Fatherhood:

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Have you ever met a man who was a really good father? There are some out there.

Jesus said

Mat 7:16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

A quick way to find good parents or a good father: look for good kids. If you find some kids who seem to be raised right, who are a blessing to others; then you are hot on the trail to finding what you’re looking for.

How about in the word of God? The Bible? Are there some good examples of fathers in there?

One wonderful thing about the Bible is that it doesn’t just paint a rosy picture about everything. It tells the truth. It shows the negative along with the positive.

In the area of fatherhood the scales seem to be tilted. There are more negative examples of fathers in the Bible than positive. But that doesn’t leave us wanting. The absolute best example of a father is found in the Bible.

We know that our Heavenly Father, God Almighty is the ultimate example of a father. But throughout most of scripture He is so far removed from being an example that it is hard to get ahold of some real basic fathering principles from Him. So He gives us a picture.

Joh 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Joh 14:7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Joh 14:8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."

Joh 14:9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Joh 14:10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.

Joh 14:11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Now most everyone knows what a wonderful example Jesus was to all of us. Now we know who’s example He was following, who He was accurately representing: God the Father.

So, now we know that if we want to be a good father, the best example to follow is Jesus Christ himself. The fatherly characteristics we need are found in Him.

Men, fathers, study the life of Jesus. Look at the way He walks, talks, loves, acts, corrects, holds to the truth, the standard. Watch His life; in it you will find yours. And your children will find a true father. Men, you can do it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Blessings on you

Joe

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