FATHER IN THE FIGHT
Things I Would Tell My 18- Year- Old Self ( Father Day 2021)
Review this week's message.
Key Thought: "The way you love your children can teach them about how our heavenly father loves us."
Key Quote
"Whether you feel like you are a good dad or not today, God still loves you." -Pastor Bil Cornelius
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
- What's your favorite NFL team?
- What’s the best Father’s Day memory you have?
- What's the most memorable Father’s Day gift you have received or given?
- What’s your go-to Father’s Day restaurant?
Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
- What does being a father mean to you?
- Why is it important for us as fathers to value our child’s uniqueness?
- Why should we pursue “quantity time” with our children rather than “quality time”?
- How can we showcase Christ’s love through our parenting or leadership style?
Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
- As a father, how can you show your love to your children?
- How can you support your family with your time?
- What are some consequences that taught you valuable lessons in life?
- How has the love of a father or father-figure influenced you?
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for being our heavenly father. Please help us be better fathers and love our families with our time and energy. We trust that you are listening to us when we pray, in your name, Amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Ask God to reveal to you one way you can honor your father this week
- Put the phone away at the dinner table. Talk to your kiddos.
- Pray with and for your family this week. Don’t let this be a one time thing.
- Be bold. Ask your family “How can I help you this week?” And do it!
Scriptures
He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head!
Matthew 10:30 MSG
Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today.
Deuteronomy 10:15 NIV
for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:5 NIV
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Proverbs 13:24 NLT
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 TLV
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32 NCV
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT