My
scripture today is from Proverbs :1-12.
Since today is Father’s Day, I thought I would talk
about a father’s toolbox As we celebrate
Father’s Day, we see in the Scriptures examples and commands for parents – It
calls for Father’s to be active in teaching and developing their children for
life and the Lord! The book of Proverbs is
filled with thoughts about seeking and finding Godly Wisdom for life and most
of it is about a Father – These words are from Solomon as he passed down truth
and life lessons to his son. Father’s have a huge influence on their children
and children need fathers to take the
time and Teach them about Life and the Lord. My question this morning is how can men, as Father’s teach their
children for Life and the Lord?
Men today, I want us to look at some necessary tools that
you might find in your toolbox at home to help remind you of how you can teach
your children about: Love & Faithfulness; Faith in the lord and seeking His
ways; Being Generous and Giving to the Lord; as well as the need for
discipline?
Tool #1 – Here we have an Adjustable Wrench; Father’s need
to be adjustable and flexible to the situations that arise. Eph. 6:4, “Father’s do not exasperate your
children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Tool #2 – is a Level; Father’s need to walk on level paths
as an example as well as keep a Level head in relationship with your children. Jer. 31:9, “They will come . . . I will
lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am their Father.” Isaiah
26:7, “The path of the Righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of
the righteous smooth.” Tool #3 – is one of my favorite tools….Pliers; Every toolbox needs some pliers to hold things together. So a Father needs to hold things together in his family when everyone else appear to be loosing their grip. Col. 1:17, “… and in Jesus all things hold together.” Phil. 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Tool #4 – here we have some….Cologne? How did that get in
here. But it is true Gentleman, one of the greatest things you can do for your
children and especially your sons to teach them about Love and Faithfulness is
to love their Mothers. Eph. 5:25,
“Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
himself up for her to present her holy and blameless before the Father.”
Tool #5 – is a Rubber
Mallet; Father’s need to some urging, apply some pressure and influence but not
be too hard. The Right tool for the right job. Eph. 4:1, Paul says to the Christians in Ephesus “… I URGE you to live
a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Tool #6 – would be…..of course….Shop Towels; men should
clean up the messes they make so as Father’s yo need to show to your children
that we are not perfect. Elton John said it best, “Sorry seems to be the
hardest word.” I read that most children never hear their Father’s say “I am
sorry.” Seek God’s Forgiveness and your child’s when you have blown it. 1John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from
unrighteousness.”
Tool #7 – is a Tape Measure; Just like in doing a project,
you need to measure. My dad’s favorite
expression….was always “measure twice – cut once. I think it is a man thing because I have
heard Frank use it too…. – so as Fathers you need to Measure your Time,
Priorities, and balance with your work and family life.
Tool #8 – is very important….an Extension Cord; You know….As you consider all that we are
called to teach our children (Love and Faithfulness, Faith and God’s Ways in
life, Pride, Generous and Giving to the Lord vs. selfish; how accept and deal
with Discipline in life, even from the Lord. You might be looking at these
tools and saying…… even with the tools: An Adjustable Wrench, a Level, Pliers,
Rubber Mallot and Shop Towels - I am not too sure I can do it. Well, then you definitely need this next tool: An Extension
Cord.
I was extremely blessed because I had a great dad….but, I
know that sometimes as a Father he probably felt like an Extension Cord ….being
pulled and stretched in every direction – but to be honest….people we Need an Extension Cord
to help us Plug into the Power and Strength and Wisdom of our Lord to guide and
use as a Good and Godly Fathers….and Mothers!
James 1:5 tells us, “If any of
you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him.” …and we find in 2Tim. 3:16-17,
“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly
equipped to do every good work.” We as parents….mentors….aunts, uncles…grandparents….need to Plug
into the Lord thru Regular Worship, Reading His Word – the Bible, Praying,
Talking to God and asking His help – even praying for and with our children! God is our Heavenly Father – He loves us and is there for us
always. He even can remind us through everyday Tools how we can be effective
and godly parents for our Children. Children are a blessing and a responsibility. Most often their
view of our Heavenly Father will be greatly influenced by how we as their
earthly Father’s love them and teach about life and the Lord. Let me urges us all to….Seek the Lord today and let us use
these tools to be godly Fathers….godly Parents for our children…Amen?
Just like on Mother's Day when I did the roses sermon....and gave away a dozen roses after the message.....well....After the message I drew one of the men's names out.....and the winner of the message toolbox was.....Delmar Green.
Just like on Mother's Day when I did the roses sermon....and gave away a dozen roses after the message.....well....After the message I drew one of the men's names out.....and the winner of the message toolbox was.....Delmar Green.
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