Living Free - Sept. 24, 2013
Today's Scripture
"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!" - 1 John 3:1 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Very often our picture of God, our heavenly Father, is shaped by the behavior of our earthly father. A godly father will influence his children to trust in a loving heavenly Father. But many children have grown into adulthood with a distorted view of God our Father because they could not trust their earthly father.
To some people, the word father brings to mind a father who was abusive, neglectful, or not there when they needed him. They are struggling with a "father vacuum"—a wall between them and their earthly father and a distorted view of a heavenly Father they cannot accept.
Of course, no father can compare with our heavenly Father because no earthly father is perfect. But the heavenly Father is the model for the earthly father as provider, healer of hurts, and example of righteousness.
Consider this …
Are you a father? A study of the names of God is a good place to begin if you want to be a better father and to pave the way for your children to view their heavenly Father as One who loves them and will always be there for them. One of His names that brings assurance and should be practiced by all fathers is being present—Jehovah-shammah, "The Lord Is There" (Ezekiel 48:35).
If you are dealing with a father vacuum, studying the names of God can be healing. A search for the truth about His character will reveal a Father of great love, compassion, and mercy. One who will never leave you nor forsake you. A Father waiting for you with open arms.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 NLT
Father, thank you for your love, forgiveness, and faithfulness. Help me to grow in faith as I better understand your holiness and goodness and love. I thank you that you will never leave me nor forsake me. I thank you that you care about everything that concerns me and walk with me through the good times and the bad. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
