Today, let’s make the way we get started,let’s lean into God in prayer and petition, reading His Word and worshipping Him. Let’s stop leaning on our own understanding and start trusting God and choosing to do things His Way as we acknowledge Him, know that He will show us the path to take. We need to be the dads who are willing to wait upon the Lord and then go and do what He asks and sends us to do.
Foundations of Fatherhood: Nurturing in God’s Way
As fathers, it is essential for us to anchor our parenting in God’s divine plan and purpose. In Proverbs 22:6, we are reminded,
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."
This verse underscores the significance of nurturing our children in alignment with God’s teachings. As fathers, we are entrusted with the responsibility of imparting godly wisdom, discipline, and love to our children. By prioritizing God’s way of parenting, we can cultivate a nurturing environment where our children flourish spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. The key takeaway here is that our role as fathers extends beyond providing material provisions; it encompasses guiding our children on the path of righteousness. Applying this biblical principle entails consistent prayer, intentional instruction, and leading by example in our daily lives.
Way of Leading with Love: Discipline Rooted in God’s Word
In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are instructed,
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
This verse emphasizes the importance of nurturing a loving and supportive relationship with our children, characterized by discipline rooted in God’s Word. As fathers, we are called to emulate God’s love and patience in our interactions with our children. Instead of instilling fear or resentment, our discipline should reflect God’s grace and correction. By fostering an atmosphere of open communication and understanding, we can effectively guide our children in their spiritual growth and development. The key takeaway is that our parenting approach should reflect God’s character of love, mercy, and righteousness. Applying this biblical principle involves cultivating a harmonious relationship with our children built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
Glorifying God’s Way in Fatherhood: Embracing Our Divine Calling
As fathers, our ultimate aim is to glorify God through our roles as nurturers, providers, and spiritual leaders in our families. Psalm 127:3 declares,
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
This verse underscores the divine blessing of parenthood and the significance of raising children in accordance with God’s principles. By embracing our divine calling with humility and obedience, we can positively impact future generations and contribute to God’s kingdom purposes. The key takeaway is that fatherhood is a sacred calling bestowed upon us by God, and it is our responsibility to steward this gift faithfully. Applying this biblical truth involves seeking God’s guidance and wisdom daily, surrendering our plans and desires to His will, and trusting in His provision and sovereignty over our families’ lives. Let us strive to be the fathers God intended us to be, reflecting His love, grace, and truth in every aspect of our parenting journey.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: THAT’S AN ORDER
Verse: Psalms 37:23 (NIV)
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
What way does order speak or get used by you?
Today’s Devotional kicks of trying to get us to ponder and wonder and consider the word order and its application. It has caused me to dig in a bit more too and it shares with us examples like “fast-food workers takes our order…”, “soldiers line up in alphabetical order to receive their orders”, “business meetings are called to order…”, “motions can be called out of order”, “we work hard in order to …”, and even how “we watch tv with shows like Law and Order”.
My query into the word order came back with the following ideas/concepts/information about a way:
Divine Order:
Throughout the Bible, we see the concept of divine order emphasized, particularly in the creation narrative (Genesis 1:1-31). God created the world in a specific order, bringing light out of darkness, separating the waters, and establishing the heavens and the earth. This divine order reflects God’s wisdom, purpose, and sovereignty over all creation. Pondering upon this divine order reminds us of God’s intentional design and His ultimate authority over every aspect of our lives.
Order in Relationships:
God calls us to live in order and harmony within our relationships, including marriage and family dynamics. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides instructions for husbands and wives, outlining the order and mutual submission necessary for a healthy marriage. Similarly, Colossians 3:18-21 emphasizes the order within family relationships, with children obeying parents and parents nurturing their children in the Lord. Considering this order prompts us to reflect on our roles and responsibilities within our families, striving to honor God’s design for relational harmony.
Order in Priorities:
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, highlighting the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. This verse underscores the need for order in our priorities, placing God at the center of our lives and aligning our pursuits with His will. Pondering the order of our priorities prompts us to examine where we invest our time, resources, and energy, ensuring that our choices reflect our commitment to God’s kingdom.
Order in Worship:
Psalm 96:9 urges us to worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness, highlighting the order and reverence due to God in our worship. Whether individually or corporately, our worship should be characterized by orderliness, reverence, and sincerity of heart. Considering the order in worship reminds us to approach God with humility, awe, and gratitude, honoring Him as the Almighty Creator and Sovereign Lord.
Ever consider how order is speaking about doing it a given way
Today’s Devotional goes on to speak of the root of the term meaning “conforming to an authoritative standard, a command, an arrangement, a proper direction, or regulation.” So, what comes to your mind as dads when you hear the word order? Is it things from the past? Is it things you are doing in the present? Could it be something that will happen in the future?
Today’s Devotional goes back to the verse and how “God orders our steps” means “God decrees the path we should take.” Let’s be the dads who choose to “live a God-ordered life–under His orders, order and arranged by His omniscience, and all in order to please Him.” It closes point to the reality that “order implies control.” Let’s be the dads who realize God knows the beginning and end, so it only makes sense for us to have Him and His way be “our source of guidance.” Here’s a challenging question for you to ponder: “Are you under His orders today?”
“Order my footsteps by Thy Word and make my heart sincere; let sin have no dominion, Lord, but keep my conscience clear.”
ISAAC WATTS
