INVEST in Faithful Fathering

FAITHFUL FATHER CHALLENGE: Stepping up!

1. Prioritize your physical presence in the home and with family. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning … The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.’ John 1:1-2, 14. Just as God provided a connection with Him through the physical presence of His Son, a father provides a connection to the Father by being present and accounted for in family. 2. Be engaged emotionally with your wife and kids. ‘If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.’ – John 14:15-17. Jesus anticipated emotional distractions long before 150 cable channels, i-phones, texting, radio and newspapers, not to mention other worries, frustrations and discouragement. Work to eliminate distractions, at least at the dinner table, and focus on the Counselor. 3. Lead spiritually by example. ‘For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.’ – Romans 8:29. Christ-likeness is what men are to be conformed to. Commit to be more Christ-like tomorrow than today and the journey will bless your family for generations to come.

Prayer guide: Lord, I thank You and praise You for the many gifts and blessings in my life. Strengthen my relationship with You, guide me in living that relationship in marriage and reflecting it in family every day. Be with me as I commit to be a faithful father – to prioritize my physical presence, work to be engaged emotionally and lead spiritually by example. This day I am stepping up to be more Christ-like tomorrow than today. Amen.

CHECK OUT Devotions for Dads RESOURCE with 52 weekly devotions & journal What dads are saying: “In my home I have used these excellent devotions first for my personal devotion time and then to supplement brief daily devotion time with my teenage son. Our faith is nurtured by reflecting on the examination of the meaning of fundamental words - powerful words like discipline, commitment, relationship, covetous, faith, anger, accountable and guidance.”   “Over the years I have benefited from meeting weekly one-on-one with my best friend and accountability partner. We have gone through a number of men’s Bible studies and books targeting men/family issues. The Devotions for Dads have also been used in our discussions and often point us back in the right direction, on track with walking the walk as men, husbands and fathers. These devotions are truly a blessing and a useful tool for us guys as they help make the impact of our discussions more profound.”