The Father He Didn't Have To Be

"And then all of a sudden Oh, it seemed so strange to me, how we went from something's missing, to a family.
Lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me,
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad That he didn't have to be"
Chorus to the song: "He Didn't Have To Be" Written by Brad Paisley & Kelley Lovelace.

 "...having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.." (Ephesians 1:5)

 Dads come in every shape and sizes. And becoming a father is more than just bringing a child into the world, as the chorus of the song above reveals. But our God is an awesome heavenly Father. When man-kind, whom He created turned against Him, He gave His Son to be a sacrifice for the sins of man-kind.

And as the apostle Paul said in out text, God predetermined that we would be His Children, because of His good pleasure. In essence Paul is saying, that God wanted to be our heavenly Father, and to have us with Him for eternity. That should make us feel very special. As His child, I know that God is always caring for me and my family. He opens doors for us, that He knows is best for our well-being.

God could have created us, for many different reasons. But I am glad that He created us, so we could be his children. Yes, "He Is The Father, He Didn't Have To Be!" GP

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A Father's Care

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13)

I remember when I was a teenager, I grew restless on the farm, and I told my father that I thought it would be easier to work for our neighbor, than for him. So when the opportunity came to work for our neighbor, I was very inclined. But my determination turned into disappointment. Our neighbor was harder to work for, than my father. I was so glad to get back, and place myself under by father's expectations and care.

I see a parallel here between my experience, and the difference between living for the world, and living under the expectation and care, of our heavenly Father. Even though the world has it's frills and thrills, the world doesn't care for our well-being like our heavenly Father does. He knows full well what we need, and He provides for us according to His will for our lives. He always has our best interest at heart.

When the world gets through with us, we are left disappointed and defeated. My father was easier on me, because I was his child. Even though he expected the work to be done, I was more to him than just an employee who was paid. I was his child, who he wanted to care for, and provide the best that he had for me. Our heavenly Father is the same way. Yes, He has expectations for us. But He also has His blessings that we are to enjoy now, and for ever.

So today, let's take ourselves out from under the heaviness of the world, and place ourselves under the authority and care of our heavenly Father. We truly will not be sorry we did! GP

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Dad! What Are You Doing With My World?

 A boy was given a world globe for his birthday. He liked it so much that he kept it beside his bed. One night his father wanted to study the globe. Thinking that his son was asleep, he tiptoed into his room, picked up the globe, and started for the door. He had just reached it when the child sitting up in bed, called out, "Hey Dad, What are you doing with my world?" That's a good question for us as parents. What are we doing with our children's world? It's a great privilege, and responsibility to make it the best place possible, for their development. 

As parents, we ask the question: How can we do this? 

Here are three answers from God's Word. 

1. BE APART OF THEIR WORLD (Proverbs 4:1) 

2. ESTABLISH THEM IN THEIR WORLD (Ephesians 6:4) 

3. BE AN EXAMPLE TO THEM IN THEIR WORLD (2 Chronicles 7:17-18) 

(Radio Bible Class - Our Daily Bread & Outline) 

So what are we doing with our children's world? Are we very much apart of it? Are we working to affirm their worth, their self-esteem? 

Are we being a good example to them? 

Read Psalm 127:3-5 Is your life a shining witness, With a testimony true? Could the world be won to Jesus, Just by what they see in you? Dads, do our children see Jesus in us? 

Have a great Father's Day! GP 

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My Father In Me

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"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." 
(Colossians 1:15)

Paul Overstreet recorded a song awhile back entitled: "My Father In Me." It is so true that in many cases, children resemble their parents, in looks, actions, attitudes, and yes, life values.

The Apostle Paul (in our text) said that Jesus was the the "image of the invisible God." When He came to this world, He showed us the Father (John 14:9-10) He showed His Father's wisdom, love, and power.

This Sunday will be "Father's Day." And I think about my father, and how I resemble him in looks, and somewhat in behavior. But most of all I think about what He instilled in me as a child. I know that my father loved the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that my father was proud of me in entering the ministry. He had the opportunity to hear me preach. I am not sure what he was thinking, but I am confident that it was a proud thought of "That's my boy up there!" He instilled in me, a love for the Lord, and a love for people. My father had a way of saying what needed to be said to people, and at the same time, not causing them to become angry, with what he said.

 As fathers, we need to think about the affect and influence we have on our children. No, none of us are perfect, and when we are wrong, we need to own up to it. But when people look at our children, may they see the best of us, in their character, attitudes, and commitment, to our Lord Jesus Christ!

May our children see, our heavenly Father, in us!  GP

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