Proverbs 1:8-9

1:8: My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: 1:9: For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck.

Being a father that can impart wisdom and instruction starts with being a son who can receive the same.

Our role as a son or daughter never stops, but changes as we except God's adoption and become fathers and mothers ourselves.

Understanding the Father's Heart

God loves us.

He demonstrated that through His sacrifice on the cross.

He sent his Son to establish a new relationship with humanity that included his entire creation.

He sent the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us and teach us what we need for living life to the fullest.

God wants to see us grow up (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Hebrews 5:12-14 > 5:12: For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. 5:13: For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. 5:14: But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

God encourages the search for truth promising that we will find Jesus at the end of it.

Christian maturity comes through developing a close relationship with God as a son or daughter, fully understanding your new identity and inheritance.

God wants us to get along.

Our entire Christian walk hinges on two of the greastest commandments - Love God, Love Each other.

God makes it clear that Love consists of:

·         An understanding of the value of people (esteeming others above yourself)

·         Compassion (showing mercy and forgiveness knowing that we are all in need of God's mercy)

·         Servanthood (demonstrating humility through service)

·         Kindness (finding ways demonstrate the love of God in us)

·         Sacrifice (being willing to die for someone)

"Bunking together" helps us experience life together and learn God's lessons together.

God wants us to be like Him

Mathew 5:48 > Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Being like Jesus does not require one specific decision - it requires a lifetime of sifting, pruding, and learning.

It requires us to hear His voice and manifest his intentions, which are imparted through us in the Holy Spirit with the understanding that we will bring it to the physical world and show God's glory in our lives.

Jesus was the ultimate example of a Son and Father at the same time.

Jesus had a simple formula for His life:

·         Know God's will

·         Show God's love

·         Do God's work

Ministry Time

Prayer of commitment to our Heavenly Father, and to wish Him a Happy Father's day.