Sunday is Fathers' Day. It is a special day when we honor those we call dads. We are giving all dads in our church a gift, a book by Dane Ortlund entitled,
The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels About You. I have read it and highly recommend it. The book is short but packs a powerful and uplifting message, not only for men, but also for women as well. Ortlund eloquently details how the heart of Jesus is one that is full of love, compassion, and mercy. Yes, our God is awesome, and He is holy and just. He is also loving and kind. Jesus was described in
John 1:14 as being full of grace and truth. I love that. That is my goal: my aim is to also be a man after God's heart, to live like Jesus lived, and to love like Jesus loved.
Ladies, let me encourage you to make a big deal out of your husband on Father's Day. (Hopefully he did the same for you on Mother's Day!) He is your husband and not your dad (I get that), but every man needs validation and affirmation. I feel very honored when my wife acknowledges me on Father's Day. Her father, Mike, passed away nearly 20 years ago. He was the same age as my dad, 60, when he died. I am so grateful that Ashley blesses and honors me and shows appreciation to me for being dad to her children.
For married couples with children, life can be especially hectic, but I encourage you to follow Paul's counsel and wisdom: love and respect are the key to a blessed and happy marriage!
Ephesians 5:33 states,
"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
This week as we make our way toward Father's Day on Sunday, I will hold up men like Nehemiah as an example of a man of God from whom we can learn. I will also include some illustrations and references to other men of God who are exemplary.
Whether you are a father or not, these devotions this week leading up to Father's Day are for all males. My aim this week is to write in a way that blesses and encourages you as well as challenges you to be more like Jesus. Deep down, I believe men want to be challenged to be the men of God they should be. We are all sinners, and we fail often, but it gives much motivation and hope to see men who are true men, those who love God and their families well and who provide for their families and serve.
Guys, the heart of Jesus is for you! He loves you no matter what you have done or have failed to do. He welcomes you with open arms to receive His forgiveness and power to live as a godly and faithful man.
I am praying for you, that God blesses you and strengthens you in your inner man.
Apple
Spotify
Deezer
YouTube
