Father's Day 2019. I have been richly blessed of God and given an incredible father, though not just one. First, I have my Heavenly Father who so richly loves me. John 3:16 says that God greatly loved the world,so much so that he gave His son to die in our place.
Next, I have my own dad. When I look back over the years of my life, I see so vividly the many blessings that I was the beneficiary of. Whether opportunities in the woods of Upper Michigan, family trips, or church/school events and trips, I had so many privileges growing up. We never realized what we didn't have because we had so much.
Finally, in 1989 I gained another father when I married Bec. My father-in-law has been a great blessing over these thirty years. He has offered support and advice, as well as oil changes, tire rotations, engine rebuilds, etc.
Here are a few thoughts on fathers, focused on some characteristics of the Heavenly Father. (key thought courtesy of Focus on the Family)
- He is the source of life. No father = no life. That is especially true of spiritual life. But even physically, life would no't exist without our Creator Father.
- He lovingly corrects us. God's discipline and correction are always done out of love (Hebrews 12:3-11). God's Spirit corrects us in our everyday decisions and interactions with others. Sometimes that correction is subtle, sometimes harsh. We need to sense Him prodding us toward decisions that reflect His love and truth, and we should be convicted when we choose to disobey.
- He provides for our needs. We have so much for which to be thankful. The poorest among us are incredibly wealthy when we pause to meditate on all that we have. How much joy the true Father must receive when we enjoy all the good gifts that He has provided through creation (Matthew 7:11). All that we have comes from the Father above. He provides for a daily necessities, plus so much more.
- He gives us His wisdom. Dads are to help teach their children and if they do not, who will? We help our kids learn life skills and encourage them in their gifts and talents. One thing that we much teach children is that true wisdom comes from our heavenly Father. His inspired Word is the ultimate source of wisdom and truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17d).
- He always welcomes us back. We forgive our children when they mess up, and we try to help them make better choices in the future. Help your kids recognize that this is just a glimpse of God's role in our lives. He is the ultimate model of forgiveness. We all mess up, but our true Father is constantly on watch for our return, running to us with joy when we turn back to His family (Luke 15:11-32). God doesn't expect perfection. as seen in the fact that he taught about confession and forgiveness. So fathers should teach about forgiving and forgetting. So many of the tragedies that dominate the news these days stem from simmering bitterness over relational issues. If we would practice Biblical forgiveness, so much could be avoided.
There is obviously more that could be written, but here I cease. Thanks Dad(s) for everything.
