burden

Come to me to the most populated prison in the world. The facility has more inmates than bunks. More prisoners than plates. More residents than resources.

Come to me to the world's most oppressive prison. Just ask the inmates; they will tell you. They are overworked and underfed. Their walls are bare and bunks are hard.

No prison is so populated, no prison so oppressive, and, what's more, no prison is so permanent. Most inmates never leave. They never escape. They never get released. They serve a life sentence in this overcrowded, underprovisioned facility.

The name of the prison? You'll see it over the entrance. Rainbowed over the gate are four cast-iron letters that spell out its name:

W - A - N - T

The prison of want. You've seen her prisoners. They are "in want." They want something.They want something bigger. Nicer. Faster. Thinner. They want.

They don't want much, mind you. They want just one thing. One new job. One new car. One new house. One new spouse. They don't want much. They want just one.

And when they have "one," they will be happy. And they are right -- they will be happy. When they have "one," they will leave the prison. But then it happens. The new car smell passes. The new job gets old. The neighbors buy a larger television set. The new spouse has bad habits. The sizzle fizzles, and before you know it, another ex-con breaks parole and returns to jail.

Are you in prison? You are if you feel better when you have more and worse when you have less. You are if joy is one delivery away, one transfer away, one award away, or one make-over away. If your happiness comes from something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it -- you are in prison, the prison of want.

-max lucado

owner

"So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:11).

 

Although he was an innovator in the reclamation of silver in the photographic process, Stanley Tam of Lima, Ohio, is best known for his commitment to Jesus Christ. A large sign adorning the home of United States Plastic Corporation proclaims "Christ Is the Answer," and Tam's widely read book, God Owns My Business, describes how he arrived at the conviction that he should legally make God the literal owner of his business.

 

Tam, who has traveled throughout the country and world to testify about his Christian faith, is one who is willing to "put his money where his mouth is." Although his business success could have made him a millionaire many times over, he and his wife, Juanita, draw only modest salaries from U.S. Plastics. All profits are channeled through the Stanita Foundation, with those funds designated for a variety of Christian ministries, primarily overseas missions.

 

In the fall of 1954, Tam was speaking at a revival meeting in Medellin, Colombia when God confronted him in a supernatural way. God let him know He wanted him to turn the business over to Him completely and become His employee. So, on January 15, 1955, Stanley Tam ceased being a stockholder in either of his companies, States Smelting and Refining Corporation or United States Plastic Corporation.

 

In order to do this God had to deal with one area in his life. "I have always enjoyed making money, and God knew that. Had He left me undisturbed in this area, I could have become a proud, materialistic, self-centered spiritual misfit. In asking of me the submission of the greatest drive of my life, He removed a blighting influence and replaced it with an inner peace and satisfaction such as I could never have known otherwise.

 

I don't think there is such a thing as a part-time Christian; we are all in full-time ministry. We each need to ask God to take our vocation and make it a ministry. And if we ask Him, He will do it."

 

Does God own your business or your work life? If not, why not make that decision today and let Him use your work life for His glory.

 

...name

Of all his names, "Father" is God's favorite. We know he loves this name most because this is the one he used most. While on earth, Jesus called God "Father" over two hundred times. In his first recorded words Jesus explained, "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" ( Luke 2:49). In his final triumphant prayer he proclaims, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46). In the Gospel of John alone, Jesus repeats this name 156 times. God loves to be called Father. After all, didn't Jesus teach us to begin our prayer with the phrase, "Our Father (Abba)"?

Abba was an everyday word. It was a homely, family-word. The equivalent would be Poppa, Daddy, or Dad. It is right for you to call God your Creator, indeed He is. You speak the truth when you call Him your Master, indeed he is. It is appropriate for you to call Him your King, Lord, and Sovereign God. But, if you want to touch his heart call him by the name he loves to hear. Call Him Abba. Call him your Father.

Some time ago, my daughter and I spent several days in the old city of Jerusalem. One afternoon, as we were exiting the Jaffa gate, my daughter and I found ourselves in a throng of people. From somewhere in the crowd we heard the voice of a small child. "Abba! Abba!" We turned and looked. There was a young girl, perhaps four or five years of age. She had become separated from her family. As the people were rushing past, she was stopped and afraid. "Abba! Abba!"

From out of nowhere, her father appeared. By looking at his hair and clothing, I knew, he was a Hasidic Jew. When he heard his daughter cry "Abba!", he had realized that she was separated from the family. I watched closely; I wanted to see what an abba would do.

He hurried over to her. Nothing was going to stop him from reaching his daughter. He immediately lowered himself to her level. He held her close. He then looked at her in the face and brushed away the tear. He gave her a firm word. He then stood and lifted her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. He held her as they descended the ramp. When he stopped at a busy street, she stepped off the curb, so he pulled her back. When the signal changed, he led her and her sisters through the intersection. In the middle of the street, he reached down and swung her up into his arms and continued their journey. 

That is what an abba does. Isn't that what God has done for us? When we wandered away, he found us. When he found us, he lowered himself to our level. He brushed away our tears. He gave us a word of correction. He picked us up and he is leading us home. You have an abba.

I know what some of you are thinking. Yeah, God does that for some people. For good people. For strong people. Not me. I'm just ho-hum. I'm just average. I'm just measly old, little old, common, ordinary me.

Really? Because I read something else. According to what I read in the Bible, you are anything but ordinary. I read that when you said "yes" to Jesus, he said "yes" to you, that when you gave him your heart he returned the favor and gave you his.

I read that your Abba "has blessed [you] with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ( Ephesians 1:3).

That you are a "new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).

I read that you "have obtained an inheritance" ( Ephesians 1:11). You are "heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ" ( Romans 8:17).

I read that you have been "delivered... from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the Son" ( Colossians 1:13). I read that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ( John 10:28).

Normal? I don't think so.

I read that if you "Ask, you shall receive, Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you" ( Matthew 7:7). In fact, Jesus promised, "Whatever you ask in the name of your Father that will be given unto you" ( John 16:23).

I even read this: "Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world" ( 1 John 4:4).

You used to be normal, ho-hum, and average. No longer. You are not who you used to be! Now you are:

    God's child ( John 1:12).

    Christ's friend ( John 15:15).

    A member of Christ's body ( 1 Corinthians 12:27)

    A saint ( Ephesians 1:1).

    Redeemed and forgiven of all your sins ( Colossians 1:14).

    Complete in Christ, lacking in nothing ( Colossians 2:10).

    Free from condemnation ( Romans 8:1-2).

    God's coworker ( 2 Corinthians 6:1).

    Seated with Christ in the heavenly realm ( Ephesians 2:6).

    God's workmanship, his masterpiece ( Ephesians 2:10).

    A citizen of heaven ( Philippians 3:20).

    Adopted into God's family ( Ephesians 1:5).

    Born of God, and the evil one cannot touch you ( 1 John 5:18).

    You have been bought with a price... you belong to God ( 1 Corinthians 6:20).

    Not ever going to be separated from the love of God ( Romans 8:35).

It seems to me that your Abba has high affection for you! If you have taken on the name of Christ, then you have clout. When you speak, God listens. When you pray, heaven takes note. What you bind on earth is bound in heaven. What you loose on earth is loosed in heaven. Your prayer impacts the actions of God.

Why? Because you are a child of God. And you have a good father... a good, good father! 

-max lucado

expectant

We all have something to learn from this young girl.  

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life. 

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.

James refers to Elijah’s expectant praying. He wrote, “And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:18).”   E.M. Bounds calls Elijah’s prayer “expectant prayer.”   He wrote, “Elijah was watchful for results, looking for the answer.  He had the inward assurance of the answer even before he had the rain.”  

 

We must pray, not only asking with strong desire - begging and craving - but also with hearts that overflow with expectancy and faith.

-author unknown

 

expectant

We all have something to learn from this young girl.  

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life. 

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.

James refers to Elijah’s expectant praying. He wrote, “And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:18).”   E.M. Bounds calls Elijah’s prayer “expectant prayer.”   He wrote, “Elijah was watchful for results, looking for the answer.  He had the inward assurance of the answer even before he had the rain.”  

 

We must pray, not only asking with strong desire - begging and craving - but also with hearts that overflow with expectancy and faith.

Author Unknown

 

rules

RULES FROM GOD

1. Wake Up !!

        Decide to have a good day

        "This is the day that the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24)

2. Dress Up !!

        The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

        "Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)

3. Shut Up!!

        Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we need to listen twice as much as we talk.

        "He who guards his lips guards his soul." (Proverbs 13:3)

4. Stand Up!!...

        For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything..

        "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal 6:9)

5. Look Up !!...

        To the Lord.

        "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

6. Reach Up !!...

        For something higher.

        "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

7. Lift Up !!...

        Your Prayers.

        "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." (Philippians 4:6)

preparing

In preparing your heart for your appointment with God why should you begin your time with God by praising Him?

1) It sets the tone for our time with God. Beginning by praising God acknowledges whose attention we have gained and reminds us who we are addressing.

2) Praising God for who He is, reminds us of God's identity and reinforces our understanding of who He is. As we praise Him, we become more aware of His power in the world and His presence in our lives.

3) Beginning by praising God follows the examples found in the Bible.

4) Perhaps most importantly God is worthy of our praise. . .

• I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:4 NIV)
• For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV)
• Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1 NIV)
• For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4 NIV)
• Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3 NIV)
• In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12 NIV)

As our praise focuses on God's works and character, we see ourselves in stark contrast, filled with human failures. Praise and confession become intertwined. The more we praise God for how great He is and see our own sin, we are led into confession of our sins, which in turn leads us back to praising and thanking God for His mercy and grace and forgiveness.

flee

This story was told by a chemistry teacher at school.  A female student wanted to make some potassium hydroxide solution (aqueous) and decided to throw a large lump of potassium into a bucket of water. 

Out of the corner of his eye, her professor observed what she was about to do and hurried toward her.  After confirming what she was intending to do, he asked her to first stir the water in the bucket for five minutes before adding the potassium. 

She was puzzled and asked the purpose of this action.   “It will give me time to get away,” said the professor.

There are times when running away is the proper response.  In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said to “Flee sexual immorality” (I Cor. 6:18) and  “Flee from idolatry.” (I Cor. 10:14).  Fleeing is especially important when we encounter temptation.  We sometimes make the mistake of putting ourselves in situations where we are tempted, thinking that we are strong enough to handle it.  Sometimes we are, but often we are not.

Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife?  She “cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Gen. 39:7).  Joseph refused to commit adultery with her, but she persisted to the point that finally Joseph needed to flee.  “He left his garment in her hand, and fled outside.” (Gen. 39:12).

There may not be a Potiphar’s wife in your life, but there is likely some temptation which you find difficult to resist.  If alcohol is your temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid people and places where alcohol will be readily available.  If sexual impurity with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a temptation, flee.  Make a decision to avoid situations where you are alone and the temptation is stronger.  If inappropriate use of your money is a temptation, flee.  Stay away from the mall!

The worst mistake any of us can make is to think that “I can handle it.  I know this is a strong temptation but I won’t give in.  I’ll hang around close, but I won’t cross the line.”  The real question we need to consider is this:  “Who (or what) do we want to stay close to?”   Because fleeing is not just running away from something; it is also running toward something.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11)

worse

 Have you ever have one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse?

    The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole.

    The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times.

    Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, "Why don't you just stay in the hole?"

    The cowboy yelled back, "I would, but there's a bear in the hole!"

    Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that!  If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul, though.  Listen to him describing his life as a Christian:

    "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness..." (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

    Sounds a man who ought to be miserable, doesn't it?  I mean, how much can one man take?  How much worse can it possibly get?  It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life.  If I had to deal with the problems on Paul's list on a daily basis, then I'd really have reason to moan and whine, "Why, me Lord?  Why does life have to be so hard?"

    The funny thing is, though, that wasn't Paul's reaction at all.  He didn't list all those problems to garner sympathy.  In fact, he finishes out this section by writing:

    "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake....." (2 Cor. 12:10).

    Taking pleasure in distresses?  When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car?  When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don't laugh!  I actually did that this week)?  When is the last time you took pleasure is hearing the news that you're getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident?

    The "pleasure" in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke.  The "pleasure" is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong."

    Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is.  It is a reminder that I don't have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the one who does have that power.  It is reminder that I sometimes don't know how I'm going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what.  And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God.

    "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)

     Whatever trials you are facing this day, may you find your strength in God.

living

Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral. 

As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. "Well, I'm sure Joe would be pleased," she said.

"I'm sure you're right," replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this really cost?"

"All of it," said Susan . "Thirty thousand."

"No!" Joan exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"

Susan answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."

Joan computed quickly. "$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?"

"Two and a half carats."

That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones -- from granite to diamonds -- which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.

In I Peter 2:4, Jesus is described as a "living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious." In I Peter 2:6, Jesus is referred to as "a chief cornerstone", the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone "which the builders rejected" and is viewed as 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." (I Peter 2:7,8).

Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.

The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter's description of us as "living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house." (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.

Peter's point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow "the stone," a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn't be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are "chosen by God" just as Jesus was

...lost

  A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a greasy little salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"

    The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"

    "It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"

    "Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it?  What if you hit it into the water?"

    "No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."

    "Well, what if you hit it into the woods?"

    "Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."

    "Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"

    "No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark!  I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"

    The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?"

    "I found it!"

    Maybe someday someone will invent a golf ball that can never be lost, but until then we will all have to deal with losing things -- golf balls, car keys, glasses, etc.  We also have to deal with a lost humanity.  I find it interesting that the one term Jesus used most often to describe those who are outside of Christ is the word "lost".

    In Luke 15, Jesus elaborated on this idea by telling three parables -- the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost (prodigal) son.  The point has often been made that those three parables demonstrate three different ways of being lost -- through unintentional wandering (the sheep), through the negligence of someone else (the coin), or through willful disobedience (the son).

    However, the point of those three parables is not so much about our lostness as they are about the fact that our God is willing to search for us and bring us back into a relationship with Him.  If we will truly see the world around us as "lost", it will change our perspective as well.  Think about the last time you knew of a child that was missing.  When a child is lost, we don't ask what race the child is.  It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  We don't ask the child's economic status.   It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  We don't ask what the child may or may not have done wrong.   It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  All that matters is that we find that child and bring him/her home safely.

    Seeing a world around us as "lost" will change the way we see them.  The scribes and Pharisees looked at the tax collectors and sinners and saw terrible, ugly people.  Jesus saw people who were lost.  All that mattered to him was that he bring them home safely.

    "For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

avoid

Doctor: "I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse?"

Patient: "I was just following your orders, Doc."

Doctor: "Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order." 

Patient: "You told me to avoid people who irritate me." 

     Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us.  In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building).  So how should we deal with them?

     Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com).  In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:

(1)  Manage Your mouth -- Bless and don't curse (Rom. 12:14)

(2)  Put yourself in the other person's place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)

(3)  Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)

(4)  Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)

(5)  Don't just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)

(6)  Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)

     The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to "get even".  The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21).  It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.

     "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps..." (I Peter 2:19-20)

duty

Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"

"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."

"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."

"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!"

"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."

"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."

"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the principal!"

Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't feel like doing them! It's called having a sense of duty. I think perhaps the concept of duty has taken some abuse in the church. We sometimes talk about the importance of doing things for God because we want to, not because we have to. And I would wholeheartedly agree with that. But if we only serve God when we really "feel" like it, our service would be minimal indeed. Sometimes the feelings aren't there, and we need to continue to serve knowing that it is the "right" thing to do.

It shouldn't bother us to think that way because we do many other things in life for the same reason. For example, I am a father of three children. When each of of those babies entered my home, I loved them. And I provided for their needs because I loved them. But, I can honestly say that there were many times I got up in the middle of night to meet their needs when I didn't "feel" like it. There were times when I got out of bed exhausted and irritable, and the only reason I got up was because I had a responsibility as a father to meet their needs. The love is always there, but sometimes it is a sense of duty that drives you to do what needs to be done.

The same thing is true in our Christian walk. When you get "exhausted and irritable" in your service to Christ, when you don't "feel" like doing what you know needs to be done, may a sense of responsibility, a sense of duty, drive you to continue to remain faithful.

"And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10)

Fathers

A mother was out walking with her 4 year old daughter. The child picked up something off the ground and started to put it into her mouth. The mother took it away and said “Don’t do that!”

“Why not?” asked the child.

“Because it’s on the ground,” said her mother. “You don’t know where it’s been. It’s dirty, and it’s probably loaded with germs that could make you sick.”

The child looked at her mother with total admiration and said, “Mommy, how do you know all this stuff? You’re so smart.”

The mother said, “All Moms know this stuff. It’s on the Mom’s Test. You have to know it or they don’t let you be a Mom.”

There was silence for a minute or so as the child thought this through. “Oh, I get it,” she said at last. “And if you don’t pass the test you have to be the Daddy?”

Fathers don’t always get the respect that mothers do. That will become evident on Sunday. The truth is, Father’s Day is just not as big as Mother’s Day. On Mother’s Day, there’s a higher attendance at church, mothers have corsages on, emotions run high, restaurants do a booming business. On Father’s day, well, there are more collect phone calls than any other day of the year (yes, that’s a true fact).

Despite the fact that fathers are sometimes overlooked, the Bible is clear about the great responsibility given to those of us who are fathers. God challenges husbands to be the leaders in their homes. He challenges fathers to be someone their kids can look up to Allow me to share a few biblical pieces of advice with those of you who are fathers:

Love your wife! Paul said in Ephesians 5:28, “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” That’s one of the most important things you can do as a father. Trust me -- your children do watch how you treat their mother. They watch … and they are learning and forming their concept of marriage from you.

Spend time with your children. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” In other words, our children are a great blessing. Children are given to us to enjoy -- not to be a burden … not to avoid … not to ignore … But to enjoy! And in order to enjoy them, you’ve got to be with them … have fun with them … share your life with them.

Listen to your children. Give them your undivided attention … not with one eye on the TV and the other eye on them. When they have a problem, they don’t need cartoons, they don’t need a video game, they don’t even need their best friends. Dad … they need you! We need to be approachable. Be the kind of father that they can come to and say anything that’s on their mind.  

Train your children. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:4, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Notice what Paul said. He didn’t say “parents”. And he didn’t say “Sunday School teachers”. He said, “fathers.” As we train our children, our goal is not merely to get our kids to outwardly conform to a list of rules. Our goal is to train and develop children who seek to glorify God with their lives.

Be a positive role model. Much of what our kids learn is caught rather than taught—they learn from what they observe. This means we can’t afford to cheat on our taxes, lie to our boss, or be rude to a salesperson. You are a role model for your children and, like it or not … good or bad … they will, to one degree or another, model their lives after you. You have inherited some of your father’s characteristics and your children are inheriting some of yours. 

May God bless those of you who are fathers, and may we always look to our Heavenly Father as a perfect example of what a father should be!