Jesus said, “My Father and I are ONE… we are the same TRUTH and we SPEAK the same way and WE GIVE you the same directions.” Luke 10:22, The Message
For nearly 100 years, American families have celebrated Father’s Day honoring fathers, grandfathers and other father figures. In June, families gather for food, family and summertime fun. For many this is a day to appreciate and reminisce about the special legacy of fatherhood left to them by their own fathers.
Parents often lament, “if only children came with a manual”. Well, God does a pretty good job of providing just that. Think about it…isn’t that what scripture is about – learning, leading and leaning on Him. It is literally chapter and verse; how to follow the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Below are 7 quick references for living a Father’s Covenant. Just in case you think this is for father’s only, think again.
#1 – ORDERS FROM HEADQUARTERS
“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.” -Deu 6:4-9
□ Love the Lord above all else
□ Teach children the truths of God
□ Guide your life & your household by his commandments
#2 – TREASURE TRUTH
“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift, the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.” -Psa 127:3-5
□ Children are God’s best gift
□ Children are the true legacy
□ Children are a blessing
#3 – CORRECTION IS DIRECTION
My son, do not hate the Lord’s training. Do not object when He corrects you. The Lord trains those He loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.” Pro 3:11-12
□ Motivation and heart are at the core
□ Training = Love
□ Conformation is transformation
#4 – CHARACTER BUILDS CONFIDENCE
“Honesty lives confident and carefree, but Shifty is sure to be exposed.” Pro 10:9
□ An honest father is a mirror of confidence
□ A father who trusts God is authentic
□ A father is the same at home, work, church & public
#5 – POWER CARRIES A PUNCH
“He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit.” -Pro 17:27
□ Words have power to encourage or discourage
□ Words motivate or mow down
□ Father’s have great power to influence
#6 – LEADERS LEAD
“Don’t fail to correct your children. You won’t kill them by being firm, and it may even save their lives.” Pro 23:13-14
□ Discipline demonstrates love
□ Care enough to exercise godly authority
□ Steer kids in a positive direction
#7 – SONSHIP GOES BOTH WAYS,
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Pro 23:22
□ Fathers remain sons to their parents
□ Scripture calls us to respect and honor parents
□ Blessing comes from blessing others