*Note: This is an edited post from June 19, 2015*
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but
bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV)
This Sunday, June 19, 2016, is a special day. A day we set aside to honor those special men
in our lives who are fathers—biological and/or adoptive—as well as
spiritual.
It has been said that any man can be a father but few can be
a daddy. (Fathers create—and can leave,
while daddies are there for their children—they nurture and help their children
develop.) They are the ones who
discipline and love and protect. It
takes a special man to be a daddy.
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| From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1379JxsnhYhv_LoXJSK7WgR3m0VXjSbjYBKl8ubqlAzZ0aahEtHmw795fuTFoDVE8nsHtyCzcCWx_SAi75QKVm7nMm56MfZFtOiqq2ksKW6FxujHHTmXMQtnlKgSouiiUFKRAD793tfE/s320/God+in+Heart.png |
At the outset, I realize some reading this post will have
had a challenging relationship with their earthly dad, or perhaps a beloved dad
has passed away, or a dad is no longer dad due to a variety of health issues
and/or dementia. My prayer for you is
that you will experience God’s comforting, healing presence in the days ahead.
Moreover, there are some reading this post who had a dad
that passed away before they had a chance to know him; this is true for
me. Father’s Day can be challenging, yet
it is possible to experience the loving presence of God.
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| Thanksgiving 1971 |
I am thankful for some special men who the Lord brought into
my life—some for a short season and others for a long season. I am especially thankful for my spiritual dad
who has mentored me in the faith and taught me so much about living for and
serving the Lord over the last several years.
God knew that I needed a godly male role model and brought him into my
life at just the right time.
Who in your life is a spiritual father? How can you be a spiritual father (or
parent!) to someone in your life?
In the Scriptures we read that dads are to teach their
children about the Lord and treat them with decency and respect, as we see in the
above passage from Ephesians. However,
many times this does not happen; children end up hurting and lost, looking to
others for the guidance they need.
Despite our relationship with our earthly fathers, we can
have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
He is an amazing, loving daddy. For
those of you who are not fathers, thank you for being spiritual fathers! Spend some time thinking about how you can
help the fatherless.
How can you reach out to those without fathers?
Please join with me in prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for the
fathers who gave us life and love. We
thank You for those fathers who teach their children about You. Encourage those men who are not fathers in
society’s eyes—help them to see how they can be spiritual fathers. Encourage fathers who only see their
shortcomings and failures to see what they do well. For those who do not have fathers or have a
difficult relationship with their father, grant them comfort; help them to find
spiritual fathers to guide and direct them.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
I had never seen "What Makes a Dad" before, Kim. It's wonderful as is your prayer for all of us as Father's Day approaches. Even though I no longer have my earthly father with me, I do take great comfort in the love of my heavenly Father who will be with me always.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I'm thankful that you found my post and my prayer (especially my prayer) wonderful, meaningful. Yes, to bask in our Heavenly Father's love is life changing (I think!).
DeleteLove and blessings!