The Love of a Father

November 28

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1John 3:1

Sixty-five year old, Dick Hoyt crossed the finish line a fraction of a second behind his son. The satisfaction in his eyes was due to the smile on Rick’s face.

Father and son have competed in more than twenty-four Boston Marathons, two hundred twelve Triathlons, fifteen of them being the ‘Iron Man Triathlon’ in Hawaii, have skied in cross-country events, and gone mountain climbing.

When you add all the miles jogged, swum, biked, and skied, their accomplishment is noteworthy. But what makes it extraordinary is that every mile is completed with Dick pushing Rick in a wheelchair, towing him in a dingy, and carrying him on the handlebars of his bike. You see, Rick is a quadriplegic.

This amazing love story began when one of Rick’s classmates was paralyzed in an accident, and the school organized a charity run for him. As Rick watched the race he pecked out on his computer, “Dad, I want to do that!”

Dick, a self-proclaimed porker, couldn’t run a mile, let alone five! But the smile on his son’s face was a great motivator. After their first race, Rick typed, “Dad, when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!”

So each weekend the duo is engaged in some form of competition; a father loving on his son with all his heart, a son reveling in his father’s great love.

†

As a father I can say I have loved my children with a special love, spending precious time with them, building strong bonds of love.

Today’s story is a lesson in lavishing. Dick exemplified the Father, loving extravagantly, giving generously of himself, holding nothing in reserve so his son could experience life to its fullest.

It is this same love that compels our Heavenly Father to call us sons and daughters, heirs to the Kingdom of Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”, so all His other children have the right to call Him Father.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for a love I don’t quite comprehend, but so desperately need. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for me to be called Your child. Amen.”

 From Gratitude to Thanksgiving

November 27

My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

Psalm 35:28

Worship at Trinity Assembly is always sweet, and today was no exception. God had been given permission to move, and He was taking full advantage of the attitude of worship. With voices united in praise the congregation’s anthem rose. And in a moment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, God overflowed through one of the worship team…

“There is liberty in Jesus, yes liberty! There is freedom in Jesus, yes freedom!” The praise emanating from Dwight was otherworldly, pure, almost surreal. He quite literally sang to God the music of his soul. Birthed in the depths of his spirit, his soul was given wings through his voice. It resonated throughout the sanctuary, and was infectious! The entire congregation enjoined his praises! “Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, for setting us free!”

Dwight sang communal praises to the King as each person’s voice added to the harmony, “Ohhh, we bless You, Lord! We bless You, Jesus!” In one moment of perfect unity their praises were ushered into the presence of the Lord. Amens and hallelujahs reverberated throughout the sanctuary. The song continued, their unconstrained thanksgiving rising to meet the Father’s approval. Yes, worship at Trinity Assembly was sweet.

†

We sometimes live vicariously through others, grateful they have given perfect pitch to our off-key singing; or in those moments they’ve given voice to our unspoken thoughts. There is nothing wrong with experiencing joy and closeness to God through the gifts and gratitude of others…as long as we don’t let it end there.

In one of his sermons, Dr. David Jeremiah said, “I doubt there is anyone here who doesn’t have a spirit of gratitude. But gratitude is not thanksgiving until it is expressed.”

To leave unuttered praise in our hearts is like appreciating a wonderful meal without sending our compliments to the Chef, because we think he already knows he’s a good cook, right?

Recognizing God’s blessing in our lives is only half the matter. For if we fail to utter praises for the things God has done we will eventually find ourselves fostering a spirit of entitlement.

God is worthy of our praise, praise He should hear from our lips.

Prayer

“May the gratitude of my heart never go unuttered, Lord Jesus, because You alone are worthy of my praise! Amen.”

 His Glorious Riches

November 26

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Making handcrafted wind chimes had become more than a hobby, and I was realizing my make-shift sander wasn’t very efficient.

From time to time I discussed my future dreams for the business with Don, a valued and respected customer. In the process I told him about a new sander I had been saving for until something unexpected had come up, requiring the use of what I’d saved. I was simply sharing.

Two weeks later, Don called and asked if he could drop by to deliver some aluminum pipe I had ordered. When Don arrived he invited me to lunch. We shared a wonderful time of fellowship over great food, then headed back to the house to discuss the chime he wanted for his granddaughter.

“If you had that sander we talked about where would you put it?” Don asked, referring to the limited work space in my small shed.

“Right here in this corner,” I said, pointing to the only space available. “I’ll move the dresser into the larger part of the building and put the sander in there on an angle.”

Don grinned and said, “You’ll need to get busy then, because I have something in the back of my truck for you.”

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Don was blessing me with the very sander I had dreamed of buying!

†

Having bought several of my chimes, Don’s awareness of my need was one of appreciative understanding. So when God spoke to him, he simply followed His request to its conclusion.

We have the ability to be God’s answer to someone’s hope-filled prayer. The possibilities are endless; from a piece of machinery to a hug or a lift to the store. If we will listen and respond when the Holy Spirit speaks, we can be the one God uses to meet one of His child’s needs.

Don’s response to my need was to faithfully follow God’s suggested will. God will never force us, but once we’ve obediently complied, we will never again hesitate to be used as part of His glorious riches.

Prayer

“Provider God, show me who You want to meet a need for and give me the faith to follow Your will. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

There is no quicker way to make God smile than to obey.

This devotion is dedicated to Don & Maryanna Harley, who know God intimately

and listen when He speaks.

 Talked to Sleep

November 25

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:15 KJV

Dewey and Kathy were flying home from Indonesia. The plane they were on had three seats on one side of the isle and two on the other. They were assigned to the side with three. Giving Kathy the window seat, Dewey sat in the middle.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man of oriental descent took the isle seat beside Dewey. He appeared nervous and it was almost impossible to miss his vice-like grip on the armrests. In an attempt to take the man’s focus off his obvious fear of flying, Dewey leaned over and introduced himself. The man gave Dewey his name and then said, “I don’t like flying; especially long flights like this. I can’t get to sleep because I’m too nervous. But traveling is part of my job, so I have no choice.”

Dewey decided to engage the man in conversation. Once again, the gentleman reiterated his distaste for flying, and asked Dewey if he was nervous. When Dewey responded “no” the man asked how he managed that? Dewey explained that he always prayed before boarding the plane. The man considered Dewey’s response but said nothing, and the conversation ended. Five minutes later Dewey glanced over to discover his new neighbor was sound asleep!

Upon awakening an hour and a half later, Dewey smiled and asked, “Did you have a good nap?”

The gentleman grinned, and said, “Yes, I did indeed! Talking to you made me able to sleep.”

†

The outward manifestation of an inward relationship brought peace to this man’s heart and soul. The assurance in Dewey’s voice, along with the calm manner in which he spoke, silenced the spirit of fear within him. The man, not completely understanding how it happened, knew it was something about Dewey that had made it possible for him to sleep.

Our attitude and actions have a profound effect on those we come in contact with. They will either see something they desire, or we will leave a bad taste in their mouth. Shouldn’t they see something desirable?

Prayer

“Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You and those I meet. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Peelin’ Carrots

November 24

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it

Proverbs 22:6 KJV

It was late fall and the boys were visiting Gramma while Daddy ran some errands. Wyatt, a thoughtful 6 yr old, and Garrett, a rambunctious 4 yr old, were busying themselves, playing and chattering…doing the things they enjoyed doing at Gramma’s house.

As afternoon turned to evening and darkness was settling in Wyatt declared, “We’ll just have to spend the night, Gramma. It’s getting dark.”

“Your dad will be here soon. You have school tomorrow,” she said continuing to prepare vegetables for the next day’s dinner.

“Can I help, Gramma?” Wyatt asked.

Always quick to invite the boys’ assistance in the kitchen, she pulled a chair to the sink, “Sure, Wyatt!” She loved teaching her grandsons things that would help them in the future.

Garrett asked if he could help, too. Not really excited to share his time with Gramma, Wyatt exclaimed, “He’s too little to peel carrots!”

Helping Garrett climb up on the chair, Gramma assured Wyatt, “Garret needs to learn too, just like you did, so he can go to school,” she said as a reminder to Wyatt of the times he’d helped her peel carrots when he was Garrett’s age.

As Wyatt scooted over, giving his younger brother room on the chair, he pondered a moment and then proclaimed, “Now Gramma, I haven’t’ peeled one carrot in school!”

†

Raising our children is our responsibility, and no one else’s. In this we must be deliberate, because what we pour into them as they mature is what will come out.

Our responsibility is to nurture them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We must instill integrity and good moral character in our kids if they are to be good citizens, loving parents, and positive role models.

Their future actions will be a result of what we take the time to teach them now. So pull a chair up to the kitchen sink, and invite your child or grandchild to help peel carrots.

Prayer

“Help me raise my children to be godly, moral, and responsible, Lord, and to treat others with compassion and the attitude of a servant. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Lead By Example

November 23

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

Titus 2:7

Returning home from deployment in Afghanistan, Powerlifter and Bodybuilder Shawn Frankl felt led to train out of ‘Big Iron Gym’, in Omaha, Nebraska, because the owner, Rick Hussey, was a renowned trainer. That the gym was a two hour drive from Shawn’s home didn’t deter him. But after ten years, Shawn questioned whether he was making any impact there for Christ. He and his wife, Melissa, discussed his concerns but agreed to stay on at Big Iron. Shawn had never forced his faith on anyone at the gym, especially Rick. He’d just lived it out, and over time they realized he wasn’t a ‘One-Show Pony’…he believed in this God he served.

Rick was a great trainer, and Shawn did everything he was told. And because of Shawn’s commitment, Rick respected him. So when Rick’s cancer reemerged, he asked Shawn who he thought he should go to for treatment. Sensing the time was right, Shawn replied, “Rick, the only way you’re really gonna get fixed is to give your life to Jesus Christ.” Rick did just that…

Two months later, at Rick’s funeral, hundreds of people showed up to honor the man they’d all respected. Shawn had placed two-hundred Bibles on a table for anyone who wanted one. The pastor concluded his powerful message by inviting those who wanted to follow Rick’s lead to invite Christ into their hearts. When the funeral was over not a single Bible was left. People had indeed followed Rick’s example!

†

The result of Shawn’s willingness to be Christ’s example at Big Iron Gym was Rick’s eventual salvation. Because of Rick’s reputation as the preeminent trainer in Powerlifting, people followed his advice. So at his funeral it was only natural that many followed his example and invited Jesus into their hearts. There will be people in Heaven who might have otherwise perished because Shawn led by example.

What we do as Christians matters. How we represent our Savior will have an impact on those who are watching. Like Shawn, we are meant to lead others to Christ by the example we set.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, teach me to be a great follower so I can lead others to You. Amen.”

 Crossing The Line

November 22

Fathers, do not exasperate your children...

Ephesians 6:4

Glenn had taken one look at the way Jeff was dressed and decided the best way to discourage his son from wearing pants four sizes too small was to make an example of him. So…focusing the video camera, Glenn said, “Turn around…slowly...keep your hands up.” Reluctantly, Jeff did as his father instructed. “It looks like you done stole a midget’s pants! I bet you can’t even pull ’em up!”

Angry for being subjected to such treatment, Jeff hoped this impromptu documentary would soon end. But his nightmare was only beginning, because Glenn, figuring he had enough footage, uploaded the clip to the internet. He turned to Jeff, “You think lettin’ your underwear hang out looks cool? Let’s see what people on YouTube think.”

In less than twenty-four hours the video went viral, getting over 280,000 views. In the ‘Comments’ section people wrote things like, Kudos to you, pops! and Now that’s novel parenting! I’da never thought of that! and Awesome, dad!

After reading another dozen such comments, Glenn figured he’d made his point and deleted the link.

†

At first look this appears to be a harmless form of apparel censorship; even a little amusing. But, was Glenn’s attempt at unconventional discipline appropriate? Was what he did acceptable parenting in a world where senseless people say spanking is child abuse?

Answer this question: Would you strip your son to the waist, pull his pants halfway to his knees, and put him on display in the town square, open to everyone’s ridicule, a target for their lewd remarks? Not only would he be open to the ridicule of every sane passerby, he’d be free game for those who are just plain mean, and the mentally ill. You could be creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Had Glenn stopped at just shooting the video, and then compelled Jeff to change clothes, it might have been effective without crossing the line. But airing family issues on YouTube goes against today’s text, because we should never, for any reason, humiliate our children.

If you don’t approve of the clothes your kids are wearing, sit them down and discuss the matter; set guidelines, and enforce them.

Prayer

“Lord, help me remain sensitive to the possible consequences of how I discipline my children. Help me to be a loving parent. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”