Blog Posts

New Year, Same Devil

1/3/2021

Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.
– Proverbs 21:5 GNT

According to studies, 80 percent of New Year Resolutions fail by February. They fail because we make vision boards but do not follow through with action plans. It is a new year, but the same devil is still prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour, manipulate, deceive and destroy. Your enemy uses coordinated attacks against you. How can you defeat an organized foe if you are unorganized?

While the calendar may change, many of the same problems from last year will attempt to define you this year. In order to truly see a difference in your life, you are going to have to be disciplined, transformed and fearless.

Discipline

“For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 GNT

As Christians, it is our responsibility to develop the discipline God has given us - so that when the enemy attacks, we do not give into our fears, worries, doubts or temptations. Create boundaries in your personal, spiritual and emotional lives and do not hesitate to enforce those boundaries. That may mean separating from some of your plans and relationships that feel good but are not good for you. Discipline requires you to sacrifice short-term satisfaction for long-term gains, or as Joyce Meyer put it, “discipline enables you to think first and act second.”

Transform

“All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever-greater degree of glory.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18 GNT

It is said that the only constant in life is change. Yes, change is good. Seasons change, styles change (thank goodness), and people change. The only problem with change is that it is often temporary. Seasons change back, styles are recycled, and people will revert back to harmful actions. To flourish in this season of your life, you are going to have to transform. Spiritual transformation is an internal conversion of your thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that reflect the teachings of Christ. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God--what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect (Romans 12:2). God can change you, but transformation is a decision you must make.

Fearless

The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can man do to me? – Psalm 118:6 NLT

Stop negotiating with negative thoughts, pessimistic people and destructive behaviors over your future. Take the shackles off your potential and trust that God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Take a chance and bet on yourself this year, not succumbing to your fears or doubts but leaning into the God given potential that is within you.

I am so happy for the things God is about to do in your life. Your business will thrive, your promotion is imminent, your health is improving, and your joy is returning. Embrace all God has for you by being disciplined, transformed and fearless. The devil is the same, but the blessings will be new.

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Take Something with You

12/20/2020

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 NIV

According to the Collins Dictionary, a survival mechanism is something you or your body does automatically, in order to survive in a dangerous or unpleasant situation. When we go through a traumatic experience or difficult season, we develop survival mechanisms to try to deal with our loss and feelings – these mechanism can be negative (substance abuse, overeating, gossiping, frivolous spending, etc.) or positive (prayer, fasting/meditation, exercising, serving others, etc.).

We all lost something this past year. Some of us lost a loved one, while others may have lost their livelihood, home, health or income. Regardless of what you lost, be mindful of the survival mechanisms - the thoughts, attitudes and lessons you are taking with you into this new year. If you do not, you will find yourself in the same place a year from now, trying to figure out how to move forward after a setback.

God Knows

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. – John 6:5-6 NIV

God already knows what He is going to do in your life. What we sometimes perceive as a delay from God, is really a just a test of our faith. Therefore, do not be in a rush to go from one season of your life to another, without first developing some positive survival mechanisms. Positive behaviors, words and actions will strengthen your faith and prepare you for what God is about to do for you.

Let Nothing Be Wasted

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:10-12 NIV

When Christ took the five loaves and two fish and fed the five thousand, they all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. There is a lesson to be learned in everything you experienced this year. The disciples left with more than what they came with and you will too if you take the right lessons with you.

Do not leave your season of singleness without first learning how to love yourself.
Do not leave your season of debt without learning how to budget your money.
Do not leave your season of unbelief without learning how to have faith again.
Do not leave your season of anger without learning how to forgive.
Do not leave your season of poor health without learning how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Do not leave your season of grief without learning how to deal appropriately with loss.

The difficult lessons you learned this year will be the very thing God uses to bless you in the next season of your life.

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Available

12/13/2020

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"Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in his decrees and obey his commands.” - 1 Kings 8:61 NASB

What does it mean to make yourself available to God? I know what it means to make yourself available to another person. I know what it means to make yourself available to drugs and alcohol. I know what it means to make yourself available to food. I know what it means to make yourself available to sex. I know what it means to make yourself available to fear, gossip, unbelief, anxiety and anger but what does it mean to make yourself fully available to God?

Availability ultimately comes down to time. Time is something we have so little of, yet we waste it on frivolous things and people. Making yourself available to be accessible for God to use, may present you with some difficult choices. However, by listening to, obeying and believing in God, you will find that making yourself available to Him, will help you achieve things you once thought were improbable.

Listen

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” [Jesus] said. – Matthew 14:28-29 NIV

You hear that? That sound you hear is God calling you to draw closer to Him. You might be saying to yourself, “I do not hear anything”, but God’s voice is loudest in silence. He calls us when we are sitting alone in our despair. He calls us when we are settling into grief. He calls us when we are isolated in fear. He calls us in the middle of our biggest mistakes and embarrassments. God is always calling us to come nearer to Him and it is our responsibility to discern His voice in the midst of the storms raging around us.

Obey

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
– Matthew 14:29-30 NIV

Obeying God is scary. Especially when you get out of your boat – your “boat” are those things and people that have become comfortable and familiar to you. It is easier remaining in the boat, in negativity, cynicism and doubt, than to walk on God’s word. Your breakthrough will occur outside of your comfort zone. Make yourself available to God by obeying His commands – even if you are afraid and unsure about the outcome. Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near, and He will never let you drown (Isaiah 55:6).

Believe

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31 NIV

If you believe, you will see the glory of God (John 11:40). Believing God will require your devotion - that means having faith in God and not man, or your situation or circumstances. During adverse times, we often place our trust in others instead of God. Never feel bad about choosing your peace and happiness over negative things and toxic people. God yearns for a more intimate relationship with you. Others may have said awful things about you, but believe what God says about you. The report may appear ominous but believe in God’s healing power. The odds may be stacked against you but believe that with God’s help you will do mighty things, for He will give you the victory (Psalm 108:13).

Make yourself available to God by listening, obeying and believing. Then you will be ready to get out of your boat and leave those things and people you once settled in behind. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your fears. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your uncertainty. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your shame. Get out of the boat and make yourself fully available to God.

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Overcoming Grief

11/29/2020

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“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who sleep in death, so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 NIV

“Give people their flowers while they can smell them” is a popular saying that emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude and love towards those who mean the most to us. The only problem with giving people their flowers is when they are gone, you are left alone, clutching the painful thorns of those flowers without anyone to give them to.

That is how I felt when my Uncle Anthony died. I felt empty. I felt numb. I felt sad. No longer would he be there to lift me up when I was down. No longer would he be there to share a laugh with. No longer would he be there for me to embrace. I found myself missing him and drowning in heartache.

Grief is that feeling of deep sorrow and pain that accompanies loss. It can affect you mentally, physically and spiritually. Grief is not limited to the loss of people. A separation, layoff, illness or other challenging life events can trigger feelings of anguish.

Following my uncle’s funeral, I began to reclaim my joy by believing in God’s word, finding appropriate outlets and redistributing my love.

Believe

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:1-3 NIV

Nothing challenges your faith like death, especially when you prayed against it. My family prayed and uplifted my uncle during his hospital stay. We were optimistic that he would recover from his COVID pneumonia, but after two weeks his condition began to worsen. It seemed like the more we prayed the worse things got until he ultimately died.

Remember, this life is not our end. As believers, we have eternal life in Christ. So, I found comfort in God’s word and knowing that my uncle was no longer burdened by the things of this world. Scripture tells us, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) and in His presence there are no more tears; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; because the former things have passed away (Revelations 21:4). While I miss him deeply, I found happiness in knowing that he is finally receiving the rest and peace that alluded him in this world.

Outlets

When grieving, it is important to find a proper outlet for your feelings. It is okay to cry, to talk through your pain with others and to experience a range of emotions at different times. Just do not get stuck in your grief. Too often, we try to cope with our loss by abusing ourselves, others, and substances.

Discovering positive outlets for your grief is important when moving forward after your loss. I found that exercising, writing and listening to soulful music were therapeutic outlets for me. Find things to channel your grief into, that will help you accept the loss you are experiencing.

Redistribution

You have so much to live for. When you are experiencing sorrow, it may not feel that way and you might find yourself questioning your own existence. The same feelings you are experiencing today over your loss, someone will have those same feelings about you when you are gone.

The love you are holding onto, redistribute it to others. Give it to your parents, spouse, children, siblings, friends, etc. Show them how much you mean to them and how much you love them. Nothing helps you more in the grieving process than knowing you loved and are loved.

When my uncle died, I was sad because he was no longer with me physically. However, I was happy I did not let a moment go by without expressing my love to him. His passing left a huge void in my life and your loss may feel the same way. The void is just a reminder of their love. Do not be in a rush to fill that void, keep that space empty for the memories and feelings of those who are no longer with you, so that you may visit them in your times of need.

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. – John 16:22 NIV

Your grief has the ability to break you, but the LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). God has placed within you a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, not grief and sorrow. By believing in God’s word, finding proper outlets and redistributing your love, you will be on your way to discovering how to overcome your grief.

**If you find yourself needing professional help after experiencing a great loss, please do not hesitate to seek it.**

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The Sufferings of This Present Time

11/15/2020

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“I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18 GNT

In this season of my life, I have endured a lot of pain and disappointment. Besides being arrested and placed under state supervision for over two years, I also lost my job, peace of mind and financial resources – all those things occurred before the deaths started. In February of 2020, my father-in-law died unexpectedly followed by my uncle in August. Then, in October, my grandmother died.

To suffer is to experience pain, loss or be in a constant state of mental despair. In this present time of political and social upheaval, sickness, uncertainty, disease and death – suffering has become a way of life for many of us. The presence of suffering does not equate to the absence of God. As a matter of fact, it is during times of suffering that God reveals Himself the most.

What are you suffering in this present time? Are you suffering through addiction, divorce, sorrow, unemployment, doubt or sickness? Remember, that we must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22), and after you have suffered a while, God Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).

The Suffering

“Good people suffer many troubles, but the LORD saves them from them all.” – Psalm 34:19

Your hardships may seem unique to you, but they are not unknown to God. He knew before the death, disappointment, illness, separation and layoff what you would go through and how you would feel at this very moment. God did not allow it to cause you pain, He allowed it to call you closer to Him. As Christians, we are to rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5).

Do not waste your suffering, instead learn from it. Learn from the death how to appreciate life. Learn from the layoff how to find your true purpose. Learn from the divorce how to love yourself. What we learn during times of suffering, positions us to receive the glory that God is going to reveal within us.

The Glory

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 NKJV

When Christ suffered and died for our sins, we received the benefit of a relationship with God. That means that our relationship with God was established through suffering. So, your suffering will produce within you resurrection, if you do not surrender to the circumstances of this present time. What you are calling suffering, loneliness and unhappiness today, you will see as God working in your life tomorrow. Praise and seek God through your afflictions, and receive His glory, so that His will may be done through you.

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What It Can Be

11/1/2020

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“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29 NIV

A drought is defined as a shortage of water over a prolonged period of time, and without water, things cannot grow. Droughts are a normal part of the climate cycle and can last for several months or years. A drought is not only a meteorological event, as believers we will go through seasons in our lives where it seems like nothing is growing.

What areas of your life are you currently experiencing a drought in? Are you single waiting for a relationship to materialize? Are you unemployed waiting for a professional opportunity? Are you in debt waiting for a financial breakthrough? Are you experiencing grief, worry and disappointment and waiting to feel whole again? Or have you already surrendered to the drought? Have you accepted your loneliness, frustrations, unbelief and sorrow as inevitable?

I imagine this is how the Widow at Zarephath felt, when in the midst of a drought, the Prophet Elijah asked her to bring him a piece of bread. She replied:

“As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” - 1 Kings 17:12 NIV

This lady is not very different from you and me. During her season of drought, she has reached her wits’ end. During your season of angst, unbelief and dissatisfaction maybe you too have come to your end. Like the widow, maybe you do not see how things could possibly get better for you, but with God nothing is ever as it appears. He can use what little you have left to bless you.

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
- 1 Kings 17:13-14 NIV

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So, there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. – 1 Kings 17:15-16 NIV

Stop focusing on what it is and learn to trust God for what it can be.

It is only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug, but it can be what sustains you through the drought.
It is only a slingshot, but it can be a giant killer.
It is only a stick, but it can be what parts the Red Sea.
It is unemployment, but it can be entrepreneurship.
It is separation, but it can be a freedom.
It is grief, but it can be revival.
It is a lie, but it can be what helps you discover God’s truth.

You see you as you are, but God sees you as what you can be. You may see yourself as unhappy, defeated and a failure, but God sees you as more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)!

In your season of drought, exchange your dryness for the spring of life that can be found in Christ Jesus (John 4:14). If you bring what little you have to God, He can transform it to something more than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Bring Him what little joy you have left. Bring Him what little hope you have left. Bring Him what little faith you have left, and He will make sure it is not depleted and never run dry.

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Character Traits

10/18/2020

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“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding.” – Isaiah 40:28 NLT

Character can be defined as the distinguishing features, qualities or traits that make up the nature of a person. As individuals, we all possess some desirable and undesirable character traits. While man may shift between constructive and adverse behaviors and thoughts based on our circumstances and feelings, God is not a man (Numbers 23:19) and His character never changes.

God is ordinary. Now, before you label me a heretic, listen to what I am saying. I am not saying God is not great, the LORD is great and is to be highly praised; His greatness is beyond understanding (Psalm 145:3). I am not saying God is not almighty, He is the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was and who is to come (Revelation 1:8). I am not saying God is not omniscient, the eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). What I am saying is, what we view as extraordinary, is ordinary to God because it is consistent with His character.

God’s Character:

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful— for He cannot deny himself.”
– 2 Timothy 2:13 ESV

The air I breathe is a miracle to me but not to the One who created man out of the dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). The sun rising in the morning is astonishing to me but not to the One who spoke light into the darkness. My existence is a mystery to me but not to the One who knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5) because it is who God is.

We attribute many traits to God. He is infinite (Colossians 1:17), immutable (Malachi 3:6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10) and loving (1 John 4:7-8). Those qualities make God both unpredictable and consistent. While His methods may change, His essence remains the same. We should then judge God’s character not by our situation, circumstances or thoughts, but instead by who He has proven Himself to be – a way maker, miracle worker and promise keeper.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8 NIV

God of the Ordinary:

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
– Philippians 2:13

We often miss what God is doing for us and saying to us because we are waiting on a sign or feeling. Every breakthrough will not come in the form of immediate relief or restoration. Likewise, every miracle will not result in the Red Sea parting or manna raining down from Heaven. The most astounding blessings you will receive from God are right in front of you. God often reveals His love, grace and mercy through ordinary people and circumstances. So, take a moment to appreciate the things God has already blessed you with.

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Measurements

10/4/2020

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“Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards."
– John 7:24 GNT

I enjoy cooking. Now, my wife may tell you that I cook the same five meals all the time, but nevertheless I enjoy it. When preparing a meal, I discovered that there is nothing more important than using proper measurements. Too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the appearance, taste and your opinion of a dish.

Have you ever mismeasured God? Have you ever thought He was in a relationship that He was not in, or have you ever left Him out of an important decision? Did your mismeasurement lead to an outcome that you were not expecting? Inaccurate measurements of God will leave you spiritually disillusioned.
We often measure God through tangible things, through the things we can see and touch. So, the car, spouse, children, job and money become the way in which we quantify God’s love for us. Those mismeasurements will alter the way we see and experience God because eventually we will lose what we idolize.

If Joseph had measured God’s purpose in the pit, he would have quit before the palace.

If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had measured God’s existence when they were thrown in the fiery furnace, they would have missed His presence in the flames.

If the 5,000 had measured God’s power by the two fish and five loaves of bread they would have missed His provision.

If Mary and Martha had measured God’s affection by His perceived absence, they would have missed resurrection.

If the woman with the issue of blood had measured God’s word by her condition, she would have missed her healing.

If the man blind from birth had measured God’s miracles by his sight, he would have missed the light of the world.

Do not measure God’s love, grace and mercy by what hurt, frustrated and humiliated you. If you do, then you will miss who He is and the abundant life He wants to give you.

Where I would use a measuring cup, a veteran cook uses experience. How you measure God today, is based on how you previously experienced Him. If you witnessed Him be healer, comforter and provider before, then when difficult times arise, you can take heart in knowing that He will be those things again. God is willing to do more in your life than you can ask or imagine if you measure Him correctly.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28 NIV

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Asymptomatic Christianity

8/23/2020

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“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12 NIV

When my wife contracted the Coronavirus, she exhibited many of the common symptoms. She grew fatigued, suffered body aches and became congested. Yet, some who contract the virus are asymptomatic, meaning they are infected, but do not develop any symptoms. Those who are asymptomatic experience no change in their condition. They live and carry on their lives as if they are not infected.

Are you an asymptomatic Christian? Have you given your life to Christ but show no signs of His presence in your thoughts, words and actions? Or do you exhibit some symptoms of Christianity but not others?

“Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to His word; instead, put it into practice.”
– John 1:22 GNT

Every Christian should display the following symptoms:

Love: Some “Christians” wake up every morning and devise ways to convince others that God does not exist through their intolerance and hate. Before His ascension to Heaven, Christ commanded us to love one another. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples (John 13:35)." It is our responsibility to demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion to the world.
Humility: Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11). Christians should never brag about what they have or can do since we know that every good thing and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). Therefore, in everything you do give God the glory.
Kindness: My mother use to say, “If you do not have anything nice to say, then do not say anything at all.” Our mouths get us in trouble. Sometimes we praise our Lord and Father, and sometimes we curse those who have been made in the image of God (James 3:9). A good Christian knows how to not speak out of impulse but instead from a place of love. If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful with what you say (Proverbs 21:23).
Service: Christ came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for us (Matthew 20:28). Similarly, we should make it a priority to serve and help others. Through our service, we imitate Christ’s sacrifice.
Forgiveness: We are to confess our sins to God, for He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Just as God forgives and releases us from our trespasses, we are to forgive others who hurt us.
Faith: Your belief in God will be challenged almost daily. Setbacks, sickness and death will make you question everything you believe about God. For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Keep your faith in God and draw near to Him in the toughest of times – it is impossible to please God without faith and He uplifts those who seek and have faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6).

“So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

God does not want perfection from us, but He does expect progression. Your Christianity should not be asymptomatic. Everyone should know that you are a Christian by your love, kindness, service, forgiveness and faith.

Christ and His teachings are worth spreading and contracting.

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Abba

8/1/2020

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For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, ‘Abba, my Father!’” – Romans 8:15 GNT

My Uncle Anthony, who was more like a father to me, passed away due to complications from COVID-19. During his stay in the hospital, I began to reflect on our time together and what it means to be a father. My biological father died when I was young, but God blessed with many positive male influences, who taught me the definition of fatherhood. No one embodied the characteristics of fatherhood more than my Uncle Anthony.

So, what does it mean to be a father? Fatherhood is not determined by age, because some men grow older but never mature. Fatherhood is not determined by the ability to reproduce, because some men have children and abandon them. Fatherhood is not determined by a man’s ability to provide materialistic goods (hear me out on this one) because what good is it to provide clothes and shoes but not the emotional support a child needs to develop? No boy is born a man and no man is born a father - it takes time, experience and sacrifice to become all that a father should be.

Because of our relationship with God, we know that a good father provides, protects and loves.

Provider:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26 NIV

A good father feeds his children, but not just solid foods. He feeds his children through instruction, time and discipline. Too often, we view a man’s financial resources as the only way to provide for a child, but children require more than money. A good father instructs and teaches the way a child should go (Psalm 32:8). He gives his time to develop a meaningful relationship with his children and disciplines them (Proverbs 3:12) when they are wrong, so that they may grow into respectful, caring and mature adults.

Protector:

“May the LORD answer you when you are in trouble! May the God of Jacob protect you!”
– Psalm 20:1 ESV

Just as God protects us, it is a father’s responsibility to protect their children. Protecting children from harmful people, substances, thoughts and circumstances are important in the development of a child, but equally as important is protecting children from the dangers within. Depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts and fear are silent killers of children. A good father protects their children by encouraging them (Joshua 1:9), fighting for them (Exodus 14:14) and like Christ, sacrificing their wants for that of their children (Luke 22:42).

Love:

“As a father is kind to his children, so the LORD is kind to those who honor him.”
– Psalm 103:13 GNT

Who does not yearn for the love and approval of their father? There is nothing more powerful than God’s love for us and a good father passes that same love unto their children. We know that love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). So, love your children (sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, godchildren, etc.) unconditionally as your Father in Heaven loves you.

There will be no monuments erected of my uncle and no prolific biographies written about his life and yet, he was the greatest man I knew, a gentle and compassionate soul and one of the best men to ever walk this earth. He was a good, good father and what a privilege and blessing it was to be loved by him.

Dedicated to my abba, Anthony Thompson

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The views expressed in this blog are my own and does not represent the views of any organization.

Personal photos are my own.

I do not own the rights to additional images used and no copyright infringement is intended.

New Year, Same Devil

Take Something with You

Available

Overcoming Grief

The Sufferings of This Present Time

What It Can Be

Character Traits

Measurements

Asymptomatic Christianity

Abba

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