Father’s Day 2014! (The A.R.T. of Fathering)

Blessings to all Father’s, both natural and spiritual! When you speak of Father’s your talking about those who have begotten children, founded a family, and a progenitor of generations!

Then, biblically, the order of God is found in “fathers and sons!” In hebrew, a father was not only one who begat children, but was the producer of a certain thing, or one who causes things to be. The hebrew word for son was “ben” (behn) which came from the root word ‘banah’, means to build up; to fortify. The idea is that a son is a builder of future generations.

When you celebrate Father’s Day, celebrate the sons and daughters as well. When families celebrate together, the idea of not only legacy is passed on, but lineage. We understand that somewhat in the natural, but we must in the Spirit as well. We must think “generationally.”

Ga. 4:6,7- And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Finally, just as we have natural fathers that admonish and nourish us to grow up, so do we have spiritual fathers! A true spiritual father will have the “A.R.T. of Fathering” in their hearts and lives: True fathers will:

1) A.ffirm- They will not only accept, they will affirm. They will speak to your identity and to your future. They will instill and enhance a sense of “well-being”, confidence and connection and bring correction because you are a son!  (He. 12:5)                                                     

2) R.estore- Fathers will bring not only a sense of responsibility, but accountability. They will be there when you fail, when you have lost your way, and they will be “bring you back” to your original state of being a son, one secure in your sonship and knowing who you are! (Ga. 6:1)

3) T.ouch- Fathers will not only give a warm handshake, pat on the back, or a hug, Fathers will touch you deeply with the Heart of God, our true Heavenly Father! Fathers in the natural and spiritual will never replace the Heavenly Father, but will always lead us to Him. The spiritual touch sets a seal by the Holy Spirit that will forever stay with the son! They will always know the “touch” of father’s care, comfort, and compassion! (I. Th. 2:8)

Pray you’ve had a blessed Father’s Day!

JB