Transcript Lamplighter To make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Lk 1:17 A Father’s Love: A Faithful Son and Daughter.

Lamplighter
To make ready a people prepared for the
Lord.
Lk 1:17
A Father’s Love: A Faithful Son and Daughter
"This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well
pleased.”
Mat 3:17
”You are my beloved Son,
with whom I am well
pleased.”
Mark 1:11
IDENTITY—Celebrated
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately
he went up from the water, and behold, the
heavens were opened to him, and he saw
the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming to rest on him;
IDENTITY
Celebrated & Confirmed
You are My Son!
And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily
form, like a dove; and a voice came from
heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with
you I am well pleased." Mark 1:11
IDENTITY
Celebrated & Confirmed
Publicly
This is MY Son
…like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a
voice from heaven said and he saw the Spirit of God
descending, "This is my beloved Son, with
whom I am well pleased."
Matt 3:16,17 (basketball)
NURTURE
Love
This is my beloved Son
You are my beloved Son
Jonathan – Thanksgiving
identity, nurture, affirmation, and position
AFFIRMATION
Pleasure
My beloved Son in whom
I am well pleased!
Patio, Landscape, Jacob Javits, Pasadena, Jaguar
Jonathan - asprin
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness
dwell; Col 1:19
POSITION of
Authority
And a cloud overshadowed them, and
a voice came out of the cloud, “This is
My beloved son in whom I am well
pleased,
Listen to Him!”
Mark 9:7
Position
Affirmation
Identity
Nurture
Position of Authority
Painfully Tested
“Though he were a son, yet
learned he obedience by the
things which he suffered.” Hebrews 5
Olive Press
Remember though, don’t
provoke your children by
placing responsibility above
relationships.
Jonathan bed, deb and counselor bed
REAFFIRMATION
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man
should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat
fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth
much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life
in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him
follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man
serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what
shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto
this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven,
saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it
again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it
thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jesus answered and said, This
voice came not because of
me, but for your sakes.
Scew driver -Asprin
$20 Bill
Recently, the Lord gave me a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate
the power of His awesome love to one of my sons.
This son phoned me at the bookstore one day and said, "Guess what,
mom... I found a $20 bill in my pocket."
Immediately I discerned that what he was telling me probably wasn't
the truth. But I congratulated him on finding the lost money and we
speculated that it was probably some forgotten birthday money. End of
phone call.
When I hung up the phone with him I tried to remind myself to check in
a drawer at home to see if a $20 bill was still there. It is a drawer that
the older boys know about... where my husband and I stash extra cash
for emergencies.
That night I forgot to check, but a few days later I remembered
and saw that it was missing. My husband hadn't taken any
money from it... and money had never been missing before. I
knew I had to talk to my son.
What a flashback to my childhood!!
My son was from my blood, for sure. But he didn't have the
desperate, driving need for money that I thought I had as a
child... or did he? I remembered the guilt and shame... and the
loss of trust with my parents as I stole time and again and was
caught and disciplined for it. I remembered how it felt... how I
knew I lost their trust so I didn't care after awhile... Oh, no. I
don't want my dear son feeling that way or taking that path!
I brought him into a quiet room away from his brothers and we sat
down together. I told him I wanted to tell him a story... and I
proceeded to tell him about when I was a little girl and I had taken
a $10 bill from my mother's wallet. My mother found the money
missing very shortly afterward and was distraught. It was the only
money we had for groceries that week! I felt so terrible... and I
really wanted to return the money. But how? I decided to make up
a story to cover my sin. I went outside to where the sprinkler was
watering the lawn and I pretended to find the money under the
sprinkler. I went in the house, triumphant that I had "found" the
(now wet) missing money, eager to hand it over to my distraught
mother and make things right again.
Much to my dismay, I was met with an angry parent who vowed
that I was lying... that I had stolen the money... and that I could
never be trusted. I sank deeper into my sin, believing that I might
as well be what she claimed I was. It didn't matter anymore.
I knew that I wanted this encounter with my son to be very, very
different. So I told him the story while holding him in my arms and
rubbing his back. Then I let him know that I was missing $20 and I
asked if it was possibly the $20 that he had found in his pocket. He
immediately said, "No, mom... I did find that in my pocket."
I was so pleased that God was in control!!! It was at this point that
I got the awesome opportunity to heal a great wrong in my life...
simply by treating my son (in his sin) the way that I had only
dreamed of being treated.
I said to him, "I BELIEVE you."
I hugged him and sent him on his way.
Later that night I mentioned to him that we needed to put the
$20 up on his "chart." We keep a running account of the younger
children's money on a chart on the refrigerator. Then we keep
the cash for them so they don't lose it.
I had joyfully written the $20 entry on his account. I felt such
peace... such joy. Conviction of sin was up to the Holy Spirit
alone!! I had done the only job required of me... I had lavished
"prodigal" grace on my son.
I call it prodigal grace because prodigal means "reckless, lavish,
wasteful." The father in the parable of the "prodigal son" was
actually the one who was reckless, lavish, and wasteful!! He
"wasted" the fatted calf on his wayward son; he "lavished" an
undeserved gift of a robe and a ring. He recklessly ran down the
road to meet him. He poured out unconditional love. Yes -- that is
what I lacked as a child. That is what I wanted my son, yet in his
unrepentant sin, to experience.
A few hours later I was preparing to read aloud a book to the
boys. My heartbroken son came into the room and burst into tears
at my side. I hugged him. I asked him if he would like to tell me
something.
"Yes...", he stammered, "I.... I did take that money out of your
drawer, Mom."
What joy in my heart to see the Holy Spirit bring about the work of repentance
totally unhindered by me!!!
I said this to him...”Oh, my dear son... I LOVE you. I am so proud of you for telling
me the truth. That took SO much courage. I believed you when you told me that
you didn't take the money because I really trust you. I'm so glad I can trust you to
tell me the truth. I know that was a hard thing to do.
I do want you to know something. All that I have is yours. If you ever feel like you
need money you just come and tell me. I don't ever want you to feel like you have
to steal.
And I want you to keep that money... I don't want it back. I'm just so glad you let
the Holy Spirit work in your heart."
Yes... I wanted him to keep the money. And no one else in our household knows
what happened. I covered over his sin for a very good purpose --- so that he will
never forget what that kind of love feels like.
I don't believe I'll ever deal with this issue with him again. And for that very
reason... it was worth it to be a prodigal mom.
7 Principles of Biblical Manhood
Will to Obey
Work to Do
Woman to Love
Reject passivity
Accept responsibility
Leads courageously
Expect the greater reward
IDENTITY—Tested
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to
become loaves of bread."
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will
command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you
strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the
world and their glory.
And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.'"
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matt 4
Nurture and Affirmation—
Tested
After fasting for forty days, Jesus was faced with a three-pronged temptation by
Satan. This temptation encompassed the same temptations we encounter daily: the
lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Jesus’ inaugural entrance
into ministry teaches us that if we want to enjoy the feast, we must first endure the
fast. If we want to be effective, we must first be tested. After receiving verbal
confirmation from His Father, (“This is/You are my beloved Son,”) Jesus encountered
the opposite of what might be expected. The crowds were ready to hear him and
the timing seemed right, but his Father knew that “suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produce character, and character produces hope and hope makes us
not ashamed because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit given to us.” Romans 5
For even Christ pleased not himself; Rom 15:3
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Heb 10:9
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone:
but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his
life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where
I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my
soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto
this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both
glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it
thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
Psalms 1 & 2
Blessed (yrwa) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the
scornful. (1:1)
But his delight is in the Law/Word/Instruction of the LORD, and on
His Word he meditates day and night; and everything he does, he
prospers. (1:2,3)
“You are my Son; today I have begotten you.”
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry (2:7,12)
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (2:12)
Ps. 117
Praise the Lord (v 1, first)
Praise the Lord (v 2, last)
Ps. 118
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 1, first)
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 29, last)
Ps. 119
Ps. 120 -134
Ps. 135
Praise the Lord (v 1, first)
Praise the Lord (v 2, last)
Ps. 136
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 1, first)
Oh give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 26, last)
Ps. 117
Praise the Lord (v 1, first)
Praise the Lord (v 2, last)
Ps. 118
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 1, first)
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 29, last)
Ps. 119
Ps. 120 -134
Word of God! 172 x’s!
Ascend to the Presence of God
Ps. 135
Praise the Lord (v 1, first)
Praise the Lord (v 2, last)
Ps. 136
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good;
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 1, first)
Oh give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his loyal love endures forever! (v 26, last)
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy
Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, that you have hidden these
things from the wise and understanding and
revealed them to little children; yes, Father,
for such was your gracious will. Luke 10:21
Health and innocence are the true sources
of enjoyment; but those who have had the
misfortune to accustom themselves to
violent pleasures, lose all taste for those of a
more moderate nature, and fatigue
themselves in a restless pursuit, seeking
after excessive gratifications.
In this state of frivolity, if a child gives himself up to idleness,
which is the vacancy of the soul, exhausts himself into a state
of weariness. These children often accustom themselves to
sleep one-third more than is necessary for the preservation
of health. This indulgence serves only weaken, to undermine
their constitution, and expose them to bodily infirmities,
whereas a moderate degree of sleep, accompanied with
regular exercise, exhilarates and renders the human frame
vigorous and robust; which makes the true perfection of the
body, without mentioning the vast advantage which the mind
draws from it.
Suffer them to walk about a little; permit them even now and then, some digression, or
some play, that will unbend their minds; then bring them back gently to the task. Too
much regularity in exacting from then an uninterrupted application to study, hurts them
too much; those who govern often affect this regularity in exacting from them, because it
is more convenient to themselves, than subjecting themselves continually to the proper
moments of instruction.
Let us here remark a great defect in the common modes of
education. We put all the pleasure on one side, and all the
weariness on the other. The weariness on that study and
responsibility, the pleasure on that of diversion. What can a
child do, but impatiently support the drudgery of learning
and working, and run ardently after play?
Let us then endeavor to change this order; let us render study
pleasing; let us conceal the trouble under the appearance of
liberty and delight. Let us suffer the children to interrupt their
study by little sallies of diversion; these distractions are
necessary, and ought therefore to be allowed, purposely to
refresh their minds, that are so easily fatigued even by a
short application.
I must, however, repeat that it is necessary to
guard against making it a law for them to hear, or
much less to make them regular lessons. Pleasure
of itself must do the business; for true education
emerges from the bowels of pleasure and a love
for learning. Do not press them; you will obtain
your end even with the slowest capacities; avoid
over charging their memory, and their curiosity
will increase with age.
Take good care never to threaten them with any thing to
study, nor to subject them to many rules. We should make as
few rules as possible, unless they cannot be avoided,
endeavoring to bring it about quietly, without forceful
necessity; (5 yr old bike) we should always show some
sufficient reasoning for doing the task at this time. We run the
risk of discouraging children, if we never praise them when
they do well. Though praises are to be feared on account of
vanity, still we must endeavor to make use of them to
encourage children, without flattering them. Well timed
praise may be profitably used as a stimulus to industry, but
not as an incitement to intoxicating self-esteem.
Dear Dad:
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to
elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene
with Mom and you. I have been finding real connection with
Stacy and she is so nice.
But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her
piercings', and the fact that she is much older than I am.
She really is perfect for me and she told me that she would like to
start a family right away.
Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I ready to take on this responsibility.
Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get
to know your grandchildren.
Love, Your Son,
James
PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at
Tommy's house. I just
wanted to remind you that there are worse
things in life than the report
card, that's in my center desk drawer.
I love you.
Call me when it's safe to come home.
Perspective
"If a child learns a trade, or is highly educated for a lucrative
profession, all is nothing compared to the art of detachment from
riches; if you want to make your child rich, teach him this. he is
truly rich who does not desire great possessions, or surrounds
himself with wealth, but who requires nothing…Don't worry about
giving him an influential reputation, for worldly wisdom, but
ponder deeply how you can teach him to think lightly of this life's
passing glories, thus he will become truly renowned and
glorious…Don't strive to make him a clever orator, but teach him to
love true wisdom. He will suffer if he lacks clever words, but if he
lacks wisdom, all the rhetoric in the world can't help him. A pattern
of life is what is needed, not empty speeches; character, not
cleverness; deeds, not words. These things will secure the kingdom
of God and bestow God's blessings.”[1]
Shoes; Loan for car;
Above all things, do not let it appear
to the child that you demand from
him unnecessary submissions;
Jesus’s prayer in the Garden
Position of Authority
Painfully Tested
•Abraham – sacrifice your son…your only son!
•Jacob—let me go!
• Moses—blamed for everything.
• David—watch the sheep; lion, bear, writer of Scripture,
musician & marksman, annointed! (Tale of Three Kings)
• Jeremiah—why am I in this pit? Lam 3
•1st Peter 5 – “after you suffer awhile, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you.
•2nd Peter 1:1 Peter, a servant and apostle—identity then
position.
•Affirmation – tunnel - Responsibility, Work, Position 3
generations!
•7 principles of Biblical manhood
… it is necessary to find out every means of
making those things pleasing to the child
which are expected of him; and should you
have any thing distressing or difficult to
propose, forget not to comfort him with the
assurance that a little trouble will be
followed by unspeakable satisfaction.
You should always give to children a solid and
agreeable end, that may captivate their young
heart, and sweeten their exertions; We should
always encourage them in their work, and never
pretend to subject them by a dry and absolute
authority.
Never place responsibility above relationship!
Deb Bed, Die for mom, shoes
Jacob was unable to assume his
place of responsibility because he
lacked identity, nurture,
affirmation, and position of
authority