DAD WE APPRECIATE YOU

Today we celebrate the gift and blessing of our dads. Some like to be called 'Father', some 'pop' , some go by 'daddy', a few go by 'pa' but we call him simply 'Dad'. Even though Mother's deserve all the applause on their special day if it were not for dads there would be no moms to celebrate and vice versa. My dad passed away in 1992 but many of you still have your dads. Some may not see 'eye to eye' with them or blame them for being too harsh, controlling, or domineering in their life. Regardless, you have lots to be thankful for because, let's face it,without your dad you would  not be here. Many are from broken homes where a dad left a single mom behind and you perhaps harbor bitterness. There are some, like Bible teacher Joyce Meyer, who were raped multiple times by her biological dad but was able to forgive him in his old age before he died. Maybe you were given up for adoption because your dad was a. 'deadbeat' or did not care for you properly.There are dads who become alcoholics and are not around for their children. Not all fathers want to be fathers and accidentally become one whether single or married. To those of you who chose to do the right thing and be a dad to your child, I applaud you.So basically not everyone out there has warm fuzzy feelings for their dads. But the good ones who do so much are are to be commended.

Some women who have never worked outside the home may not understand what pressure the men have at work and knowing they are the 'bread winners'. Be sure to be appreciative of this. Imagine having all the responsibility of the home on your shoulders. Some single moms understand what I am saying.

Sons and daughters out there who have living fathers, do something special for them today. Sit and think of all the things your dad did for you. My husband knew our sons liked to ice skate so he made sure wherever we moved with the military there was a 'sheet of ice' as those in the skating community call it, in the city or town where we were headed. He has been a good provider and often not appreciated enough. He loves our sons and would do anything for them. He did not spoil them and gave them the discipline they needed to grow up and be a good member of society. He paid their bills, provided tuition for schools and college, clothed them, housed them, helped them see their dreams come true and took us on nice vacations. Stop for a moment and think what your dad did or what  your husband did for your children if you are a mom reading this.



If you are a dad keep on keeping on and do the right thing. Don't beat yourself up when work caused you to not be there. In the military this is very common. Make the most of the time you do have with your children. If they are small and at home don't just plop in front of TV with them but do family time things such as games and sports where you can interact. Above all dad you are responsible for the spiritual life of your children.

Hebrews 12:7-11 in speaking of discipline which is a key thing you need to do to raises well adjusted children and it says " Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." In Ephesians 6:4 it says " Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Society today and back in the beginning of the feminist movement of late 60's and early 70's started to belittle man and take away his God given role as head of the home. Not saying that a lady can not be a corporate president, Army officer, and the list goes on,but the way God designed it there could only be one leader. Remember Eve was taken from Adam's rib. Man is not supposed to trample or 'lord over' the woman but treat her with kindness and respect. A couple works together ideally in agreement to raise their children with hopefully the most important eternal aspect being their spiritual side. This does not just mean go to church one day a week and that is that. But it means to teach your children in the home to love the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 reminds us "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

Today celebrate dad. If he was not perfect try to forgive him and let your anger go. If your relationship is not good pray for God to restore and heal it. Take time today to tell your dad he is special and thank him for what he means to you.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for my dad who has done so much for me. Father in general I thank you for fathers and pray for those who may be grieving or hurting today because of past wounds. Help those with pain give it to you. Help those dads who are alive today to feel the love of their children. Help those with living dads remember God's command in Exodus 20 to honor them. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NOTE: Go buy a copy of the DVD 'Courageous' which is about fathers. You will not be disappointed. http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

Click on link to enjoy the song from the movie Courageous.
http://youtu.be/Uyc-M_Xv5TI