God – a loving Father
- God it may be possible that you have an orphan spirit – fearful, insecure and unloved. When kids have to live without their fathers, what is the way out? Or, when some of the kids do not have the privilege of having a good father? Statistics indicate that about 80% of kids who do not experience fatherhood result in school dropouts, suicides. For every one good marriage, there are three bad ones.How do we change this? Stop being a good father only to your children, be a father to at least 20 to 30 other kids. We have a ‘father-starved’ world and a ‘father-starved’ church. Instead of being judgmental, help them to get on track – be a spiritual dad to them! Be a model to them so that they will follow you. Terry Virgo, the founder of NEW FRONTIERS was called as a ‘platform’ father as he was a spiritual father to many across the nations.Every Christian has to have a deep revelation of God as his or her Father. Many of us know Him as a good God but not as a Father and, so our lives are not transformed by the power of the gospel.
Who can be such a father? This is not about being a ‘teacher’ or a ‘coach’. Teachers are not fathers – they exalt you when you do their work and if not, they put you down. Coaches probably do not know how to handle you! Friends are also not fathers – they only tell you what is good for both. But, fathers are different; a good father also disciplines.
How many fathers can say ‘follow me’ – that’s the responsibility of a good father. ‘Drive the way I drive’; ‘be forgiving and loving as I am’. Or, are we as fathers teaching by the Book and living our lives differently? Paul says, ‘imitate me as I imitate Christ’.
If you have missed fatherhood, remember God is your Father. Single mothers follow God as your Father. There was this case of a mother publicly drying out the mattress wetted by her thirteen year old daughter so, people passing by would notice. No compassion!!!
Fathers need to be compassionate, loving and kind – because God has these qualities. Our God is holy, pure and lavish in love. Have a deep revelation of God as your Father.
(Isaiah 49:16) Behold, I have carved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are forever before Me. If we get a deeper revelation of this love from God, then we find that our lives transformed. We too are then able to love unconditionally.
(Psalm139:14) I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvellous and my soul knows it very well. Do not allow people to undermine your identity. Your identity is from your Father in heaven and not from an ape! I am a child of God and loved by Him.
If you do not understand the fatherhood of
Know that God is your Father and be encouraged to share the love of God with others, especially children who have not the experience of a father’s love
This Message was preached by Wellington Gomes 10th December 2016
