-June 18, 2023- Father’s Day
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day, happy Father’s Day,
“And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
(Ephesians 6:4).
Fathers have the most responsibility and greatest privilege in the world of leadership in the home and training their children for Christ. It is a twenty-four hour job. The rewards are immense and eternal. To raise a child for Christ is such a blessing.
Training involves sacrifice and effort, time and patience. Children learn best when they see it practiced before them. One of the worst expressions is: “do what I say, not what I do.” Hypocrisy turns kids off, but reality, truth, and love motivate them. When a father displays Christ in all areas of his life, the children want to follow his example.
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Each child must make their own choice to receive Christ, but giving them a strong foundation in the Word of God makes a huge difference. It is far better and more effective to train a child than it is to reform one. We see the many prisoners who are serving time. Many had either an abusive or absent father in the home.
Pastor Tony Evans compares fathers to satellites. He says, “Satellites are often used to show us where the enemy is located. They provide pictures and perspectives so that we are kept from ambushes and traps. They provide information critical for being victorious in war. Fathers are supposed to be like satellites, providing a perspective for their kids in order to keep them from being ambushed in illegitimate relationships.”
Fathers, we thank you for all you have done for us, especially spiritually. Your love, guidance, and discipline has been an example to keep us safe and on God’s path. The devil, the enemy of our souls uses sophisticated means against us and we must put on the whole armor of God, using the Word of God in an effective way. Let’s thank our fathers. Fathers, give your all for the training and admonition of the Lord. The word admonish means to, “to warm or reprimand someone firmly.” The world calls it tough love, but in actuality it is God’s love given truthfully and urgently for the good of others.
Have a blessed Father’s Day either as a father, or a wife who supports, or children young or older. We all share in this wonderful day. Stay safe and healthy.
Being better satellites for Jesus. Looking to our heavenly Father in order to be a better fathers and better Christians.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 