Father

No matter where you are at in life, there has been an experience with a Father figure that was either truly amazing, reflecting that of the relationship with our God, or one that was empty of the image of God. Some of us experienced both of these relationships. That is why I am writing about Father today. It was difficult to find a man's name in the Bible that started with an F, especially one that I wanted to honor with one whole week of meditation. So I thought it was fitting to write on Father.

I have experienced everything between a hateful, twisted Father relationship to a loving, caring one. I want to start this devotional off with a prayer and some encouraging words.

Dear Lord, I pray that what we learn this week will truly bless us. Maybe we have been hurt by a Fatherly relationship before and maybe this will be painful. Maybe we desire someone in our lives to reflect your image more. I ask that you help us to hold our tongues and to come close to you, as you are our Father. I ask that you remind us of your position in our lives, you can do anything and you want us to come to you. May we find this week nourishing to our souls. Will you speak to us in each and every relationship that we put our thoughts on this week, help us to find a healthy balance in what you have in store for us, so that we can love and honor the Father you have put in our lives. Maybe that Father is you, so show us your ways, Lord, amen.

Father- The male parent of a household in Bible times, charged with the responsibility of providing for the family and giving religious instruction to the children.

The Father isn't always the oldest male in the group. The father must be wise enough to make decisions for the entire family unit.

The role of man in the old testament was to serve as the absolute ruling authority, this discouraged young men from leaving their parents, therefore many men lived with their wife and his parents. A father was to command a high position in his family, his word being law. His position was the head, he shared his authority with his wife, his helper and companion. Both husband and wife were to expect to be treated as royalty in their home. The fifth commandment tells us to "honor your father and your mother" Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor refers to ones response to God. If you expect honor in your home, you must too honor God.

What does honor look like in your home. Do you expect your children to treat you as royalty? Why or why not? What did your family look like when you were growing up? Did you have a Father that expected honor in his home, was your mom his helper?

I believe there is a big connection between the way children honor and respond to authority in the home, church and community and how the mother honors the Father in the home. If you find yourself talking down about your husband in front of or to your children, then you may be hindering a happy and healthy home life. If you tend to dishonor your own father or your husband, then the children too will follow. What about grown children, do you honor your son and his authority in his home, do you honor his wife as a queen in the home. Have you ever made a comment to your children or grandchildren that would encourage them to dishonor their Father? No matter what, everyone is entitled to be changed by God, what ways can you improve your actions today to be a helper in the life of a Father you know.

The first step needs to be prayer. Bring your thoughts to God today.

Please also forward to us any names of Father's you wish to honor or pray for this week, it will be kept private.

Please pray for Erika M. this week. Also, pray for Angela as she travels to Oregon this week. Pray that she will have the time she desires to spend with Grandma JoAnne and that she will be able to relax a bit as well. I know she is tired and anxious, so pray for coverage on her travels and thoughts while she is preparing to come and while she is here. Thanks so much.