JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL

JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL

A Psalm of David.  25:1

“To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.”

            “Jesus, Lover of my Soul” is one of my favorite songs.  I love to play it on the piano in a soft jazz rhythm.  It just seems to move my spirit.  Mostly, we just sing the song because it’s moving, but the title alone holds many mysteries when you meditate on the words. 

            Let’s explore what the ‘soul’ is according to the dictionary.  (It is the immortal or spiritual part of the person without any physical or material reality, and is the emotional and moral thinking part of a human.)

 Now to go to the Word of God:  Did you know that the ‘soul’ is mentioned 1,497 times in the Bible and 294 times in Psalms alone.  As many of the Psalms are believed to be King David’s writings and songs, we realize how concerned he was with his soul.  Taking the number of times it is mentioned in the Bible, we can know how important it is to God. 

            It has been observed over and over again that at the time a person dies, the invisible spirit leaves their body.  Although it has no physical matter, it has been proven there is a change of weight in the body. In the book of Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, it appears to explain it.  “ Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.”

            I believe this silver cord is our spirit’s lifeline to our physical body in the same way our umbilical cord is our lifeline to our mother’s body during birth.  To put this in simple words is to say [my interpretation], “Remember, or think about God while you are young before it’s too late.  When you die, [when the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered]; [the wheel is broken at the well], the well of your life is dried up.  Then your body turns to dust and goes back into the earth.  Your spirit then returns to God in heaven where your choice while you lived will determine whether you go to Heaven or Hell.

            This warning is to every living soul.  This is why the Lord loves our soul so much.  He created us in our mother’s womb and placed our soul inside our body. ^“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.  You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. .”  Psalm 139:13-16 (NLT)

            I do not believe that God cares how our bodies look, or whether we have hair or not; His eyes are on the heart (our soul).  The heart is considered to be the source of emotions, thoughts, feelings and our conscience.  So what is the difference between the soul and spirit?  We live in a body and have a soul, but the real person inside of us is our spirit.  When we accept Christ as our Savior our spirit becomes new because now we are born of God.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

            Our old self was covered in dirt and grime from our past and when we are born again, it was washed clean and becomes new.  We know this by the fact that God has placed a new spirit within us and our body becomes the “temple of the Holy Spirit”.  [I Corinthians 6:19]

            We are made up of 3 parts; body, soul and spirit.  Again, I must say that the soul and spirit live within the body.  Let’s read in Genesis 2:7 (KJV):  “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”  Every human is created in God’s image, therefore able to communicate with God.  Perhaps all creatures have a soul, but they do not have a spirit as does a human being.  Only the spirit of a person can communicate with God. 

            Psalm 25:1:“To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.”  In simple words we can say, “I give you all of me; my body, soul and spirit.”  That is what God wants from you; your entire being.  He loves you entirely; that’s why he sent his Son, Jesus to die for your sins, wash you clean and make you a new creature – a clean soul.  How true it is, “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”.

When my life has ended, my body and my soul will perish, but my spirit shall rise to heaven and I will be given a new body that will never die, and my spirit shall live forever more. 

 

 

           

 

CAN I LIVE A HOLY LIFE?

CAN I LIVE A HOLY LIFE?

            I’m sure many of us have asked this same question; is it possible to live a Holy Life?  I have thought about this quite often when I do or say things that are unholy.  Leviticus 19:2 tells us, “You must be holy for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”  He didn’t say that to taken lightly.  So how can we be Holy?

     First, we must be saved by receiving Jesus as our Savior.  (John 3:16)  ^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

     Secondly, from that time on our life should change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

     Thirdly, we must show others that we are Christians by living Holy Lives.  2 Timothy 1:9 “For God saved us and called us to live a Holy Life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.”

            This does not mean we are perfect, nor will we become perfect in this world; it’s impossible.  But, as Christians we should desire to live more like Jesus.  We should practice the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.  This is found in Galatians, 5:22   It’s not always easy no matter how spiritually mature you are.  Our humanness strives with our spirit on many of these things.  Are we always kind?  Are we always patient?  How about being faithful?  Be honest; how often do we give in to having things go our way instead of being faithful and wait for God’s way?

            It is work to live a Holy life; anything worth having is worth working for.  Hebrews 12:14 puts is this way; “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”  We might not like thinking about these things, but I didn’t write it; it’s in the Bible.  I must remind myself that salvation its self was not free; Jesus paid the price so we might receive it and have eternal life.  If it wasn’t for God’s mercy and grace, we wouldn’t know this today.

            I know that many preach that once we receive Jesus as our Savior we are saved and don’t ever have to think about it again.  We can do whatever and God’s grace cover’s it all.  I never understood that way of thinking, although it sounds great; I am sure we must ask forgiveness when we fall into sin.  I am also sure once we are saved, we cannot just sit back and do nothing for the Lord.  In 2 Peter 2:21 it tells us this;  “It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.” You see, living a holy life is a ‘command’, not a suggestion.  Not that it makes us greater or more spiritual, but it helps us to reach out and touch others with kindness, compassion and peace.

            Jesus is coming back to claim his own; we don’t know when that will be, but I know I want to be ready.  I struggle trying to live a holy life and I surely don’t always succeed, but God knows my heart and sees that my desire is to follow him.  2 Peter 3:11 shows us how important it is to try to do that.  “Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?”

Thank you God for showing us the way and when we stumble and fall, you pick us up and help us to continue on until we go home to you, or you return to us.  Amen

WHO WANTS TO BE A WINNER?

WHO WANTS TO BE A WINNER?

             I would guess that almost everyone would answer that question with a ‘YES’.  If you are a competitive person you will always try to win whether in racing, game playing or being in any kind of a contest.  I know I am quite competitive, especially when playing a board game.  In order to win, you must press forward as hard as you can and give your very best for it.

            Work ethics have always been a strong force in my life.  Not that I was trying to win something, but I knew it would pay off to give my best to my job.  Actually, I found great rewards by doing this such as promotion, bonuses and more pay.  If we do our best, God will do his best and we will find favor in the workplace. 

            I am reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament.  Joseph lived through some very tough times; his brothers wanted to kill him, but sold him to be a slave in Egypt.  Because of his faithfulness to God and his great work ethics he was promoted in the household where he worked.  Then he was betrayed by his master’s wife and ended up in prison.   Even there he found favor and eventually was brought before the Pharaoh who promoted him to a place where only the Pharaoh himself, was higher than Joseph over the whole land of Egypt.  

            The Message Bible puts it this way: “So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.” 1 Peter 5:6

            Not only do we want to be a winner in life itself, but we should want to be a Spiritual winner.  Whether you like it or not, as Christians how we work, play or pray is an example to all of those around us.  What others see in our lives may help them to make a decision in their life.  The following scripture tells us how a Christian should live.  “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”  2 Timothy 2:22

            We all know what righteous living is, as well as love and peace, but do we understand faithfulness.  The dictionary says it means: constant, conscientious, agreement, steadfastness.  This applies to all areas of our life; physically as well as spiritual.  Faithfulness is one of the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-23].

            I don’t enjoy losing in any contest, but above all I don’t want to lose this race in life.  I think of what the apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 9:24; “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”  What is the prize?  Eternal Life!

            Of all the things I have read and studied in the Bible, one thing stands out in my mind and it’s found in Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT); ^“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.  On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’  But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”

            To put it plainly, I want to be a winner; a winner in this life and for eternity.  I’m the only one who can decide to win or lose.  Even God can’t make that decision for me.  I chose to follow Jesus and to run the race of life so I can enter heaven.  Yes, Jesus death on the cross gave me the free gift of salvation, but if I chose to throw it away and be a loser, the ball is in my court.

            What are you going to do with God’s gift; lose it or choose it?         
           

 

 

GOD'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

God’s Independence Day

            Today, July 7, 2013, Jack Wright, at Shiloh Tabernacle, explained what happened to the brave men who put together the Declaration of Independence.  When they signed their names to it they became wanted men.  They were declaring our freedom from Great Britain who then ruled our thirteen colonies which became the United States of America.  This made them traitors to the King of England and hardly any of them survived untouched. 
            One of the signers; John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail the following letter at the time:
          “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
           Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.  And, so it has been that we celebrate the Fourth of July with families, friends, parades, guns bonfires and fireworks. 
          In order to have the freedom that we have today, the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence sacrificed all they owned; their own lives and the lives of their families.  It takes sacrifice to make freedom available.  This is also true in our spiritual life.  It took a sacrifice to save us from Hell.  That sacrifice was Jesus Christ!
         God sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross that we might be saved.  In other words, set free from sin and death.  How can that be?  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” ( Romans 6:23)  The day that you believe this and then do what the Bible says,  “You confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  (Romans 10:9)  You will be free at that moment; “free from the law of sin and death.”  (Romans 8:2)
         This is God’s Independence Day for you and you can celebrate it the rest of your life.  When your time on his earth is finished, you will continue to celebrate for eternity in Heaven.
          If you believe that everyone goes to heaven when they die, you are sadly mistaken.  Only those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will enter heaven.  God’s gift of his Son is free, but very costly.  Don’t mock it or shame it because God will deny any people that do.   
         We just celebrated our country’s Independence Day; why not celebrate God’s Independence Day if you have not done so.

1. Pray and ask God to forgive you of any sin in your life.

2. Believe that Jesus died for those sins.

3. Ask Jesus to come and live in your heart.

4. Thank him for loving you enough to die for you.

 You are Saved!  You are Free! Go tell somebody what happened to you.

 

Celebrate your freedom!

 

What a Coincidence!

What a Coincidence!

             Have you ever had two things come together at the same time and place and you laughing said, “What a coincidence.”  I’ve had these ‘coincidences’ happen many times.  One of the most recent ones was to be at a certain place at the same time as another person.  We did not know each other, but began politely talking and as we talked, I knew she was a Christian who was going through a rough time.  I was able to give her words of encouragement from the Bible and when we parted ways, she was smiling and filled with hope.

            This isn’t about me; it’s about God drawing two people together at the same time place when one needed help and the other had God’s Word to give her.  Coincidence; no!  It was God’s plan that it should happen that way.  I call it “A Holy Coincidence’.  Another time of deep discouragement, God sent a person to speak to me on a lonely rest stop in mountains of Tennessee.  Many years ago when I didn’t know Jesus as my Savior and all hope was gone,

      I watched a Christian program that led me to ask Jesus into my heart and set me free.  Coincidence?  I don’t believe so.  I never watched Christian TV in those days and this program was about another person struggling in the same ways that I did.  Think of it; a program I never watched coming on at the same time I had given up hope and showing another person with the same problems who made it because of Jesus.  I don’t know if I would have made it without seeing this, or if I would even be alive today. 

            How about the time we were driving and suddenly our car stopped and we were right by a garage.  We tried several times to start it, but it wouldn’t work.  We sat there about ten minutes and the mechanic came out and looked at the engine.  He didn’t see anything wrong and got in, turned the key and it instantly started running.  We didn’t understand it, but went on down the road and came up on a terrible accident.  Could that have been us if our car hadn’t stopped?  Coincidence?   I don’t know, but our car never stopped like that again the whole time we owned it.  

            God pre-planned ‘coincidences’ all through the Bible, but we should call them ‘Miracles’.  In Acts 8, we read about a eunuch, Treasurer of Ethiopia, who was riding in a chariot and God sent Philip to witness to him.  In verses 36-37, “As they rode along, they came to a small body of water, and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! Why can’t I be baptized?"  "You can," Philip answered, "if you believe with all your heart." And the eunuch replied, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

            In John 4, Jesus and some of the disciples were going through Samaria and stopped at a well.  At the same time a woman came to the well to draw water.  Jesus asked her for a drink and then began telling her about salvation and also revealed things in her life he could not have known.  She went into the city and told everyone about him.  In verse 39, “Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did.” She became the first woman evangelist.  Coincidence; no, it was planned by God.

            I’m sure if you think about it, you can recall things that happened to you and you said, “What a coincidence!”  No it is God’s hand in your life and in others.   God has a plan for your life!  It’s not always easy to see what that plan is, but accepting that God wants the best for your life even if it seems difficult sometimes, makes life easier. 

            Things have happened in my life that was so difficult, but when I look back I know why it had to be that way.  I believe that all things are interconnected in some way.  Today, when trouble comes, I tend to ask God, “Father, what are you trying to show me?”   When I had cancer two years ago, I asked him that question and he answered with this, “El Shaddai” which means ’God is enough’; He is all I need.  I keep that note above my desk where I see it every day.  A year ago I broke my right shoulder in four places and an amazing surgeon pieced it back together and I am whole again.  When the pain was bad, I again asked God if I would ever be alright again and He gave me the same answer; “El Shaddai”.

            It’s time for Believers to not claim coincidences, but to rejoice in the greatness of God.  Think on these words and believe them; that’s what faith is all about.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God;  to those who are the called according to His purpose.”    Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

 

 

                                                                                                 

 

 

 

           

           

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God;

to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

 

 

 

RECOGNIZING 'END TIMES'

Recognizing ‘End Times’

      Jesus gave us so many warnings about the ‘end of days’ and most of them come in the book of Matthew. However, all through the Old Testament many prophecies concerning this subject were written.  We are going to see things we have never seen before and experience events that we can’t even imagine in our own country; in our cities, in our churches and in our homes.  What are some of the things we can expect?

      Weather Changes:  In the last very few years, we have seen such devastation in our country.  We’ve had everything from horrible hurricanes to record droughts and floods.  There have been raging forest fires and more tornadoes in a short time span then have ever been.  The forecast is for more severe weather changes to come.  The following article appeared in the Washington Post,

      Future Forecast-Extreme Weather: It's going to be a wild ride, especially for specific regions," said the study's lead author, Claudia Tebaldi, a scientist at the federally funded academic research center. She pointed to the Western United States, Mediterranean nations and Brazil as "hot spots" that will get extremes at their worst, according to the computer models. Some places, such as the Pacific Northwest, are predicted to get a strange double whammy of longer dry spells punctuated by heavier rainfall.  The changes are very significant and it’s enough to say we're in for a bad future.” Matt. 24:7 “And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
      What about earthquakes?  Those in China, Indonesia and other places have been so devastating.  China alone claims 70,000 or more died in their last great earthquake.  Let’s look to science predictions for an answer for our future.  The Earthquake Hazard program says they expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year.
      Meteorites:  What can we expect?  Mat.24:29  "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Isn’t it interesting that the government won’t let you know if one is coming near to earth?  This happened a short time ago and was not disclosed until it had passed.  So, it’s nothing to worry about because we probably won’t know until it actually hits.
      Perilous Times - What other things should we be watching for?  2 Timothy 3: 3:1-7 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  It is obvious that all these characteristics in today’s world are on the rise. 
      There is another thing that Jesus strongly warned us to be aware of and that is False Prophets.  "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matt 24:11 How will we know them and how can we keep ourselves from falling into their clutches? “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”    I John 4:1  How do we test the ‘spirit’ or the ‘prophet’?  The only answer lies in the Bible.  Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”You will know them by their fruits.
       Let’s think carefully on this, because with all the television and internet connections, you may hear people promote these men or women, but don’t believe everything you hear.  Go to God for answers!  I always go back to the scriptures in Matthew 24: 23-26 “Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. "For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. "See, I have told you beforehand.”Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it.”  Perhaps some of these people really believe what they are teaching and preaching, but beware – they are not always getting their information from the right ‘spirit’. 
      Angels:  Col. 2: 18 “Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don't let anyone say you must worship angels, even though they say they have had visions about this. These people claim to be so humble, but their sinful minds have made them proud.”  TLB  
      There are people today who claim to have almost constant visits from angels who direct them in how they should minister and what they should do and who they should heal.  Be aware if they preach this.  I have read of one prominent evangelist who claims his angel, named Emma, is who he relies on in his ministry.  He also brings in lots of money through following directions of his ‘Financial Angels’.  I can only tell you that many follow this man, but I would ask you to pray about it if you happen to listen people like him.
      Ephes. 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We must be on guard at every turn and so as Ephesians explains, “Put on the armor of God.”  When?  Every day!  If you think we aren’t in a spiritual war, don’t kid yourself.  The enemy is at work in frenzy because he knows his time is short.  Come, Lord Jesus!
       Another thing we need to be aware of is DECEIT.  2 Tim. 4: 2-4 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Today there are those who change the scriptures to benefit their agenda.  It is through deceit they will show you more than one way to salvation; acceptance of another life-style, ways to cheat by using the scriptures to justify the means.  Listen to what Paul says in Col. 2:8. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
      In this instance what does it mean, ‘according to Christ’?  I John 5:7 “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” Jesus is the Word made flesh.  John tells us Jesus was the word.  Rev 19 tells us he is ‘The Word of God’.  People sometimes think they need to adjust the Word of God; update it for modern times and give it new meanings.  God help those who do this.  Some people will argue that there are ‘new waves’ of God.  Yet God says he is the same yesterday, today and forever.  God never changes; Mal 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change”. 
      So, how do we know we are really in the ‘last days’?  Take a look around you; watch the news, read the paper and don’t bury your head in the sand.  Prepare your heart for whatever is ahead and then go on about your business.  Share Jesus with others wherever you go; that’s what we are commanded to do.  “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

WHAT IS A FATHER?

What is a Father?

 

            Every year when Father’s Day comes around, I think of my father who passed away in 1972.  Although he’s been gone a long time, my memories bring his image to the front of my mind.  He was not the ‘perfect’ father; he had many faults and caused much sadness to my mother, I choose to think of the good times.  He taught me how to swim, showed me how to hunt morel mushrooms, took me fishing in the lake and showed me how to shoot and handle a gun.  I remember the Sunday afternoon drives and picnics at roadside parks.  He was a fur buyer and trapper and he once gave me a pearl-handled jackknife and showed me how to scrape the fat off the inside of a fur pelt.  I was so proud of that job.  I also learned how to sort the furs by size and kinds (muskrat, mink and fox).

            This all sound like a great dad, but sadly he never attended church or any school functions; never prayed out loud; didn’t care what grades I got in school, or that I was in all kinds of plays and musicals.  He would leave the house when I practiced piano and refused to pay for more than 9 months of lessons.  He didn’t care when I made cheerleader.  He had little interest in what any of our family did.

            Regardless of all of this; I loved my father!  I also knew he loved me, although he never was able to say the words.  It was things he did that let me know how much he loved me.  When my husband and I had to move to Texas for my daughter’s health, he drove all the way there with my mother and little sister to visit us.  Years later when we moved back to my home town, he would come to my house several days a week and bring me and the children so we could have lunch with him and my mother.  Many times he just stopped by to see if we were okay.   

            Most fathers are not like the old TV show, “Father Knows Best”.  They have faults; some more serious than others.  However, you would not be here today except for your father and mother.  Regardless of how accepted ‘same sex couples’ are, they cannot have children together.  It still takes a sperm and an egg to create a human being.  Yet, that is not to say that stepfathers cannot be great examples. 

            When we look in the Bible and read about fathers like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we see some things in them that don’t make the best fathers.  Read about Joseph and his brothers; Lot and his daughters, or Moses and his relationship with his sons.  It gives you a great deal of thought on what constitutes a ‘Father’.

            Abraham sent his first son out of his camp with his Egyptian mother.  Can you imagine how that young boy felt being rejected by his father?  Moses left his boys with their mother and took off for parts unknown.  They really never had a father to raise them as they grew to manhood.  Isaac loved his eldest son, Esau, more than his son Jacob.  Jacob retaliated by robbing his brother of his birthright and his father’s blessing.  Of course he received the consequences of being cheated by his Uncle Laban.  Then Jacob himself had twelve sons, but favored Joseph and the other boys revolted and tried to kill Joseph.  How about Lot who moved into the evil city of Sodom?  God showed him mercy and saved him from death, but his daughters were perverted and had children with their father, who apparently didn’t turn them away. 

            These great men of faith certainly weren’t the best of fathers, but God still blessed them and forgave them.  If God can forgive these fathers of the past, why can’t we forgive our fathers at this time of history?

             I like to think of the good father whose son left home so he could enjoy the sins of the world.  I have so often marveled that as this young man built up enough courage to come home to ask his father’s forgiveness, his father saw him coming ‘a great way off.’ In my mind, I see the father as a man who loved his son deeply and was so hurt his son left like he did, that he daily stood looking down the road. He obviously longed for his son to return.

      I don’t know how old this father was, but it says he was filled with compassion and took off running down the road toward his son. [This is the only time in the Bible that refers to God running to welcome home a lost soul.] Oh, that all parents would react like this father, when their children have been wayward and then come back home.  “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his Father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”  Luke 15:20.”                                                       

      When the father reached his son, he threw his arms around him; hugged him and kissed him. What joy there was in the father’s heart. Father’s, don’t wait to repair a broken relationship with your son or daughter. Be forgiving and compassionate. Remember, you weren’t perfect either.

Sons and daughters, forgive your fathers for any wrong that was done to you in the past. You can’t force a person to change, but with forgiveness and compassion they can and it also eases your own heart.

      Close your eyes a moment and envision a father (or mother) running down a road towards their lost child and think on this scripture in (Ephesians 5:2-4) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth”. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord”

 

     Forgiveness works both ways, just like love.