Father's Day

Father's Day is one of the best and worst days of the year, depending on your situation.  For me, it is a great time.  As a child, I am blessed to have been raised by a good dad that I can call any day of the week.  As a father, it is a blessing to hear from all my children on the same day.  Add to that, I had KFC for lunch ("preach the Word and eat the bird"), watched some baseball, took a nap, ate at Sonny's for supper, had a gelato from Rita's, and watched the sunset on the beach with the family.  A truly blessed day.

This picture reminded me of our text yesterday.

On the other hand, Father's Day is dreaded for others.  It brings up the pain of good father's who have since passed away.  For many, that pain exists throughout the year, but on this day it intensifies.  Even worse, I know some fathers who have lost children due to a premature death.  This day is just another awful reminder.  On the other hand, there are others who struggle with a different kind of pain.  They are the ones who were abused, neglected, or abandoned by their fathers.  They even struggle with the Biblical concept of God as a Father.  Some fathers have lost their children to a sinful way of life.  There are dads who still have children alive, but they might as well be dead, because they never hear from them.  To you, I pray for the peace of the Spirit within your soul.  In times like these, lean on our amazing God.  He loves you more than you can ever understand.

 

Speaking of an amazing God, we studied one of the touching moments of Jesus.  He really does care about us and our families.  Even in times we do not completely understand.  This Sunday we will look into the Amazing Grace of God, as we study the woman caught in adultery.  Do you know people who struggle with their sins?  Do you know people who just cannot believe God can forgive them for their past?  The fact is, we all need this story, whether we are the one who needs to be forgiven or the one who needs to forgive.

 

Speaking of worship, I thought the singing was outstanding yesterday.  David Brooker did a really good job.  He lead one of my favorites songs he has taught this congregation - "How Deep The Father's Love".  The crowds were good, especially since we have some away on vacation or on the youth work camp in West Virginia.  It was good to be in this place.  Praise God!

 

Father's Day has come and gone and now I hit the rough part of my summer.  Lex left early this morning, for the airport, to go back to Oklahoma.  He will leave out Thursday for Swaziland for his mission trip.  I ask you pray for him in his travels and what the team is setting out to accomplish.  Missy and Bella also left early to take their summer pilgrimage to Alabama to see Missy's mom.  She will return in a couple of weeks before we head to the Caribbean Lectures.  Bella, on the other hand, will be there a month.  Micah is away on the youth trip and will get back at he end of the week.  But at least they left me with Max, our family dog.

 

Now to wrap things up.  Don't stop being amazed at Jesus.  As you come to His feet, don't just be amazed, be transformed.  We will never be perfect, but we can become more like Him.  Care for people the way He cared for them.  Reach out to others who hurt.  Make a difference in their life.  Help ease their pain, even if you cannot perform miracles.  However, you do know the One who can.  Have a great week.