 Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father. Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children. Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart. Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us. ~Kirk Loadman As we enter into the season in which we recognize, honor and celebrate our Fathers and their contributions in our lives let's also thank our heavenly Father God for His unfailing love, care, wisdom, provision, healing and presence as well. A father is described by the word pater in the Greek language. It means originator, progenitor, author, the one who is the head of the family, the one who trains and guides the children and the family, and the one who cares for you. Truly our heavenly Father is all of these things and so much more to us. When we consider His love for us as His children, we are inspired and compelled to lavish our praises upon Him. Let's not forget to honor our earthly fathers who bore us from their loins and gave us life. Let's be thankful for their presence, provision and love as well. I remember my father's prayers for me when I was a young girl and had gotten hit by a car, which almost took my life. But, my father prayed and God healed me so completely until there isn't a trace of it ever having taken place. That's how awesome it is to have a father to me. When I even consider spiritual fathers in the Lord, and the significant roles they play I am thankful that God would see fit to bless us with more than a natural father, but also shepherds after His own heart to lead us and feed us the Word of God until we are nourished up, become strong, and spiritually healthy. What a blessing it is to have fathers in the faith also. 1 Corinthians 4:15, "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." (KJV) Though there are a lot of people who are teaching, there are not many who have the gift, ability and grace to be a father. There are also many men in the world who can impregnate a woman to have babies, but not all of them are wise enough to take on the responsibility to raise the children that are born from their loins. It is for this reason that we have a disproportionate number of single parents and mothers raising their children alone. If you are a father, it is time to take your place of responsibility and lead your family in the ways of the Lord, and raise your children up as righteous seed to serve the Lord. It is also important to understand that as a father you are affecting generations to come. If you neglect or relinquish your responsibility who will do it for you, or will someone else give your sons and daughters a false idea of who they are when God chose you to give them their true identity. A father's role is so significant in the lives of his children and family until no one else can substitute for it or fulfill it unless God has given them special grace to do so for the sake of the children. God knows all things! You may be saying I never knew my father, or my father left when I was very young. Your father may have passed away, and you no longer have the ability to call and talk things over with him. Even so, be encouraged to know that your heaven Father will never leave, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) You may be an adult and yet have a deep inner longing for a father's love in your life. First of all I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the fact that you are not alone. There are many of God's precious people who have either been abandoned by their fathers, or whose fathers have passed away. You are not a fatherless orphan. It is an attack of the wicked one to destroy your inner peace and confidence, and if he can succeed he will rob you of your hope, purpose, and future. Don't allow the enemy to have one inch of space in your life. Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. v.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) Our heavenly Father is always here to give us His peace. He will comfort and strengthen your heart and mind through Christ Jesus, which embodies the love of God towards us because He gave His life to give you life and that more abundantly. So, now you can live, have peace, and even thrive because He has chosen and adopted you into the family of God. Galatians 4:6-7, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." On this coming Father's Day remember to celebrate and honor your earthly father, but be sure to exalt, praise and give honor to your heavenly father beyond measure. Remember that you are loved, you are significant and you are important. I want to take this opportunity to honor my father, Elder Cleophus Marshall, Sr. for teaching me to love and serve the Lord in spirit and in truth. I also want to honor my mentor and covering, HRM, King Adamtey I (known in private life as Dr. Kingsley Fletcher), for your continued prayers and support. You both have made a huge difference in my life for which I am grateful. A Father’s Day Prayer God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Please share your expressions of appreciation for your father or that person who is a father figure in your life, and most of all be sure to share your words of gratitude for our heavenly father on this month's blog and "Share" it with a friend. Thank you. |
 |
|||||
 
|
|
 |
|||
    |
|||||
