Thirsty: bless me oh my father

Pastor Delbert Enns:
Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes didn't want to put in the effort to be successful.

What happens when there is so much dysfunction around us we can't move forward? Do we lose the passion?

Today is Father's Day and without a relationship with our heavenly Father it is impossible to explain what a good father is.

Randy's story video. Dad was a military man. Jeff Vanderstahl became an example of how to be a loving father.

Genesis 27:2-4 shows a dysfunctional family of Isaac and Rebecca. To pass on the blessing was a huge thing. The story is not so much about Isaac as about God. Rebecca sent her favorite son in before Esau had a chance. Jacob told a long string of lies. Just to get the blessing. That's humanity. We tell lies.
Read the blessing:  May God give you dew from heaven and make your fields fertile! May he give you plenty of grain and wine!  May nations be your servants, and may peoples bow down before you. May you rule over all your relatives, and may your mother's descendants bow down before you. May those who curse you be cursed, and may those who bless you be blessed."

When we go to our heavenly Father he blesses us all the time. Esau knew he got the short end of the stick. This as an example of dysfunctional family.

1. Meaningful touch. Kiss me my son. That was so important in that culture. We have a culture of fear. We are so sterilized.
Jesus touched the children and blessed them. Start hugging. Everyone loves to be hugged and blessed.
Met ex Muslims that wanted to be baptised at Lake Victoria. He held my hand while walking to the baptismal site.

2. Affection. You smell like a field. We walk away from people with body odor.

3. May God bless you with wine. Jesus's first miracle was party wine. The party begins when Jesus shows up. What's wrong with us and our long faces? What does it look like for us to become party value add?

4. Glorious future. Be blessed! When you are loved and cared for you will have lots of friends that want to be part of what you do.
We think we gain value by doing things. What's so amazing about Grace? Start hugging more people. Prodigal daughter. She thinks her parents are too strict and leaves home and becomes a prostitute. When she finally comes home she is welcomed with open arms. A big party is waiting. I want to love you. You don't need to say anything. When the father's blessing comes the real party begins.

Prayer: the Father's love sent his Son to give eternal life not to condemn you. Father we confess that we are not that good at accepting your unconditional love. Help us to remember that the blood of Jesus paid our debt.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.