Joshua 24:14-15 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! (15) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
A good Father is one of the most unsung, un-praised, unnoticed, and unappreciated hero’s in all humanity.
Any man can be a Father, it takes a special man to be the “Godly Father.”
What does the Bible say about Fathers?
1. A Father is a giver, he gives of his time, his talents, and his treasures.
2. He is a teacher, he teaches of the Word of God to his family.
3. He is instrumental in the growth of his children’s life, to help them to grow
“Spiritually,” “Emotionally”, and “Physically.”
4. He provides good things for his family, just like our heavenly Father.
5. He serves his family in the same way that Jesus came to serve us.
The greatest Fathers are “Godly Fathers.” Today, I ask that all earthly Fathers to commit or recommit to being Godly Fathers.
What are you doing that shows you are a Godly Father?
Joshua, let’s look at two qualities that Joshua possessed that made him the Godly Father.
1. The first quality that Joshua possessed is that he was the Spiritual Leader of his Home.
There was a little boy, frighten by thunder and lightning, who called out one night “Daddy, come I am scared.” “Son, the father replied, “God loves you and He will take care of you.” The son replied, I know God loves me, “BUT right now I want somebody who has skin on.” Brothers and Sisters, if I were starting my family again, that is what I would want to be above all else “GOD’S LOVE WITH SKIN ON.”
Joshua was close to God. You and I must spend time, talk with, and build a relationship with God.
Joshua could not demonstrate a Godly example to his children, if he didn’t know God. Brothers, Brethren, your children need God with skin on.
Dads you are to be the “Spiritual Leader,” who goes boldly before the Throne of God on behalf of your family, especially your children!
So many of our Dads today “Relinquish,” the “SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP,” in the home and give it over to “Mothers and Grand Mothers,” the honor of being the Spiritual Leaders.
Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Being the Spiritual Leader of the family isn’t enough to be the Godly Father.
2. The 2nd quality that Joshua possessed is that he “HAD,” a plan for his family.
When Joshua spoke “As for me and my house” he was setting up what they, the family was going to do.
1. We will serve the Lord
2. We may have to serve by ourselves, we will serve the Lord.
That, my Brothers and Sisters, is a plan.
What is your plan for the souls in your house?
a. Sunday School
b. Church.
c. Share your faith, tell them all about Jesus.
The most important place you take your children is not on vacation, state finals for a sporting event, tee ball game, teen dance, father daughter dance. The most important place you take your children will be “Heaven.” What is your plan?
Conclusion:
Joshua’s most important achievement was being a “Godly Father.”
You have read two qualities that Joshua had that made him a Godly Father.
1. Spiritual Leader of his home.
2. Plan for his family. He parented with intentionality to lead his house to serve the Lord.
Today, I ask all Fathers to commit or recommit to being a Godly Father.
Joshua modeled a perfect leaders action. A leader must be willing to move ahead and commit himself to the truth regardless of other people’s inclinations. Will you be like Joshua, set and be a bold example and encourage others to be a “Godly Father.”
Have a Happy and truly Blessed Father’s Day!
Written By Edward Jeffries
Overcoming The Times 