Our Father in heaven Matthew 6:9 NLT
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. Psalms 68:5 NLT
1950 4.7% of Children were born out of Wedlock
Today that number has risen by 1700%
NATIONAL CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL STATISTICS
- 85% of children that show behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (20x the National Average)
- 90% of all American inmates are men
- Over 75% of said inmates grew up without a father
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (5x the National Average)
- 90% of homeless and runaway children come from fatherless homes (32x the National Average)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (9x the National Average)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:4-5,13 NLT
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Genesis 2:22-24 NLT
THE QUALITIES OF A FATHER
Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21 NLT
1. FATHER’S MUST PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DISCOURAGEMENT
- WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS HOPE
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 NLT
Some find their strength in their weapons and wisdom, but my miracle deliverance can never be won by men. Our boast is in the Lord our God, who makes us strong and gives us victory! Psalms 20:7 TPT
- WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS JOY OVER HAPPINESS
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. – Viktor Frankl
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalms 4:7-8 NLT
- WE LEAD THEM TOWARDS THEIR GOD-GIVEN CALLING
May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21 NLT
2. FATHER’S MUST NOT MISUSE THEIR AUTHORITY
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:20-21 NLT
WE CAN EITHER BE A GREAT EXAMPLE OR A HORRIBLE WARNING
- WE HAVE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE WITH A KINGDOM MENTALITY