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We have been sharing excerpts from my new books “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book is perfect for those on your Easter list that you have search for something encouraging to give them.
This book reaches out to those who may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.
Just click on the “Bookstore,” tan above to check it out. It is also on a special sale.
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Today’s excerpt is about Father’s Day and the importance of loving your children.
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Chapter 56
I Child-Proofed My House—and They Still Get In
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.
John 17:25–26
When Father’s Day nears, I’m glad I’m finally old enough to have all the neckties I need, so no one gives me one as a gift. Instead of another tie, I get to share time with my children and grandchildren. What could be a better present than that? The answer to my question is that the very best present I ever got on a Father’s Day was that my daughter DG was born on that day. Top that one!
Father’s Day is a time for men to think about their roles. Men, we are to be the leaders of our families (not in an “I’m the one in charge here” sort of way, mind you) and should play the role of hero to our children.
We as men sometimes think that on Father’s Day we should be treated to a day of watching sports or doing whatever we want—that would be the “manly” thing to do. I once thought that myself. Sports came first. I got irritated when I got disturbed by the rest of the family. God changed that for me, and I have a totally different outlook on Father’s Day.
On Father’s Day in 2003, my son, my granddaughter and I went to church together. I enjoyed the day very much. The sermon was based on John 17:25–26. It is about Jesus praying to God just before He was betrayed by Judas.
As I read verse 26, I could see that it was perfect for us as fathers. Just go through verse 26 along with me. It reads: “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Every father needs to say this prayer! We should be making God known to our children, just as Jesus made Him known to all of His children. Pastor Scott Nelson ofMorningstarCommunityChurchinSalem,Oregon, made this very true statement: “A father needs to live the Word of God, not just teach it.” We need to be the hero in our children’s lives.
We dads may often feel we have failed as a father. We didn’t play catch with our children as often as we should have when they were little. We didn’t take them to the park as often as we think we should have. And sometimes we’ve put material things ahead of our children. You’re not alone. There is not one father who has not felt some guilt in this situation.
But we can’t let this cause us to think we’re a failure as fathers! Satan loves to try to pull us down by causing confusion in our lives. As a matter of fact there is often a battle going on with the devil because of the circumstances God has allowed into our lives.
Yes, God allows things to happen to us. Why would He do this? Why wouldn’t He just protect us all the time?
I have learned that God uses these situations in an effort to teach me something. When I feel up against it, I really need to ask myself these questions: “What is God trying to teach me? What should I learn from this trial? What has God planned for me from this situation?”
Let me make something very clear: God wants us to depend on Him. He wants to flood our souls with His love. He wants us to seek adventures (often cleverly disguised as adversity) and let Him guide us. It may be difficult at the moment to see adversity as God breaking you and shaping you during a trial, but that is what He is doing.
I went through that in my life. I finally gave up and let God take over my life. I went through many trials and adversity before I finally let Him take charge and guide me.
There is a song that talks about God knowing my name and my every thought—and even about each of my tears that fall.
Realize that He is with you always! He even knows your name! Our children need to learn this truth from us. They need to know that they have not only an earthly father they also have a heavenly Father. They need to know they will always have someone to turn to.
My challenge to each of you is: What are you doing to make sure your children know God? Today is the first day of the rest of your life. If you feel you have had a battle going on in your life and you haven’t spent enough time teaching your children about God, start now! I don’t care if you just become a father and have a newborn, or you’re a grandparent. You are still the father of your children until you go to be with the Lord. Show them by example what it means to follow God. Talk to them about how God has blessed you. They will see the love you have for not only them, but for God.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on 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.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Further Adventures
June is Father’s Month. It is the month that we as fathers get a little press in our home. It should make you feel good and help you feel wanted. But that is not always the case. Are you a single dad who won’t even see your children on Father’s Day? Have you decided to abandon your children so you won’t ever see them again?
Sounds a little sad, doesn’t it? This is way too common in our society. The broken home rates are getting higher each year. It is much easier to leave a marriage than try to save it. Sounds simpler to just pack up and leave—that will make your life much easier. Not so. The first thing that you as a father need to do is think not only about your marriage, but also about your children. They are in the middle. Your leaving is certainly is not their fault, but they may think it is.
This next Father’s Day, think about where you are in your relationship with your family. Have you tried to reconcile with your wife? Have you done everything you can to have time with your children? Do you care about what happens to them? If you say no to any of these questions, it is time to do a U-turn! Put your family first! It may be a broken family, but do whatever you can to help your children live a happy and normal life. There is nothing more rewarding than that as far as your children go.
Something to Ponder
Isn’t it funny how often we get upset with our children, but love them so much?