Father's Day Edition

Hi Readers,

Happy New Week and Happy (belated) Father's day to all father's out there. I am forever grateful to my Heavenly father for everything (words cannot express it all), my earthly father for care, love and support as well as my Spiritual fathers (thank you all for being my support and spiritual guidance).

While talking to a friend on Father's day, God dropped something on my mind which I will like to share with you. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will minister to you as you read this post in Jesus name (Amen).

Since we are in a month that celebrates Fathers, I will concentrate this month's post on father (family). The role of a father cannot be ignored. There are several benefits attached to their role, to the family as well as in the society. Looking into the Bible, God has given each the Man and woman different responsibility to perform. God has given fathers (men) the authority to lead/direct his family. I believe mothers (women) are to assist/help the man (Genesis 2:20-22). In addition, husband/fathers are advised not to provoke their child and to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. This is a form of unconditional love, a love that will always show affection and not use bitter/harsh words (Colossians 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:25-27). Also, wives/mothers are advised to be submissive to their husband because they are the head of the wife (Ephesians 5: 22-23). Although, I have heard people (especially women) saying the woman is "the neck". I strongly believe that both the head (man) and "the neck" or "the rest of the body" need to be in agreement for things to work. The bible says in Amos 3:3 that two cannot work together except they agree. 

There are blessings attached to a man who fears  and obey God. The blessings are not only for the husband/father/man but includes his family (wife and children). Psalms 128:1-6 says "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. 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". This is the foundation layout by God in regarding to family.

However, there are several dysfunctional family in the society we live in today. Some are separated, divorced, or just living together unhappy and thousands of children are either living with single parents, either their dad or mom only. Situations such as these are becoming popular and divorce rate is even increasing even among Christians. This is not what God expects from us, we (Christians) are to show good example, set apart from the world and show the light of God. The question is: are we showing that light ? Is the light of God reflecting in our lives, family or even in the church? The Church is suppose to be a place of healing for the people of the world but this is not so. It should be a place where dispute are being settled. But instead, the church itself is getting dysfunctional. Spiritual leaders are more concerned about their well-being or are even dealing with their own "issues". So, if the church is dysfunctional then there is no hope for family or individual who need help (healing or counselling). 

How can we correct this "dysfunctionality"? How can we (the Church) get rescued or revived from this "crisis"? The church must be restored before restoring individual, family and the society as well. Yes, I believe in the power of prayer but remember we must also do the "works" because faith without works is dead (James 2:14-20). 

I pray for revival starting from the church, to family and to the society in Jesus name (Amen). If you have any suggestion/idea on what can be done, please don't hesitate to write email at praise1ojek@gmail.com 

Have a great week.
Stay Blessed!