Father's bea Firefly

Introduction

Good morning, I am glad to see you all today, especially you fathers.

A month ago, we celebrated Mother’s day but today is your day Dad’s!

And appropriately, to have you here on Father’s day is a great blessing.

Father’s day was established 58 years after Mother’s day was established. That doesn’t seem quite right, does it dad’s?

A month ago we celebrated Mother’s day and now its your turn.

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.

However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official–that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official–that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

But here we are Dad’s… and I am happy we were able to provide you with a t-shirt today, instead of a mug, or key chain. So wear your shirt with pride!

Today I am going to change my direction of my messages and speak on the topic of Father’s day!

Father’s you are important. You may not always feel that way, But God has placed you in your homes, made you husbands and fathers and yes, His child and servant.

So today I want to compare you to a item of creation, a living insect.

Insect you say, why not a Lion or Shark… or something that seems so much better than an insect.

Well bare with me… here is the insect.... a firefly.

Dad’s I want to encourage you to be like a firefly!

I know you are thinking, you have lost your mind... Marci says that all the time...

Nothing new there.... so Dad’s be a firefly.

Why?

1. You are God’s Purposeful Creation!

Dad’s you are God’s purposeful creation. Have you ever considered that thought? God plannned for you to be here.

Consider that firefly, we do not seem to understand all that it is meant for in its purpose, but God meant for it to be here. And every summer we see those amazing a little lights on and off.

God purposed it and he purposed you as well!

Consider Adam… God purposefully placed him in the world, not just ot be His creation, but to be a Father, to be the head of a household.

So let me share this passage with you..

Genesis 1:27 ESV

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God brought the first man into the world to be a Father to the world and every father after Adam is established in the same way.

It is God’s purposes and plan..

His paln that you are here.... and God used you.

Proverbs 23:22 ESV

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22

Isaiah 45:12 ESV

12 I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.

God created man, and we know from Adam wa

He has used you in many ways, one of them like says, it is you dad who brought life to your children.

Think of Abraham, he had no children and God used him to make him father to all who believe…Romans 4:11

If nothing else amazes you today, let it be the children that you brought life too.

God blessed you and made you a Father!

And then let me share this second thougth with you...

2. Let your light Shine

Now I was talking about fireflys.... lighting bugs.... what ever you ant to call them… I dont think it really matters.

The other night I was standing outside and I noticed all the fireflys, their light, glow was off and then back on...

And God created them just like that… to do that particular work

They are no accident of creation, or mutation. God created them to look and act just like they do… a beautiful sodt green light… off and on.

Now I know what you are thinking… what does that have to do with father’s day. Men,,, it isnt what they have to do with Father’s day… but it is this… what do they have to do with you?

So let me share a couple thoughts with you...

A. You are God’s creation, we have examined this thogutht alreaedy. just like these amazing little firefly’s… God purposed you!

And then secondly

B. Let your light shine!

Now mind you.... we do not have chemical reaction in us that lights up. But we do have a light!

Jesus told those who followed him to be both salt and light in the world we live.

Think about this idea of light.

Men you have a presence that is second to none… And God has raised you up in your homes to bless, influence, and to lead your families forward

Let me share this passage with you Matt 5:14...

Matthew 5:14 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Now think about this idea of

Now this passage is part of the great discourse Jesus gave to those who listened to him as he taught there on the mountain side, thus is it called the Sermon on the mount.

But look at what Jesus is saying..

but look at what

You… as a follower of the Lord Jesus are a light, a light in a dark world.

The world that’s important is ‘light’

1. First off, remember whose light you are. Jesus is the TRUE light of the world. We are to be reflections of Jesus… This truth means we are to allow others to see Jesus in us in every way.

Home life, Profesional life, and yes our Social lives as well. In every area of life those around us shoudl be able to see Jesus.

2. We are called to be “light” That is what Jesus was saying in . We are lights ( true reflections of Him) in the world we live.

Now here is a question for you to consider....

As men in our homes, Fathers… who sees us? and What do they see in us?

As lights in this world, Men you have a responsibilty, just like that little firefly to let your light shine.

Think about the home for a minute. do children see your light? Does your wife see you light?

Think about all the areas outside of your home.... Do they see your light.

Why am I asking that?

If we are were walking at night, no matter were we where, if you saw those little soft green lights lightening up, moving here and there. Like slow spardic Christmas tree lights… we would know one thing

Those are firefly’s....lighting bugs and they are wonderful!

Now when the world comes across you...

When everyone sees you… do they see your light… His light?

When the world come

I hope they do.... if they do, you are a Jesus firefly..

And if not.... well… you are relfecting something else, that’s id dead and unuseful.

Let your light shine

Now let me share with you the rest of that passage in

Matthew 5:14–17 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

M

Did you see the ultimate purpose… when your light is seen. People know whose your are,,, and more importantly, God is glorified.

And this leads into my final thought

And this leads into my final thought

3. Glorify God with your Life...

Dad’s you have so many responsibilities .. .

And I know at times you can feel overwhelmed....

You have a wonderful family, wife, children and perhaps even grandchildren…

And all the while, you have a responsibility to your Father in heaven

So what are you to do?

Matthew 5:16 ESV

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:15 ESV

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light shine!

Let your light shine!

Two thoughts here...

A. let everyone see your light… let them (the world) see the way you live for Jesus, you words and deeds.

Your words and deeds will re-enforce what you have said and how you lived in front of others, it is the fastest and farest way for others to see your light.

B. Your light, it glories your father in heaven.

There is no higher purpose under heaven than for us to bring glory to God our Father.

1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV

20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

You, as a child of God have the unique privileged of knowing God loves you. In fact He proved it through the death of His Son.

God the Father in turn purchased you from death, and bought you back through the death of His Son.

Being given life, eternal, out of love should empower us to live for God. And bring glory to his name.

Glorifying God with the new life we have been given is the best way to demonstrate not only our love for Him it is the best way for us to show the world our light

You are the light of the World,

Father’s be a firefly, everywhere and all the time. Let people everywhere see Jesus in you.

3. Allow others to See your Good works