How Many Fathers are Seeking the Lord In This Pandemic
During this pandemic how many African fathers are doing
these 25 Things that help in parenting during the pandemic?
A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God; of his dependence on Him; of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom; and that it is by God’s power that he is upheld and provided for, and that he needs God’s wisdom to lead and guide him, and His might to enable him to do what he ought to do for Him.
Edwards, Jonathan
Let The Bible Speak TV Jos Nigeria
This blog is located on Let The Bible Speak TV as a lesson by William Jackson, M.Ed.
https://www.facebook.com/LET-the-BIBLE-SPEAK-TV-109526513806972/
Genesis 31:3 “Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your
fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
Going into the 2020 new year fathers had plans, alot of plans, their plans did not include a pandemic nearing the end of 2019. Like myself a lot of fathers are about family, friends, fun, fellowship, what fathers could do more to be involved in ministry and how fathers could promote peace, unity, acceptance of diversity and differences in people. Fathers of Black and Brown are wondering how to protect their children from police officers that only see that Black or Brown child as targets. These are stressful times for fathers around the world. Social issues, cultural clashes and the divide between politics and ministry. They are stressful times for mothers as well, but
the focus in the blog is on fathers.
Deuteronomy 30:20 “and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers,
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Fathers are wondering how to get children to do better in school, how to keep their children engaged in learning, how to keep them alive when out of their sites and what more can they do to bring necessary changes in their communities to make life better for their families. The pandemic has made it harder especially if fathers are working less hours or no hours. They are dependent on a governmental system that many times does not know them and does not know their needs, concerns, worries and a fathers fears for their families. This has been felt in the States for years so African and American
Black and Brown fathers have much in common.
My plans, what lessons did I still need to teacher my children and the children in my community. I’m seen as a role model because I embrace being a member of the Body of Christ. Being a disciple of Christ means working for Christ even if fathers are tired, even if fathers are weak of body, mind and even spirit. We must teach and preach in season and out
of season….
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and
careful instruction.”
A pandemic was not in the equation for 2020. My son was married in December 2019 that was my focus, spending time with my daughter was a focus as she began her career and moved away from home. Planning for the future being engaged at the right time and making sure it was the right person
was the focus me.
To be able to embrace God more and do the works he wants me to do. To teach like he asks me to as a disciple of Christ. To share my walk with Christ and the works God has for me and to build a closer relationship with Christ. It is not always easy, but the salvation of the Lord will
save souls and keep souls saved.
Then David said to the whole assembly, “Praise the Lord your God. So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and
the king.”
As a member of the Body of Christ what lessons did I still need to help teach to my adult children and even the students in my classes. There is a great responsibility in the title of being a father. There is sacrifice of ones personal desires, sacrifice of personal time, there is acceptance of the title of being a leader, there is the humility of being obedient to what God expects and to sharing knowledge, wisdom and even teaching about the mistakes fathers make so the next generation does not
repeat mistakes already made.
Even with mistakes are made and their are challenges, fathers must remain in prayer and praise so they are
not overwhelmed and do things in anger.
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” It is written that fathers must be patient with their children, they must show the same patience that the Lord has for us. In good times and bad times fathers have to make sure we do not treat our children with anger. Disciplining with love to teach the right direction as the Lord does with each of us. Written in Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and
instruction of the Lord.”
33 years of experience as a public school educator and what could I still teach students, their parents and in some cases their grandparents that are raising their children’s, children. A teacher does not just teach students, they teach the whole family if done correctly it is a holistic approach. Ministers focus on the whole family not just one person. Teachers are sharing the length of time being in classrooms, on playgrounds, in school houses, visiting parents, taking the time to visit museums, movies, conferences, seminars,
workshops and even the beach.
I’m not the only one doing these things to make the world a better place. Someone did it for me, someone took me into their home, their family and their life to save me and teach me. Fathers must know it is OK to teach not just their children, but other children that see them as role models. Even during a pandemic it is OK for a father to check on other children to make sure they have food, clothing, water, and other essentials. Those are sometimes
the responsibilities of a father to be a father to others.
How many times have fathers themselves been disciplined by another man, a man that sees the great potential in all boys and young men. The greater good if for all men to learn by learning from and following the teachings of
Christ to minister to each other in love and peace.
In Hebrews 12:9 “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we
submit to the Father of spirits and live!”
Respect to the men that help to mentor, care for and even love those children that are not their own, but they strive to make these lives productive, valuable and meaningful. One of the most important thing a father can teach his children is that they are
valuable, they are important.
As a father, Christian, educator and mentor, I want to inspire and motivate fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, fathers to be, divorced fathers and even absentee fathers. Men who are trying to do better, men that have experienced the challenges of addiction, divorce, homelessness and dysfunction. I have seen fathers that have no money, give two of the best gifts a young child can have. The first is the knowledge of Christ and the second is to make
them see themselves as having value.
Luke 11:11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?” Men that struggle with demons from their pasts as a result of the lack of their fathers being there or even having an abusive father. Abuse is not always physical, it can be verbal, emotional, mental and spiritual. The residue of past traumas can affect the mind and create generational challenges. Fathers that are of the Body of Christ should be a light to lost fathers. Through their words, deeds and actions they share the love of Christ and do the
works not just in their homes, but in their communities.
These are difficult times and many challenges are around; spiritually, economically, educationally, environmentally, soci-economically and politically. Fathers should be taking the lead in the direction to move to care for loved ones in our homes, in our communities, in the schools and supporting
our ministries as much as possible.
Supporting does not mean paying tithes, supporting means doing works to help the people of the body of Christ. It is hard to accept that members of the body of Christ must share
the gospel with those that are lost as well. In scripture it shares
1 Timothy 1:8-9 8 “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.” 9 “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers.” When the opportunity shows itself fathers should share the gospel, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ with other
fathers to build strong men.
Fathers have a historical responsibility and spiritual accountability to place families above personal needs. Fathers cannot nor should not be selfish in the love for family, devotion to God, giving to the community and mentoring to youth. Times such as these fathers should be praying and working to protect families and taking leadership roles to improve our world, not let it fall to death and potential destruction. The power or prayer is known, written in scriptures that men should
pray without ceasing..
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Money is not the only things a fathers should think they have to have and mothers during this time of a pandemic should not put down fathers because of money either. The words shared during this pandemic should be of love, faith, patience, building of trust, commitment uplifting, peace, purpose and redefining the directions of the family for the future. That direction should be towards Christ each and every day. Following Christ is not always easy, it requires commitment, prayer, sacrifice, praise,
obedience, love and purpose.
Christ’s testimony to the world at the Festival of Tabernacles to publicly reveal His identity as the Messiah. This is how we know who to follow as fathers and disciples. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk
in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Fathers should not allow petty issues to interfere in life and to mentally and emotionally step-back and look at the bigger picture of the direction of the family. If Christ is not the center then things need to be changed. Considering and making a stand that this is the right direction a family should go. Praying to the Lord for direction, wisdom, discernment and
even a course of action by fasting and praying.
Christ making a powerful statement, to the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Fathers even though these are scary times, even though there maybe shortness of food, shortness of money, fear of the pandemic, these are the times that test men’s spiritual foundation and direction not just for yourself, but for your families. Lead with Christ in front and believe in His word
to carry you through.
If you still have doubt and do not think you have the answers consider this, to actually follow Christ and walk in the light. Get into God’s Word regularly, read and listen to His word regularly each day. Ask Christ to reveal himself to you and make time to be able to listen not just with your ears, but with your heart. Make the decision to actually do what His Word says, we discover what His light says about relationships, work, sex, and our priorities,
then we should follow what Christ says.
How did Christ live his life, it is not to far from what we tell our childrne. He depended on the Father!! He would get up early before dawn to be alone because he wanted to talk to His Father. He wanted to please the Father and intended to fulfill the Father’s agendas not just his own. This was Jesus’ light and it should be ours as well in spirit and in truth. Fathers are the models for their families, their children, their wives, and even in their communities. Take the lead in spirit and in truth and spend time with God and
listening, studying and acting on His words.
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake
and the gospel’s will save it’” Mark 8:34–35
Blessing to all fathers for they are the rock of their families,
communities, cities and nations.
William is the digital innovator for his brand My Quest To Teach using the hashtag #MyQuestToTeach sharing his journey teaching, mentoring,
community activism and community collaborations.