
We celebrated Father's Day yesterday, and for all the fathers, Happy Father's Day to you. A father is a precious gift from the Lord and has a significant role in raising their children in God's ways. Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." The word "discipline" in this verse means to train for godliness with appropriate punishment and reward. It carries the idea of spanking when a child is rebelling. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Even our Heavenly Father disciplines us when we rebel against Him. Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, do not reject the Lord's discipline or be upset of his discipline, for the Lord corrects him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Godly discipline should always lead to godliness. Another crucial role of a father is to instruct or teach his children the ways of God according to His Word.Â
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Some of us may have been raised by an ungodly father or never have a good father figure in our lives. However, let us be encouraged that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and cares about us, regardless of our family background. We have a Heavenly Father who is always by our side and knows everything that is happening in our lives. 1 John 3:2 says, "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." Someday, we will see our Heavenly Father face-to-face, but for now, He is providing, caring, and guiding us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."Â
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Fathers have a great responsibility for their children, but we have a Heavenly Father who fathers us all and is always with us. In addition, we have a Heavenly Father who teaches fathers how to father their children.
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Questions for application:Â (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.)Â Who is my ultimate father? How can I be God's child? As a father, how should I raise my children?Â
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Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
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Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching me your ways and disciplining me when I rebel against you so that you can restore me to the right way. Thank you that you are my hope and my future is in your hands. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.Â
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