22 June 2013 by Natasha Kim CM-
Father’s day is about paying a tribute to all fathers in the world, about their paternal bonds with children and their influence in society. Single mothers are not excluded, as they play an important role as both mother and father.
Together their wisdom and guidance have led to lifelong memories and cherished moments that will never be forgotten by their children, who will pass on their teachings and love to the generations to come.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(Matthew 7:14)
New Life Restoration Centre, Puchong recently celebrated father’s day with a fun and lively dance performance followed by praise and worship.
Pastor Loh preached on this special occasion the importance of a father. “If you know how much your father loves you that will really help with your walk with God” said Loh.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
(1 John 4:18)
Many are plagued with many fears including the fear of the future and of the unknown. However, Loh shared that the perfect love of God overcomes and perpetuates even after life. Since we are all eternal beings that consist of mind, body, and soul, we continue to live with God into eternity because He loves all of us with an everlasting love.
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
(1 Corinthians 15:26)
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
(Romans 5:5)
Following his father’s footsteps
Loh began to share about his memory with his earthly father who hailed from Guangzhou, China with her mother. And among the 11 children in Loh’s family, he is the middle child.
“My father was a successful businessman and I inherited the ‘entrepreneur’ in him. Because of that, my forte was to make money.”
“A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.”
(Ecclesiastes 10:19)
The verse above clearly recognizes the importance of money, however the Bible also mentions that,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
(1 Timothy 6:10)
Therefore, do not let money be your master. Men are the head of the households and have to earn to provide for the family, but they should not get carried away and forget why they work so hard in the first place.
“As stewards for the Kingdom, you must have money. Earn the money while think about things that last for eternity, such as the kingdom. Invest in the kingdom and your children so that you would know its importance,” said Loh.
He also shared that his father gave him very little although his father earned a lot. Loh only received his share after his father passed away. Because of that, he left his father to venture on his own.
“I told myself I will work very hard and earn as much as my father,” shared Loh.
Soon, he became a big share market player just like his father. He lavished himself with the best clothes and items a man could buy. But one day, he bought the wrong shares and suffered financially.
“Your children are watching you, modeling you” said Loh.
That’s where the expression ‘chip off the old block’ came from because more often than not, children like to imitate their parents. The parents’ actions do spill into the lives of their children.
God’s ways are perfect and Good
Children, be careful of who you are modeling. It’s always best to model a model from the Bible because we have a perfect father with great natural attributes. He is loving, passionate, kind, generous and more.
“Who else in religion can address God as their father besides Christians?” said Loh. With that, Loh encouraged all parents to follow God’s ways for the future of their children.
How to be a successful Father
1) Walk with God in partnership
In Ezekiel 6 – 8 of the Bible tells a story about how Noah walked with God.
“Today many people know about God but how many desire to walk with God?” asked Loh.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
(Galatians 5:16)
When you are saved, God puts the Holy Spirit in you. This means that each of us has a power or a dynamite, because the Holy Spirit lives and walks with us daily. The Holy Spirit is continuously encouraging you to do good and guide you step by step, but only if you choose to listen. The flesh is weak and always wants what to fulfill its desires, to take short-cuts, to steal, to pass the red light and the list goes on.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.
(1 Corinthians 6:19)
“Your father owns everything in the universe so you will never lack!” shared Loh.
People often ask Loh to pray for their business but he would ask them in return, “Did you invite Jesus to be your senior partner?”
If you acknowledged Him, your business will prosper because God will help you through it. In addition, be contented with what you have; do not be greedy.
2) Spend time alone with God
There must be a time made for devotion so that God can unfold His plans and revelations to you.
“As you read the Bible, it begins to grip your heart, speak and illuminate your whole being. The Word of God cleanses,” said Loh.
It is good for us to model a father who spends time alone with God because our children will do the same in return.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
(Psalm 119:105)
Therefore, discipline and faith are important. Sinning only hardens your life. Watch out, do not allow sinning to become your lifestyle.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32)
3) Bring all your needs in Prayer
“We are made to depend on God and we seek Him in crucial times. God has no strings attached. He gives generously” said Loh.
During meals, when a father prays, his children follow.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
(Philippians 4:6)
Loh encouraged all fathers to invest, save up and go for mission trips because they broaden your vision.
“When you go to other countries and see the struggles, it breaks your heart, and your heart must be broken before God so you can become merciful” shared Loh.
Maybe you can’t give your children what you have but you can give them the gospel, because that’s where eternity lies.
4) Witness to others
Noah knew that souls are important; at the end of the day, everything will perish but souls like you and me will go to eternity. He was a good role model to his family and he witnessed to others.
“Start first by winning your family if they are not saved” he said. Live a lifestyle and show them that God is in you, and through you, He cares and loves them.
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away,and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”
(Isaiah 57:1-2)
Be a good father!
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