Living Free - June 24, 2013
He Is There: The Perfect Father
Today's Scripture
“The distance around the entire city will be 6 miles. And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord Is There.’” - Ezekiel 48:35 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Many children grow into adulthood with an absent earthly father because of illness, work, unconcern, or separation. Others have fathers physically present in the home but not providing a positive and supportive presence. They may be preoccupied with work, sports, television, work, drinking . . . or any number of things.
The supportive presence of an earthly father is important for the well-being of children. However, earthly fathers—even the best ones—will always be imperfect. The Bible tells us we have all sinned. We have all fallen short. Earthly fathers, sometimes by choice and sometimes because of unavoidable circumstances, cannot always be there for us.
But our Heavenly Father is always there.
Today's Scripture assures us the Lord is there. Jehovah Shammah. He Is There. Always.
Consider this . . .
Although earthly fathers will always be imperfect, God can use them to guide their family into his presence. Some of us have had fathers like that. Some of us have had fathers who continually disappointed us. But we can all find security in knowing our Heavenly Father is always there for us.
- Our earthly father is not perfect-but our Heavenly Father is.
- Our earthly fathers are human, but our Heavenly Father is all powerful, always present everywhere, and all knowing.
- Earthly fathers change, but our Heavenly Father is changeless.
Whether or not you have been blessed with a caring earthly father, remember the your Heavenly Father is always there.
Father, thank you for always being there. Always loving me. Thank you that no matter what, I can count on you. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Knowing God My Father: Applying the Names of God to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This curriculum is designed to help people strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by applying His names to their personal life. Along with helping Christians know God better, it can serve as an evangelistic tool by giving a true picture of God to people who may have a distorted view of Him because of an absent or abusive earthly father who did not or does not provide for them. This group can also help men who want to be better fathers. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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