Who's Your Daddy?

Today's reading: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." 1John3:1

This entry is for both Saturday and today, Father's day. I was thinking about the importance of fathers in our lives, as I know there are persons who have had to grow up without a father in their life, or have experienced the loss of their father. There are those who have fathers who are estranged, difficult, in prison, work long hours. There are many things fathers are in this world. Our earthly dads have either been a part of our lives or they haven't. Our dads have made every effort to help raise us to be good people or they haven't. I think they just do the best they can.

I am fortunate to have my father in my life. It has not been an easy journey in the role of father and son, but I love my dad. I did not always see his reasons behind things when I was growing up, but I don't think he did a bad job. My dad is supportive of me. He is patient. I think that is a mercy God has given him in his older years. God knows I push the envelope sometimes. Also, my dad has been there for me when I have needed help most. I know my dad is not perfect, but I see God at work in his heart. He has grown much in the last few years. We both have had to struggle this last year after experiencing loss. I have been blessed to see my dad be a good father, and a faithful husband. He and my mother were married 44 years. 

During the time my mother was going through her cancer, she was bed ridden. It was definitely something that was painful to watch, and is still painful to recall, but I saw how faithful my dad was to serve and love my mom. At times, I think dad was so tired, but God gave him the strength to keep on serving. In a situation like this you just cannot think about yourself. Thank you dad for loving mom and being there for her. Thank you for being my dad, and loving me. You are an inspiration. Keep on walking for Jesus. Happy Father's Day.

Now, something a little more different.  Isn't it great! We are children of God. God loves us very much. It is because of His great love that we can call Him "Abba," which means "Father," and more intimately, "Daddy."  in Galatians 4:6 it says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"  Also, in Romans 8:15 it tells us that we are "adopted".  When you receive Jesus in to your heart, you become His. John 1:12 affirms this, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:" Additionally, I believe that if you have received Jesus in your heart the Holy Spirit works in you to teach you and help you understand what it means to be a child of God. We are told, in Romans 8:16 it says that, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

You know, if you do not have a relationship with your dad, or have lost your dad or do not have someone who is close to you like a dad, God hears your heart's cry. He knows what you are feeling today.  In Psalm 68:5 it tells us God is a, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." 

I think the key today is to remember who Jesus is in your life. Remember that He loves you. You are His child and are precious to Him. Do you have a relationship with the Father? Are you reading the Bible daily and praying? Are you doing what the Bible says? Live today in a way that brings glory and honor to the Father. If you are stumbling, know this, you can go boldly to Him, and ask forgiveness. God will be graceful to you if you are humble before Him.

My prayer for this weekend: Jesus, please let us all honor You today through our obedience to your Word. It is not about us, but bringing glory to You. You are holy. You are awesome in Your power. Jesus, help those who do not have relationships with their dads, to seek Your face, and Your love. You are good, God, and Your love endures forever. Jesus, also help those who are grieving to find comfort in You. Shower Your grace upon these individuals and let Your peace rule their hearts. Thank you Jesus for loving each and everyone of us. Thank you for Your kindness, and Your tender mercies. In Your name, Amen.