Reflecting the Heart of Our Heavenly Father

Summary

Today, we reflected on the calling and character of fathers, drawing from the example of our Heavenly Father. As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s clear that God has been moving powerfully through our church’s mission efforts, youth and children’s ministries, and community outreach. These tangible acts of service and generosity are not just about projects or numbers—they are about lives being changed, children being ministered to, and the love of God being made visible in our community.

Fatherhood is a divine mission, not limited to biological fathers but extended to all who influence and nurture others. The heart of a father is to strengthen, build up, and encourage, mirroring the work of the Holy Spirit. Just as God brings unity, comfort, and purpose, so too are fathers called to foster unity in their homes, to be sources of encouragement, and to impart purpose to their children. This is not accomplished by our own strength, but by the Spirit of God working in and through us.

We explored the many “P’s” of fatherhood: providing, protecting, praying, playing, praising, being patient, propelling, and keeping promises. Each of these reflects an aspect of God’s own fatherly care. Fathers are to bless and prosper their children, not just materially but spiritually—teaching them to pray, to praise, to repent, and to walk in faith. Protection is not just physical but spiritual, covering our families in prayer and intercession, just as Christ intercedes for us.

A key warning was given against the spirit of pride, illustrated through the biblical image of Leviathan. Pride hardens the heart, quenches the Spirit, and brings destruction, whereas humility opens the way for God’s presence and blessing. Fathers are called not to be proud, but to be pleased with their children, as God is pleased with us—not because of our perfection, but because of our faith and our relationship with Him.

Ultimately, the call is to reflect the heart of our good, good Father: to be present, to love unconditionally, to keep our promises, and to lead our families and communities in the ways of Christ. In doing so, we participate in the divine nature and become conduits of God’s love, grace, and power to the next generation.

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Key Takeaways

- Fatherhood Is a Spiritual Mission, Not Just a Role
Every person who influences others—whether as a biological father, mentor, or spiritual parent—is called to reflect the heart of God. This means strengthening, building up, and encouraging those entrusted to us, just as the Holy Spirit does for the church. Our mission is not about authority or control, but about nurturing life and faith in others. [38:03]

- The Power of Blessing and Purpose
Fathers are called to bless their children and impart purpose, echoing God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11. This involves recognizing the unique gifts and destinies of each child, and intentionally speaking hope and future over them. True prosperity is not just material, but spiritual and emotional, equipping our children to thrive in every area of life. [49:00]

- Protection and Prayer Go Hand in Hand
Just as God protects and intercedes for us, fathers are to be vigilant in both physical and spiritual protection. This means not only safeguarding our families from harm, but also covering them in prayer, interceding for their needs, and speaking life over them daily. A father’s prayers are a shield that extends even when children are far from home. [53:48]

- Beware the Spirit of Pride—Choose Humility and Presence
The spirit of pride, depicted as Leviathan, hardens hearts and destroys relationships. True fatherhood rejects pride and embraces humility, making room for the Holy Spirit to work. Fathers are called to be approachable, gentle, and present, so that their homes are places of joy, safety, and spiritual life—not fear or intimidation. [01:24:12]

- Be Pleased, Not Proud—Reflect the Father’s Heart
God does not say He is “proud” of His Son, but that He is “well pleased.” There is a profound difference: pride is self-focused and can lead to destruction, while being pleased is rooted in love, relationship, and faith. Fathers are called to express pleasure and delight in their children, reinforcing their identity and worth, and modeling the unconditional love of God. [01:33:13]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:52] - Mission Update and Brazil Outreach
[38:03] - The Joy of God’s House and the Father’s Image
[39:58] - Attributes of a Godly Father
[41:35] - Goodness and Mercy: The Father’s Legacy
[42:20] - Building Up Through Prayer and Encouragement
[43:20] - The Opposite Spirit: Pride and Division
[44:20] - God as Our Good Father
[45:17] - Worship and Spiritual Leadership at Home
[46:12] - The Power of Words and Expressing Love
[47:12] - Equipping and Blessing Our Children
[49:00] - Purpose, Prosperity, and Protection
[53:48] - The Father’s Intercession and Spiritual Covering
[56:07] - The Importance of Play and Joy
[58:24] - Praising and Encouraging Our Children
[01:04:43] - Patience and True Repentance
[01:09:45] - Propelling and Equipping for Life
[01:14:45] - Keeping Promises and God’s Faithfulness
[01:16:50] - The Spirit of Leviathan: Pride Exposed
[01:24:12] - The Dangers of a Hardened Heart
[01:33:13] - Be Pleased, Not Proud
[01:36:43] - The Holy Spirit’s Affirmation
[01:39:07] - Living Out the Father’s Heart

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Reflecting the Father’s Heart

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### Bible Reading

1. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
*(Referenced at [49:00])*

2. Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
*(Referenced at [49:00])*

3. Matthew 3:17
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”
*(Referenced at [01:33:13])*

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God have for His children?
*([49:00])*

2. In Psalm 121:7-8, what specific things does the Lord promise to do for us?
*([49:00])*

3. In Matthew 3:17, what does God the Father say about Jesus, and what word does He use to describe His feelings?
*([01:33:13])*

4. The sermon listed several “P’s” of fatherhood. Can you recall at least three of them and what they mean?
*([49:00])*

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says fatherhood is a spiritual mission, not just a biological role. What does it mean for someone to “reflect the heart of God” in their influence over others?
*([38:03])*

2. Why is it important for fathers (and all who nurture others) to bless and speak purpose over their children, rather than just provide for their material needs?
*([49:00])*

3. The spirit of pride, described as Leviathan in Job 41, is said to harden hearts and destroy relationships. How does pride differ from being “well pleased” with someone, according to the sermon?
*([01:33:13])*

4. The sermon mentions that God’s protection and intercession for us is a model for how fathers should pray for and protect their families. What does it look like to “cover” someone in prayer?
*([53:48])*

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to be people others are “glad to visit,” just as people are glad to go to the house of the Lord. What is one thing you could do this week to make your home or presence more welcoming and encouraging to others?
*([38:03])*

2. Think about the “P’s” of fatherhood (providing, protecting, praying, playing, praising, being patient, propelling, and keeping promises). Which one comes most naturally to you, and which one is most challenging? What is one step you could take to grow in the area that’s hardest for you?
*([49:00])*

3. The sermon warns against the spirit of pride and encourages humility and presence. Can you identify a recent situation where pride may have affected your relationship with someone? What would humility have looked like in that moment?
*([01:24:12])*

4. God is “well pleased” with His children, not because of perfection but because of relationship and faith. How can you express genuine pleasure and delight in someone close to you this week, especially if you tend to focus on their mistakes?
*([01:33:13])*

5. The sermon says a father’s prayers are a shield, even when children are far away. Who in your life needs your prayers right now? What is one specific way you can pray for them this week?
*([53:48])*

6. The message calls us to impart purpose and hope, echoing Jeremiah 29:11. Is there someone in your family or circle who needs to hear words of hope or encouragement about their future? How can you intentionally speak that over them?
*([49:00])*

7. The sermon describes the importance of play and joy in relationships. When was the last time you shared laughter or fun with your family or those you influence? What could you do this week to create a joyful memory together?
*([56:07])*

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you reflect His heart in your relationships, to give you humility, and to empower you by His Spirit to bless, protect, and encourage those He’s entrusted to you.

Devotional

Day 1: Be Glad to Dwell in the House of the Father
True joy is found in being welcomed into the presence of our Heavenly Father, and as earthly fathers and spiritual leaders, we are called to create homes and spaces where others are glad to come, reflecting the warmth and love of God’s own house. When people think of coming to your home or presence, do they sense the same gladness and anticipation as when entering the house of the Lord? The Holy Spirit within you is what makes your home a place of encouragement, unity, and joy, mirroring the heart of our good, good Father. [38:03]

Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the gladness of God’s presence through you today, and how can you intentionally make your home or presence a place of welcome and joy for them?


Day 2: The Power of Encouragement, Unity, and Building Up
As fathers and members of the body of Christ, we are called to strengthen, build up, and encourage those around us, just as the Holy Spirit does for us. This means fostering unity in our homes and communities, speaking life, and being intentional about uplifting others rather than tearing them down. The spirit of God equips us to be encouragers, and when we operate in this, we reflect the very heart of our Father, who never leaves us and always seeks to build us up in faith and love. [41:35]

1 Corinthians 14:12, 26 (ESV)
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church... What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can encourage or build up someone in your family or church today, using your words or actions to bring unity and strength?


Day 3: The Father’s Purpose, Protection, and Prayer
God gives each of us a unique purpose and calls us to prosper, protect, and pray for those entrusted to our care. As fathers, we are to bless our children, provide spiritual and physical protection, and intercede for them continually, just as our Heavenly Father intercedes for us. This means crucifying pride, choosing daily to serve God, and speaking life over our families, ensuring they know they are never alone and always covered in prayer. [53:48]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Reflection: How can you intentionally pray for and speak blessing over your children or those you spiritually father today, trusting God’s purpose and protection for their lives?


Day 4: The Danger of Pride and the Call to Please, Not Be Proud
Pride is a destructive spirit that hardens hearts, quenches the Holy Spirit, and brings division, but God calls us to be pleased with our children and others, not proud. The spirit of Leviathan, described in Job, is the king of pride and stands in direct opposition to the heart of God, who is gentle, patient, and always seeks to soften and heal. As fathers and believers, we must resist pride, choosing instead to be pleased with faithfulness and to operate in humility, so that the Holy Spirit can freely move in our lives and homes. [01:30:46]

Job 41:15-16, 34 (ESV)
His back is made of rows of shields, shut up closely as with a seal. One is so near to another that no air can come between them... He sees everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense pride trying to take root, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and help you be pleased, not proud, with those around you?


Day 5: The Father’s Pleasure and the Power of Faith
God the Father is not proud of us in the worldly sense, but He is well pleased with us when we walk in faith and love, just as He declared over Jesus. Our calling is to live in such a way that we please God, not by striving for perfection, but by trusting Him, loving others, and fulfilling our purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we operate in faith, we receive the Father’s affirmation and are empowered to strengthen, build up, and encourage those around us, reflecting His divine nature. [01:38:29]

Matthew 3:17 (ESV)
And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today that would bring pleasure to your Heavenly Father, and how can you encourage someone else to do the same?

Quotes

As the body of Christ, right, we're supposed to what? Strengthen, build up, and what? Encourage. Strengthen, build up, and encourage. As fathers, we should what? Strengthen, build up, and encourage. Strengthen, build up, and encourage as fathers. At the same time, the Holy Spirit brings a unity, brings a unity in the spirit. Well, as fathers, we're supposed to bring what? Unity in the spirit. Unity in the home. Fathers, you're not quitters. [00:40:31] (00:00:41 seconds) Edit Clip

Some of us have had good fathers. Some of us have had bad fathers. Some of us have had no fathers. But one thing that every single one of us have is a God, the Father. And He is a good, good Father. He is not a Father that you have to fear. He's not a Father that you have to hide from. He's a Father that's going to love you unconditionally. [00:44:13] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

God shows patience with us. Well, how long do I got to wait? As long as it takes. The father with the prodigal son, he loved his son unconditionally, and he was going to put a ring on his finger, shoes on his feet, and throw a celebration whenever his son came home, no matter as long as it takes. It might be one year. It might be one week. It might be seven years. It might be 40 years. But as long as it takes, my God is patient. [01:05:32] (00:00:48 seconds) Edit Clip

As fathers keep equipping our children not just with skills which is important I remember Trent Trent came home one day and uh or he called he said hey I'm gonna be a little bit late I'm like okay that's cool so yeah I'm helping change a tire like cool then he gets home he goes dad I'm glad you taught me how to change a tire because I was the only one that knew how to change a tire what is that a skill when a situation happened that is going to happen are you prepared for it as fathers we're like hey we're going to equip our kids okay good so when you have a spiritual flat tire do they know how to change it or do they stay on the side of the road stranded and end up dying because they don't know how to spiritually get out of that battle because they're spiritually flat and they're tired have you taught them how to pray in the spirit have you taught them how to go to the word of god have you taught them how to praise and not complain have you taught have you taught them fathers you want the rubber misa road that's what you teach. [01:11:56] (00:01:10 seconds) Edit Clip

You know why my father god keeps his promises he keeps his promises he'll never leave me he'll never forsake me my god my father god will supply all my need according to his riches and glory through christ jesus my father god is going to open up the windows of heaven and pour out his spirit upon me he's going to pour his blessings upon me my father god desires above all things that i be in health and prosper even as my soul prosper my father god he keeps his promises as fathers we've got to keep our promises not just to our children keep your promise I promise to love you and hold you. Always be there for you. You don't give up. Keep your promise. [01:13:51] (00:01:07 seconds) Edit Clip

How many times in your mind you're scared when your father comes home? That's not the father I have. I'm not scared when my father comes home because I messed up. Well, you better be scared when your father gets home. Why? Why are we putting fear into our children? I want you to run to the Father God, not to run away from Father God. [01:28:02] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

Don't be proud. Don't be proud, fathers. Be pleased, fathers. Don't be proud of your kids. Be pleased. A haughty spirit will lead to destruction. Pride comes before fall. Jesus, the best son of all. [01:32:21] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

You're here to be, what? Pleased with your children. Be pleased with people. You're here to keep your promises. You're here to propel people. You're here to be patient with people. You're here to pray for people. You're here to praise people. You're here to provide for people. You're here to play with people. You're here to protect people. You're here to be happy and give people a purpose. That is why you are here. And it's not pride. It's for Jesus Christ. All Him gets the glory and power forever. Amen. Because we have a good, good Father. Amen. [01:39:47] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip