7 Duties of a Christian Father

7 Duties of a Christian Father

A Christian father represents God in his family. But, is that the reality in our homes today? Can the low impact of the Christian fathers cause the high level of ungodliness among the youths today?

It’s a pity that the world would soon crumble, if the Christian fathers did not intensify their child-raising responsibilities!

Today’s message reveals some vital duties of a responsible Christian father, but I would like to share this story with you before I proceed:

“An 80-year-old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 year’s old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window. The Father asked his Son, “What is this?” The Son replied “It is a crow”.

After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the second time, “What is this?” The Son said “Father, I have just told you “It’s a crow”.

After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the third time, “What is this?” At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son’s tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff.

“It’s a crow, a crow, a crow”.

A little after, the Father again asked his Son the fourth time, “What is this?”
This time the Son shouted at his Father, “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times ‘IT IS A CROW’. Are you not able to understand this?”

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page.

When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary: –
“Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window.

My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times.

I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child”.
While the little child asked him 23 times “What is this”, the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.”

 

The duty of a Christian father is not limited to the provision for the needs of his children. But, the following points are also crucial for raising a God-fearing generation:

  1. Introduce your children to Spiritual Drills

Training your children in the way of the Lord is a fundamental role you can’t afford to miss. The success of a Christian father is to ensure that his children acknowledge the Bible as the only road map for their journey in life.

Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

2. Follow-Up with your Children

It is good to show your children the way of the Lord. But, it is another duty to follow-up with them. Though, the culture of the land gives children above 18 to live without parental guidance, and this culture is a time bomb for the next generation. It’s unfortunate that many children are misusing this freedom.

3. Call for Fellowship

It is true that some children of Jacob had neglected the way of the Lord. But, their hearts were linked to the Lord again through the family altar (Genesis chapter 35).

A Christian father must not be too tired to sing and pray with his children every day. You are failing if you don’t pray with your children at home. There is Power in Prayers!

4. A Christian father is a Role Model

You can’t give what you don’t have”. If you want your children to be obedient, gentle, kind, God-fearing and caring, then you must start these practices. Because, you are a mirror to your children, they imitate your reflection.

5. Develop an excellent communication skill

A Christian father must patiently listen to his children. Your kids are exposed to many ungodly teachings out there, and most times they get confused.

When you listen patiently, then your children would be encouraged to tell you more. And the more they speak, the more you guide them in the practical way of the Lord.

The world is morally corrupt today, because the input of fathers in the upbringing of their children had dropped drastically.

  1. Discipline your children

Your kids are bound to do wrongs, but correct them with love. If the culture of the land discourages flogging a stubborn child, then don’t hesitate to punish them through another means.

And give a thorough punishment to the stubborn ones. Teach them how to live in abundance and how to live in shortage. Disciplinary actions should cut across their physical, spiritual, emotional, moral and academic life.

The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15)

7. Create Time for your Children

Many children are exposed to online porns, gambling, and occultism, because their father is not around to guide them. A Christian father that works round the clock to earn money is raising his children for the devil.

10 Things A Christian Wife Should Know!

10 Things A Christian Wife Should Know!

I always respect any Christian wife practicing the unique lifestyle of godliness. But, it is so worrisome that the church and society are morally degenerating. The reason is not far fetch! The number of Christian wife is reducing daily!!

God instituted marriage by giving Adam a wife (not wives, and not same-sex marriage), who would be a helper to her husband. The significance of a Christian wife at home can never be underestimated.

Christian wives are the salt of the Christian homes. “If the salt loses its power, it becomes contaminated sand”.

Today’s message reveals the cogent points needed for the success of a Christian wife

  1. You are a Helper

A Christian wife is a supportive agent for the success of her husband. You are not the president of the home, but the vice-president. Don’t be deceived by the culture of the land where the birth-right of men has been sold to the women.

Genesis chapter 2 verse 18: “And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

2. Your Anger hinders the prayers of your husband

God does not joke with a faithful Christian wife. Thus, it is wise to settle dispute without delay, else the home will be in turmoil.

First Peter chapter 3 verses 7: “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

3. Weak sexual intimacy can break your marriage

A Christian wife that is too busy in her job and spiritual matters will ‘lose’ her husband to women of easy virtual. Note: More than 95% of healthy husband like sexual intimacy. So, satisfying the sexual urges of your husband will save your marriage from spirit of adultery and separation.

First Corinthians chapter 7 verses 3: “The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband.” (NLT)

4.  Respect your husband
Not only when he is rich, but also when things are not going smoothly. Your husband will respect you, if you express your feelings in a calm way. The act of yelling, cursing or slapping is unacceptable.

5. A Christian wife influences the spiritual growth

Your influence on the spiritual growth of your family is vital. Research had shown that, women pray more than men, so, keep up your family altar every day.

The spiritual growth in your family implies God’s presence, and zero tolerance for the devil.

6. Inner beauty is the best

A Christian wife should not give herself to the artificial beauty of this world. A worldly wife is so much concerned with makeup, jewelry, expensive wears, artificial hair-dressing, piercing of ears and so on. You have to keep up your natural beauty to avoid falling into the beautiful trap of the devil. (1 Peter 3:1-6)

7. Submission error leads to Conflict!

It is wise for a Christian wife to submit to her Christian husband. This will cut any form of family crisis. Many marriages end up in divorce, because the women claim an unnecessary ‘equal right’. Submitting to your husband does not make you a fool.

Ephesians chapter 5 verses 22 to 23: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”

8. Lazy Christian wife suffers disrespect

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants.” Proverbs chapter 31 verse 10 to 31

9. Bad Meals cannot make you shine

If you want to win the heart of your husband always, then learn to be a good cook. Don’t give such responsibility to your maid or to the eateries across the road.

10. An evening stroll makes Miracle

A Christian wife should create an outdoor event with her husband. It goes a long way to amend any emotional crack in the marriage.

Family Altar: 6 Benefits of Family Devotion

Family Altar: 6 Benefits of Family Devotion

Family altar is the assembly of the people who have a ‘common blood’ and a ‘common heart’ in the presence of the LORD. It is not about the construction of a tall table, or positioning a big stone at the corner of the bedroom.

I love this quote by Oswald Chambers: “You must be willing to be placed on the altar and go through the fire, willing to experience what the altar represent-burning, purification, and separation for only one purpose-the elimination of every desire and affection not grounded in or directed towards God. But you do not eliminate it, God does.”

Today’s message is not famous on the search engine, but I am happy to highlight the benefits of sustaining a family altar in your home.

How the Structure of Family Altar looks like?

The family altar for the New Testament has nothing to do with the designs mentioned in the Old Testament. The attendants at the family altar are strictly the family members (father, mother, children, and relatives). And the synchronization of the hearts of your family in the presence of the Lord forms the family altar.

Matthew chapter 5 verses 8 say: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

In the Old Testament, the LORD descends on the altar to communion with His children. But in the New Testament, the LORD dwells in our heart to fellowship with us. So, don’t joke with your sense of thought (the heart)!

Jesus says: “…If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14 verse 23)

How to Conduct the Family Altar

a. It must not be boring to the youngest child in the family.

b. Everyone must take part in an orderly form.

c. Consensus for the time and frequency for each day is essential.

d. Actions such as worship, singing praises, instrumentation, Bible studies/recitation and prayers are good features of family altar.

e. It is not the gathering for arguments, disorderliness or autocratic conducts.

6 Benefits of Family Altar

1. It chases evil spirits from your home

The spirit of confusion, deceit and sin cannot find it easy to dwell in your home if you maintain your family altar.

Jesus says: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Luke chapter 11 verse 24 to 26)

2. Family devotion increases Spiritual Strength

The spirit man of every member of your family would acquire divine strength through reading and meditating on the word of God. The prayer at the family altar is also a spiritual exercise that’ll keep the spirit of your family strong and healthy.

3. Family altar is a great avenue to Hear God

My heart always leaps for joy when I receive directions and solutions from the LORD. If your family devotion is consistent, then your family won’t miss the right step to take for their successful livelihood. “A 40 days journey won’t turn to 40 years journey.”

4. Family Devotion Sustains Unity

There is no home on earth without ups and downs, but it takes the supernatural Power of God to unite the family during the ‘downtime’. For instance, the rate of divorce is at the increase, because our generation had failed to take the family altar seriously.

5. Family Altar Promotes Love

The heart of human is flexible. For instance, the love of someone to his spouse after 10 years ago might go cold overnight. And the love of children to their parents might go sour due to some issues or vice versa.

But, the family altar has the power to avoid such hatred. I boldly tell you today that if you are consistent with the family devotion, your love to your spouse and children will wax stronger every day. And the ship of your family can never be wrecked by the storm of hatred or bitterness.

6. Good Training for the Children

It is important to take the spiritual life of your children seriously, because the level of immorality in our society is increasing daily. And a good environment for training your children is at the family altar.

Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Bible Verses on Family Altar

The following Bible verses give a clear picture that God loves to receive close attention through altar (holy family gatherings) positioned in your home.

1. “Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.” (Genesis 13:18)

2. “Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God…”

And Jacob said to his household… “put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.”” (Genesis 35:1-2)

3. “So, he built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.” (Genesis 26:25)

4. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

5. “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

If you want to achieve a regular family devotion then put up a calendar reminder. Tell your smart home device to remind you or write an inscription like this on your board: “No one must go to bed without attending the family altar“.

You and your family can hear, see and know more about God through the family altar. It goes a long way to unite the family. Regular family devotion defeats spiritual warfare, and uplifts the success of your family. Fix a time today for your family altar and you won’t regret sacrificing your time and energy.

Makeup; the Truth about Cosmetics!

Makeup; the Truth about Cosmetics!

Makeup is a popular practice across the world. Both Christians and non-Christians embrace makeup as a modern fashion. My question is; how safe is makeup to the Christians?

The dictionary meaning of makeup is; a form of cosmetics to enhance or alter the appearance of the body, especially the face and hair. Examples of makeup are; lipsticks, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, rouge etc.

I was astonished to know that the global cosmetics market was 460 billion USD in 2014 and it is estimated to reach 675 billion USD by 2020, growing at a rate of 6.4%.

I would be careful to tell you the truth about this controversial topic. And today’s message is strictly for the audience who give their sense of reasoning to the Holy Spirit.

I am playing the role of a watchman: “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” (Ezekiel chapter 33).

Message of God on Makeup

The Lord spoke to me; “Tell my people to stay away from makeup, because it is a fashion designed by the Devil. Everyone who put on makeup changes from My image to an ungodly image. During the rapture, the Angels would not recognize the ‘Christians’ who put on makeup, because the image on them does not belong to Me.”

The message from God was brief, it exploded my heart and I was sober for many weeks.  I am guilty, my parents, siblings, pastors, teachers…

The popular teaching in our society is to “look nice” and the modern way to do such is to go makeup. Many years ago, I put on hair cream that would give an extra curl to my hair before going to school. I put on white powder on my face to look more attractive.

I put on lip gloss to look nice (not for medicinal purpose, but fashion). The scent in the three makeup instruments is to gain recognition and attract opposite sex. But, all is vanity upon vanity.

The position of God is clear- He is not a respecter of man. If all of us refuse to be satisfied with the image He puts on us, then He will not hesitate to disown all of us on the judgment day.

The History of Makeup

Many people thought makeup is not bad for the Christians, because they grew up to see some ‘great Christians’ at the fore-front of cosmetics. It is wise you know the origin of makeup!

During 4000BCE, the Egyptian women applied galena mesdemet and malachite to their faces for color and definition. They use kohl to adorn the eyes in an almond shape.

Around 3000BCE, the Chinese people began to stain their fingernails with gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg. The colors used represent their social categories. The lower classes were forbidden to wear bright colors on their nails. The use of fake eyebrows was also fashion.

In 1500BCE, the Chinese and Japanese used rice powder to make their faces white.

During 300AD, the Indian used henna as a hair dye.

In 1500AD, the European women lightened their skin with white lead paint.

Around 1800AD, zinc oxide was widely used as a facial powder. Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper. It was viewed as vulgar and acceptable only for use by the actors.

In 1910, makeup became fashionable in the United States of America and Europe owing to the influence of ballet and theater stars such as Mathilde Kschessinska and Sarah Bernhardt.

The origin of makeup was not traced to the Lord, but to the idolatrous Egyptians. So, it was a worldly invention and not a godly discovery.

What does the Bible say about Makeup?

The general acceptance of makeup in the Christendom made a lot of Christians to think that God cannot wipe away the millions of Christians for putting on makeup. Hmm, God is not a man o! He loves us; let us love Him by obeying His order without argument.

Let’s check some biblical passages about cosmetics;

1. God told the Israelites to do away with cosmetics.

Exodus chapter 33 verse 5 and 6: “For the LORD had said to Moses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.

 

So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.”

2. Jeremiah chapter 4 verse 20 to 35

… For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge…

 

And when you are plundered, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life…

One of the offenses of the Israelites that led to their destruction was makeup (painting the face).

3. Isaiah chapter 3

 … As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths…

Moreover the LORD says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet… In that day the Lord will take away the finery…

Please read the full passage, because it is enough to tell you the mind of God towards the use of ornaments.

4. Second Kings chapter 9

Women that use makeup are referred to as harlots… “Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” So he answered, “What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?”

The interpretation of verse 30 clarifies the issue that painting of face is always done for charm and seduction; “Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window.”

Don’t deceive yourself that your makeup is not for seduction. Is it possible to get light from an instrument of darkness?

Christians should stop talking about moderate makeups. Moderate makeup means; moderate charming, moderate seduction and moderate witchcraft!!!

5. Romans chapter 12 verse 1 to 2

Makeup is a custom of the world. We should forsake it.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

 

The passage above shows that God who created our body is interested in the way we use and present the body. So, don’t be deceived by those pastors who told you that God only cares about your heart, and you can do anything you like to your body.

 

The truth about makeup is a bitter pill, but it is wise you swallow it. I swallowed it, and I am free. Do not join the train of the lukewarm Christians who want to enjoy worldliness.

The acceptance of makeup in the church occurred; because the pastors want to ‘manage’ the new converts who were still struggling to stop the worldly act of makeup. So, misconception of first Timothy chapter 2 verses 9 to 10 made makeup the sacrilegious object on the altar.

Paul never mentioned moderate makeup, but he mentioned moderate dressing.

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”

Paul discouraged braided hair, but many women and pastor’s wife can’t do without it. Many pastors did not tell them the truth; rather they refer to the abomination as “Christian liberty”.   

There is nothing like moderate makeup in God’s standard. Moderate makeup is equivalent to moderate sin and moderate sin is equivalent to ungodliness.

I laughed when some people quoted songs of Solomon for their justification for using makeup. Beware! King Solomon sang the ornamental songs when he was wallowing in sin with the idolatrous women whom God warned him not to marry.

But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites- from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you.

Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.”

When King Solomon repented, he referred to makeup beauty as a deceit. Proverbs chapter 31 verse 30 says: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”

I speak as a prophet of God to you today that; “God hates the use of makeup. When you put on makeup, it changes the appearance and image of God in you.”

The use of makeup is an embarrassment to the Lord. It means; “God, you don’t know how to make me beautiful, so I will make it up myself.”

The movie stars, sport stars and other ungodly musicians are the servants of Devil that presents new styles of makeup to the people. Beware!

The LORD created you in His image; please stay away from Devil’s image. God loves you, and He did not want you to perish. Come to a round table with the LORD and He will restore you in Jesus name.

Read your Bible carefully and pray to the LORD for more understanding of this topic. Makeup is Devil’s device, so don’t be ignorant!!!

I will appreciate your comments and questions on today’s topic. The Lord will bless His word in your heart in Jesus name.

5 Things Christian Mothers must Take Serious!

5 Things Christian Mothers must Take Serious!

Christian mothers are the salt of the world, and they have a significant influence in the human race. More than 2 million mothers are in the world, and more than 4 children are given birth to every second.

In this generation, there is the outcry of high rate of immoralities, disrespect and disunity in many homes. And I observed that many Christian mothers were distracted from their primary responsibilities, due to the economic situation of the world.

Christian mothers have critical roles to play in the development of a godly home and a peaceful society. Today’s message will bless the Christian mothers with some vital points for achieving a godly home.

1. Mothers are Influencers

Yes! You might not be addressed as the head, but your nature as a woman controls everything in the home including the head of the family (father). For instance, Adam never neared the tree of knowledge, but the mother of all living, Eve had the boldness to near the tree and she ate the fruit.

Eve influenced Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. She is so powerful that Adam could not resist her.

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6)

Christian mothers should use the power given to them by God to affect, control and influence everyone and everything at home in the righteous way of the Lord. God has given you the ability to change status!

Thus, use the power given to you by the Lord to influence your husband and children in a positive way. Always urge your family to obey the word of God.

2. Don’t be Partial

The effects of loving one child more than the other include hatred, conflict and disunity at home. A Christian mother is to uphold peace and unity in the family.

For instance, it took Jacob a long time to have peace in his life, because he was afraid that his brother Esau may kill him.
Rebekah, their mother conspired with Jacob to steal Esau’s blessings. Read Genesis chapter 27 for details.

3. Christian mothers must love their children

I am not talking about love on the lips. If you love your children then you will scold them when they go against the will of the Lord. You should express your anger to them when they embrace ungodly character.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

4. Create ample time for your home

Many mothers are too busy with their jobs, and they have little time to spend with the children. Many children do not get the attention of their mother. So, they relate very well with their grandmother or house-help.

A lot of teenage girls lost their virginity because their mother is not available to answer many questions bothering their hearts. Many teenage boys were exposed to drugs and homosexuals, because their mothers were too busy to listen to their long stories…

The role of a Christian mother is to listen to their children, and to be observant to any new attitude they portrayed. Read Bible together and listen to their songs and musical instruments.

5. Discipline yourself

You cannot discipline your children if you don’t have the fruit of self-control. So, Christian mother must give herself to the Lord for godly training. And, it is your duty to tame the behavior of your children in the way of the Lord.

Every grown up child starts their life as a sinner, but you have to teach them to choose the way of the Lord. No one is born as a saint! So, teach your children how to read and understand the Bible.

Don’t overlook any wrong behavior, Give appropriate punishment where necessary. Proverbs chapter 13 verse 24 says: “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”