THE STRENGTH OF A MAN

“The righteous man leads a blameless life;
blessed are his children after him.”
(Proverbs 20:7)

This Sunday is Father’s Day.  I sometimes wonder if we celebrate Father’s Day just to be politically correct – after all, we have a Mother’s Day; so we need to balance it with a day for dads, right?  Think about it.  We give mother’s flowers in church on Mother’s Day; we give dads a pat-on-the back on Father’s Day.  We take mom out for dinner on Mother’s Day so she doesn’t have to cook; we have backyard barbecues on Father’s Day and ask dad to do the grilling.  What kind of balance is this?

But dads, don’t ever underestimate your significance!  You are truly the #1 influence in your children’s lives.  Every child wants dad’s approval, acceptance, and affirmation.  Every child longs to hear their father say, “Well done!  I’m proud of you!”  Why?  Because you’re their dad!  You’re their hero!

I ran across this simple, but profound article in my files this week entitled, “The Strength of a Man.”  Dads, think about these truths…

The strength of a man isn’t seen in the width of his shoulders.
       It’s in the width of his arms that encircle his children.
The strength of a man isn’t in the deep tone of his voice.
       It’s in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn’t in how respected he is at work.
       It’s in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn’t in how hard he hits.
       It’s in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn’t in the hair on his chest.
       It’s in his heart that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn’t in how many women he’s loved.
       It’s in being true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn’t in the weight he can lift.
       It’s in the burdens he can carry.

Dads, you have a very special place in your children’s hearts and lives.  Never underestimate your impact on your sons and daughters.

 Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being my loving Father.
May I imitate your example of fatherhood in my life.
May I be a man of integrity, compassion, courage, truth, and grace.
And, may I be a godly example for my children to imitate!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SURVIVOR: THE ECONOMY

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
(I Timothy 6:6-8) 

Last Sunday was the season finale of “Survivor: Tocantins.”  We also began our own series, entitled “Survivor: The Economy.”  Let’s be honest:  we’re living in tough economic times.  Whether pay cuts, investment losses, upside-down mortgages, job losses, or foreclosures; we have all felt the impact of our economy.  So, I’d like to quickly review one point from last Sunday’s message – I believe one of the keys to surviving our economy is contentment.  We must learn to be content with what God has provided; whether a little or a lot. 

Unfortunately, contentment is not easy.  Thousands of advertisements bombard us every day with the exact opposite message – “you can’t be content until you get …”   So, what’s the secret to contentment?   I believe the answer is in our perspective.  We need to refocus on what really matters and on what brings true happiness.  We must…

• Focus on people rather than possessions.
• Focus on relationships rather than riches.

Think about this for a moment.  How much does it cost to acquire more possessions?  A lot – there is no end to how much money we can spend on things.  But, how much does it cost to build a meaningful relationship?  Very little – in fact, we can build a relationship without spending a dime.  Now, which will last longer – possessions or relationships?  Which is most meaningful?  And, which is most valuable?

You can survive and even thrive in our present economy by refocusing on three relationships in your life:  (1) your relationship with God, (2) your relationship with family, and (3) your relationships with friends.  When you refocus on relationships, contentment is not far behind. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that You have provided.
Help me learn to be content with a little or a lot.
Keep me focused on what really matters in life,
beginning with my relationship with You.
And, thank you for the family and friends You have given me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MOMS ARE THE BEST!

“A wife of noble character; who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her.
Give her the reward she has earned…”
(Proverbs 31:10-31) 

This Sunday is Mother’s Day.  It is certainly appropriate to take some time to honor moms.  Here are a few thoughts from a book by Max Lucado entitled, “God Thinks You’re Wonderful, Mom!”

Some things only a mom can do…

• Only a mother can powder a baby’s behind with one hand and hold the phone with the other.
• Only a mom can discern which teen is entering the door just by the sound of the key in lock.
• Only a mom can spend a day wiping noses, laundering enough socks for the Yankees, balancing a checkbook down to $1.27, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids.

Some things only a mom can fix…

• Like Hamburger Helper without the hamburger
• Like the cabinet door her husband couldn’t & his bruised ego when he found out she could.
• Broken shoelace?  Broken heart?  Breaking out on your face?  Breaking up with your sweetheart?  Moms can handle that.

Some things only a mom can know…

• The time it takes to drive from piano lessons to Little League practice.
• How many pizzas you need for a middle school sleepover.
• How many weight watcher points are left in a day and days are left in the semester.

Moms are a breed apart!

God certainly did his best creative work when He created moms.  Be sure to take some time to honor your mom this week.  And, if you are a mom – thanks for your unselfish, unconditional, and undying love.  May God richly bless you! 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thanks for your perfect plan of marriage and family.
Thanks for my mom.  May you bless her this week in some special way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.