Father’s Day (tomorrow!)

This picture is a bit old, as that baby is now two, but both these men are precious fathers.

My father-in-law and my husband, both men who love their families.

I remember well, finding myself seated next to my boyfriend’s father.

We were attending my boyfriend’s graduation from highschool.

I was terrified and can’t say I enjoyed the ceremony much, I didn’t know what to say and I didn’t want to say something wrong.

If I’d known what I do now, it would have been an enjoyable time.

But relationships are built with time.

(Marrying his son definitely helped the building process!)

Thus our relationship as father-in-law and daughter-in-law grew.

There are similarities between my husband and his father.

There are vast differences as well.

Both men are well loved.

Both have been blessed with children and grandchildren.

Both men have such amazing abilities.

And I’m privileged to have these men in my life.

I pray often for my husband and his role as father and grandfather.

History proves a man of integrity, honor, and service can be used by God to make an incredible impact in their family, their jobs, and their community.

Godly men are precious.

Scripture is clear as to the enormous impact a godly man has.

It’s not surprising that the enemy is out to destroy them, for they are our defenders, our providers, our covering before God.

The Lord uses fathers and husbands in such incredible ways.

May we, those set around them, be diligent in building them up, supporting them in their walk with Christ, praying for them daily, because fathers are on the front lines.

Our fathers, husbands, and sons are not perfect, but we have a responsibility to stand in the gap on their behalf.

To diligently love, honor, respect, and encourage them.

Proverbs 28:12 KJV — When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for fathers. Thank You for placing men as the head of the family. Lord, please speak clearly to those husbands and fathers. Teach them how to love and encourage their own families in righteousness. Lord, guard them with Your Word, hone their hearts, that they might not be led astray or enticed by wickedness. Lord, please cut off anything which would be a stumbling block to them, that they might not fall into sin. Lord, please teach them to be full of integrity, to be honest, honorable, dedicated, diligent, and purposeful about their walk with You and their family. Lord, please help them to be aware of the time and season they are in, to understand the times, joining together with You to redeem it. Please help them to be focused on truth. Lord, please keep them from being entangled in the cares of this world, but rather that they are able to walk in trust with You, putting off fear and putting on faith. Lord Jesus, please protect our men from the lies of the enemy. Surround them as with a shield. Thank You so much for my husband, my father-in-law, and my sons, please bless them with Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You. Amen.

To my darling husband:

I praise God for you! Thank you for our 23 years of marriage. Thank you for continuing to learn how to father our children and grandchildren. I’m praying for you. Thank you for loving us. I love you.

Happy Father’s Day!

Fathers

It was God’s idea from the beginning.

And God has a perfect plan for every father.

God created man and woman in His image and began the first family. Genesis 1:26

Adam was the first father.

Unfortunately, Adam’s fatherhood includes incredible pain.

But God gave him and Eve comfort with the birth of Seth. Genesis 4:26

Throughout scripture we find stories of godly fathers, as well as those who failed.

It’s in the pages of the Bible we find what God’s plan for fathers is.

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

Psalm 44:1 KJV — To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Proverbs 17:6 KJV — Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Malachi 4:6 KJV — And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Fathers are vital to the health and well being of their children.

God made the first family a father and mother, because children need both.

Sin has forever left stains upon the family, but it’s not a hopeless institute.

Jesus, Himself redeemed the sinner.

Therefore, no matter the circumstances, the family too can find hope.

Those of us who are women, wives, and mothers need to love, support, and pray for the husbans and fathers.

Those who are men, fathers, and husbands have the scriptures to guide and direct them as to God’s plan on raising their family.

They are called to love their wives and children.

1 Peter 3:7, Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19 & 21,

There are so many examples in scripture where God used a godly man mightily in the lives of others.

Elijah used in Elisha’s life.

Moses in Joshua’s.

Paul in Timothy’s.

A godly man can be used to grow, guide, and hone those younger than himself.

It’s not easy, nor is it a one time thing.

Mentoring others is costly.

But God Himself set up the blessings which grow from a godly father training the hearts of children.

Today, let us pray for fathers.

Let’s lift them up before the Lord and seek God on their behalf.

Thanking Him for the gift of godly fathers and praying for those who have yet to walk in their calling.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for fathers. Thank You for godly men who live for You instead of themselves. Lord, please protect and lead these men. Please hone them daily to be more like You, that their lives might accurately reflect You. Jesus, we know it’s so difficult to live each day in this sinful, broken world. Yet, now more than ever we need godly men. Husbands and fathers to rise up and fulfill their calling to follow You with a whole heart. Please let it be so. Thank You, Jesus. We love You! Amen.

To my husband, father-in-law, and son-in-law: Happy Father’s day.