The bedrock of society is the family. Nowadays, the family has become as endangered as the bald eagle and is almost as legendary as the chic charney. The erosion of the family is manifested in the hideous crimes.These crimes cram the jails and are evident in the delinquencies, violence, and drug abuse that flood the school and neighborhoods. Frustrations overflow into the workplace. Who lurks behind all the sorrows and heartbreaks that haunt our societies?

Although some nations claim to have been established on Christian principles, the escalating evidence reveals that all citizens do not adhere to them. In fact, in America some citizens despise the ‘one nation under God’ concept and want the freedom to live without Him. They are wondering why they should live ‘under God’ if they do not believe in Him. Thus some want God removed from the pledge of allegiance and if possible the currency. On the other hand, in some communist and so called heathen nations where parents are held in high esteem, the crime rate is lower, the educational system highly productive and the employment rate higher than in most ‘Christian’ countries. What makes the difference?

 The Judeo-Christian society, according to the Bible, is patriarchal. Adam, appointed horticulture and husbandry manager of Eden, received instructions directly from God. Throughout the Scriptures, history is recorded from the male point of view. Of the three women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Thamar and Ruth are named; but Bathsheba is referred to as her that had been the wife of Urias. Thus, the foundation of the home is laid by the father, with the mother’s assistance and Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. With these thoughts in mind, consider FATHER as the basis of a great family and a successful society.

F Is For Faith

Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. God honors mustard seed faith; and this kind of faith will produce miracles. Noah, by faith, obeyed God and built a boat. His family was saved. Sarah blushed to think of giving birth to a promised son long after menopause; but she kept faith. Abraham spoke with a faith that foreshadowed the death of the only son of God. He was willing to offer Isaac, whom he loved. Faith demands action. Even if Isaac died, the father of the faithful knew that God would raise him up again. Job expressed the same confidence when he declared, ’I know that my Redeemer liveth…”

 Today God has fathers in every society who are willing to stand in faith - for their family and their nation. The men who stood with Gideon were a small band against such a fierce enemy; but they took their place around the camp. What could these men do with sword and light? Those men who stand for God with light are destined to defeat the enemy they fight. Joshua knew the secret of success that David called a lamp for the feet and a light for the path. The Word of God enlightens the darkness that has trapped so many fathers and leaders. By faith Moses made a decision to be numbered among the people of God. Joseph preferred prison rather than to sin against God.

 Fathers, do you want to please God? There are countless models in the Bible. You can learn from their errors or follow the examples of those who chose to act in faith. Even some Bible characters who had flaws and defects in their character recognized the impact of God. David asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. He did not want God to remove his joy or the Holy Spirit. Did David know a precious secret?.

 Attitude Provides Altitude

 Think about what separated the men of God from the boys. Do you have an attitude of commitment to God? Are you willing to declare that you and your household will serve the Lord… and mean it? God invites all to come boldly to the throne of grace to find pardon… mercy…grace to help in the time of need. Do you go? Or are you afraid to ‘bother’ God. Saul, later Paul, who had the course of his life changed on the road to
Damascus became a zealot for God. He had made a request to God and realized that it was not to be. Did he become angry with God? Paul declared that the grace of God was sufficient for him. After all, the strength and power of God is demonstrated best in weak people or a time of weakness. People use catch phrases:”Let go and let God.” Do they?

 Paul realized something else that was too good to keep to himself. He declared his focus. Are you pressing on the upward way towards the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? It takes a simple question. When Saul asked: “What will you have me do?” he was asking for the will of God in his life. Have you asked God to show you His plan for your life? Everyone has been called to work in the Vineyard of God. However, some people do not know their mission or purpose. It is vague and lost in the fog of this temporal life. Will you like Isaiah respond:” Here am I send me?:” God needs willing workers- those who have a mind to work. He needs men who are thankful for mercy, grace and all the benefits of God. Do you have an attitude of gratitude?

 Time For Training

 Many people think that food, shelter, an education, lunch, school supplies and clothing are all children need. Though these help, the responsibility for a child [or children] entails more. I watched my brother in the garden. Before he planted any seeds, he prepared the soil. My parents never had the expense of paying rent nor mortgage. By the time I was born, my parents had a house with a big yard that provided a play area away from traffic. Not everyone is so fortunate. But the key is prepare before you plant seeds be they in a garden or a womb.

Broccoli, cabbage, thyme, dill seed and parsley do not need the attention given to tomatoes. These plants do not climb though the dill seed can grow very tall. One day I saw my brother preparing what looked like tepees. Puzzled, I asked him to enlighten me. Tomatoes run wild- like cerasee, passion fruit vine and some varieties of white grapes. How do you manage this wild plant? Train it, of course! He tied the tomato vine to the trellis; and they were free. Yet they were managed. When it was harvest time, I was able to pick more than a dozen sunkist, juicy tomatoes in the morning; and in the afternoon I got the same amount or more.

How are children to be trained? Bring them up with respect for God. Do you want them to love beer and gin? Train them early as toddlers while you hang out with the boys. One teenager, who had been left one weekend with her father while her Mom went on a trip wrote an essay that was so graphic, I commented that she had a vivid, powerful imagination. Later, she came to me and told me a sordid tale, claiming that the essay was true! Do you want your daughter to be like Jezebel or Delilah?Train her with pornography and other worldliness.

 While we were discussing a drama I wrote, I shared some information about drug abuse. One of my students asked why her father would allow her to ‘taste’ alcohol, being a minor, but not the Lord! By the next academic year, that student was 'out of control' and 'lived in the office' because of discipline problems There is no need to ‘show and tell’ nowadays. Children announce the priority of parents. The youth who pull the wool over their parents eyes try it on other adults too!

 H Is For Heart

Jesus told a remarkable story about an unidentified man who had been waylaid, stripped of all his possessions and left to die. Who do you think could have done such evil? Along comes a religious leader, sees the helpless victim and does nothing. A church member takes the same route, does not recognize the man and has his own reasons for not stopping to help. Suppose the man dies and he has touched him! But, the Samaritan is not impeded by religious taboos. What does he do? 

The Samaritan has a 'first aid kit' that contains wine - alcohol used to cleanse wounds. This Samaritan probably took wine along for personal reasons . A person never knows what emergencies he or she may encounter in life. Whatever the reason, do you realize that it is sometimes the drunkards- the social outcasts who are compassionate and unafraid to help the downtrodden victim? Consider the Samaritan to be Jesus Christ who is prepared to reach out to the vilest sinner; and the wine is His blood that cleanses from all sins.

 Then, the Samaritan ministers with oil - the oil of gladness which is empowered by and symbolic of the Holy Spirit. He places the victim on his beast and thus provides royal treatment. Who paid the debt for sin with its ill effects and has promised to return?

What is Jesus saying through this story? Some people think it is necessary to minister to the stranger on the street. The shocking truth is that ministry begins at home and its radiance is shed abroad. Have a heart for the family first! What I remember most about my Daddy is that he had a heart for his family; and he loved my Mommy. My father knew how to tell jokes, hair-raising stories as well as chronicle history orally. I cherish the time we spent together as he accompanied me, beating a steady rhythm on the windowsill while I played the keyboard. He had the discipline of having played in the RoyalBahamas Police Force Band; and he never failed to encourage me in music. His advice to ‘stay in time’ still rings in my ear. Though my Dad was strict, he had a good heart… one of forgiveness and love.

Empowered For Eternity 

 The world offers empowerism; but man needs empowerment. The difference is endurance. Training for success in this world is ephemeral; but the anointing power of God endures forever. The power God provides through His Son, Jesus Christ, destroys yokes, pulls down stronghold and every high imagination that exalts itself above the power of God, delivers those in darkness and sets the vilest sinner free. No money can buy this power for it is free and liberally given. Psalmist David declares that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Some view this text in the light of waiting for a bus. But is that all there is to it? 

 Yes, there is waiting. Those tarrying in the Upper Room did not waste time. Before the day of Pentecost, believers must have shared one heart, one purpose and one mind. One accord has powerful connotations and denotations. Unity makes many demands. However, when you look at wait in terms of a waiter or waitress, time is for service not dawdling. Can you stand still and wait for your deliverance as you grow stronger in the Lord?

Rest in Reassurance

 Do you know that God expects you to work to earn a living; but He also expects you to take time to rest? At the end of the work week God desires His creation to take a refreshing break.Why? You need to be renewed. Some people think this is only physical rest. However, there are spiritual implications.

 One song that I enjoy playing on the keyboard has these words:

 Oh what fellowship,

Oh what joy divine

Resting in the everlasting arms.

 Jesus'disciples were experiencing a storm ; and He was asleep! They were ruffled by their circumstances; but Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the ship. In fact, He was the rudder! But they did not discern His importance during the storm.Their eyes were focused on the wind, seas and waves; and not the Master!

 God provides assurance as well as reassurance! Can you say with the songwriter:

I care not today what tomorrow may bring.

 Are you familiar with the words? Are you afraid to confess them? In this world you will have troubles and trials anyhow.That is life. But, on what do you rest? Do you rest on your laurels- all of your success -; or have you chosen to rest in Jesus? Do you know that before you call out to Jesus He hears and answers - even while you are speaking?

 Everyone needs reassurance.Take the time for renewal each week. Express your faith through your attitude of gratitude. Discipline yourself and family to have the heart of a servant. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you by walking in the will of God. Take the time to rest in the assurance that God loves you and waits to reassure you through renewal and rest each week. Most of all, be an example of the believer in every aspect of your life. Be the father God wants you to be!

© Copyright 2009 Fredrica Faye Brooks All Rights Reserved