HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today is a day for honoring or remembering our fathers. If your father is living, make sure to make a phone call and let him know what he means to you. If not, take a moment to remember him. In either case, consider what you learned from your father. In what ways are you like him (good or bad)? What good traits should you emulate with your children (if you have them)?

I was fortunate enough to have a father who loved God and took care of his family. While I sometimes wish we would have been closer, I am grateful for the times we spent together, especially in the barn, working on motorcycles and snowmobiles. I never picked up his mechanical ability, but I did learn to tinker, and can often figure out a way to make things work. I must admit that even after 11 years, I still miss him. Praise God, he is in heaven!

Even as you celebrate Father’s Day today, please remember what a privilege it is to call Almighty God, Father:

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (ESV)

Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (ESV)

Remember, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV) God established the Sabbath to be a day of rest, commanding that we “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8 ESV) When correcting the Pharisees, Jesus told us that "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." (Luke 6:5 ESV) Today, we set apart Sunday, in recognition of Christ’s resurrection, as the Lord’s Day. But, whether it’s Sunday or any other day of the week, it’s still the Father’s day. Never fail to remember Him or thank Him for what He’s done. Always seek to emulate His good character.

While your father may have failed you, your Heavenly Father never will. So, happy Father’s Day to one and all!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker