Who here today can remember back to when the first Father’s Day took place here on this earth?
Of course, when Adam became the first human son of the Father!
I want us to look at a story in the bible that lays out for us some true characteristics of a True Father’s Heart.
From those 5 smooth stones from the stream we find some powerful truth!
I believe it was 5 on purpose because that is the exact number of letters in the word FAITH which is what it took for David to take the stand for His God that he did.
His heart served as an example of what all TRUE MEN’S HEARTS should look like.
I. Letter F – Faithful & Fearless…
Verse 20…So David left the sheep with another shepherd and set out early the next morning with the gifts, as Jesse had directed him.
Verse 32…“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”
It was not about arrogance here. This was a display of great courage that was gained by spending time alone in the presence of God learning about HIM & HIS character!
You see, the generation we are looking at are tired of seeing unfaithful & fear-filled men that are trying to set an example as a True Father.
That is why they are turning to the streets, gangs, & all the other things that are showing them some kind of strength & faithfulness to what they say!
This is not a “Bash all the dads day message”! This is a cry coming from the hearts of kids all over the world, in our nation, our state, & yes in your neighborhood!!!
We have way too many people focusing on things that will never help solve any of the real problems we are facing today! This is a wakeup call for men to rise up & take this problem serious!
Tony Dungee is taking a stand by the actions he has put into play! All pro dads is raising men up to take their rightful place & make time to set a Man of God example before kids.
II. Letter A - Affirming & Authoritative…
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Although we start life with simple, childlike faith, we become programmed by limited, negative thinking.
It has been written that current brain research shows that when a person is tied up in his or her emotions, he or she is unable to access the part of the brain where thinking and learning occur.
When children hear words of praise and encouragement, they learn to love, praise, and respect themselves. If they hear words of criticism and blame, they learn to feel ashamed and worthless and they blame themselves. Affirm and validate the positive qualities and unique talents in your child.
Proverbs 12:1 NLT To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
Proverbs 13:1 NLT A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
Proverbs 13:24 NLT Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
As a man with a “True Father’s Heart” it has to be learned & understood concerning the truth of Affirmation as well as being the man of Authority!
III. Letter I – Integrity & Invincible…
Job 1:1 NLT There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.
Psalm 101:2b NLT …I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
Our kids must learn what “Integrity” means from the way they see their father live rather than by a book, teacher, or someone else.
Integrity is something people witness if it is to have lasting impact!
Psalm 24:8 NLT Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.
What does it mean to be invincible? Incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued; unconquerable
Romans 8:37 AMP Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
IV. Letter T – Trustworthy & Teacher…
A little 2 year old girl stands at the edge of a swimming pool frozen. Her daddy is in the water with his arms raised up toward his little angel saying, “Jump; its okay princess, daddy will catch you.” In that moment that little girl feels for the first time the inner conflict that we have all felt time and again throughout our lives. On the one hand fear tells her to stay put; the water is cold, deep and dangerous. She can’t swim. She has never done this before. She is the one being called on to risk her life. What if something bad happens? On the other hand it is not a stranger calling her to jump; it’s her daddy in the water. He is bigger and stronger than she is. So far he has been trustworthy. Daddy who helped her learn to walk; he has always been there to pick her up when she falls, and to wipe away her tears. The smile on his face says he is confident in the outcome of her jump. What is a two year old to do? (sermoncentral illustration)
This characteristic is one that is constantly being put to the test in our relationships as they grow.
Proverbs 11:12-14 AMP He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Daniel 6:4b NLT (Daniel) He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
Our character & reputation will either build people & challenge them to become the best they can be or it will discourage them & many times help bring failure.
Titus 2:8a NLT Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.
Proverbs 22:6 AMP Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
V. Letter H – Honorable & Humility…
Romans 12:16-18 NLT Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Honorable - worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect; "an honorable man"; "led an honorable life"; "honorable service to his country"
2 Corinthians 8:21 NLT We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
As a father, do we have an honorable reputation among those that it matters most, OUR FAMILY?
Proverbs 15:33 NLT Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
Did you catch that? Humility precedes Honor!!! No Humility, No Honor!
Proverbs 22:4 NLT True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Again we are seeing that these 5 stones have the ability to build any man into a True Father!
Titus 3:1-2 NLT Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
5 Stones of a True Father’s Heart
