A SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY GREETING FROM THE CORRIDORS OF THE SHEPHERDS WITHOUT BORDERS LIGHTHOUSE BUGLE MAGAZINE: JUNE 2012
FATHER’S DAY 2012 ADDRESS BY BISHOP STEVEN LIBERTY SR. & A FEW MESSAGES OF GREETINGS & INTERPRETATIONS OF WHO ACTUALLY IS A FATHER ON BEHALF OF OUR ENTIRE SHEPHERDS AND AFRICAN VOICE FAMILIES !!!!!!!
I WISH YOU A BLESSED FATHER’S DAY AND PRAY GOD GRANT YOU MANY MORE TO COME! BY: BISHOP STEVEN LIBERTY SR.
A few days ago as I sought for a suitable topic to write to you about this father day; a troubling question came to my mind. Can any of our world leaders today be describe as a Father of nations , maybe not all nations but even a few nations on a continent ? The answer I got was very troubling and than I decided to ask a few distinguish personalities on the issue and what did I get ; an even more confusing response. I post the question as a challenge on four major websites and to the time I am writing this document; there’s not been an iota of answer. Where is all the loyalist of the President of the United States of America, France, Syria, Iran, Italy, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain or even the Catholics who might have suggested the Pope? The sad true is there is no world or religious Leader today walking the face of the earth whose name could readily come to mind. Why because being a Father need a sacrificial kind of love without segregation, prejudices or any form of ism and that kind of love demands a lot.
A Father needs to sacrifice his political ambitions if need be to the right thing in the interest of the children. The President of Syria would need to see reason to step down and stop killing innocent children if he is to win such a title. Iran, Israel and other countries in conflict would do everything to achieve peace in their regions if they are to be nominated for such a title. The Pope would have to defend the interest of every child in the world both protestants and Catholics with equal love and devotion if he is to win such a title. Russia, China and the United States would have to stop playing power games for regional interest and military bases and see the lives of innocent children been slaughter as a number one priority. Sadly, no one cares enough to look beyond their noses to see the plight of children who are not theirs. I do not intend to condemn or criticize anyone but no one is beyond reproach or short comings but to instill a sense of direction so that we realize how far we are on the wrong side of the road.
I saw a poster on face book that shook the living daylight out of me. It made me to stop in my tracks and ask God to search me and see if I had gone wrong anywhere or fail my children in any way knowingly or unknowingly; to forgive me. It read something like this: “A Father heard his son praying one day just before bedtime; ‘Lord, help me to be like my Father’. He later bow and prayed: Lord help me to be the example that will make my child a worthy person in life.” How many kids are out there watching us, wishing to be like us and there we are selfishly living just any kind of life to please ourselves. It’s frightening to know that so many eyes are watching you and one wrong step could bring the entire team to destruction. We must watch our ways. So who really is a Father? There are so many definitions; but I would like to go to a topic between Jesus and His disciples in the Bible to see if we can find some sense. I continued to play around this topic for the pass three years for I know it will benefit us highly if we grasp the spiritual and physical significance.
The disciples asked : “Lord teach us to pray ? and Christ replied them like this ! “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him”. He went on to say: “After this manner therefore pray ye: ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen’. Interestingly Christ referred to He who is to receive the prayer from us as Father. Who is this Father and what are the characteristics associated with Him ?
In order to get the real meaning of the prayer Christ taught that day we must again take a closer look at the attributes of God. In order to do so; I will have to return to the Hebrew roots; using some of the Names of God to clarify what the Master was talking about that day. He begins the Prayer with “Our Father”. Why “Our Father” and not My Father since I am also His child. He was pointing us to a title of God. ELOHIM:
“Our “Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty
and Strong” ; EL SHADDAI: Sufficient” ; JEHOVAH:
“God Almighty” or "God All "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO
I WILL”) ; FATHER: . Note here that Christ was pointing us to God who was more than a Father; capable of handling not only my problem but the problems of the entire universe. There is nothing too big or small that He cannot do. Because He is all His Name connotes; you should have no problem placing your faith in Him. I know if we human develop a project and it is successful we love it very much and care for it. It is the same with the Father; He created you for a divine purpose and therefore cares for you very much. It is written : “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him”?(Matt.7:11). We are the work of His hands and He loves us very much. The prophet Isaiah put it this way: “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand”. (Isa. 64:8) He who shape us the way we are knows our needs, desires, strength, and weakness. Not only does He know; but He is capable of solving any giving situation concerning us. When we go to Him in prayer we should always address Him as the Father of all living things and indeed the universe. Why? Because He is our Creator, in charge of preserving our lives on earth as long as He wishes; and controls every living thing and element of the universe. We must therefore address Him with admiration, adoration, and honour Him for His works and believe He is bigger than our problems and be ready and willing to except any answer He gives us. Christ continued: “which art in Heaven”. Earth & Hell boost of many little gods (evil spirits and demons calling themselves gods) gods; but there is only one God in Heaven.
Our God reign the entire universe from His Throne in Heaven. It is His dwelling place; His Holy Temple. It is written: “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all; Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.; The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.” (Pa.103:19; 1Chr. 16:31; Pa. 11:4) When you look at the Heavens you can see the Glory of ELOHIM: Our “Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty and Strong” and you will never see the end of it from the beginning nor fully understand its design. The men of this world/scientist of different types have study it for centuries and have come up with changing theories everyday ; disproving the older ones.
You can see the Glorious artwork and design of His handiwork. The laws that He decreed to control the motions of each and every thing He put in place are perfect and failest not. When you want to address our Creator; Christ urge us to direct our prayers to the very Temple and Throne of ; EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty” or "God All Sufficient” for solutions. Any other place you address your prayers will definitely not be for our God; OUR FATHER , who dwells in Heaven. It is written: “If I shut up the heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, an will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place”.(2Chr.7:13-15) It is quite clear that in order to draw EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty” or "God All Sufficient” attention you can not belong to the devil and his associates . You have to be one of His worshippers or willing to be a part of His Kingdom. Does that mean He does not love the others? He love and care for them too; yet giving them a chance to repent and come over. But as a member of His Kingdom we have priority and His ears, because we know and believe in Him; and His eyes and ears are open to attend to those prayers directed to His Throne in Heaven. Indeed to draw EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty” or "God All Sufficient” we are to know Him enough in order to place our faith in Him; address Him properly , direct our prayers to Him and be a part of His Kingdom. Christ continued: “Hallowed be thy Name”: JEHOVAH: "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL This Name was revealed to Moses at the burning bush according to Exodus chapter 3 of the Holy Bible. For many God Name is too Holy and sacred to be uttered; therefore it is written YHWH. When we go to God in prayer we are to remember that He is the Holy One. He is also referred to as KADOSH: "Holy One" (Psa. 71:22; Isa. 40:25, 43:3, 48:17). It is written: “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like unto thee, glorious in Holiness”? We are to recognize and proclaim the Holiness of JEHOVAH: . It does not mean that if you with hold your praises, recognition or adoration for His Holiness; no one will do so.
The Apostle John describes a unique form of worship that JEHOVAH: receives in heaven twenty four hours around the clock; non-stop. Angels and celestial beings bow to Him day and night in recognition of His Holiness. “And four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; And when those beast give glory and honour, and thanks to Him that sat on the Throne, and who liveth for ever and ever; The four and twenty elders fell down before Him that sat on the Throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the Throne, saying , Thou are worthy , O Lord ( JEHOVAH: ) , to receive glory and honour, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”. JEHOVAH: is not only glorified for His Holiness but also for His righteousness. On earth inspired servants of His Kingdom Hail Him for both His Holiness and righteousness. JEHOVAH: known as; TSADDIQ:
who is also
"Righteous One" (Psa. 7:9); or
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16) should also always be highly praise as a God of righteousness each time we address Him in prayer . It is written; “I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe to my Maker; Clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgement are the habitation of His Throne; Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgements. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law I the truth.. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting”.(Job 36:3; Psa. 97;2; 119:40, 137,142,144). Christ continued: “Thy Kingdom Come” The original purpose we were created on this earth by ELOHIM: in His very image and likeness was to established a divine link; the Kingdom of God on earth. In this Kingdom man was to have total dominion over everything on earth. There was to be total peace and stability, uniting every living creature on the face of earth; where the lion and lamb could live in peace. In that kingdom sickness, pain, dying, envy etc were absent.
Man was created to have dominion over everything and in return just worship, praise the Maker and live in harmony with the rest of creation; but that golden opportunity slip out of our hands when we allowed ourselves to fall prey to the tricks of the deceiver. However ELOHIM: being merciful decided to reinstate us back to this original state; through a voluntary process. While on earth (during His three years Ministry) Christ spend majority of His time teaching and preparing us for this great reunion with our Maker.(Matt.13:24-3,38-43; 13: 31,32;25:113;18:3;19:14;19:23,24;13:47-50;18:23-35;Mk. 4:26-29;Lk.14:16-24;19:1227;Jn.18:36 etc.) It is one of ELOHIM: most important purpose for our lives. Accepting and being a citizen of the Kingdom of God is very important and must be acknowledge each time we pray to Him. It is like renewing your loyalty to your country each time you salute your flag or hear your national anthem play. How do know that we are truly citizens of the Kingdom of God.; Renewing your loyalty to every day even get the attention of the angels of God. It is written that the Angels rejoice each time without failing once one lost soul returns to the Kingdom of God. The assurance that you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God; does not only give you a direct link to the Throne of God but a ticket for life after death. Christ noted that we must always mention the Kingdom of God and our relationship to it each time we pray. Christ continued: “thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.� What is the will of God for our lives? As He made us in His image and likeness; He Bless us to fruitful in everything we undertake on the face of the earth. It is our heritage that every project we undertake on the face of this earth should bear fruits. As long as you live on the face of this earth, every seed you plant in your life must multiply. Every imaginable type of creativity or invention projects ect; should bloom in your hands as long as it relates to this earth. It is your rights to fill every inch of the earth and live any part you wish. Instead of being subdued by problems, sickness, joblessness, homelessness, broken marriages, and evil caused by principalities and powers of darkness; you were created to subdue everything that moves within this atmosphere under your feet. It was not the will of God that you kill and eat creatures on earth, or in the sky of your atmosphere; not animals eat one another but that there be perfect harmony between all on earth.
It is written: “And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat and it was so”.(Genesis 1:29,30) There shouldn’t have been strive ; hunger; elements of nature to defeat us. God created the earth with sufficient food and space to feed and host mankind; but sin blinded us and we lost our ability to love; to be satisfy with Once We cross over that bridge that takes us back to our original heritage; there is nothing to stop us from claiming the blessings of fruitfulness God originally provided for us. In sin we lost this right and noble heritage. We began to dominate each other instead of the fowls of the air and the beasts of the field and creatures of the sea. We are creatures of the earth and that is what we will be while we walk on the face of this earth; however it is very possible to see, feel and speak with God as you do to one another here on earth. How is that possible? All you have to do is to go into your closet; which is your heart and look with the eyes of your heart. Yes it is mystery of Heaven that you can be as close to your Father as Abraham; Isaac; or Jacob or any of the Prophets you have heard or read bout. This is because God has made it possible through Jesus Christ for us to come as close to Him as we desire in life. If it is really your desire to get very close to Him you have to lay side anything that will hinder your intimacy with Him and give yourself fully to pursuing that desire and definitely you will get what you seek from God. Then you have attained your goal of coming close to Him; for He promised in His word that all else that you need in this journey of life will be yours For It is written: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God; and His righteousness; and all these things ill be added unto you; Blessed re they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled”. (Matt. 6:33; 5:6) This was mystery learned by all the prophets of God long before Christ came to the world to lay a Bridge back to heaven. Job wrote: I would seek unto God, and unto God would commit my cause”. (Job 5:8); Daniel said: I set my face unto the Lord God; to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3); The Prophet Isaiah quoted God :( I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isa.45:19,22);
Christ reminds us that it is the original will of God that the Children of the Kingdom reclaim these rights, for God never changes and once He pronounced them they remind ours. In order to make sure no one miss out on the opportunity to claim their birthright; He provided bridge for us to cross over to Him once more. All we have to do is to reclaim our birthrights and remind God in prayers that we are ready to take possession of them. We are ready to subdue our problems and difficulties and take control as a child of the King. It is written; Jesus said: “and these signs shall follow them that believe;(Children of the Kingdom of God) In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak in new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it ill not harm them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover”.(Mk.16:17,18) Once we cross over that bridge that takes us back to our original heritage; there is nothing to stop us from claiming the blessings of fruitfulness, multiplication; and dominion over every other thing dwelling in the atmosphere of earth. So if you do not hinder the will of God in your life by your own attitude towards Him; nothing can stop your prayers. Christ continued: “Give us this day our daily bread”. One of the Names of God is JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." . This name jireh can be interpreted as; to see, provide or fore see. It should always be to the back of our minds when we call on Heaven that we are calling on a God that provides; always on the right time and adequate enough to keep us alive. Because He is also known as EL ROI: "God of Seeing" (Gen. 16:13)”; who sees our every movement far ahead ; He is in the best place to determine our needs. He watches us as a hen watches over her chicks. But I want to join David in the bible who describes Him far better than I will ever be able to do. He described Him like this “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want”. Yes SHEPHERD: Psa. (23, 79:13, 95:7, 80:1, 100:3; Gen. 49:24; Isa. 40:11). When God is your Shepherd, He is responsible for your daily bread. He is responsible to provide a means in those times when we feel we are lost, walking that last mile in life and sees no light. However this is a two way street as I noted above; you have to be open when speaking to Him. When we are weak with worry and can’t seems to know the right direction ; the Shepherd/ provider can be JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35). Yes right next to you ready to assist if you believe and take
His hands. Give Him the chance to be EYALUTH: "Strength" Psa. 22:19. There are many times in life when we need extra strength to move forward. Nothing can equal the strength of our God if we believe and call upon Him during those dark hours. When you ask Him about your daily bread it includes the means by which you are getting that daily bread. It covers His giving you children and caring for them. It covers those times when you are happy, sad, working, jobless, have a wonderful home, homeless, any day, any situation you find yourself in during this walk. Give it to Him directly and let Him be the shield that covers you when the journey of life turns sour and friends are running away from you; families avoiding your calls and fingers pointing at you. He can provide your daily bread in those times. It is written: “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel. Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field�. (Psa.127:1; 128:2-8; 113:6-9; 145:8;147:8,9,13,14; Zech. 8:12;10:1) Yes all you have to do is to ask and you shall not lack. He is ready to provide for you.
Christ continued. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” This is one of the most difficult parts of this prayer for many people. It is the part that blocks most of our prayers from Heaven. Many of us claimed to be in Christ and covered with His blood but it is a known impediment because of our hard hearts. This part of this prayer has a blessing and a curse. ‘Forgive me LORD if I have the heart to forgive my friends’. Now we must bear in mind that sin divides us from God and in order to reclaim His blessings we need His mercy but His one rule is that if you must obtain His mercy, you must also forgive those who hurt you. This does not mean those people will go unpunished; no, never; for it is written “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”.(Rom. 12:14,17,19,21; Lk. 6:35-37; 17:3,4;Mk.11:25) This has been a major obstacle that have block many prayers today. Many pray with anger in their hearts and unforgiving sins that have been nurture for days, months or years. Christ in this pray model is implying that under no circumstance can such persons be free of sin; because once you are a part of the family of the Kingdom of God ; you must adhere to the rules of the Kingdom. Because it is so difficult to do; God looks with favour upon those who does this and answer their prayers. Christ continued: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. Temptation entered the world not through God but through the deceiver ;from the very beginning of the world. “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat�. Someone asked me before; why didn’t God stop Eve before she ate the fruit? Why did God have to put the tree there? First of all the tree was not the only special tree in the garden. There was also the tree of life in that garden. As they were pure they could eat of it until they were mature enough in the sight of God. God issue the warning as He welcome them in the garden. That is just the same as it today; for many have the word of God as a guide but want God to come and personally tell them. Many continue to dodge around it until it is too late. God does not lead you into temptation and never allows you to walk into one you can not handle if you try. Eve could have said no and Satan would not force her to eat it. It has no power to force her. Everyday we meet this same situation in our lives and many times we fall because of our inability to resist the Devil with the weapon or guidelines God has given us in His word. How Can He who created you want to destroy you through tempting you to go wrong? How can a pure Holy God lead you to do impure and unholy things?
One of the names of God is KANNA: "Jealous" (zealous). Ex. 20:5, 34:14; Deut. 5:9; Isa. 9:7; Zech. 1:14, 8:2. Because God is jealous over His creation He always protects them. It is written: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake” He always led you to the right places but sometimes we chose the wrong direction. Many times when I read the story of the lost sheep in the Bible; I see a loving Shepherd but a selfish, greedy, proud, arrogant little sheep ,who went astray because even though the Shepherd lead it to green grass; it selfishly decided to go its own direction where it would eat alone and have more than the others. So the little sheep like us today yielded to the temptations of fresher grass, that it could eat alone and got lost probably falling into a hole. Now I don’t have problem with the Master restoring it; but with the fact remains that while the Master was in search of it , any wild animal could fall among the rest of the flock and lives would have been lost because of a greedy,selfish sheep. Who lead it into temptation? That is why Christ says when you pray remember to ask Him to help you avoid temptation; but, if you fall; to deliver you, like the Shepherd did. Delivering you is not limited to only you falling but also to those powers and principalities of darkness, enemies laying traps in your path, and unfavourable life situations. David speaking about this: noted that when you are a member of the Kingdom of God you can rely on Him to deliver you anytime, anyplace in any situation. He noted this about our God called PALET: "Deliverer" Psa. 18:2.; ZUR: Deut. 32:18; Isa. 30:29. ; EYALUTH:
"God our Rock"
"Strength" Psa. 22:19; MAGEN:
"Shield" Psa. 3:3, 18:30. ; JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" The commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jer. 11:20 (NT: Rom. 9:29; James 5:4, Rev. 19: 11-16. ;and JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd" Psa. 23, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” God is big enough to deliver from any and every situation; therefore Christ noted that when we pray we should always remember to note this factor. Christ concluded His prayer model like this:” For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”. We are to never forget that our God is the owner of the Kingdom and we bow to none else. He is MELEKH: "King" Psa. 5:2, 29:10, 44:4, 47:6-8, 48:2, 68:24, 74:12, 95:3, 97:1, 99:4, 146:10; Isa. 5:1, 5, 41:21, 43:15, 44:6; 52:7, 52:10. We are to note and repeat our allegiance each time we pray before we slip. God power is limitless as I have try to prove from few of the attributes associated with His names. Yes we can proudly boast of His Supreme Power of faithfulness, Fatherhood, Glory, Goodness, Grace, Guidance, Holiness, of being Immutable, of being Impartial, Incomprehensible, infinite, Jealousy, He is our Judge and His Justice, Our King, God of knowledge, longsuffering, His Mercy, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Perfection; Personality, Power, Providence of God, Overruling Interpositions, His Mysteriousness, His Righteousness, Our Saviour, Sovereignty, Spirit, His Truth , Ubiquitous, Unchangeable, Unity , Unsearchable, His Voice, His Works, His Wisdom. I want you to remember that it is only He who name is too sacred to pronounce can answer our prayers if we follow the path He has laid down for us. We must recognize that He is our only Father (collectively); direct our prayers to Him alone in Heaven; Praise, Glorified ,and honour him for His Holiness each time we pray; We are to be members of His Kingdom in order to regain our lost privileges; We are to believe and have faith to trust the results He gives to our prayers; Seek Him for our daily resources; and forgive each other in order to be forgiven, ask Him to direct the path you walk on in this life and to fight your battles ;spiritually and physically; and just close with praising Him for being the only, everlasting King of the Kingdom of which you are a subject, honouring Him for His Power immeasurable and unlimited, giving Him glory along with all creatures on earth and in Heaven. If you can follow this simple guideline given to us by Christ Himself; nothing will stop your prayers.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
BY CATHERIN SKINNER The Lord blesses you and keeps you; The Lord makes his face shines upon you and is gracious to you; The Lord turns his face toward you and gives you peace. Numbers 6: 24-26 NIV
HOPE DEFERRED MAKES THE HEART SICK: BY: MARGARET MULLINGS
Webster's Dictionary definition of Deferred: 1. Postponed. 2. Having the rights, interest. etc. withheld until a certain date. " Mommy, when is daddy coming home ? What is my daddy's name ? Mommy, I want my daddy, I miss him !. " Sadly in many cases the reply. " That no good lying pa of yours is never coming home ! Don't you ever ask me another question about your pa. When you grow up you can go and look for him. " Hope deferred makes the heart sick. While there are many good fathers, who take care of there children,and are always there for them. There are still too many fathers who are missing from the rearing of their sons and daughters.In some cases this is beyond their control. For there are some mothers who are vindictive (unforgiving) and deny fathers from seeing their children. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth this must stop. Pause for a moment and think about this. There is a cry throughout the land and indeed the world. Can you hear it ? Your reply maybe. Hear what ? Gun shots, gang violence, rape, burglaries, murder, you name it and it is happening among our young men and women, the young men are especially angry. Most of these young men and women grew up without having a daddy to call their own. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. There hearts are sick with hurt, pain, and anger coupled with the grief of rejection. The love and affirmation has been withheld from them.
It really really hurts not to have a daddy to call your own, to nurture and teach you the way. Daddy's Little Girl is a reminder of the hurtand pain. Daddy's little girl looks with great expectancy for her daddy to return home with eagerness and happiness within. Days turned into weeks, and months becomes years. Daddy's little girl is crushed within. No one knows the pain and agony she bears, not even her mother is aware. Crying herself to sleep night after night, her pillow drenched in tears, it seemed that morning took too long to break forth. Asking questions about her father's where a bouts only brought more hurt and pain. Daddy's little girl accepts the fact that daddy is never coming home. With pain in her heart and a void that only daddy could fill, daddy's little girl grows and blossoms into a beautiful young woman. Yet on the inside, she is still daddy's little girl and she purposes to seek out and find her precious daddy, and to find her true identity. The search proves fruitless and daddy's little girl now feels even more hurt and pain. Daddy's little girl has an encounter with God and on that experience, it changed her life forever. She experiences God as her Abba Father and receives His acceptance of her being, feeling His warmth and love for her as a daughter. The word becomes life to her in 2 Corinthians 7:18 "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Further, daddy's little girl experiences the fatherhood of God as her nourisher and protector, and daddy's little girl learns that God is a Father to all, especially the fatherless. The realization then sets in, that in her heart lurks, not only pain and agony, but also anger and bitterness with unforgiveness towards the daddy that never came home. However, with the loving relationship of her Heavenly Father, daddy's little girl confesses these sins and with a repentant heart, releases daddy to her Abba Father. Now the pain is gone and daddy's little girl prays for reconciliation, with a deep longing to meet her daddy for the first time in her life. Abba Father hears and answers prayers. Sure enough a few weeks later, miraculously daddy's little girl is united with her biological father.
Embracing her for the first time, he calls her his little girl. Every boy and girl needs the love of a father. Please do not deny your sons and daughters of your presence with them. May Abba Father strengthen men every where, giving each one wisdom and courage to father their children, in spite of the circumstances that may surround them. On this Father's Day I salute fathers everywhere. Happy Father's Day especially to the many fathers who are referred to as " step fathers" The step should be taken away because you are fathers who really make a difference in the children's lives. I salute you ! To the fathers who are not allowed to see your children. It is my prayer that Yahweh, the God who redeems will divinely intervene on your behalf. To the fathers who are deliberately missing from their children's lives. I pray Yahweh will move upon your hearts with His Agape Love to bring reconciliation with your children ! Mamas. It is my prayer for Yahweh to heal you everywhere you are hurting, and that He will restore all that was stolen from you. So much so, you will have the compassionate heart of Jesus Christ; and experience His healing balm bringing healing to you and your children. Making room for daddy to spend not only this Father's Day with his children, but each day to be a part of their lives ! My heart became full as I reflected on Father's Day waiting for inspiration to write. The a fore mentioned poem kept on coming up each time.Question is. Could this be because there is a cry gone up to Abba Father of children crying out for their fathers ? Boys and girls really need the love and presence of their father ! How long will hope be deferred making the heart of boys and girls sick ? Pause and calmly think about this. Much Love, and have a wonderful Father's Day !
FATHERS DAY 2012 MESSAGE WHAT FATHERS FILTER DOWN BY: TIM BENITEZ
As you read this ask yourself what example you have set? this is on Fathers but even women should ask theirself what example have they set, all should ask what legacy am I leaving behind for others to remember me by? ADAM: GENESIS 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Adams sin of disobedience because he was suppose to be the Governing Authority of his house, he also broke covenant by eating the forbidden fruit, and it made him hide, bought fear,and bought spiritual blindness but opened his eyes to sin,he heard Gods voice but didn't see God "spiritual blindness 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat ? he believed and acted on a lie and perverted or twisted truth,his eyes was opened to sin, he ate forbidden bad fruit,and broke covenant, and communion 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. he didn't give account for his sin but tried to justify and blamed those under his Authority, 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done ? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Eve followed his example and blamed Satan which was also under her, 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 3:18
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou returnAdams sin bought curses on his own life, his wife's life, his children's life,even generations,also on the ground,and separation from God on his household,ABRAHAM : Abraham was an example of a Father which still has a legacy left because he received, believed, obeyed and worship, he took lot and raised him as his own child, you find Abraham providing, protecting,praying and praising he was a warrior, a prophet, an Apostle, and a servant,he interceded for his sons and for Lot which... he adopted the same way God does us where we can call him Abba, he was humble,yet bold his life sets a perfect pattern of what a Godly father is, the first things he always done was build an altar, and bowed down and prayed and worshipedSAUL: Saul had Fear, Jealousy along with envy and strife, he almost killed his own son, he left his duties as king to chase after his own vain imaginations of David,his sin caused his son to lose his inheritance, his lost the position of Governing Authority as king,he bought curses on his generations, it caused him his own life,his sons life,he lost Governing Authority and his own sons Respect. LOT Lot was the Governing Authority trained by Abraham,equipped for battle by Abraham, and sat at the Gate of the City which was a Governing Authority over Sodom And Gomorrah, he put his daughters lives in danger and corrupted them, the people of the city came to his house and wanted to have sex with Angels if he stood rightfully Governing they wouldn't have done that, The people of the city would have known he was a Godly man and Respected him as a leader, he compromised and became like them, filtered down to his daughters and showed by their way of thinking when they plotted for children by laying with him when he was drunk which also showed more of his character, this showed their thinking, also it shows his way of thinking when he pitched his tent toward Sodom, and when he tried to get the people of the city to take his daughters instead of the Angels, PAUL Paul filtered his Governing Authority as a Spiritual Father through many men, and their Ministries was fruit from it, he Governed everywhere he went, He stood always for righteousness, he Governed even in chains and in prisons, even on a ship, even his enemies and captors respected him, His Fathering Anointing was respected by all the other Apostles,and he mentions more spiritual sons and sending forth of Leaders than any other in the Bible, He was a perfect example by Conduct,Ruler ship,
Steadfastness even in persecution and even unto death, and his fruits are still be filtered down through great men of the faith,He was humble and walked in true humility,always praying without ceasing, he always Mentioned those under him showing he was always concerned and still kept account on them, showing his leadership, his concern was to those under him even at the point of death,you can see his example when great women of the faith as the women of Timothy's Family trusted him with Timothy, he mentioned Timothy's grandmother,showing he had a Respected Relationship with her, As you read these examples of Fathers or Fathering Anointing I pray you can follow the examples of the Godly Fathers and study their weaknesses and strengths and learn from them, and from the ungodly learn from their examples what caused them to sin and go astray,Father God I pray that every person who reads this that they will take these examples and study the scriptures on them and be the Right Examples in their households and in their Ministries,and be Men of Faith who walk in the Full Blessings you have for them, and that they will leave a legacy of their walk with you by their examples as being praying Men, walking in humbleness, and humility,be steadfast in the faith,in every situation standing for you Lord, even in weakness let them show steadfastness and stability in you, and keep them grounded in the faith, and Lord strengthen us all to have a good report of being Godly fathers by our examples filtering own even to generations in Jesus Christ Name, AmenMay God Bless All of you who read this Abundantly, Apostle Tim and RhondaFishermen MinistriesFishermenministry90@yahoo.comeasy-fishingnet.comFishermanMinistries@facebook.com.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO MY NATURAL FATHER (JESS) AND MY HEAVENLY FATHER (GOD)!!!!!
Dad though you left this earth not even a month after I turned 19; I still think of our time together. Many ppl talk of who they thought you were; but I speak in reverence of who I knew you to be. A dad that I could talk to about anything. A dad that I remember standing in the car with my balleria slippers on leaning on your shoulders - taking me places with you to the degree I was too young to remember - but my uncles told me. I remember you taking me to every dental appointment. I remember as you stood as mom comb my hair every morning and I would cry so hard because it hurt. Dad you would say "baby it can't hurt that bad because your mom comb your hair EVERY MORNING". I remember you always prayed on your knees and even when you went to prison for a crime you did NOT COMMIT; how you accepted it. When you were released after 10 years - I remember I was 17 and standing on the porch next to you as you told this man - that you had ought in your heart for NO MAN!!! I just looked up at you; because I felt you should have - now I know better and those words became a part of my life as I grew in Christ Jesus. I remember how I would go to the prison alone & we would sit outside & talk. You never raise a hand to me - you simply talk to me. Dad you were a great provider and no matter what - your wife (my mom) and your children came first in your life. THANK U DADDY!!!
My heavenly Father - you said in your word in Psalm 27 - when your mother & father forsake you - I will take you up!!! I leaned on that and here I am. You said you would teach me & keep me - so here I am. To know the great love you have for me that you would give your only son up as a sacrifice just for me. Heavenly Father - you love me so much is why you chastise me when needed that I might grow strong in you. You let me know that I was yours all the time - that you use my mom & dad to put me on this earth for you; but I was your child - not theirs. You promised to protect & cover me, you promise to ALWAYS PROVIDE for me - OMG and you have!!! You promised as you took my mom & dad home - that you would NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE ME - now I know you are always with me; for I can talk to you anytime just like I could to my natural dad and you always respond with gentle, loving kindness - even in chastisement. final word!!! I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE MY FATHER NOW AND I AM SO GLAD YOU GAVE ME A FATHER ON EARTH THAT ENCOURAGE ME EVEN WHILE HE WAS IN PRISON. I SAW HOW HE TRUSTED YOU EVEN THOUGH INCARCERATED ON A FALSE CHARGE - I ATTRIBUTE THAT TO HIS TRUST IN YOU - I HAVE COME TO TRUST YOU UNCONDITIONALLY - NO MATTER THE SITUATION - FOR I KNOW YOUR PLANS FOR ME ARE GOOD PLANS TO BRING ME TO AN EXPECTED END IN YOU!!!! from the desk of AJS
GOD CHOSE A FATHER FOR HIS SON! THE MAN JOSEPH! Scripture: Matthew 1:18-1:25 Matthew 2:13-2:23 By: Pastor Isiaka Today is FATHERS’ DAY. I want to speak to you about a man - a FATHER - who is very often overlooked, I think. In some quarters he is overshadowed by the prominence given to his wife. I’m talking about JOSEPH, the husband of Mary and the adopted father of Jesus! I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else preach a sermon on Joseph. (Have you?) But I believe it’s a significant thing that even as God chose Mary to be the one who would give birth to the Son of God, so in His mighty providence He chose Joseph to be a FATHER to Jesus and to raise Him into manhood. Mary and Joseph were chosen together to be parents. GOD CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES FOR US THAT THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IS A MOST IMPORTANT ONE. Fathers are not only needed for the physical act of CONCEIVING a child; they are also needed for the spiritual act of RAISING a child. (HAVING SAID THAT - let me say a word to single parents here today. Please don’t despair that your children are beyond hope because their father is gone, or their mother is gone - that is NOT the case. God is SO gracious. “Though my father and mother forsake me, yet the Lord will take me up.” Psalm 27:10) Let’s look together, for a few minutes, at some things the Bible tells us about this man Joseph. Firstly, would you note with me that he was:
1. A LOVING MAN. a.) TOWARD MARY - Look at MATTHEW 1:19: - 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. - Ephesians 5:25.: -25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;] - the example is that we must love our wives sacrificially, even as Christ loved the church and lay down His life for it. Joseph was a loving man toward Mary. b. TOWARD JESUS. - When the child came along - the child he had not conceived There was no attitude in Joseph that “THIS BOY ISN’T MY FLESH AND BLOOD”. There was no resentment or indifference toward Him; no lack of love at all. JOSEPH ADOPTED JESUS AS HIS OWN. He protected Him from the hatred of Herod. He nurtured Him and cared for Him. Evidently he taught Jesus his own trade of carpentry. HE ADOPTED THE ONE THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD WOULD REJECT. 2. A DEVOUT MAN. a.) He was a man who OBEYED God. b.) He was a man of FAITH FATHERS here this morning, your faith will speak to your children! Raise them in an environment of faith toward God. Our kids are watching our faithfulness. 3. A WISE MAN. Now listen to me carefully here. Joseph was wise because he lived as one who REDEEMED THE TIME. Joseph raised his children in the ways of the Lord, and He left behind him a legacy after his lifetime. CONCLUSION: ARE WE REDEEMING THE TIME AS JOSEPH DID? Encouraging our families at every opportunity; setting an example; providing for their needs.
(1 TIMOTHY 5:8) - “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially those f his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Some say, “Oh YES. I provide for my family” - when what they mean is that they put a pay cheque on the table every week. But what about the OTHER provisions they need from you? Affection? Example? Godly counsel? Laughter and warmth? And Loving concern? We must provide for our own, men. Let’s be challenged together. This man, Joseph, inspires me. I’m sure that he wasn’t perfect - BUT HE WAS DEVOTED, and he was doing his very best - redeeming the time. HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY!
BY : Babsie VAN DER BERG Fathers can be solitary mountains, All their love rock-like, steep, and strong. Though warm and caring, somehow they belong Halfway home to mothers' bubbling fountains. Each of us needs love that knows no quarter, Reminding us of bonds that cross a border, Strengthening our sense of right and wrong