A Psalm 112 Kind of Man

A PSALM 112 KIND OF MAN

Ps 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Would you agree with me that what the world needs today is not more men behaving Badly... What the world really needs today is more men behaving Godly.

Proverbs 20:6 asks a very sobering question...“But a faithful man- who can find?”

If ever there was a day when our world needed “Faithful Men”... Today is the day!

Listen Men...The men of America need a “wake-up call.” Our world needs us today, more than ever. Our world needs us to be godly men. • Your wives need you to be a godly man... • Your children need you to be a godly man... • Your church needs you to be a godly man... • Your business needs you to be a godly man... • Your community and your nation needs you to be a godly man... What the world really needs today are some “MEN BEHAVING... GODLY!”

I am convinced, if our families are going to survive in the 21st century...They will need strong male leadership to do so. If families are to survive in the 21st century the will have to be led by Godly husbands and fathers. If families are going to survive in the 21st century, men will have to stop behaving Badly and start behaving GODLY.

When men behave Badly...society suffers. When men behave Godly... society is strengthened.

Let me point you to one of many passages that speak directly to the issue of MEN BEHAVING...GODLY. Please open you Bibles to Psalm 112. Let read this powerful passage of scripture that was written by a man... for men. Notice David is the author of this Psalm: • David was a Man’s man.... Remember he was the brave lad who killed Goliath and cut off his head. He was a warrior. • David was a family man...He had the responsibilities of a wife and children. In fact this is one area of David’s life where he produced his greatest failures. Like most men, David allowed other things to distract him from the priority and attention that should have been given to his family. • David was a business man, a man with great responsibilities... He was one of the most successful kings of all history. He was a builder and an administrator. • David was a spiritual man... He was “a man after God’s own heart.” David was a leader in temple worship. He wrote Psalms and hymns of praise. He even danced before the Lord. • David could relate to every man in this room today. He experienced everything you experience as a man... And he usually excelled in everything he did. David can relate to us and most of us can relate to him. Now listen to what David said about “MEN BEHAVING...GODLY.” READ TEXT PSALM 112

Psalm 112 tells us exactly where the whole process has to begin... Look closely again at verse 1... v. 1 Hey, this gets right to the root of the problem for most of us men: • Too many men do not have a healthy “fear of God.” • Too many men do not find “great delight in His commands.”

When a man truly “fears God” and truly “loves God’s Word.” ...That man is on his way to true godliness. His life is going to be productive and successful. Just look at some of the promises associated with a man who “fears God and finds great delight in His commands.”

(1) There is a promise concerning his CHILDREN. -Ps 112:2 (2) There is a promise concerning his CHARACTER.-Ps 112:3-4 NOTE: 4 times in 4 verses the Bible mentions this man’s “RIGHTEOUS” character. (3) There is a promise concerning his CONDUCT. -Ps 112:5 (4) There is a promise concerning his CONFIDENCE. -Ps 112:6-8 (5) There is a promise concerning his CHARITY. -Ps 112:9 (6) There is a promise concerning his COMMENDATION. -Ps 112:6 Look at v. 9—‘endureth forever’

QUESTION: How many of you men would like to be this kind of man?

The place to begin is verse 1... Be a man who fears God and finds great delight in His commands. This passage sounds similar to another passage that expresses the benefits and advantages of men behaving Godly... by fearing God and loving God’s Word...

Ps 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

I’m telling you my friend... • This is the kind of Man the world needs • This is the kind of Man your wife needs • This is the kind of Man your children need • This is the kind of Man your church needs.

And just to be quite honest, this is the kind of man that is hard to find today...even in the church. Unfortunately there are more men behaving badly than there are men behaving godly.

• I want to speak specifically to you men who are husbands and/or fathers. • I want you to realize the tremendous power of your influence on your marriage and on your children.

1. AS A HUSBAND YOU HAVE A POWERFUL INFLUENCE UPON YOUR WIFE. a. I am telling you fellas, your wife’s happiness and emotional security in life rests almost entirely upon you. b. I believe this is exactly what the Bible means when it says the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church his body of which he is the Savior. (Eph.5:24)

• Being the “head of your wife” does not mean you are her boss or task master. It does not mean you have the right to rule over her like a tyrant.

• Being the head of your wife means you have the responsibility for her well being. You are her supply. You are the one who provides security and satisfaction to her. c. I believe God built your wife to be a RESPONDER. And when you love her in the same way Christ loves the church, she will be secure and satisfied and happy.

2. AS A FATHER, YOU HAVE A POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON YOUR CHILDREN.

Ps 112:1-2 a. Dads, I want you to realize what a tremendous impact you have on your children. In spite of what the world/tv may say about your role... I’m telling you your children need you desperately.

• Fatherless daughters are 53% more likely to marry as teenagers • Fatherless daughters are 111% more likely to have children as teenagers. • Fatherless daughters are 164% more likely to have an out-of-wedlock birth • Fatherless daughters have a 92% higher divorce rate than girls raised with Dads in the home. • Fatherless sons are 35% more likely to experience marital failure • Fatherless sons are 300% more likely to become incarcerated in state juvenile institutions • Fatherless sons make up 70% of all juveniles in state institutions • Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of high school • Fatherless children have only half the chance of being high achievers • Fatherless children are 50% more likely to have learning disabilities.

• According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Fatherless children are anywhere from 100 to 200% more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems. • Fatherless young adults are twice as likely to need and receive psychological help. • According to our nation’s hospitals, 80% of adolescents admitted for psychiatric reasons come from fatherless families.

“From relationships, education, to mental instability, to crime, one factor looms as the most significant contributor: A home without a dad.” (5 Lies, David T. Moore, Tyndale House Publishers, p.89-90)1995 b. Listen Dads, you better be behaving Godly, or you’re not only going to wreck your own life, you are going to wreck the life of your children. c. Your children need you more than you can possibly realize... d. Maybe this is why the Bible gives such strong and explicit instructions to Dads on their responsibilities toward their children...

Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Ephes. 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Col. 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. e. I challenge you to read the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, and notice how often it makes reference to children following the same paths taken by their fathers, whether it be for evil or for good.

Some followed the righteous example of Godly fathers...

2 Chron. 17:3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

2 Chron. 26:4 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

Some followed the godless and sinful examples their fathers had set.

1 Kings 22:52 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:

Jer. 9:14 They have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them: f. I’m telling you dads...If you blow it and fail to live and act in a godly way, you will pass that cycle of sin on to your children.

Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

II. AVOID THE PITFALLS OF YOUR MASCULINITY.

• I think I need to tell you guys that there are some hazards that come with being male. • The way we are built as the “Fallen Sons OF Adam” can work against us. • We do not have a natural bent toward godliness... In fact our natural bent is toward sinfulness and selfishness. • And men have their own unique brand of sinfulness and selfishness. • So let me tell you about some common mistakes or pitfalls that we have to avoid in our families.

1. ARROGANT Husbands and Fathers. a. Someone has said it this way, “Men are 90% ego wrapped in skin.” b. It is true, we men have our own unique version of pride and arrogance. We have this ego- driven John Wayne mentality.

Most men think they are Rambo, John Wayne, Chuck Norris, and Albert Einstein all wrapped up into one person. Ladies, would you agree that if you could buy a man for what he is worth and sell him for what he thinks he is worth, you’d make a huge profit? c. Our pride is what drives most of the other common failures and mistakes we make as Husbands and Fathers.

2. ABSENTEE husbands and fathers. a. The worse thing a man can do is to walk out on his family. It is the most heinous of all crimes a man can commit.

Have you noticed how bad men are running in our culture... • Over 15 million kids are growing up in homes without any father figure • 70% of men in prison grew up without a father

Your kids need a Dad that is there day and night to: • help them with their homework • take them on long walks • get involved in their lives • go to school programs and parent’s nights • talk to when they are hurting and confused • tuck them into bed every night • pray with them and teach them the scriptures • model their lives after • wrestle with in the floor and have tickle fights with • show them how to relate to other people • teach them respect and discipline

Your kids need a “Full-Time Dad”... not a “Part-Time Dad.” b. Hey, by the way, it is possible to be sleeping at home every night and still be an absentee father:

• If you come home late every night • If your career keeps you from getting involved in your kids’ lives • If you don’t have time or take time to build your relationship with your wife and children • If you are too busy or too tired to connect with them emotionally…Then you are guilty of being an absentee father even though you still sleep at home.

Some of you Dads are wondering why your sons and daughters are acting out, and showing signs of rebellion. Could it be their rebellion and misbehavior is a desperate cry for some love and attention from Dad???

Harry Chapin and his incredible song Cat’s In The Cradle...

Please listen to the words once again:

My child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way, But there were planes to catch and bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away. He was talking before I knew it, and as he grew he’d say, ‘You know I’m gonna be like you Dad, you know I’m gonna be like you.

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon, Little boy blue and the man in the moon. When you coming home Dad, I don’t know when, But we’ll get together then, Son, you know we’ll have a good time then.

My Son turned 10 just the other day, He said ‘Thanks for the ball Dad, C’mon let’s play Can you teach me to throw?’ I said, ‘Not today I’ve got a lot to do’ He said, ‘That’s OK.’ And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed, He said, ‘I’m gonna be just like him, you know, I’m gonna be just like him.

He came from the college just the other day, So much like a man I just had to say ‘Son I’m proud of you can you sit for a while?’ He shook his head and he said with a smile, ‘What I’d really like Dad is to borrow the car keys, See you later, can I have them please?’

I’ve long since retired and my Son’s moved away I called him up just the other day. I said, ‘I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.’ He said, ‘I’d love to Dad if I could find the time, You see my new job’s a hassle and the kids have the flu, But it’s been sure nice talking to you Dad, It’s been sure nice talking to you. And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me, My boy was just like me, He’d grown up just like me. And the cat’s in the cradle in the cradle and the silver spoon, Little boy blue and the man in the moon. When you coming home? Dad I don’t know when, But we’ll get together then Dad, You know we’ll have a good time then”

Not long after Harry Chapin’s song hit the charts, he began to wonder why he was not paying attention to what he was singing about. He decided the following summer he was going to make some changes. He was going to cancel some engagements and slow down…That same summer he was killed in an automobile accident.

Hey Dads...If you are going to make some changes, you better start today. Tomorrow may be too late.

3. ALOOF husbands and fathers. a. Maybe the pitfall of masculinity we husbands and fathers most often fall into is the pitfall of aloofness. b. Men are not usually very relational by nature. They are more “Loners” by nature. c. That is why most of us have to fight against our nature, and let God make us something different than we are by nature and temperament. Most of us are “ALOOF” by nature. d. “ALOOF”... it means being: • emotionally distant • cold • silent • frigid • rigid • stand-offish • remote • unaffectionate e. “ALOOF” ... it means withholding our affections and expressive love.

Dads, many of you may be like me. I did not know until recently that my wife and children interpret my silence and aloofness and “REJECTION.” when I am counseling young couples who are preparing for marriage I ask them about their relationship with their fathers. You would be surprised how many young ladies begin to cry when I ask that question and they tell me something like this, “My father never told me he loved me. My father never hugged me or kissed me or put his arm around me.” f. Let me tell you a little secret men, most of your wives and kids are starving for your affection and approval. They want Dad to come down from the masculine ionosphere where he is living and touch their lives with his love, affection, and approval. g. Most of us men in this room are guilty as sin of “ALOOFNESS”... aren’t we? We need to reach out and begin touching our families with our love and acceptance.

III. ARRANGE THE PRIORITIES OF YOUR LIFE.

• Hey, would some of you agree with me, that a whole lot of us have our priorities all out of whack?

• Some of us know we have our priorities out of line, but we don’t have any idea what to do about it, or we don’t have the moral, spiritual fortitude to do something about it.

EX. When Industry Week surveyed managers across the country and asked what they worried most about, the answers revealed a twisted agenda.

• The number one worry was personal health • The second was lack of time • Number five was personal investments • Number six was estate planning • Number seven was their relationship with their children • Number ten was their marriage Only two of the top ten worries related to a man’s personal world—and they ranked number seven and ten.” (5 p.93)Lies Would you say a lot of these fellows have their priorities all messed up?

• I believe we see a scale of right-priorities implied in the first 3 verses of Psalm 112. V.1 Speaks of a man’s relationship with his God... V.2 Speaks of a man’s relationship with his Family... V.3 Speaks of a man’s relationship with himself (his inner life, his character)

V.1 A MAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS GOD V.2 A MAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FAMILY V.3 A MAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIMSELF (his inner life, his character)

• Is this not a pretty good scale of priorities. • These seem to me to be the first three things that every man should remain focused on.

1. A MAN’S FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE HIS GOD.

Ps 112:1 In Revelation 2:4... Jesus said to the church at Ephesus that He wanted to be “their first love.” In Matthew 6:33 Jesus said...

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. a. Gentlemen, the first priority you have in life is to be a godly man, and to have a passion for God. b. Let me ask you guys today...Is Jesus Christ your first love?

• Do you think about Him more than you think about sports, your job, or recreation? • Do you give Him the first place in your time priorities? • Do you give Him first place in your finances? • Do you talk about Him as naturally in your daily conversations as you do the latest standings in the National League? • Do you have a hunger and a passion to know Him better? • Are you pursuing the knowledge of Christ through prayer, the study of God’s word and submitting yourself to Bible teaching and preaching? c. Do you want to know “who” or “what” is in first place in your life?...Just evaluate “who” or “what” consumes most of your mental energy and your calendar space. • “who” or “what” do you think about the most? • “who” or “what” consumes most of your time?

2. A man must make a priority of his FAMILY.

Ps.112:2 a. Most men are failing when it comes to their families. • they are failing to spend enough time with their families • they are failing to meet the needs of their wives • they are failing to get in touch with their children • they are failing to communicate godly values and spiritual truths to their families • they are failing to lead their families into holiness and righteousness • they are failing to express adequate affection and approval to their children b. By nature, most men are “task oriented” and most men tend to find their identity in their work...Therefore, they tend to take their jobs way too seriously and neglect their families.

NOTE: Listen men, there is no career worth losing your marriage or your children over! 3. A man must make a priority of developing inner CHARACTER and personal RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1. Assume your SPIRITUAL responsibilities. a. Psalm 112 describes a man who “finds great delight in God’s commands.” b. Hey, fellas...Are you finding great delight in God’s commands today? c. Do you realize God has given you the responsibility of SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP in your families, communities and churches. d. Do you realize someday you are going to give an accounting back to God on how you conducted your life, and how you led your family spiritually? e. Listen men, You’d better not leave the “religious stuff” up to your wife. You’d better assume your responsibilities as the “Spiritual Leader” in your home.

2. Assume your FAMILY responsibilities. V.2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. a. Hey it’s time some of you men had a WAKE-UP CALL. • Your wife is silently crying for your love and attention. • Your children are starving for some unconditional love and approval from Dad. b. Hey fellas...We’re losing our families with our heads buried in the sands of “careers” and “busy-ness” c. We better get our heads out of the sand and get back to our wives and children and be men of God.

I read a poem by Elrod Leany recently that moved me. I want to share it with you...

“One day when Bruce was just a lad, first starting out in school, He came into my workshop and climbed upon a stool. I saw him as he entered but I hadn’t time to play. So I merely nodded to him and said, “Don’t get in the way.” He sat a while just thinking... As quiet as could be Then carefully he got down and came and stood by me. He said, “Old Shep, he never works and he has lots of fun. He runs around the meadows and barks up at the sun.

He chases after rabbits and always scares the cats He likes to chew on old shoes and sometimes mother’s hats. But when we’re tired of running and we sit down on a log I sometimes get to thinking ... “I wish my daddy was a dog.” Now I know you work real hard to buy us food and clothes. And you need to get the girls those fancy ribbon bows. But sometimes when I’m lonesome I think it’d be lots of fun if my daddy was a dog, and all his work was done.” Now when he’d finished speaking, he looked so lonely there, I reached my hand out to him and ruffled up his hair. And as I turned my head aside to brush away a tear, I thought how nice it was to have my son so near. I know the Lord didn’t mean for man to toil his whole life through, “Come on, my son I’m sure I have some time for you” You should have seen the joy and sunlight in his eye. As we went outside to play—Just my son and I.

Now, as the years have flown and youth has slipped away, I’ve tried always to remember to allow some time to play. When I pause to reminisce and think of joys and strife, I carefully turn the pages of this wanderer’s book of life.

I find the richest entry recorded in the daily log, Is the day that small boy whispered, “I wish my daddy was a dog.” (Homes of Honor, published by “Today’s Family,” 1482 Lakeshore Dr. Branson Mo., Spring/Summer, p.8)1997

Hey men...Don’t let your kids go on wishing “Daddy were a dog” today.

It’s high time some of us men stopped behaving badly and started behaving godly.

I wonder if there are some men here today who are willing to stand up and be real men...be MEN BEHAVING... GODLY!