Of Fathers and Sons

My wife and I just returned from a wonderful weekend in Michigan, visiting my side of our family. It was my mother's 90th birthday. Quite the cause for celebration!

Before we left home, I packed some clothes to wear. I packed the Compassion tee shirt you see me wearing in the picture standing next to my dad. I packed it specifically because of this photo of me and my father. Dad is no longer with us here on earth but I wanted to honor him this weekend - a time he always loved - with his family.

The men in our family went disc golfing on Saturday. I have played disc golf all of my adult life. Usually in these family contests I somehow manage to eek out wins over my closest competitors - my brother and my son.

This year however, my son beat me and quite handily too. Was I disappointed? No. I actually felt proud. There are times when we pass things on to the next generation and this weekend, for me anyway, was one of those times.

I'd like you to read a passage of scripture from 1st Chronicles 17 - God's Promise To David to hand down something to HIS son. This is God speaking to David through the prophet Nathan.

^"11 And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. ¹² He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. ¹³ I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. ¹⁴ And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever.”’” - 1 Chronicles 17:11-14

Passing things on to the next generation is something to be valued. Treasured. It is an honor bestowed upon fathers - the command of God to teach our children. It brings us great joy when we see our children growing and ultimately surpassing us. What a challenge and an honor!

Before my wife and I left for the return trip home my grandson asked me to teach him to play paper football. My grandson was asking to learn something! Men, never pass up an opportunity to teach something to your child . . . or grandchild. Especially if they are willing.

And let us teach them in such a way that they will remember life's lessons for the rest of their lives. Just as our fathers taught us and their fathers taught them. And let us teach them with honor and in truth. In so doing we will honor our Father in heaven. And so may it be . . . with ALL Fathers and Sons.

Fishing With Father - A River Runs Through ItWhat Is That?
The Parable of The Lost Son - Luke 15

A Little Piece of Heaven

Well, I had a story all written for this morning, but now I find myself writing a brand new one, all because I listened to a Skillet song on my way in to work.

The song is about a young couple who found themselves pregnant. Not married, no money, no jobs, they wondered how they could possibly take care of a child. So they decided to terminate the pregnancy. They had an abortion.

But soon afterward they found themselves feeling terribly guilty for what they had done. They felt ashamed and the memory of their decision haunted them every minute of every day. They went see a counselor, it got do bad.

The counselor told them to treat their abortion like a death in the family so they did just that by doing three things. 1). They held a funeral. 2). they bought a headstone for a grave. And 3). they named their baby. This song was written from the father's viewpoint, sung to his aborted daughter.

Lucy - Skillet (with the story behind the song)

I listened to that song, as I said, on my way to work this morning. I couldn't help but shed a tear. You see, my daughter and her husband are trying to have a baby right now. They would give anything to be able to hold a young life like Lucy's in their hands right now.

And so this morning I prayed for all the young mothers and fathers of the world. That they might truly appreciate the gift of the life they have been given. And for the mothers and fathers who find they can't have children. I pray for them as well. I pray for young children in orphanages, on street corners, and in alley ways. May we always remember your name.

Won't you please join me in prayer as we seek mercy for these young souls. And also pray that God might take the ones that have been given up, abandoned, and thrown in the garbage to die. May these young mothers and father choose life over death. May they chose adoption rather than abortion. There are so many young couples who want children. And so many young babies who need loving parents. God, please, help us in this area. Help us chose life. Amen.

The Vanishing Point

I went trout fishing this past Sunday evening. All by myself. I hadn't gone fishing for a long, long time. Since my dad and I went fishing years ago I think. He's been gone a few years now. I miss fishing with my dad.

There is a really nice trout stream a few miles from my house. A really nice fishing hole too. The river makes a turn to the right at a large boulder. The current has cut a deep hole there where the trout seek refuge from the hot summer sun. That's where I found myself Sunday night.

As I cast my fly I noticed how my fly line, so distinct and obvious when it is near to me, disappeared, vanishing into the depths of the river. I began to think how that disappearing line is like so many of our relationships. Not only our earthly relationships but our relationship with God as well.

Have you lost relationships over the years? Why is that? I think it's because not enough effort is placed in maintaining those relationships, either by one party or the other . . . or both.

How quickly relationships and memories can fade with time. My return to the trout stream that day was a purposeful act, that of a son desiring to go fishing one more time with his father. But more than that, it was an earthly son longing for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with his heavenly father. I think all those things were accomplished that day.

After Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, He returned to be with His disciples several times. Why? I think it was to keep their relationship alive, to teach them a few things but mainly to encourage them and simply to love them. So it should be with ALL of our relationships.

We can't allow our most treasured relationships get to the vanishing point. We need to nurture them like Jesus did. We should show and tell others we love them while we have the chance. We can do so simply by being with them and loving them right where they are. As a father teaches his son to fish, so we must tend to our relationships. In doing so, we will find our relationship with our Heavenly Father will grow as well.

"4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead." - John 21:4-14

Particularly Good To Me - A River Runs Through It

Christmas 2014

This is not going to be a typical Christmas letter. Why? Well, because this has not been a "typical" year. As I paged through my 2014 pocket calendar, trying to recall all the things that had happened in 2014, I came across one event that made me stop and reflect. That event was the death of my father.

This will be the first year our family will be celebrating the birth of Jesus without my dad. Alzheimer's had already taken most of his memory from us and this past June pneumonia took the rest of him. Needless to say, my mother will be having a different Christmas than normal this year, the first in 60+ years without her husband. And for my sister, brother and I, it will be the first Christmas we spend, ever, without our dad in this world. This COULD be a very sad time for our family. But I don't believe that it will be, and I can tell you why in two simple words. Family and Faith.

In that regard, this has been an incredible year. God has used me more this year than He ever has. I pray that He would continue to do so. Relationships have increased in number and quality. Work is going great and I have been blessed by being able to pour into the spiritual lives of many young adults and teens. My life basically boils down to two things. Here are those words again - faith and family.

The following is a story about a family from long ago. It isn't really a Christmas story like the one Linus recited from Luke 2 but it IS an amazing story of family, hope & faith, repentance & forgiveness. It is a story of a father and a son. It is a story about faith and family.

“A certain man had two sons.  12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.  13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.  14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.  15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,  19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

20 “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.  21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’" - Luke 15:11-23

I'd like you to think about the prodigal son in this story for a moment. Are YOU a prodigal? I sure was. In the story you just read there was a point in the prodigal's life when he realized that he had screwed up. He repented of his sins and he went home to seek his father’s forgiveness. That is exactly what we ALL must do in our lives. Things finally got so bad in his life that he returned home to face the almost certain punishment that was awaiting him.
 
I once heard someone say, "God would never forgive me for all the things I've done."

That person, sadly, does not know God. If they did they would know that God is all about forgiving those who come to a saving faith in Him. Read again what happened in verse 20.  "His father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him."

Does that sound like someone unwilling to forgive? God has promised that He would forgive us, casting our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” Why would God do that? It is because we are His creation. It is because of his tremendous, sacrificial love for us. No matter what we have done, we simply cannot out-sin God's grace.

"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." - John 3:16

The prodigal in the story initially turned his back on his father and lived a life focused on himself. I have some atypical Christmas questions for you. Is there someone you are turning your back on this Christmas? Is it God? Do you get uncomfortable talking about God, even at Christmas time? Do you ignore him as you live your daily life? Do you find satisfaction in the gifts you receive rather than in the God who provides ALL things? Tough question for what is supposed to be a cheery, fun-filled Christmas letter. I have a reason for asking.

You see, I was once the person described in all those questions . . . that is, until I opened God’s previously overlooked gift one cold, January day in 2006. The gift had always been there for me but I chose to ignore it - foolishness on my part. Since that day my life has totally changed, and for the better. I have received more gifts than anyone has the right to expect - gifts from God in the form of family and friends. I tell you all these things because the same gifts await you. That is my prayer for you!

This year, when all the carnage of Christmas is over and you find yourself picking up the shreds of wrapping paper amongst the broken candy canes and tinsel, take a look around your house. There is still one more gift for you, waiting to be opened. You will typically find it hidden on a shelf. It is a book whose title reads "The Holy Bible." Find it, open it to the Book of John and begin reading. Let God's Word fill your mind and your heart  and receive the gift that was purchased for you 2,000 years ago by Jesus. By opening God's gift of salvation this Christmas and accepting it you will become part of a family whose members will never leave you and will NEVER die. You will experience love like you have never known. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you would open God’s gift that was given to a dying world on a wooden cross two millennia ago. Open your heart this Christmas . . . and live.

Father, I pray for everyone reading this letter. Some may already know you but if they haven't done so already, I pray that they would ask you into their lives today. Please tug at their hearts, through your Holy Spirit, and encourage them to turn and seek you. I pray that all people would open their hearts to you and receive the love and forgiveness you offer. And I pray that you would kiss them on the cheek, Father, and welcome them into your arms and into your family. Amen.

Have a Merry Christmas. May your family be filled with all the love, joy, peace and hope that only Christ can bring. I love you all.
 
Come To Jesus - Chris Rice

Wisdom

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:1-6

The older we fathers get the wiser we get. Theoretically. We gain knowledge and wisdom through many different means but mostly we learn from our life experiences (I will spare you a discussion about Calvinism vs Arminianism - at least for now). Were older and we've been through more stuff. However, despite a father's vast amount of accumulated knowledge there is a STRONG tendency for our sons and daughters not to listen to us. Why is that?

Well, it's the same reason that WE didn't listen to OUR parents. We're independent, we don't want anyone else telling us what to do, we'd rather figure things out for ourselves. That's one of the reasons people end up with a collection of scars in their lives - both on their bodies and on their hearts. Lessons learned in the school of hard knocks.

My wife and I were visiting our son last night. At one point we went down stairs to look at something. Out grandson came too of course. On his own. He got down on his belly and, feet first, began to go down the stairs. His father reminded his son to duck his head under the protective gate at the top of the stairs which his son did rather obediently. Why? Was our grandson dutifully obeying his father? I doubt it. I think it was more like his father's words only reminded him of a previous experience where he had NOT ducked his head and the pain that was associated with the lesson he learned. My son could have removed our grandson from harms way but by allowing HIS son the opportunity to fail and hurt his head, he had allowed his son the opportunity to grow.

Oh, if our children only listened to us parents. We are far more wiser. I think I smell the scent of sarcasm in the air. All we have to do is watch the nightly news to see just how "smart" us adults can be.

Parents usually want what is best for their children. Look at what Solomon wrote to his sons. How do we, as parents, impart our knowledge to our children without them rejecting it? If I knew that I'd be a millionaire from the line of parenting books I would be offering in the bookstores or on my television channel for only $19.99. Operators would be standing by to help disseminate The Wisdom of Bob encyclopedia . . . probably more like a pamphlet . . . one page.

Learning things in life is something we ALL do. What we do with that knowledge is up to us. If it were up to me the planet would be filled with Bible-believing Christians, all of us knowledgeable in the scriptures. I am grateful not to have the  responsibility of making THAT happen. But I have allowed sometimes painful lessons in the lives of my children so the lessons they learn from them will stick in their minds. Is that wisdom? Or is it simply being mean?

I believe it is wisdom. I learned to do that from reading and applying God's Word in my life. As parents it is our responsibility to "train up our children in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6). Telling them what to do will rarely yield the results we seek. But offering them some sage advice WILL eventually find a home in their heads if you tell them about the pain YOU learned in a similar situation, in a similar sin.

The phrase "nobody's perfect" is still as true today as is was back in Jesus' time when Paul reminded us in Romans 3 that "there is none righteous." Solomon reminded us as well in Ecclesiastes 7:20 "there is not a righteous man earth who does good and never sins."

So what "wisdom" can this old fool leave his children on this cold November morning? Read your Bible! Place ITS wisdom in your heart and mind. In doing this one thing we can ALL get through this life with smaller scars, less pain, and more understanding of what God wants from us in this life - to learn and grow in our wisdom and character. We who believe are privileged to be called children of God. Could we not show OUR wisdom by listening to our father's?

I think YES!

Teach Me God To Wonder (Hymn 299) - Strathroy United Church

Fathers

Yesterday was Father's Day here in the U.S. of A. It is a day on which we traditionally celebrate fathers and the important role they play in the lives of our families. But these days good and faithful fathers seem harder and harder to find. Why is that? I have my theories on that topic but today I would like to discuss some of the characteristics that exemplify Godly fathers by way of a few examples.

Example #1 - The Loving Father and Husband. When I think of god-honoring fathers my friend Ron is the first man I think of. I first got to know Ron through a mutual acquaintance - his son Andrew. Since that time we have become good friends, often sharing a bowl of chips and salsa at the local Mexican restaurant as we talked about our families and our God. One sure measure of any man is to examine his fruit . . . his kids. Each one of Ron and Chris's kids, right down the line, is a wonderful example of what Godly, fatherly leadership can bring into a child's life. Both Ron and his wife Chris did an excellent job of raising their kids in a world that tries to hold our kids captive. I can almost hear Ron saying, "Are you sure you're talking about MY kids?" I would smile and say, "Yes, my friend, I am."

Example #2 - The Sacrificial Dad. When I was a kid I looked forward to the time my dad got home from work. Unless, of course, I had been bad . . . which was more often than it should have been. But on the days I was good I couldn't wait for my dad to get home because then we could play catch in the front yard. My dad would get up early and go to work, put in a long day at the office and then fight the rush hour traffic to get home. Probably the first thing he wanted to do after changing out of his suit was to crash on the couch. But I would plead with him to play catch. My dad always sacrificed his own desires in favor of others.

Example #3 - The Faithful Son. Unless my math is wrong, every father is a son. There are good sons and bad ones, prodigal sons and devoted ones. This last story is about my brother-in-law Curt. Curt spent the past week with my wife and me. His mother was failing in her health and he had traveled from Michigan to be with her. He prayer over her and spoke words of truth to both of his parents. He has been praying for them for years and this past week he prayed with them as they surrendered their lives to Christ. Now THAT is a devoted son.

We fathers all have strong and weak points in our character. We might be doing really good in one area while failing massively in another. But the really good dads, at least in this man's opinion, are the ones who have all of the characteristics I have just mentioned PLUS another vital one - Devoted Follower of Jesus.

One of my favorite stories from the Bible is that of the Prodigal Son . . . probably because it fits my prodigal life so perfectly. I'd like for you to read a portion of it here and take note of what the father did for his son who had disappointed him greatly. May we have compassion for one another like the prodigal son's father had for him. And may we who are fathers follow his example.

"17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate." - Luke 15:17-24

What Fathers Do - The Skit Guys

Cinderella

The house is quiet now. The sun setting on an amazing weekend that saw our one and only daughter get married and begin a new life with her new husband. It was an amazing weekend, filled with family and friends, several long-overdue conversations and renewed relationships.

As I reflect back on the past 48 hours, there were so many special moments, so many gifts from God, as I like to call them. We as a family have been incredibly blessed. Many family members traveled long distances, simply to spend time with us and our daughter on her special day. That in itself was a very special gift!

It's not like there weren't hurdles to get over or storms to weather along the way. My brother and his wife flew in from San Francisco under less than ideal circumstances. A relative of the groom traveled from Philadelphia. Great personal expense to exhibit their love for the bride and the groom. Amazing.

There were selfless acts of love as spouses sacrificed their own personal enjoyment to stay behind in hotel rooms with sick kids. That is a special kind of love. Awesome! But despite the hard times, we still got through it all . . . because we are a family.

There were a few moments that stuck out in my mind though as I look back on things from the relative quiet of a Sunday night. These moments touched me deeply so I thought I would share all these examples with you, in hopes that you might see God's love from a human view point.

I woke up Saturday morning. REAL early. My dad is an early riser and needs to be supervised because of his Alzheimer's. He has been known to get into a little trouble if left on his own. But Saturday morning was different. He was just sitting there in our living room, crying.

My dad is a proud man. He's the guy who provided for us and took care of us. This is a guy who graduated from college with an engineering degree and designed vehicle seating for trucks, vans, trains and planes. Yet, now, he cannot remember the names of his children. Incredibly frustrating for him. Yet it is an opportunity for others to love him and care for him, sacrificing themselves for someone else. Does that sound like anyone you know? Does that sound like something Jesus did for us on a cross? That is love.

The second story is about my daughter. I had it all together pretty much. All smiles. Not a care in the world. Then, as I was walking our daughter down the aisle, I did something I shouldn't have done. I looked at her. I quickly looked away as the tears of joy began to come. What a beautiful bride!! But the moment that really got to me at the reception was the father-daughter dance. My daughter had selected Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman. Oh my.

As we danced we just talked and we laughed. But in the moments of silence, thoughts our her and our lives together flooded in and it was hard fighting back the tears.

There were several other wonderful moments during the evening. Seeing my father dancing with my mother, dancing with my mom, but I will always remember dancing with my Cinderella.

I think that's how God looks at each of us . . . how he longs to dance with each of us. He has invited us all to the wedding yet some of us refuse to attend. Only those who accept God's offer of grace and forgiveness through His son Jesus will be allowed into the banquet. If you haven't done so already, won't you please consider RSVP'ing today? You will be glad you did.

"And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests." - Luke 22:1-10

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman



Father

Before I finish my little report of the survey results I obtained at Lifest last week, I thought I would tell you a short little story - a story from Lifest that literally brought tears to my eyes.

I was up early before everyone else on our campsite. You know, one of the annoying things about camping is you can think you're sleeping in because it's so light out in the morning. Then, when you look at your clock it's like 5:00AM. ARGHH! That's just not right. I tried to go back to sleep but failed. So I figured I might as well get up and read.

So I was sitting there in my comfy yet damp folding chair, inside our screened-in tent reading from the book of Matthew. The reading was good and, seeing as I was at a Christian music festival, the words just seemed more meaningful and the text I was reading that day soaked in deep.

My concentration was broken by the sound of a tent fly being unzipped down the road. I looked up and saw a middle-aged man getting out of a tent across the way and down a few spots. He stretched as he surveyed the sleeping campground. Rubbing the hair on his head, he walked off towards the toilet facilities. We waved to each other and whispered, "Good morning."

I returned my gaze to God's Word. I was reading from the tenth chapter of Matthew where Jesus was sending out the twelve disciples to spread The Gospel. Beginning with verse 16 . . .

"16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - Matthew 10:16-20

I heard the sound of someone stirring in that nearby campsite - the middle-aged man I had seen earlier had returned and was preparing some coffee for himself. He had one of those single-cup brewing things. When he had gotten that thing going he sat down in HIS folding chair with HIS Bible and began to read.

Returning to my reading, I read this, beginning in verse 24 . . .

"24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master." - Matthew 10:24-25

The sound of another tent flap opening. Zzzzzzzip! I looked up and saw another figure emerging from the middle-aged man's tent. It was another man - this one much younger. Similar features and complexion. In his twenties I guessed. They smiled at one another. The younger one rubbed his eyes and sat down across from the older man who still had his Bible on his knee. It was a father and his son.

As I watched them interact that morning I couldn't help but be moved. This father, with God's Word open before him, was talking to his son. They may have been talking about anything at all. I couldn't hear what they were saying. But the image of a father talking with his son with the Bible open was one I will never forget.

I came to a saving faith in Jesus very late in my life - age 53. I began to think back on the times I spent with MY son . . . and I began to cry. I never sat with my son and spoke to him about Jesus. I never had the opportunity to read from God's Word and discuss the scriptures and their meaning with either of my children. As I looked across the way at this beautiful father-son model that God had provided for me I began to wonder how things might have been different if I had only decided to follow Jesus earlier in my life.

The time I never spent with my children, never living out the Godly example I was witnessing here in the early morning light, is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about having teens exposed to the Gospel at events like Lifest. If they could only hear about the perfect Father-Son relationship, perhaps then they could see the incredible perfection of "the family" that God designed and desires for us all.

These days, with the increasing presence of divorced parents or same-sex parents, the model that God seeks for ALL of us, is vanishing before our very eyes. His time-tested, God-approved family design, that of one father, one mother - each of them essential for a child's upbringing, is becoming endangered.

I have talked to many kids whose parents have gotten divorced. I have spoken with a girl who is currently living in a home with two moms. It didn't take long for me to figure out after many such conversations that children NEED some daddy time.

One question keeps gnawing at me. How can we expect our children of today to know what a relationship with God is like, our Heavenly Father, if those children have no father in their life to live out that example of a Godly dad. Our earthly relationships with our fathers effect our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I pray that all families might have loving fathers to lead them and . . .

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Please watch this video of a son who grew up without the Godly example of a father in HIS life.

Tyrone Flowers - I Am Second