Worship, Authority, Focus – where will you turn?

All Authority Comes from God

As dads, we must remember where earthly authority comes from. We must worship God! We must live the right way and model it to those around us. In the Bible, Romans 13:1 states, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” This verse emphasizes that God derives all power and authority, placing those in leadership positions by His will.

Additionally, Proverbs 8:15-16 says, “By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.” These scriptures highlight the divine origin of authority and the belief that God is the ultimate source of all power and governance.

Earthly Authority vs. Divine Worship

God reserves worship for Himself, even though He gives people authority on earth to govern and lead. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus says, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” This underscores the distinction between earthly authority and divine worship. Earthly leaders may hold positions of power but are ultimately accountable to God, the supreme authority.

In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” This underscores that God’s authority supersedes all human authority, and our ultimate allegiance and worship belong to Him alone. These scriptures remind us to respect and follow earthly authorities while directing our worship and devotion solely to God.

Dads as Stewards of Their Families

So as dads and heads of our households, it doesn’t mean that we wave it over the family but rather that we have to be good stewards of our families for the glory of God. To be effective leaders, dads must first focus on God and His directions. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ By prioritizing God, dads can align their lives with His will.

Ephesians 5:25 instructs, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.’ This emphasizes the importance of placing their wives second only to God. Following this, children come next, as stated in Ephesians 6:4, ‘Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ By living in alignment with these priorities—God first, wife second, kids third, and everything else after—dads can lead their families in a way that honors God and reflects His love and guidance.

Topic: WORSHIP AT THE THRONE

Verse: Hebrews 1:8

'But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. '

Let’s be the dads who choose to put our priorities in order by putting God first and then aligning our lives with His calling concerning our wives and kids. Let’s live under the authority of God for we know His plans are for our good and His glory. Today, let’s give Him all the praise, honor, and glory in Jesus’ name as we step into all He has prepared for us to do.

Worship at the throne of God

Today’s devotional tries to help us visualize focus and authority on earth by describing how “the center of command and control fo the United States of America” is “the White House.” It then goes on to speak of how “the focus of all authority and power in the heaven” we look to “the throne of God.” What comes to your mind when you think of authority and power?

Worship yesterday, today, and tomorrow

Today’s devotional depicts how “the White House is a busy hub of constant activity” and how very similar to all of the activity “that takes place at the throne of God.” It shares how “From His throne, God lovingly rules over the affairs of the earth.” Do you realize God controls time, “past, present, and future”? God’s throne is where He judges, “He discerns between good and evil, and He administers reward and punishment alike.”

Worship now because you know God

Today’s devotional brings us back to the main topic “worship at the throne”. It’s where “all the saints, elders, angels, and creatures surround Him, singing praises and exalting Him in all His glory.” It goes on to challenge us and causes us the need to contemplate and consider not only ourselves but our wives, kids, and world based on how we are living our lives and the legacy it is leaving behind.

Will you be there one day? Will your wife be there one day? How about your kids? Will all of you be there worshipping God on His throne? We don’t have to wait to start worshipping God when we are in heaven. Let’s be the dads who worship Jesus today!

“We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God.

A. W. TOZER