The past few posts, I’ve been talking about “Heard.”
There is a slang expression that originated in the restaurant industry. When the chef calls out a command, the responsible staff member replies, “Heard.” This simple response is to indicate that the order has been understood and will be executed.
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
There is nothing like the ultimate love of our heavenly Father.
This scripture gives us a true example for us as fathers of an unwavering love that never has stipulations or conditions. It shows us a forgiveness that can never be calculated.
The world would say to put a cap on how much you love your kids – so you don’t get hurt.
The world would say to cut off the forgiveness for your kids when they go too far.
The world would say to show NO mercy and show NO grace.
But our heavenly Father demonstrates to us the exact opposite.
He gives us the example of how we should respond to our kids with love, joy, peace, and kindness.
I want to talk about three things that are important to God:
- Earthly Fathers
- The Father’s House on this Earth
- The Father’s House in Heaven
First, to the earthly fathers….
You are amazing, and I love you.
I have been a father for almost 28 years. Although I have not been perfect, I have strived to be the best of everything God wanted me to be as a dad.
There have always been non negotiables in our house. One of them has always been the house of God. Nothing was more important than church, kids church or youth service. Our kids were involved in outside activities, but they never conflicted with the house of God.
Then there were things that were negotiables… like bedtimes, ice cream, and vegetables.
Fathers, you have a lot of responsibilities–provider, protector and leader–but your main responsibility is to be the priest of your home.
In other words, lead in the things that are godly, not worldly.
Show your kids that prayer is important. Show your kids that reading the Bible is important. Show your kids the house of the Lord is important. Let your actions of the fruit of spirit be witnessed by your kids.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 NLT
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” Proverbs 23:24 NLT
The Father’s house….
Today, I want to stir up in all of us a fresh zeal for the house of the Lord.
In this house, lives are changed.
In this house, people are healed and set free.
In this house, relationships are mended, and marriages are restored.
In this house, prodigals are celebrated, and the bruised and battered from this world are welcomed.
In this house, there is joy, unspeakable joy.
In this house, there is hope now and hope for beyond this life.
In this house, the old is made new and the impossible becomes possible.
This is the Father’s House, and it is a beacon of hope to our community and surrounding towns and cites.
We take care of God’s house every week when we give in our tithes and offerings. I am grateful for a giving church. We are obeying His Word when we “prove” him in our faithfulness in giving.
I know we are in the midst of a sacrificial giving for our building fund (aka Easter Offering), but I believe we are limiting God when we put a number on what we think we should raise.
I celebrate over $60,000 given so far in the past few months. This is amazing!! But why stop at $75,000 if there is a bigger need to improve the house of God?
Look at what happened when the tabernacle was being built. This is the House of God.
Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning.
Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”
So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.”
Exodus 36:3-7 NLT
Can you imagine? Everything that needs to be done is completed, and we have to say, “STOP.” I believe this can happen. I believe God is stirring hearts. Allow God to talk to you today about what you could give for the Father’s House.
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
The Promise of the Eternal Fathers House
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:1-6
God has prepared a place for you. This chapter gives us the great promise of the Holy Ghost and a home that is eternal. We have a promise, there’s a place for you in a heavenly home with the Father.
