and, not just that, it strongly influences their spiritual direction.

7. The best father is the one who knows God as his heavenly father. Only Jesus Christ can provide that relationship. Place that childlike faith in Christ today.

FATHER NOAH

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Being a Father in these last days is a difficult task. A Father must be a Provider, a Partner, a Priest, and a Pattern. In the case of Noah this meant:
A Consistent Effort. Worked and preached for 120 years.
A Combined Effort All Noah's family worked together.
A Committed Effort- Noah was the LAST MAN ON EARTH TO DO THE JOB

Noah could do this because He:

I. HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD- Noah walked with God on a daily basis. He did not simply know ABOUT God he knew God!

II. LISTENED TO THE WORD OF GOD- God told Noah what was going to happen and what he should do to make preparations and Noah followed God's instructions. What do you do in your life that is caused by God's directions to you??

III. ACTED UPON WHAT GOD SAID- Prepared an ark to the saving of his household.
A Long term Project.
A well planned Project.
A family involving Project (Many men today are so busy being successful until they lose sight of the family they're to be successful for!).

IV. WAS WILLING TO FACE OPPOSITION TO STAND FOR GOD. Condemned all who did not heed god's advice- Other children were more popular but Noah's didn't drown!!

V. LOOKED BEYOND "NOW" TO THE FUTURE. He had respect unto the recompense of Reward. Willing to build a Boat now for a Mansion in the future.
Faith Involves:
Heart- Relationship = Faith to believe God, Fellowship to be warned by God
Head- Mind Set- moved with Fear (Reverential Respect for God's authority and Judgment)
Hands- Actions- Built an ark that saved his household that condemned the world
Reward- Became heir of the righteousness which is by Faith
Noah was saved himself, His family was saved, and He allowed God's Plan to continue. What more can God ask of anyone??

GODLY EXAMPLES

Heb 11:7-29

On this day when we honor Mothers, I thought it would be good to give some Godly Examples for Children to emulate. Mothers have a tough time today finding "Heroes" for their children to follow; Dad is so busy working or trying to be a "90's man" (afraid to be a leader for fear of being chauvinist) until he doesn't have time to be the example children need so they make heroes out of "Ninja Turtles" and half-clothed, drug crazed rock stars.
Let me show you 3 genuine "HEROES" that you can model your life after:

I. NOAH, THE LABORER- Heb 11:7
    A) Continued his Commission for 120 years of duty and derision
    B) Prepared an ark to the Saving of his household- His work and his "religion" blended into the same thing. His Children knew what he stood for and what he was trying to accomplish

II. ABRAHAM, THE VISIONARY Heb 11: 8-13
    A) Affected Where He Lived
    B) Affected his family- had a child at 100 that was gift of God
    C) Affected History- 3 of the main religions in the world today count Abraham an important part of their belief.

III. MOSES, THE LEADER Heb 11:23-29 (Article in Today's Paper- Leaders are better at leading than at doing. Of course, that's what makes them leaders!!) Everyone needs to know his place in life.
    A) His Mother secured his childhood- refused abortion and society's answers, she committed her child to God
    B) His Faith refused his flesh- Choosing rather to suffer affliction than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
    C) His dependence on God's word saved his life- put the passover blood on the door.
    God had an example for every type of Child- laborer, visionary, leader. Let's share these with our Children regularly.

MEEK MEN

    One of my favorite disparaging remark about people's view of God today is "little Jesus meek and mild". I then ask them how that relates to His wiping the money changers in the Temple or calling the Pharisees a bunch of snakes!! I want Christians who will be MEN that take a stand, assume responsibility, and make an impact for God.
    That's why it came as such a surprise to me when I began researching what the Bible said about "Meek Men". I assumed "Meekness" would be a word applied to women much more than men. Surprise, Surprise. "Meek" is used only one time in direct reference to woman; and there it's use to describe her "hidden man" of the heart!- Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Pet 3:3-4)
    Men live in a rough and tumble world today. Business it trying to beat them down, the women's movement is trying to eat the up, and young people are trying to wear them out. Can a man survive as a "Meek Man" today? In today's world aren't we looking more for a Father to be a "Macho man" than a "Meek Man"? Maybe we don't really understand what it means to be Meek?
    Webster describes "Meek" as- Submissive, humble, mild. I thought sure Webster was wrong on this one but so does the Bible!! The Hebrew and Greek word "meek" all come from a root word meaning humble or mild (The Hebrew Dictionary says by implication that it also means "Saintly" but that's the writer's opinion).
    Am I saying then that a man should be effeminate, a "wimp", and a doormat for everyone else? NO!! The Bible says "Effeminate" is a way to stay out of Heaven (1 Cor 6:9) and men are continually told to be bold in their dedication and Strong in their stand for God. Let's see what the Bible really means about "Meek Men".

    MEEKNESS DESCRIBES A GREAT LEADER- Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Num 12:3). A Great Leader is one who Leads; not Drives! A good Father is one who is remembered for the Strength of his example; not the Strength of his arm.
    MEEKNESS IS USED TO DESCRIBE JESUS- Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Mat 11:29). Strong enough to defeat Sin and Satan; yet gentle enough to offer shelter to the needy (Everyone remembers the Love of Mother's Hug but no one forgets the security Dad's arms provide when the lighten and thunder rumble).
    Even as King, Jesus showed His Meekness: Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass (Mat 21:5). Blessed is the Father who can reign as King in his house while taking out the garbage!!

THE CHARACTER OF MEEKNESS:
    MEEKNESS SHOWS A MAN IS AT PEACE WITH HIMSELF- The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever (Psa 22:26). You no longer have to prove yourself to everyone else. In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: (Isa 30:15).
    MEEKNESS OBTAINS GOD'S LEADERSHIP- The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way (Psa 25:9). A good Father knows enough to know he doesn't know it all! In meekness he waits upon the Lord for the guidance he needs to lead his family.
    MEEKNESS IS PART OF THE CHARACTER OF A CHRISTIAN- Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:23)
    With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (Eph 4:2)
    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (Col) 3:12
    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim 6:11)
    MEEKNESS MEANS YOU'LL BE THE ULTIMATE WINNER- But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psa 37:11)
    Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Mat 5:5)
    The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psa 147:6)
    BUT THE GREATEST THING ABOUT MEEKNESS IS THAT IT MAKES US RECEPTIVE TO THE CALL OF THE GOSPEL- The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (Isa 61:1)
    MEEKNESS IS THE OTHER SIDE OF REPENTANCE. WE BECOME HUMBLE ENOUGH TO REALIZE THAT A REALLY "MEEK MAN" IS ONE WHO TURNS FROM SIN AND ACCEPTS THE SALVATION CHRIST OFFERS- Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
    The way to be a real "Meek Man", and the Father you should be, is to Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. (Zep 2:3)
    Be a Man FOR the Lord but be MEEK BEFORE the Lord.

WALK A LITTLE PLAINER DADDY
ANONYMOUS

"Walk a little plainer, Daddy,"
Said a little boy so frail.
"I'm following in your footsteps
And I don't want to fail.
Sometimes your steps are very plain;
Sometimes they are hard to see;
So walk a little plainer, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
I know that once you walked this way many years ago,
And what you did along the way
I'd really like to know:
For sometimes when I am tempted
I don't know what to do
So walk a little plainer, Daddy,
For I must follow you.
Someday when I'm grown up
You are like I want to be.
Then I will have a little boy
Who will want to follow me
And I would want to lead him right
And help him to be true.
So walk a little plainer, Daddy
For We must follow you."