DADDY ARE YOU THERE??

 

Today we celebrate our dad's on Father's Day.Some people may not have had the greatest dad relationship or had an absent dad or a broken family but our dad's our special both biological and adopted dads. Seems like moms get all the attention, but hey, without dads there are no moms. Profound isn't it?

A dad and a mom are crucial in raising a child and some may have had to conquer being both through no fault of their own. Dads we salute you. We thank you for working hard to provide for the family and at times not even being appreciated. We thank you for putting up with our rebellion. We thank you or loving us when we turned our backs on you.

If you have been hurt by your father in whatever way do not harbor that in your heart. Ask God to heal your wounded heart and forgive you dad even if not in person but do it or perhaps he is deceased. You will not truly be able to live a life of peace and joy and walk with the Lord if you can not let go and forgive.

God is our Father in heaven. Earthly dads have big shoes to fill trying to be the spiritual leader of the house. If you are a dad reading this are you teaching your children about God or leaving it up to the church? Deuteronomy 6:6-7(NIV) says 'These commandments I give you this day are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon 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.' Also in Ephesians 5:5-6(NIV) says pertaining to your wife 'Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up to her, to make her holy cleansing her with washing of water through the word.'

Men out there I interpret that to mean you should be praying for your wife and pray scripture over her.

In the Bible God is called our Abba Father or daddy. Men have a big responsibility in trying to be more Christlike in leading your own life and that of your family. James 1:27(NIV) is a good verse to leave with and it says '

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.'
Today go out and celebrate the gift of your dad. Forgive him for not being perfect and keep praying for him.


PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for my dad. He is to be honored not just on this special day but on every day. Help me to forgive if needed and to show love, honor, and respect. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DADS ARE SPECIAL

Twenty years ago today, my father passed away at the age of only 71. It was a sad day and is anytime you lose a parent. Whether you expect it or not,  it still happens and sometimes you are unprepared.
Dads are special. Without dads we would not have children. Dads help build things into their children's lives.  Not only are they the bread winner in most cases, but the head of the home and the one who helps their children on their way to adult hood. Dad's sacrifice so their children can have things and go to college. Dads put off their own desires so they go watch little league and dance recitals instead.

For a Christian dad your most important duty should be the spiritual training of your little ones. That is more important than the scouts or playing video games. Help build into them a love for Jesus and the kingdom of God. (Look up Deuteronomy 6).

Some may be reading this that have very bad feelings about their biological or even adoptive or foster dad. Maybe they were cruel and hurt you or worse. Like the examples above, they certainly were not there for you or supporting you but more detached. Those holding onto bitter memories of a dead beat dad have to try to just let it go. Get counseling if necessary. Try to forgive your dad. You can only have true peace in your heart when you let go of pain and move on. You can not keep blaming and rehashing the past. It is over! Move on!  Some children were abandoned by their dads through divorce and this also leaves a deep hole and feeling of rejection.

For those of you with the dads around you love give them a big hug and tell them how much you love them and how much you are thankful to to them. For dads out there, love God first then love your wife. This is the best example for the child.

You know what? God is the best daddy of all. Scripture refers to Him as 'Abba Father' and our heavenly father. Earthly dads have a big responsibility to try be be like their heavenly father. We are God's children. In Galatians 4:6 it says "Because you are sons,  God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out Abba Father." Translations  say Abba means daddy. Think of that, he is our daddy. Less formal than 'Father'.

Where are you at today? Do you feel like Jesus is your 'daddy'? He is ready for you to come to him with your problems. He isn't going to 'ground' you, take away your car keys, lecture you, or treat you harsh. You earthly daddies out there  need to try to be more merciful and kind and open so your children, whether small or grown, will not fear sharing things with you. Be like God and listen and do not condemn.

PRAYER: We thank you for fathers Lord. Help the men reading this strive to emulate Jesus in their fatherly actions or if not a dad to be like Jesus anyway. I know Lord you care for me and want me to talk to you daily. Your arms are always open wide. Thank you for being my daddy. In Jesus name. Amen.

Verses for further study: Psalm 128;Hebrews 12:9; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21.
Book suggestion: The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung, Jr.

Click on link below for a song of praise and worship:
http://youtu.be/Ow_n7Pm3INc