FATHERHOOD.

Good morning friends. Thank God we are alive to celebrate another FATHERS DAY in the land of the living.

Because of the importance of this day, we are suspending our study of ARE YOU READY till tomorrow.

Matt.3.16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Matt.3.17 – And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

WHAT KIND OF A FATHER ARE YOU?

Fatherhood and fatherlessness are issues in our nation that are in desperate need of immediate clarity of focus and our attention.

One critical aspect of fatherhood that is plaguing our society in epidemic proportions is fatherlessness.

In Nigeria and throughout the world, father absenteeism is pervasive and the ramifications are devastating! Fatherlessness adversely affects individuals, our families, our neighbourhoods, our churches, our cities, and our nation.

Studies have shown that fatherlessness impacts education, poverty levels, social behaviours, health care, emotion development, and a list of other factors that are essential to our children’s wellbeing.

Coupled with the fatherless crisis is the innate struggle men encounter in not only trying to be a present father, but being a good father as well. Being present is one thing, but being a good father is a whole other ball game.

Many dads are present in the home, but being present is no guarantee that they are the loving and nurturing fathers God intends for them to be in their homes.

A present “bad dad” can, and have done equal, and in some cases more damage to their children and family than an absent dad.

Men who love their families constantly grapple with the question, “How can I be a better dad?”

Spiritually, our fatherhood crisis has created a relational and theological challenge as it relates to our heavenly Father. We call the God of the universe “Father,” and he is! God is our loving heavenly Father, and he is a good Father! However, our current fatherhood fog distorts his image in the hearts of those who are desperately longing for a father’s love. They can only see him through the lenses of their personal experience, not our positive social commentary.

Some children hate their fathers with passion because of the abuses such fathers had inflicted on them and their families.

Even when they got born again, they still express how unsafe to them the concept of God as a Father is to them.

The graffiti masking the accurate image of God the Father in their lives was as a result of the massive failing of their biological fathers.

There are many people whose image of our heavenly Father is unsafe. They are unable to experience the ultimate love of Father God because of the pain caused by their earthly father.

However, regardless of where you are on the fatherhood spectrum, there is hope and help is available for you!

There is hope and help is available for you:

A.  If your daily existence involves coping with the chronic pain of a father wound caused by an absent father or abusive father.

B.  If the feeling of inadequacy and the inability to be a good father to your children dwarfs your soul.

C.  If you are longing for the love of your heavenly Father, but you are too afraid to let go and fall into the embrace of his loving and awesome arms.

Yes, hope and help are present and available for you and it’s found in the revelation of God our Father through his son Jesus Christ.

The baptism of Jesus found in the gospel of Matthew 3:1-17, speaks powerfully to the issue of fatherhood and fatherlessness.

Though the passage marks the inauguration of Jesus’ earthly ministry, these verses allow us the privilege of beholding one of the most intimate interactions between Jesus and his father.

In the beauty of this moment, we see Jesus acting in loving obedience to his Father, and the Father disclosing to the world unashamedly how deeply he loves his son. The divine warmth of this Father and Son embrace radiates four life-changing truths that powerfully address the subject of fatherhood.

These verses give us insight into:

The basic needs of our children. How men can be good fathers The one who has the power to heal your deepest father wound.

God the Father is present with his Son.

The first truth we see in the passage as it relates to fatherhood is that God the father is present with his son. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him” (Matt. 3:16).

Some fathers are but a rolling stone, wherever such a father laid his cap is his home.

Presently in Nigeria, only God knows how many millions of children under the age of 18 that go to bed at night with no father present.

So many of them live on the streets. A visit to Lekki/Epe Expressway, most especially at Jakande bus stop will proof it. They do because of the absence of their biological fathers. Some have fathers but their fathers are as bad as dead. They therefore live with no father (biological, adoptive, or step).

So many children long daily for their daddy’s love and affection. However, each day the hole in their soul remains a barren canyon because a father is not present to fulfill the longing of their young hearts. Their dads are missing in action!

God the Father did not abandon his Son, Jesus. The Bible tells us that when Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended and rested on him. Yes, the Spirit was the empowering agent in Jesus ministry. However, this was also a sign that God was present with his Son! His Spirit was resting on Jesus. He was not going to leave him fatherless.

God the Father would always be there for his Son. If God thought it important to let the whole world know that he was present with his Son, it shows how important it is for fathers today to be present with their children?

Yes, many obstacles and challenges are barriers that seek to keep fathers from being present with their children. Such as:

Born out of wedlock, Divorce Addictions, Antagonistic relationship with child’s mother, Legal issues, Work, Teen Pregnancy, Sin and selfishness

However, as dad you do not have the luxury of just wimping out.

Dear fathers, your children need you! Make an inward resolve to fight through the barriers whether they are real or just your excuses.

God was present with his Son and he can give you the grace, strength, and courage to be present with your children.

A good father is a present father.

The second truth is that God the Father acknowledges his Son.

In the passage, we also see God the father acknowledging his Son. He thunders these words, “This is my son …” Matt. 13:17.

Speaking from heaven, God the Father makes a bold declaration to the world saying, “This is my son!” In essence, he’s saying, “No one make a mistake about it, he belongs to me. I am his Father and he is my Son!”

God the Father leaves no ambiguity surrounding his relationship to Jesus Christ. Jesus is clear on who is his Father and so were those who heard the Father speak.

In our fatherless culture today, children and adults are longing to hear those life-giving words from their fathers.

Those of us who have grown up with or have fathers who have conveyed that message to our hearts are very blessed and fortunate.

However, sadly there are countless individuals who long for their father’s acknowledgement, but never receive it.

The fact that you only had one chance with the mother like Jephthah’s mother or the child is a PLC (Product of a leaking condom) is not enough reason to deny the child even if you had wanted the mother to abort the baby and she didn’t.

Do you know how useful the child is going to be unto the Lord?

Sometimes in the early 90s, I fornicate with a lady and she said she was pregnant. Along the line she was transferred by her employer out of the town where we both worked and we lost contact.

She found me on Facebook in 2010 and we talked. The first question I asked her was ‘where is my baby?’ She told me she aborted the pregnancy and my mind is at rest that afterall I have not become a useless father. I never told her to abort the baby and I was ready to play my role as a father but it was the mother that aborted the baby.

When a child knows that he has a father who want him and chose him, it has great positive spiritual, emotional, and psychological implications throughout his life.

Just as God acknowledged his Son, natural fathers are expected to do the same.

In this age, many children do not even have a father’s name on their birth certificates, even on their Facebook profile’s page.

This speaks volumes to the importance and the need for father to acknowledge their children.

God the Father acknowledged his Son, as dads we have the responsibility and the privilege of acknowledging our children too.

The third truth is that God the Father loves his Son

In the passage, we also hear and see God expressing his love for his son. “This is my Son, whom I love …” (Matt 3:17).

God’s love for Jesus was not only mere words and sentiment. His love for Jesus was expressed through tangible ways and actions. God the Father lived in close proximity to Jesus to know what he needed.

In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) while teaching us how to pray, Jesus shows us how our loving Father is committed to meeting our needs as his children.

Here are a few brief observations from the prayer:

He’s present and attentive

(Our Father who is in heaven)

He desires the best for his children

(His kingdom come and will be done)

He provides for his children’s daily needs

(Give us our daily bread)

He forgives his children

(Forgive us our debts)

He protects his children from evil

(Deliver us from evil).

So many times, as dads we think our only responsibility is to provide food, clothing, and shelter. Not so. Our children have other needs too.

We have the privilege of being fathers who live in close, loving proximity with our children so we can best know how to meet their needs and show them our love.

The fourth truth is that God the Father affirms his Son

God tells the world, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Affirmation is powerful and we all need it desperately.  Causalities and heartaches of life people have experienced in search of healthy affirmation cannot be overemphasised.

God tells the world, that Jesus is his Son whom he loves and that he is “well pleased.” Think about it for a moment.

At this point in Jesus’ life, he has not …

Preached a sermon

Healed the sick

Raised the dead

Cast out any demons

Called any disciple

Died on the cross

Risen from the grave

However, the father validates him not for what he has done or for the future works he will do.

The Father affirms Jesus solely because of who he is—his beloved Son!

I see the satisfaction of having a father who cares on my son’s face each time I commend his result and encourage him to do better next time.

This is an affirmation of him as a person.

Even though he is a big boy now, I still speak those affirming words to him a few times a week when we talk, and he loves it!

So many children are crying for the acceptance and affirmation of their fathers. What they are saying is, “Am I such a defect that I am unlovable as a son or daughter?”

Why not go to one of the fatherless children in or outside the church, look directly into his eyeballs and say to him, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased!” and see how joy will fill his heart. By so doing, you can even win him for Christ.

Are you longing for the affirmation of your father? I want to tell you that you are not flawed or unlovable!

Though your earthly father may never affirm you, your heavenly Father will. It was God the Father’s pleasure to affirm Jesus and it is his pleasure to affirm you too!

Hear these words today! You are his child, he loves you, and he is well pleased!

Dear fathers, make sure you take time to speak these life-giving words to your children too. They need desperately to hear them.

Are you living with a father wound? Your earthly father may have failed you and wounded your heart, but God will not.

He promises to be the Father you always wanted and needed.

Just as he opened the heavens to proclaim his love for his Son Jesus, he will touch the pain in your heart today and pour out love and mercy to heal your deepest wounds.

Are you longing to be a better father to your children? I encourage you to follow the example of our heavenly Father.

Be present with your children physically and emotionally. Find creative ways to let your children know that they are yours and that you wouldn’t trade them for the world.

It is true that you are not perfect, but who is?

Stop beating yourself up over your shortcomings.

Rely on your loving Father to give you the grace you need to be the father he wants you to be.

He will help you to be present, acknowledging, loving, and affirming to your children.

If your heart is burdened for the many fatherless children living in your extended family, church, or community roaming the street, then allow the Father’s heart to become your heart.

Find a child to whom you can be a mentor, become a big brother, a surrogate dad or a grandpa.

Be there for them and share the heart of your heavenly Father with them.

Let them know how valuable they are, and how much God and you love them!

Don’t try to be a pro; just being present in a kid’s life is invaluable.

Remember, your prayers make a difference in the lives of the fatherless too. Always pray for them.

The time to refocus on fatherhood is now, and by our heavenly Father’s wonderful grace, you can get active, and make a difference!

How can you achieve this if your life is not in Jesus care?

Accept Him now, and you will be glad you did.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY.

Tomorrow, if Jesus tarries and He permits, we shall continue with our study on the topic, ARE YOU READY?

Until then, have a wonderful fellowship with your maker today as you prepare to go to the nearest Bible believing Church.

Always remember that Adesola Arilewola cares for your soul and Jesus loves you more than you know.

MARANATHA.

God of Perfection

Happy new month and happy first day of the month. We are glad we are all alive to witness the month of July. July is the Seven(7) months of the year and number seven is very significant in the realm of the spirit.

Seven(7) stands for perfection and rest. On the seven day God perfected all the works on earth and He rested (Genesis 2:1 – 2).

This month God will perfect all your steps and everything that concerns you. (Ps 138:8).He will give you rest on everyside in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

In every home, marriage, business, career etc, God will visit the foundation and perfect them to His glory in Jesus Name.

The second half of the year, we shall all end well with full testimonies in Jesus Name.

The Mercy of God will always be available and renew in our lives in Jesus Name.

ISAIAH 7:7 Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand,  neither shall it come to pass.

In this month no evil and wickedness shall stand against you.

The decisions of the coven and the enemies shall not stand in your life.

Disappointment and sorrow shall not stand in your life.

No attack and conspiracy of the wicked people shall stand in your life.

Every form of accidents and sudden death program against you shall not stand in the name of Jesus.

Every evil pattern and struggle shall not stand in your life in the name of Jesus.

Above all, every bad dreams, evil revelations and prophecies against you shall not stand neither come to pass in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Support Our Ministry,

Good Morning Dear,

It cost a lot of money to maintain a website, Nonetheless a non-profit Christian website,

Please if you have been blessed by this ministry and you are led to support and bless this ministry in return,

Please make your donation to this account,

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

Account Number,0139438409,

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigeria,

To help us continue in the spreading of The GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to every corner of this world,

Thank You Very Much For Your Support,

May GOD, we Serve Bless You A Million Times in return, Amen,

May God Bless Israel, Nigeria, And America And Take Care Of Us; May God Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We Pray! Amen!

May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,