Encouragement for Fathers

I’ve heard it said that you can tell the spiritual maturity of a man by looking at his bank account or his credit card statements. Well, how do yours look? What do they reveal about you and your spiritual maturity? What would another person see if they were allowed a peek at your accounts?

Our behavior is heart driven. There­fore, correction, discipline and training, every aspect of parenting, must be addressed to the heart.

One of my favorite descriptions and pictures of the Proverbs 31 woman is that of her watching over her family and home: “She watches over the ways of her household” (Proverbs 31:27). As wives, mothers, and homemakers, we wear many hats as we discharge our duties at home. And there’s no doubt that one of our most important duties is that of a “watchwoman.”

When I taught elementary school, I could not “wing it” when teaching my students. I had to think ahead about the year’s schedule. I had to search for effective teaching materials and look up creative ideas. I spent hours planning each lesson to give my students the building blocks they needed to succeed in the next grade and beyond.

God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to, “Teach them to your children diligently.” The “them” is what you are to teach—God’s Word and His commands. And “diligently” is how you are to teach—with purpose, and conscientiously as a task or duty.

Be the primary role model and teacher of truth.

If you are a dad, you are part of an exciting exclusive club. However you came to be your children’s dad and whatever the circumstances, you are their dad. Being a father is one of the greatest privileges God extends to you. But this role also bears the greatest of responsibilities.

Just like you and me, Jesus’ disciples seemed to need help with praying. Wisely, they asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Jesus then gave them—and us—a model or sample prayer to pray. This prayer is usually referred to as the Lord’s Prayer.

Do you share God’s desire for your spiritual growth? God doesn’t force growth upon you. Instead, you must desire it enough to do something about it. When you look at your own heart, what is the burning desire of your soul? Do you truly want to be God’s man, a man who makes a difference, who has a positive, dynamic impact on those around him?

Father’s Day gives families the time to thank dads for the many ways they meet our needs. While we can show that appreciation more than one time a year, let us take time to count the many blessings we enjoy because of our husband, and show him blessings in return.

Most men have heard of Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest base-ball players of all time. I certainly heard about him while I was growing up. He was born and raised in a small town just north of my own hometown in Oklahoma. On one occasion I actually saw him at the local sporting goods store during the off-season. I recognized him right away ...

Memorial Day heralds the beginning of summer. To students, it begins the countdown to summer vacation. Often summer schedules are hectic with family members going in every direction for sports, camps, social activities, or college preparation. Don’t let your summer get away from you!

Our devotion to God is strengthened when we offer Him a fresh commitment each day. Every morning, in a simple, genuine prayer, start fresh with God by giving Him all that you are, all that you have: now, forever, and daily. Lay everything on God’s altar in what one saint of old called the “surrendered life.”