Father’s Day

Ephesians 6:4

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Fathers, povoke not your children to wrath, by avoiding severity, anger, harshness, and cruelty. Cruel parents generally have bad children. The proper way to discipline is, to correct, and not punish. Punishment is from a principle of revenge, whereas correction is from a principle of affectionate concern. Children are to be nourished with wholesome discipline and instruction, which will bend them toward God, and His way of living.

– Inspired by Finis Jennings Dake

Judge Yourselves

Romans 14:10-12

Why do I judge you, when I see flaws in myself? Why do I take time to worry about your life, when mine has its own issues? Why do you get away with the same things I’ve been punished for doing? Why is it so hard to leave you alone, and focus on me? These are valid questions that come from those who have devalued their self-worth. When a man knows his place in God, he’ll spend most of his time working to keep himself humble, and less time worrying about others and their issues or criticisms.

The time will come, when all men will stand before God, and give account of himself, and how he lived in the earth. So, rather than waste precious time concerning yourself with the affairs of others, and how they choose to live, keep your mind on the things of Christ. This way, your inevitable meeting with the Father will be peaceful and pleasant, rather than hopeless and dreadful.

“Real men don’t make excuses, they make adjustments”

-Ell

Evil Tidings

Psalm 112:7

What do you do, when someone brings you bad news? Whether the tidings be true, or the usual talebearing, our first instinct should be to keep our trust in the Lord. Rather than becoming uptight and nervous over bad news, when we are consistent in our faith, evil tidings should only push us closer to God. The world, and some church folk, seem to be fascinated with keeping up mess, and spreading bad news is something they look forward to. But, those who walk in holiness are encouraged to speak those things that edify, rather than tear down.

The Butterfly Song

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you

If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

(Written and composed by Brian M. Howard 1980)

Listen And Live

Psalm 81

If the children of Isreal had only listened to, and obeyed the commands of the Lord, they would have avoided years of unnecessary shame and punishment. Their lives would have been completely different, had they not ignored the voice of God, while heedind to strange gods, and seducing spirits. What was so fascinating about worldly lusts, that drew them away from the God who performed many mighty works before their own eyes? What more could they have wanted God to do for them, when He had already delivered them from bondage, sustained their health, garments, and wealth for years? Our texts reads, if the people had only hearkened to the Lord, and walked in His ways, He would have subdued their enemies, and turned His hand against their adversaries. God called His own people, “haters”, because they literally loved the world, and hated His ways.

Are you in a position in life, where things could have turned out better, if you had only listened to, and obeyed God’s word? Unlike the children of Israel, we are still alive to change our ways. Take a moment now to talk to God (as you would a loving Father), and apologize for allowing other things to take priority in your life over Him. Then, make it your business, to always seek first the kingdom of God, so that your next outcome will benefit from God’s favor, and not His judgment.