I celebrate Fathers! What a wonderful blessing and responsibility you have: to bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). What a difference a godly heritage can make, as this true story vividly illustrates.
A number of years ago “Christian Life and Faith” magazine presented some unusual facts about two families.
In 1677 an immoral man married a very licentious woman. Nineteen hundred descendants came from the generations begun by that union. Of these, 771 were criminals, 250 were arrested for various offenses, 60 were thieves, and 39 were convicted for murder. Forty of the women were known to have venereal disease. These people spent a combined total of 1300 years behind bars and cost the State of New York nearly 3 million dollars.
The other family was the Edwards family. The third generation included Jonathan Edwards who was the great New England revival preacher and who became president of Princeton University. Of the 1,344 descendants, many were college presidents and professors. One hundred eighty-six became ministers of the gospel, and many others were active in their churches. Eighty-six were state senators, three were Congressmen, 30 judges, and one became Vice President of the United States. No reference was made of anyone spending time in jail or in the poorhouse.
Not all children of good parents become useful citizens, nor do all the offspring of wicked people turn out bad. Yet the possibility of a child getting the right start in life is enhanced if he or she comes from a home where love prevails, the Bible is taught, and prayer is offered.
Father, Mother, when you live for the Lord, you provide a strong incentive for your children to choose the Christian way of life. Parental example is extremely powerful – either for good or for evil.
We are instructed in Scripture to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). There are many pursuits in life that you can seek after: money, fame, influence, leisure, pleasure, etc. But none are more important than raising your children to live for the Lord and leaving them a godly heritage.
A financial inheritance is nice. Money is handy, but it is also fleeting; it comes and goes. As has been said, “Money talks. It says ‘Goodbye’!” But a godly inheritance is everlasting. It makes an impact both now and for all eternity.
Maybe you did not have a godly heritage, but you can begin one. Determine to give your children and grand-children a godly inheritance. It is the greatest gift you can ever give them!
This Sunday, June 20, is Father’s Day and we will honor all the men in attendance with a special gift. Plus you will be encouraged by a message just for you (no matter your gender). Please invite a Dad to enjoy it with you.
If you are not able to join us in-person in the building at 10:35am for the worship service, please join us Online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Search: Honolulu AG). The recording will also be uploaded later that day to our website (honoluluag.org) and YouTube channel (Search: Honolulu Assembly of God).
Coming Up: Our annual Freedom Celebration plus BBQ on July 4. Yum! Ono-licious teri-burgers, hot dogs, buns and ice cream will be provided. Just bring your favorite picnic side dishes: potato mac salad, fruit salad, green salad, chips, baked beans, etc. It already sounds amazing so please don’t miss it!
The Hawaii District Honorbound Men’s Conference takes place July 9-10 at First Assembly of God (Red Hill). Join with men from all across Oahu and neighbor islands to worship the Lord and grow in Him. Boys under 14 years of age are free. All others save money by registering early. Pre-registration cost by July 5 for 15-18 years is $10 and 19+ years is $20. Register at hawaiiaog.com. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.
Aloha and Aloha ke Akua!