Categories
Father Parenting Proverbs

Honor Your Dad

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) A few years back while driving through heavy traffic, I heard this powerful question on the Christian radio station I was listening to, “What did your dad do right?” That question captured my heart and gripped my soul. I turned the radio volume down and I began to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the specific things my dad did right. Then, the Lord prompted me to call my dad and share with him what I felt that he did right. That phone conversation was one of the most meaningful interactions I have ever had with my dad since my parents’ divorce which had taken place when I was seven years old. Perhaps you had an engaging father who walked with God and lead your family spiritually. You have so much to be thankful for. Maybe your dad did not have a vibrant relationship with the Lord and he was not a model father to you. Father’s Day may generate painful memories that you have to navigate with God’s grace. Take some time today to think about what your dad did right. You may want to consider writing down some specific things your dad did right and give God glory for each item. If your dad is still alive, give him a call, write him a letter, or text him to express what he did right. You will honor your father and you will bring him such joy and pleasure as you share your heart of gratitude with him. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the value of your earthly father. If you are a parent or a grandparent, live in such a way as to enable your children and grandchildren to generate an extensive list of what you did right! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
Father Parenting Proverbs

Honor Your Dad

“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22 (ESV) As I was driving to the office earlier this week, I heard this powerful question on the Christian radio station I was listening to, “What did your dad do right?” That question captured my heart and gripped my soul. I turned the radio volume down and I began to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the specific things my dad did right. Then, the Lord prompted me to call my dad and share with him what I felt that he did right. That phone conversation was one of the most meaningful interactions I have ever had with my dad since my parents’ divorce thirty-six years ago. Perhaps you had an engaging father who walked with God and lead your family spiritually. You have so much to be thankful for. Maybe your dad did not have a vibrant relationship with the Lord and he was not a model father to you. Father’s Day may generate painful memories that you have to navigate with God’s grace. Take some time today to think about what your dad did right. You may want to consider writing down some specific things your dad did right and give God glory for each item. If your dad is still alive, give him a call or write him a letter to express what he did right. You will honor your father and you will bring him such joy and pleasure as you share your heart of gratitude with him. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of God and the value of your earthly father. If you are a parent or a grandparent, live in such a way as to enable your children and grandchildren to generate an extensive list of what you did right! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 161:  Proverbs 22-24) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Father Gratitude Influence

Influential (1)

“He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1 (NIV) Timothy’s father is not mentioned by name in the Bible. We only know that his dad was a Greek. However, Timothy’s mother and grandmother are mentioned by name along with their spiritual influence in Timothy’s life. We just don’t know how long Timothy’s father was in the picture. Maybe he was a disconnected dad or an absent father. Maybe he left Timothy’s mother and separated himself from Timothy. Everyone has a biological father. Some people have the privilege of knowing their dad and some grow up having never known their biological father. There are so many levels of proximity. What about your relationship with your biological father? At what level has your biological father been involved in your life? Do you know who he is? If so, do you have a growing relationship with him? Would you consider the relationship healthy? If you have never met your biological father, what would you want to say to him if you were to meet him? The truth is that your biological father has been influential in your life either directly or indirectly. You were created by God through your mom and dad. Your unique DNA includes both your mom and your dad. Acknowledge your biological father’s imperfections. He has never been perfect and will not be perfect until his transformation in glory. Be willing to extend forgiveness to him for the areas in your life where you feel neglected and maybe even betrayed. If you have a healthy relationship with your father, express your gratitude to him for his investment in your life. Maybe your biological father is no longer alive on earth. Spend some time expressing thanks to God for the biological father He gave to you. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor