Father

Running to Her Father’s Arms

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The children’s choir was singing in church that morning, as they do once a month. The kids all look their best on that day. Girls are in their Sunday dresses and boys are wearing their shirts tucked in their pants. They look sharp. And they sound great as they sing with the worship team. They practice every Sunday after church, and they learn a new song for the next month.

But it was after the children’s choir was finished that the next scene took place. The kids came down off the stage and went to sit with their parents. Then I saw the girl who had stood on the back row of the risers run into her father’s arms. She was wearing a white hat with a blue floral ribbon that matched her pretty dress. She looked very stylish. But something had happened sometime during the morning. I’m not sure if it was while the kids were seated waiting to sing. Or was it while they were singing? Or when they moved off the risers? I’m not sure. I just know that in that moment this young girl was very upset.

As she lunged at her father’s lap, he wrapped his muscular arms around her. She clung to him with all her might and leaned against his strong chest. He held her close as she cried her pain into his ear. He gently rubbed her back as he listened attentively and whispered fatherly advice. He loved his daughter and he was willing to listen to her cries and pleas while seated in a a church full of fellow believers. He wanted the best for his girl, and it was obvious that he would change the events that caused her tears if he could. But he couldn’t. So he held her close and showed her the love and attention of a caring father. And he wasn’t ashamed to show tenderness in front of those sitting nearby.

In that moment, there is no doubt that this ten year old girl felt loved. She knew she could count on her father’s arms of love wrapped around her soothing her cries. She didn’t doubt at all that he would welcome her with open arms. He was sitting in the pew waiting for her to come sit beside him when he noticed her wounded heart. And he tended to her wounds in the way any loving father would do.

The following Sunday, I saw her sitting with her family. But this Sunday was different. When she saw her friend run to sit with a new girl in church, this same girl who was being held by her father the week before jumped up and ran to sit with this new friend, as well. All was right in her world again.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

I wonder. How many times when we’re hurting and our ego is bruised or our world has been turned upside down do we just sit alone nursing our hurts? Do we even stop to run into our heavenly Father’s arms with our needs and concerns? Don’t we who have been following Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior know that he’s waiting for us? He wants to hear us tell him the fears we’re facing. He wants to hear us say that we’re uncertain about something in our lives. That we don’t know which way to turn. Or how to handle a situation. We need someone who is always available to be there for us. And do we ever stop to remember that our heavenly Father is there waiting for us to come to him?

Maybe it’s time to stop and ask ourselves who is the first person we run to when we’re in trouble? If it isn’t God, why not?

One of the great themes of the Bible is that God is our protector. He never stumbles and falls. He never trips over his words or thoughts. He is strong yet gentle. He is jealous yet loving. He is just yet forgiving. He is exact yet comforting. He is perfect yet understanding. He’s the Creator of the universe yet he’s the lover of your soul.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Oh. I know. It’s easy to try to handle all our problems in our own way and timing. It’s easy to think that our spouse or our circle of friends are the only ones we can really trust with our big issues. But unlike that little girl’s father who didn’t know her problem until she told him, our heavenly Father already knows our problems. He’s waiting for us to run to him and fling ourselves into his waiting open arms so we can spill our guts to him. He’s always available to listen and surround us with his love.

We have to know that even though we believe in the protecting hand of God, we will still face trials of every kind. We are not exempt from evil or destruction or disease. We may face unending persecution or financial ruin or deep heartache. We may be rejected by those who once professed love. Yet we can still abide in the sweet presence of our God. He will not leave us or forsake us.

When a parent protects their child who has run into their safe embrace, the child may not feel the tremors of unease in their parent. That small child may not hear the heart’s groaning of their parent as they plead with God to save their child from the serious diagnosis or the trial they’re facing. The child will rest easy in the safety of their parent’s love, knowing that they will do all they can to ease the worries of their child. So, too, as we’re being held tight in the arms of our loving Savior, he is holding us steady against the ever increasing waves of evil penetrating our culture and world. He is sheltering us from an eternal destiny of destruction as we rest in his saving and forgiving grace. Regardless of the trials and troubles we’re facing, we can rest assured our salvation is in him.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

~Keith and Kristyn Getty

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Lover of My Soul

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

She walked into church with her three boys. As the boys jostled to get into the pew, I noticed they followed a particular pattern laid out by their mom as they found their place. The oldest boy went in first, followed by the mom. Then the other two boys were last. The final boy didn’t want to sit on the end of the pew. He actually wanted to sit by his mom but was told no. He sat down with a dejected look on his face which the mom noticed with a watchful eye.

I watched this family as the service got started. The boy on the end with the rumpled curly hair didn’t seem happy, but mom would glance over at him to confirm he was ok. He wasn’t really ok, and he sulked. Mom noticed but didn’t call him out. When we stood to sing, he was fidgety. She tapped him on the shoulder and said to stand still. The other two boys were standing still and acting content. Of course. They were both standing next to mom. One on each side.

As the service continued, the curly hair boy asked his mom if he could stand by her. She said he would need to ask his brother if he could switch places. Brother said no. Mom knew curly hair was needing her love, so she motioned for him to stand in front of her because both sides were occupied by the other boys. He gladly climbed past his brother to stand in front of mom, where she put her arms around him. He stayed in that position for only a few minutes and then sat back down and began drawing pictures.

A little later, he asked the brother on the other side of mom if he could sandwich between the two of them as they were standing. The older brother obliged, but instead of standing he sat between them as they were still standing. When everyone sat down, he finally crawled onto his mom’s lap. And as she placed her arms around him in a warm embrace, he laid his head back onto her shoulder. Content at last, he was in his mother’s arms. He reached back and wrapped his arms around the back of her head. She tousled his curly hair in love, and when their eyes met his eyes were filled with love and contentment. He was safe at home in his mother’s arms. All was right in his world.

He didn’t stay long on his mom’s lap. He soon had enough and moved back to the end of the pew where he sat contentedly until it was time to leave for children’s church. He just needed the reassurance that he was still hers even though he wasn’t seated next to her.

I don’t know why this particular son was unsettled. Both of the other boys sat still and stood quietly near their mom. But then. They didn’t have to fight to be near her. They both had the assigned place near her for as long as they needed. The third boy had to fight to get near her. At one point, he squeezed his fist tight and slowly brought it to the back of his brother’s head, as if to punch him. But no punch was made. No touch was made. His brother never knew. Perhaps he was acting out his hidden frustrations.

Who knows. Perhaps the three boys have to take turns sitting beside mom each week, since there are three boys and only two sides of mom. And this Sunday the curly haired boy was out of luck, but he was doing everything he could to get some mom time. He desperately needed reassurance of her love.

The mom would occasionally glance at each of the boys, one by one, with pure love in her eyes. It was obvious she cared deeply about these kids and wanted the best for them. She was training them the discipline of behaving and worshiping in church with adults. It was a moving scene if you were noticing.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Our Heavenly Father shows his love for his children in a multitude of ways. He shows his love by holding us close when we are facing a difficult situation. By disciplining us when we go astray. By bringing us into fellowship with like believers. By providing for our needs. By hearing our prayers and answering them in accordance with his will. By showing favor on us.

We may not always feel physically close to God, but we can be sure that he has his eye on us. If his eye is on the sparrow, then he surely watches over those who call on his name. He knows when it’s our time to feel his presence near and dear to us. He knows when we’ve moved a little further from him. He always knows our name.

But most of all. God showed his supreme love for us by giving his Son sacrificially on the cross to die for our sins. He provided an alternate offering instead of asking each of us to die for our own sins. He punished his son for our sins, so we could have eternal life. And he willingly forgives us of our sins when we ask him. When we repent and bow to him, he forgives us and wipes our sinful slate clean.

The God of the universe created all of mankind to serve him. He created us with a love and purpose. He is the lover of our souls.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.

~Stuart Townend

The Underbelly of the Mind

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The HVAC technician walked into my house and asked to be shown to the furnace. I mistakenly thought he would only inspect the air conditioner outside. But no. He needed to go into the corners of the basement to examine the workings of the furnace. And there, to my dismay, he saw not only the furnace but also the cobwebs, dust and clutter filling the laundry room. Now mind you. I like my laundry room because it is the size of a bedroom. It is spacious, but it is not a pretty place where one would want to entertain guests. The floor is plain concrete. A couple of the exterior walls are cinder block. The other two walls need a fresh coat of paint . The rafters, wiring, plumbing and insulation are exposed. The decor of the room obviously isn’t anywhere equal to those seen in magazines or design shows. It is not a sight to behold.

So when I realized he would see all the underpinnings of the ugliest room of the house, I was not delighted. My old dog and I escorted the young man down the stairs to see the furnace. And then he asked if we could move the storage shelving so he could get closer to it. Of course. Why don’t you just ask me to confess all my sins to you, as well as let you see the dust particles that I hoped would remain hidden. But no. He saw all the ugly. And he didn’t say one word about it.

I always try to rationalize these types of situations in my mind. I tell myself that surely these technicians who enter my home have seen other homes far worse than mine. Surely mine can’t be the most cluttered or unkempt that they’ve come across in the years they’ve been doing their work. But I don’t ask. And I don’t apologize. I pretend that clutter is just a normal part of life.

I was reminded that a similar incident occurred a couple of years ago when we had a new water heater install right next to the furnace. I had the same thoughts and feelings that time as I had this time. So, obviously, my cleaning habits didn’t change at all. I still have dust bunnies and clutter in hidden places of my home.

I confess. I’m not a perfectionist. I don’t demand a spotless house, but I know I could do better. I could keep a cleaner house, because I do have time for it. But that’s not how I choose to spend my time. After all, the only people who really need to see my laundry room are the people who live in the house.

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalms 104:34

And I think to myself. I could keep a cleaner mind, as well. Now mind you, I’m talking about removing the cluttered thoughts of annoyance and irritation. The internal moaning and groaning of my heart that leads me to think ill of others and myself. The pangs of worry and anxiousness over situations I can’t control and don’t need to concern myself with. Those unpleasant aspects of my thoughts should be put to rest, once and for all, but I continue to find them in the most unwanted times.

I’m thankful others can’t read my mind, because they would want to stand far from me or walk away. I’m afraid they would think ill of me and not bother with the good that is in me. It seems a good thing that most thoughts are kept out of sight.

When the curtain is pulled back from the corners of your mind, what is revealed? Who would you want to hide the view that has been exposed? Too often, I fritter away my thoughts on issues that should have no bearing on my life. They’re either history that can’t be changed or imaginings that will never happen.

I wonder how peaceful I would be if I focused my thoughts on God. What would happen if I sat in quiet worship of the God who is the Creator of the universe? What would transpire if I were to humbly consider the majesty of my Heavenly Father? Just the thought of his greatness and goodness should cause my heart to bow in reverence. When I consider all his creation that shouts for joy because of his goodness, why can’t I?

When I gaze into the far reaches of my mind, I glimpse memories and thoughts of the goodness of God. I recall answered prayers and the joy of the Lord’s presence as I walked through dark valleys. God’s promises are brought to mind as I remember the days where trouble loomed and uncertainty reigned supreme. And deep in those dark corners are the remembrance that God is an ever present help in times of trouble. He will not leave me or abandon me when I am faithful to him, no matter what evil may surround me.

I read that the God of all creation is worthy of our praise, and that is so true. We must look to him as our source of strength and comfort. He’s the only constant in a life full of ups and downs. All my joy and praise should be centered on him. Our hearts should be warmed when we praise our Maker and give him all the glory and honor that is due him. No one else can accomplish or plan as he does. He alone is sovereign and will always be. There is none like him.

Have you no fear of God, no reverence for him? Job 15:4

If My Dad Was God For A Day

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She was writing the final paper for her senior year in college. The professor assigned the topic for the class. They had to answer one question. What would the world be like if your dad was made God for a day? This woman felt she was at a huge disadvantage. She grew up in a home with a single mom and little to no contact with her earthly father. So. How would the world be different if her earthly father played God for the day?

This woman said that her thoughts and opinions shaped the world and God’s place in it based on who her earthly father was. She perceived God to be absentee, unpredictable and emotionally disconnected, uninterested in her life. That was almost a mirror reflection of her relationship with her earthly father. She realized she had an inaccurate view of God and needed to change it. So, the following year she enrolled in seminary so she could learn a more accurate understanding of who God is.

Not all kids growing up in the same household have identical view of their fathers. Each kid’s personality and strengths and weaknesses are different, so a father will interact with each child in a unique way. Some who knew my dad might see him in a different light than how I see him. If they were telling this story, he might look a bit different. But isn’t it the same when we have opposing views of God? We may see God differently than someone else does. It all depends on our experiences and our views of many different elements of life.

It is an interesting question. And I thought I would put it to the test. What would the world be like if my dad was made God for a day? I’m basing my description on my dad’s chosen life’s work, not on his personality traits or strengths and weaknesses.

My dad was a farmer, so you could say that he worked from home. A normal day in the life of my dad would see him working on his farm. His workday would start with feeding the pigs. Then, he might sort the pigs into different categories. He would consider which ones were ready to be sold for slaughter and which ones to keep for growing the herd. If some pigs were ready to give birth, he would move them to the nursery. The job of a pig farmer seemed to revolve around sorting and feeding his pigs.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty. Revelation 4:8

On another day, my dad might work in the fields from morning until evening. In the spring, he would plant corn and soybeans. In the fall, he would plant the wheat and harvest the corn and beans. He would harvest the wheat in the summer or early fall. The work of a grain farmer consists of cultivating the ground, planting the seed and harvesting the crops. And praying for rain.

There was always work to be done in the fields. The soil had to be prepared for the crops that would be planted. There was plowing and cultivating the ground in order to soften the soil, because the soil had to be ready to accept the seeds that were sown in it. Once the crops were growing, fertilizer would be added for a plentiful harvest. At certain times in the growing process, he would till the land to remove weeds that had popped up between the rows of crops. If weeds weren’t removed, they could overtake the crop and there would be no harvest. Weeds had to be kept under control.

As farming methods progressed, my dad would use the no-till method of planting where the soil would not be disturbed until the seed hit the ground. The previous crop that had died back would be left in the field, and a new crop would be planted directly over it. This would prevent soil erosion. There was never any expectation that the seeds would plant themselves or the crops would harvest themselves. The farmer must do the work of planting and harvesting.

A farmer’s work is never done. If my dad wasn’t working in the fields or with the pigs, he might be repairing his farm equipment. There were tractors, combines, trucks, plows, disks, cultivators, planters and possibly other tools I can’t quite recall. The man was busy from morning to night. And on beautiful sunny evenings, he would load his family in the pickup truck to drive around the countryside admiring the fields of crops.

Everyone may not agree with my dad’s method of farming, but his work always produced great results. His crops produced a higher yield that other farmers in the area. He knew that the secret to a huge harvest was to start with healthy soil and the best seeds. My dad had a proper understanding of raising healthy and productive crops.

Now knowing what a day in the life of a farmer looks like, what would the day look like if he was God? With my dad’s background in farming, I could see him as a nurturing God. As a discipler and a disciplinarian. He would be interested in feeding the souls of his people, but he would also discipline those who are going astray from his teachings. He would mentor those who are eager to know more about him and what makes him holy. He would sort the wheat from the chaff, the good fruit from the rotting fruit.

If my dad was God for a day, he would produce a huge harvest, because he had been faithful with the little he had been given. His crops would be able to provide for many who are less fortunate. He would feed the hungry and teach them how to feed themselves. His hard work would not be in vain. His talents were proven to be good, and he loved his work.

Not everyone approves of God’s ways, but his work always produces the best results. Perfect results, actually. He can do no wrong. The good news for my dad and for everyone is that he will never be God. There is only one God, and no one compares to him. And when we look at the truth of God that is found in Scripture, there’s only one story to tell about God. Our opinions and life experiences don’t change who God is or what he does.

A Good Man

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He was a flawed man, but I didn’t know it. He wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t notice. In my eyes, he was perfect. He made good decisions. He gave good advice. He was an astute business man. He always did the right thing. He was a strong leader. He was a godly influence. He had his flaws, but they will remain nameless. He had to be flawed. He was human. So he had strengths and weaknesses, like everyone else. But I saw him as the man of all men. He was the one to be looked up to at all times. I never doubted his advice. I never questioned his decisions. At least, not out loud. I followed his instructions to a T. I knew that he loved me. He was my dad.

He had a sense of humor. In my mind’s eye, I can still see him throw his head back and give a big belly laugh. He was a disciplinarian. He kept his kids on the straight and narrow. He was an authoritarian. His word was law in his household. No one in the house ever doubted that. Or talked back.

He was my father. The man of all times. He was a soldier. A welder. A farmer. He was a Christian. Father. Husband. Son. Brother. Uncle. Cousin. Grandfather. Great Grandfather. He was a man of God.

He read the Bible. He had daily devotions. He spent time with God. He served God by being involved in the church. He taught Sunday School. He was on the church board. He was the church treasurer. He was the Sunday School superintendent. He read the Bible to his kids on a daily basis. He prayed for his family. But first and foremost, he was a Christian. He loved God.

He once caught a man stealing his farm tools and drove him to the police station in the middle of the night. He was a man of courage. He served four years in the Army during the Korean war. He defended our freedom and our rights. He was a man of valor.

My dad loved his job. He loved farming. It was his life. Planting. Harvesting. Raising pigs. He loved his life on the farm. He would have been content to work the land until his dying day if his health had permitted. But with age came heart issues, causing him to slow down and retire. It was a sad day for him to sell the farm equipment and lease the land to an up and coming young farmer.

Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Proverbs 14:26

After every Sunday dinner, my dad would get up from the table and kiss my mom on the cheek and thank her for a delicious meal. He was a man deeply in love with his wife. He spent the last years of his life making sure my mother was taken care of as her memory slowly faded. He waited eleven days to take his final breath once he knew she was safely secured in heaven. And then he quietly joined her.

Oh. My dad never brought flowers to my mom. He rarely bought her a Christmas gift. But he gave her his undying love and devotion. He provided a godly influence to their family. He was a faithful, loving husband.

My dad has been in heaven for eight years now. I’m sure he’s having the time of his life. I’m looking forward to the day that I join him, and then we’ll never be separated again. It will be a glorious time.

Oh. If only we had more men like my dad today. This world would be a much better place. It still wouldn’t be a perfect world, but it would be a more secure, productive and kind world. It would be centered around God, the church, a satisfying career and a loving family.

I miss my dad.

Mary’s Birth Story

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She was very surprised to learn she was having a baby. This pregnancy was unplanned. To say the least. She was engaged to be married. She was a virgin. So, technically, there was no way she could become pregnant. Except for one thing. An angel of God visited her. He said she would have a child. This child would be the Son of God. She was to carry and birth the Savior of the world.

Then during the final days of Mary’s pregnancy, she and Joseph left town. They traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. It was roughly a seventy mile trip. Mary on the donkey. Joseph on foot. The terrain was hilly and uneven. It was rough country. The trip either went straight through Samaritan country, or down an out of the way path around the city to reach Bethlehem. The first option was dangerous and uncertain. The second route added more time to an already long trip.

On top of the uncertainties of the trip, Mary was heavily pregnant. Her time was coming due. Oh. She had no birth plan, as is the norm these days. She had never given birth. Perhaps she had been involved in midwifery for other women. Yet she was young. Perhaps she had witnessed her mother birthing younger siblings. Had her mother instructed her on what to expect in birthing a baby? Was she prepared to be completely alone with her husband who was not the father of her child? Did Joseph know what to expect when his wife was expecting?

When the couple arrived in Bethlehem, there were crowds of people. Hotel rooms were full. No vacancy anywhere. They found space in a stable where they spent time awaiting the impending birth. And her time came as they were in the distant city. She was not surrounded by women who knew her. She was not in the company of friends. She was alone with the man who was her husband but not the father of her child. She had yet to know this man intimately, yet he was to help her birth the baby.

Was it an awkward experience for both of them? Joseph was not experienced at delivering babies. Oh. He worked with his hands, but as a carpenter. His hands were rough and strong. But perhaps he was gentle as he soothed her sweaty brow. Was she in labor for hours? Was it an easy birth? Or, was this the perfect labor and delivery, because the Deliverer was being delivered? There were no robes of royalty for this newborn. Mary wrapped this infant King in strips of cloth.

Oh. There was no birthing room. No blood tests. No IV. No heartbeat monitors. No epidural. No apgar test. There were no newborn photos to share with the family. There were no footprints inked on a birth certificate. No steak dinners to celebrate the happy occasion. They were in a stable where animals were kept. Nothing was sterile about the place, yet this perfect child came to save an unsterile world.

The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Matthew 1:23

But the birth announcement was out of this world. Literally. As shepherds were in the fields that night, an angel burst onto the scene. He announced the birth of this baby. And then a choir of angels appeared and sang to the shepherds. They sang of his birth. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men. The shepherds immediately left the fields and found the stable in Bethlehem. There they worshipped the infant King of kings and Lord of lords.

On the eighth day after his birth, Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple where he was circumcised. He was given the name Jesus. An offering of two doves was presented that day. It was a typical day in the life of a couple christening their child.

But there were those in the temple. Two who had been waiting for this moment. They had been waiting for years. Their hearts had been stirred as he was brought in for this ceremony. They knew what only his parents knew. They confirmed that he was the Son of God. The Incarnate God in flesh. And only eight days old.

I’m sure Mary pondered this unusual announcement in her heart. She and Joseph had not shared the details of this immaculate conception with strangers. There was no need. Yet here they came. An elderly man named Simon and an elderly widowed woman named Anna. They each shared the prophecies of the birth of this One born in the royal line of David.

Everything we need to know about Mary’s birth story has been written. The information is shared throughout the Bible. The more personal and private details have been left out. Because they aren’t the focus of the story. The baby’s weight is inconsequential. The hours of labor aren’t counted. It doesn’t matter when her water broke. Or when she was fully dilated. The birth of this baby was ordained by God the Father. His birth was part of a beautiful, sacrificial plan for mankind’s salvation. No other birth story compares. The breath of eternal life is given to everyone who calls on the name of Jesus.

The God I Know

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Oh.  Heavenly Father, God and Creator of the Universe.  You knew me before I was born.  You knit me together in my mother’s womb.  You numbered my days before I breathed my first breath.  You alone decided I would be born, and you alone will decide when my days are complete.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You.

You alone planned my days.  You know my accomplishments.  You know my failures.  You love me in my most lovely days, and you love me when I’m less than lovely.

You go before me and you follow me.  You surround me with your presence.  You work for me.  You fight for me.  Your heavenly armies follow me.  I can never escape from your Spirit.  Your hand guides me.  Your strength supports me.  You equip me for your work.  I am never far from your thoughts.

You search me.  You know my thoughts.  You read my mind.  You hear my words.  You test me.  You know my anxious thoughts.  Yet you still love me.  You won’t turn away when I call.

You are the first and the last.  The alpha and the omega.  The beginning and the end.  You never had a beginning and you’ll never end.  You are always.  You are eternal.  You are everlasting.

Oh.  You are three in one.  God, you are the Father.  Jesus Christ, you are the Son.  Holy Spirit, you are my Guide.  All of you complete the never-ending circle of the one and only God.  There are no limits to what you can do.  You are powerful.  You are able to do anything and everything.   At any time.

You are the God of peace.  You are kind.  Compassionate.  Loving.  Generous.  You meet all my needs and provide me with blessings.  Your grace is free and undeserved.  Your mercies are new every day.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  Revelation 22:13

Your ways are beyond understanding. You are a good good Father. You know best.  You love unconditionally.  You love the lovely and the unlovely.  You are merciful and yet you’re just. You will repay and you will punish.  But oh.  Your blessings are unfathomable. Your love is endless.  Your grace is unearned.

You love everyone. Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in your sight.  The lame. The blind. The sick.  The homeless.  The rich.  The poor.  The thief.  The artist.  The CEO.  The hourly worker.  You love those who are hurting. You love those who have hurt others.  You love the honest.  You love the liar.  You do not discriminate.

You allow Satan to tempt and trick your people.  You allow wars and disease and famine.  You allow untimely deaths and accidents.  Job loss.  Destruction.  Horrible crimes.  You could stop these, yet you don’t.  You allow nature to take its course.  You allow the sun to rise and set every single day.  You allow mankind to choose you or not to choose you.  You’ve given us a free will to live our lives as we see fit.  With you.  or without you.  And through it all, you love us.  No matter what we choose.

You offer forgiveness.  No questions asked.  You stand waiting for us to choose you over everything else we hold dear.  You offer eternal life.  You offer a heavenly reward.  You gave your Son.  For everyone.

Your work is never left undone. You finish everything you start.  You work thoroughly and perfectly.  You are the Master Creator, creating works of art for your pleasure and purpose.  You are the Master Carpenter, building an eternal home for those who follow your ways.

Through everything, you never change. The good. The bad. The ugly. You’re constant. You speak only the truth. You don’t lie. You keep your promises. In your own time.  Because for you a day is a thousand years and a thousand years is a day.  Time is nothing to you. Yet you created time.  In those 7 days, you created day and night.  Dark and light. Sun and moon.  Sea and land.  Food and flower.  Creature and man.

You are the final Judge.  You will have the last say about how I’ve lived my life.  You alone will decide if I am worthy to enter heaven’s gates.  Oh.  I’m unworthy.  But you alone, God, will determine my eternity.

You correct me when I’m wrong.  You counsel me when I need guidance.  You challenge me to trust you when I’m out of my comfort zone.  You carry me through the most difficult of times.

God, you are fair.  You judge and punish as you see fit.   You are impartial.  You decide who will rise and who will fall.  You allow rain to fall on the just and on the unjust.  You have enemies, but you fight cleanly and fairly.

God, you never change.  You’re always right.  You have the final say in all matters.  No one is better than you.  You alone determine the outcome of all events.  You alone are God.  You are the only God.  The one and only God.  All knees will bow to you at some unknown time.  All lips will confess you as Lord at the appointed time.

Bless your holy name.  Amen.

 

Good Good Father

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I’ve heard it said that a person’s view of God is based on their relationship with their dad.  I’ve always had a respectful view of God.  I trust him.  I love him.  He is the authority.  Let me tell you why that is my impression of God.

My dad was always in charge.  He was the leader of our family.  He was the provider.  The authoritarian.  He was a tease.  He had a great sense of humor.  He had a great work ethic.  He loved his work.  He loved his family.  He helped those in need.

My dad  provided everything I needed.  No.  He didn’t give me everything I wanted.  But I never went hungry.  I was always clothed.  He built our home.  I was warm when I needed to be.  I was cool when I needed to be.

My dad taught me to work.  Whether I liked it or not, my dad handed out chores for his kids to do.  Mowing the lawn.  Weeding the garden.  Cleaning the hog house.  Working on the farm.

I saw my dad spending time with God every day.  He would read his Bible before breakfast.  He would lead our family in devotions every night before bed.  He would pray for us.  He would pray with us.  My dad made sure his family spent time in God’s word every day.

My dad was always present.  He was available when we needed him.  Oh.  He worked hard.  He worked long hours.  But he always took a Sabbath to rest and restore his spirit.  He was in a noisy environment a lot of the day, so he wanted peace and quiet at home.  That wasn’t easy with seven kids.  But we knew that once he walked in the door, the piano practice time was over.  The radio was turned off.  He wanted to hear himself think.

My dad was a disciplinarian.  When we did wrong.  And we did.  He disciplined us.  It wasn’t pleasant, but it taught us to respect authority and trust his leadership.

Oh.  My dad wasn’t perfect.  But he was honest.  He was a powerful influence in my life.  He took his faith seriously.  He had a library of Bible commentaries, Christian books and Bibles to study as he prepared to teach his Sunday School class each week.

My dad is the man I measured all other men by.  He set the standard high.

He was a good good father.

The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.          Psalm 103:8

I think of God.  My heavenly Father.  He is the giver of life.  He is the lover of my soul.  He provides for all my needs.

My heavenly Father allows me to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but he calms my fear of evil.  My God is so wise that He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.  When I am fearful, he alone is my source of strength and resilience.

Oh.  He disciplines me.  When I disobey, he teaches me how to be more like Him.  When I don’t spend enough time with Him, He calls me back.

The thing about God.  He is perfect.  He knows exactly what I need when I need it.  He provides at just the right time.  He does no wrong.  He cannot.  He will not.

My God is always with me.  I can’t move without him knowing it.  Oh.  He can see everything I do.   He hears every word I speak.  He reads my every thought.  He never leaves my side.  He is always available anytime I call out to him.  He fights for me.  He works on my behalf.

God shows me favor.  At times, I feel as if I’m his favorite child.  He showers me with blessings that I don’t deserve.  He loves me unconditionally.  No matter what I do, He never gives up on me.  He will not stop loving me.

He is the God I measure all other gods by.  May I never waver in the God I serve.

He is a good good Father.