Fathers Day // Summer Shorts // Bobby Crum (June 18, 2023)

Introducing “Fathers Day // Summer Shorts // Bobby Crum (June 18, 2023), a captivating video by Real Life, Real Hope. This powerful video includes a worship song and a heartfelt message perfect for Father’s Day. Through passages from the book of Jude in the Bible, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers reflecting God’s love and highlights the value of being called and beloved by God. The message inspires believers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and show mercy to others. Ending with a prayer and a message of praise to God, this video invites viewers to embrace their identity as chosen, beloved by God, and to proclaim His excellencies. It encourages exponential growth in mercy, peace, and love, and reminds us of the power of multiplication to bring positive outcomes in our lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your faith and be uplifted by this inspiring video!”

Fathers Day // Summer Shorts // Bobby Crum (June 18, 2023)

Table of Contents

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a special occasion that celebrates the important role that fathers play in our lives. As we honor the fathers in our lives, it’s essential to recognize the significance of fathers as reflections of God. In the Bible, there are passages from the book of Jude that shed light on this profound connection between earthly fathers and our heavenly Father.

The significance of fathers as reflections of God

In the Book of Jude, verse 1:1, it states, “To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.” This beautiful verse reminds us that as fathers, we have the privilege and responsibility to reflect the love and care of our Heavenly Father to our children. Our role is not only to provide for our families but also to guide and nurture them spiritually, just as God does for us.

Passages from the book of Jude in the Bible

The book of Jude offers valuable insights into the characteristics of our Heavenly Father. It encourages us to imitate these qualities in our own lives as fathers. For example, verse 1:20 instructs us to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” As fathers, we can be a source of strength and encouragement to our families by actively investing in our own spiritual growth and leading our families in prayer.

The importance of being called and beloved by God

Verse 1:1 of the book of Jude emphasizes the significance of being called and beloved by God. This recognition reminds fathers of the immense value that God places on each person, including our children. As fathers, we have the privilege of affirming our children’s worth and instilling in them a deep understanding of their identity as beloved children of God.

Building oneself up in faith

In verse 1:20, the book of Jude encourages us to build ourselves up in faith. As fathers, it is vital for us to cultivate a strong and vibrant faith so that we can be effective spiritual leaders in our families. We can do this by regularly reading and meditating on God’s word, seeking guidance through prayer, and actively participating in a community of believers.

Praying in the Holy Spirit

The book of Jude highlights the importance of praying in the Holy Spirit. When we pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, we invite God’s presence and guidance into our lives and the lives of our families. As fathers, our prayers can be a powerful tool for ushering in God’s blessings, wisdom, and protection over our loved ones.

Showing mercy and saving others from sin

In verse 1:22-23, the book of Jude calls us to show mercy to others and to save them from sin. As fathers, we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate God’s mercy and grace to our children and those around us. By teaching our children the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and extending a helping hand to those in need, we cultivate a sense of justice and righteousness in their hearts.

A prayer and message of praise to God

As we reflect on the significance of fathers as reflections of God, let us offer a prayer and message of praise to our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the incredible privilege of being fathers. We ask for your wisdom and guidance as we seek to reflect your love and character to our families. Help us to build ourselves up in faith and to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we show mercy, save others from sin, and lead our families on the path of righteousness. We praise you, heavenly Father, for your unfailing love and care for each one of us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Chosen Race

As fathers, we have the responsibility of guiding our families as chosen members of God’s family. In the Bible, the concept of being a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s people is emphasized in different passages. Let us explore these passages and understand the significance of this calling in our lives.

Being a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s people

In 1 Peter 2:9, it says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” This verse conveys a powerful truth about our identity as believers and fathers. We are not just ordinary individuals, but we have been chosen by God to be part of His family, to represent Him, and to experience the privilege of proclaiming His excellencies.

Proclaiming the excellencies of God

As fathers, it is our responsibility to proclaim the excellencies of God to our families. We can do this through our words, actions, and lifestyle. By embracing our identity as chosen members of God’s family, we set an example for our children and inspire them to live in the light of God’s truth and love.

Living in the light

Being part of God’s chosen race means living in the light. As fathers, we have the opportunity to create an environment in our homes where God’s light shines brightly. We can do this by modeling righteousness, integrity, and a deep love for God and His commandments. By living in the light, we guide our families away from darkness and towards a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

Called by God’s grace, not by works or merit

Being part of God’s chosen race is not about our own works or merit. It is solely by God’s grace that we are called and chosen. As fathers, we can teach our children the importance of relying on God’s grace rather than striving for perfection or seeking validation from the world. By emphasizing the truth that our worth is found in God’s love and acceptance, we equip our children to navigate life with confidence and a strong foundation in faith.

The Urgency of God’s Call

As fathers, we are familiar with the urgency that comes with parenthood. Similarly, God’s call upon our lives carries a sense of urgency that requires our wholehearted response. In understanding the urgency of God’s call, we can connect more deeply with the purpose and significance of our roles as fathers.

Urgently responding to God’s call

God’s call upon our lives is not something to be taken lightly or procrastinated. It requires an urgent response from us as fathers. This sense of urgency stems from the recognition of the limited time we have to influence and shape the lives of our children. By boldly and passionately embracing God’s call, we set an example for our children, teaching them the importance of responding promptly to God’s plans for their lives.

Being dearly loved and highly regarded by God

As fathers, we need to understand that, despite our flaws and mistakes, we are dearly loved and highly regarded by God. This knowledge empowers us to lead our families with confidence and grace. When we grasp the depth of God’s love for us, we can extend that same love and acceptance to our children, creating a nurturing and secure environment where they can flourish.

Being kept in Christ Jesus despite flaws and mistakes

God’s call upon our lives as fathers does not mean we have to be perfect. In fact, God’s grace covers our flaws and mistakes. He keeps us in Christ Jesus, continually working in us and through us to fulfill His purposes for our families. As fathers, we can lean on God’s grace, confidently knowing that He is faithful and will guide us even when we stumble.

The power of multiplication and its significance

God’s call upon our lives as fathers holds the power of multiplication. When we respond to His call and faithfully walk in obedience, we have the ability to multiply His love, grace, and truth in the lives of our children and those around us. This multiplication has a significant impact on future generations, creating a legacy of faith, love, and righteousness.

Multiplying Mercy, Peace, and Love

As fathers, we have a tremendous responsibility to nurture our families in qualities that reflect God’s character. Among these qualities, mercy, peace, and love hold significant importance. Let us explore the importance of these qualities within the church and how we can multiply them in our own lives and share them with others.

The importance of mercy, peace, and love in the church

In the book of Jude, verse 1:2 states, “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” This verse highlights the importance of these qualities within the church community. As fathers, we play a crucial role in cultivating an atmosphere of mercy, peace, and love within our families and in our interactions with other believers.

Multiplying these qualities in our lives

To truly multiply mercy, peace, and love, we must first embody these qualities in our own lives. As fathers, our attitudes, words, and actions deeply impact our families. By intentionally showing mercy towards our children and loved ones, resolving conflicts with a peaceful spirit, and expressing love in both words and actions, we create an environment ripe for nurturing these qualities.

Sharing mercy, peace, and love with others

Multiplying mercy, peace, and love extends beyond our immediate families. As fathers, we have the opportunity to show these qualities to those outside our households as well. In our interactions with friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, we can extend mercy, be peacemakers, and exemplify God’s love. By doing so, we become agents of transformation in our communities and reflect God’s heart for all people.

Exponential growth and significant outcomes

When we actively multiply mercy, peace, and love, the impact is exponential. Small acts of kindness and forgiveness have the potential to create a ripple effect, bringing healing and reconciliation to broken relationships. By cultivating an environment rich in mercy, peace, and love within our families, we provide a foundation for our children to grow and thrive, enabling them to carry these qualities forward into their own lives.

Illustration of exponential growth with multiplying one dollar by two for 30 days

To illustrate the power of exponential growth, let’s consider the example of multiplying one dollar by two for 30 days. On the first day, we have one dollar, but as we double it each day, we end up with a staggering amount of money—over one billion dollars! This example demonstrates the remarkable outcomes that can arise from consistently multiplying something over time. Similarly, by intentionally multiplying mercy, peace, and love in our lives and interactions, we can bring about transformative change and make a lasting impact.

Building a Spiritual House

As fathers, we have the responsibility to build up our families as spiritual houses where God’s presence dwells. By taking active steps to build our faith, pray in unity with other believers, and stay in the love of God, we create an environment that glorifies God and points our loved ones towards Him.

Continuous growth and strengthening of faith

Building a spiritual house requires continuous growth and strengthening of our faith. As fathers, it is essential for us to invest time and effort in our own spiritual development. By reading and studying God’s word, spending time in prayer, seeking guidance from mentors and fellow believers, and participating in meaningful worship, we nourish our faith and model a vibrant relationship with God to our families.

Taking active steps to build faith

Building faith within our families goes beyond personal growth. As fathers, we are called to take active steps to build faith in our children as well. We can do this by intentionally teaching them about God, instilling biblical values, and engaging them in discussions about faith and spirituality. By incorporating regular family devotionals, prayer times, and serving opportunities, we help our children develop a strong foundation in faith.

Glorifying God in everything we do

As fathers, our ultimate aim is to glorify God in everything we do. We can accomplish this by aligning our actions, decisions, and priorities with God’s will. By demonstrating humility, integrity, and a servant’s heart, we reflect God’s character and invite His presence into our lives and homes. When we live with the purpose of glorifying God, we create an environment where our families can experience His love, guidance, and blessings.

The power of praying in the spirit

Prayer is an essential tool for building a spiritual house. By praying in the Spirit, we invite God’s supernatural power and wisdom into our families. When we engage in heartfelt and Spirit-led prayer, transformation occurs not only in our own lives but also in the lives of our loved ones. Through prayer, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, seek His guidance, and unleash His power to work in and through our families.

Praying in unison with other believers

In addition to personal and familial prayer, coming together with other believers in unified prayer has a profound impact on building a spiritual house. By joining with fellow fathers, mothers, and children in corporate prayer, we experience the power of agreement and witness the moving of God’s Spirit. This unity has the potential to transform our families, communities, and even nations.

Praying for what God desires

As fathers, it’s important to pray for what God desires for our families, instead of just focusing on our own desires. By seeking God’s will and praying according to His heart, we align ourselves with His plans and purposes. This posture of surrender and humility allows God to work in and through our families in ways that bring about true fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Staying in the love of God

Staying in the love of God is crucial for building a spiritual house. By cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God, we are constantly reminded of His love for us and can extend that love to our families. As fathers, we have the privilege of creating an environment where love, understanding, and grace flourish. When our children experience the love of God through our actions and words, they are more likely to embrace their own relationship with Him.

Waiting on God and saving others

Building a spiritual house requires patience and trust in God’s timing. As fathers, we must learn to wait on God and trust Him with the lives of our children and loved ones. While we may have a sense of urgency to see our families walking closely with God, it is essential to remember that God’s plans and timing are perfect. By surrendering our desires to Him and faithfully interceding for our families, we can save them from the pitfalls of this world and guide them towards a deep and lasting relationship with Him.

Reaching lost and confused individuals with urgency

As fathers, we have a unique opportunity to reach out to those who are lost and confused. Through our words and actions, we can share the love and truth of Christ with those who are yet to experience His transformative power. The urgency of God’s call upon our lives extends beyond our families. As we exemplify Christ’s love and point others towards Him, we fulfill our role as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, seeking to make disciples of all nations.

The Blessing of Jesus

In our journey as fathers, we have the incredible blessing of experiencing Jesus’ divine favor and good will in our lives. Through His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to overcome temptation, embrace blamelessness, and acknowledge God’s sovereignty and authority. Let us delve deeper into the significance of Jesus’ blessing and its impact on our roles as fathers.

The significance of Jesus as divine favor and good will

Jesus is the embodiment of God’s divine favor and good will towards humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provided a way for us to be reconciled with God and experience His abundant love and grace. As fathers, we have the privilege of extending this divine favor and good will to our families, reflecting God’s heart for His children.

Overcoming temptation and being blameless before God

Jesus’ blessing empowers us as fathers to overcome temptation and live blamelessly before God. He set the perfect example of righteousness, demonstrating that it is possible to live according to God’s standards and be free from the bondage of sin. By leaning on His strength, wisdom, and grace, we can guide our families towards a life of holiness and godliness.

All glory, majesty, dominion, and authority belong to God

Jesus’ blessing reminds us of the rightful place of glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. As fathers, it is crucial for us to recognize that these attributes belong to God alone. By acknowledging God’s sovereignty and leading our families in humble submission to His authority, we create a harmonious and God-centered environment where blessings and favor abound.

God’s timeless care for each individual

Through Jesus’ blessing, we are reminded of God’s timeless care and concern for each individual. Just as God extends His love and goodness to us, we can reflect this love to our families. As fathers, we have the opportunity to provide a safe and nurturing space where our loved ones experience God’s presence and care. By showing unconditional love, offering guidance and support, and faithfully praying for our families, we demonstrate God’s fatherly attributes to our children.

Invitation to Explore Faith

As fathers, we have the privilege of leading our families in exploring and deepening their faith journey. While each individual’s path is unique, there are certain foundational steps we can take together as a church family to embark on this journey. Let us explore the invitation to join the church family, be baptized, and explore a personal relationship with Jesus.

Joining the church family

One of the first and crucial steps in exploring faith is joining the church family. The church serves as a community where believers gather to worship, learn, and support one another. By becoming part of a church, fathers provide their families with opportunities for growth, fellowship, and accountability. Together, we can experience the transformative power of God’s presence and nurture a deep relationship with Him.

Being baptized

Baptism is a significant step in a Christian’s faith journey. As fathers, we can guide our families to embrace this powerful symbol of dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. By being baptized, we publicly declare our commitment to follow Jesus and seek His guidance in our lives. Baptism serves as a tangible reminder of the transformation that occurs when we surrender our lives to God.

Exploring a personal relationship with Jesus

Ultimately, exploring faith is about developing a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. As fathers, we have the privilege of leading our families towards this life-changing connection. By encouraging our children and loved ones to read and reflect on God’s word, engage in prayer, and seek God’s presence, we open doors for deeper intimacy with Him. Through this relationship, our families can experience God’s love, guidance, and transformative power, leading to a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

In conclusion, as fathers, we have a tremendous responsibility and privilege in nurturing our families, reflecting God’s character, and leading our loved ones on a faith-filled journey. By recognizing the significance of fathers as reflections of God, aligning ourselves with His call, multiplying mercy, peace, and love, building a spiritual house, embracing the blessing of Jesus, and inviting our families to explore faith, we create an environment where our children can grow, thrive, and experience the abundant life God has for them.