06 13 07 Three Essentials for Dad

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

(1) A Godly man must have a heart reality; that is that God governs his heart, not merely ceremony or simple conformity.

“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house…….“(Deut. 6:9)

(2) A Godly man must allow God’s will and principles to govern his home. He teaches both formally and informally throughout the day concerning the things of God to his family.

“……and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:9)

(3) A Godly man allows God’s principles to be evident in his habits and conduct outside the home and the church as well; in his business dealings and social activities.

“……..then you shall say to your son: We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand…..then He brought us from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers. And the commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.” (Deut. 6:21-25)

Finally, as fathers, the more we give the Lord control of our personal and family activities, the greater testimony we have to share with our children of how the Lord brought us from slavery to sin (our Pharaoh/Egypt) and brought us to freedom in Him by the blood of Christ. It is so important that we share the blessings of God with our children, so they grow to depend upon Him and expect His provisions, as we trust Him and obey His will for us. It’s not just an Old Testament promise.

The Lord has a plan for us to succeed, not fail (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises us abundant life in John 10:10. (perissos in Greek, beyond measure). This is not a life of riches, but a life beyond measure; spiritually, mentally, and physically; far beyond what the world’s riches could offer. It’s a promise of eternal life with the Lord and His constant care for us.

Fathers; our hearts, our homes, our habits, (and as a result our history) need to all be devoted to God. What a life we’ll give to our families and what a legacy we’ll leave behind: Three essentials for Dad this Father’s day and every day!