I am very blessed that a few weeks ago I could celebrate having the best mom in the world.
And now this weekend, I get to celebrate having the best dad in the world.
Also, I am doubly blessed because I can also say my own children can also celebrate they have
the very best dad in Andrew.
What a lot to celebrate and be thankful for!
I think this quote fits my father perfectly. The way he has lived his life as a husband, father, grandfather, friend to many, hard worker, and valued member of church and community has taught me how to live my life in a way that brings glory and honor to the Lord.
My father is a man of great integrity and much love.
I can best describe my childhood (besides being great fun!) as knowing that my dad was always there for my mom and us kids. This is still true to this day even though we are all a lot older :)
I am so thankful to my dad for all his love, work and service to my mom, his children, his country,
and to his job.
Thank you! I love you Dad!
As I said earlier, I am blessed that Andrew models the same thing for our kids that
my dad modeled for me.
Thank you Andrew, and
thank you Lord for that blessing!
The following excerpt is written by Rick Thomas.
In the first part, he discusses the things our heavenly Father does for us, His children. Then he says that our earthly fathers have the privilege of pointing their children to the Lord by how they hopefully love and care for their children in the same way.
I thought this was a beautiful description of what God wants for fathers and their children.
The Father Loves – The love of God is profound. It was His love that motivated Him to send His Son to death. Love is a prominent character trait of the Father. Is your child more aware of your displeasure with him or your affection for him?
The Father Pursues – God the Father is a relentless Redeemer. His Son went to death to bring you to life. He pursued you until salvation, and His care for you continues. Is your child more affected by the redemptive nature of your relationship or is he more affected by the lack of spirituality in your relationship?
The Father Gives – A key component of the gospel is the time, planning, and preparation the Father imposed on Himself to pull off our redemption. From Genesis 3:15 to Galatians 4:4 and beyond, you see the activity of God on your behalf. Does your child experience quantity and quality time with you, both of which have a redemptive effect?
The Father Corrects – God the Father brings you from death to life. Nothing is more transformative than this, but He does not stop at redemption. He continues to bring correction for your good and His glory. Is the correction you bring to your child redemptive–does it compel him to want God more?
The Father Cares – Even the Jews were amazed at the care of God (John 11:36). If the pagan world is aware of the care of God, shouldn’t your children be even more aware of your care for them? How does your child experience your practical and redemptive care on a daily and weekly basis?
The Father Leads – You understand the Father’s way of leading from a biblical perspective. Here are some clues to how the Lord leads: serving, last, least, death, and others. All of these characteristics were key components in the Savior’s leadership style. In what ways does your child experience your servant leadership and in what ways is it having a redemptive impact on his life?
Call to Action
Dear Dad, your impact on your child is generational. You have the privilege of giving your son or daughter one of the greatest gifts a dad could give: a beautiful picture of God the Father. Apply Paul’s advice: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9
