Daddy's Girl

"This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister" (1 John 3:10).

Each June Americans pause to honor their fathers, some with less enthusiasm then others. It's a sad commentary on our society to see the over emphasis on Mother's Day celebrations versus Father's Day. We're bombarded by a myriad of gift ideas for mom--even the cards are bigger than ones available for dads! We've pushed mom to the forefront while quietly ignoring dad whether he deserves it or not.

Fatherhood is a vanishing vocation as women proclaim such popular mantras as, "We don't need a man--we are self sufficient--our children don't need a father--etc..." I'll admit there are bad parents, neglectful mothers and fathers who've abandoned their responsibilities to their offspring. But even the men who try their best to be loving and supportive husbands and fathers are often shunned by rebellious children. Why? It started in the Garden of Eden.

Since the creation of man we have told God he wasn't enough for us. Adam and Eve listened to the serpent who tempted them with knowledge, power, and the idea they could be like God. Instead of trusting the God who created them and believing His commands were for their protection, the first husband and wife on earth chose to follow a lie. From that day forward Satan took hold of the human heart and we became the devil's own.

It is not popular teaching throughout the world today to fear God, to honor our heavenly Father, and that humans are born with depraved souls. We're taught to believe we are basically good and only a few really terrible people (criminals for one) will suffer God's wrath of judgment one day. Many professing Christians seek to keep the peace by admonishing people to follow whatever spiritual path they choose. They say in the end all will be acceptable to the Lord, but this is unloving and untrue! No one wants to believe they are bound for hell but they are if they die apart from placing their faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross.

While it is true that God created all people we are not automatically part of God's family. Only those who are born again; having a new nature because the Holy Spirit lives in their hearts are children of God. God loves everyone so much that He doesn't want any of us to perish! He made a way for us to be with Him forever if we will believe in Jesus as our Savior, and dedicate our lives to Him. Romans 10:13 tells us "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Whose child are you? If you haven't made the choice to bow your knee and your heart in prayer to Jesus then you are not going to heaven. Heaven is where God's family will live forever in joyous harmony. Hell is isolation, torment and where Satan's offspring lives in darkness. Thanking the Lord this month for my late earthly father as I praise Jesus that I am His Daddy's girl. "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister" (1 John 3:10).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

The Promise Commandment

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).

A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.

The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships. ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.

When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.

But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents. ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.

Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary