06/20/2017 — You don't need a book to understand what a father is and what he does — just look to your Heavenly Father! Whether you are a father or a child, or both, seek His example first.

EDUCATION Psalm 127:3-5

“Look, children are a gift of the Lord,
    and the fruit of the womb is a reward.
As arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior,
    so are the children of one's youth.
Happy is the man
    who has his quiver full of them;
he shall not be ashamed
    when he speaks with the enemies at the gate” (MEV).

Hebrews 12:7-13

"Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers, and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake of His holiness. Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time, but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness in those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift up your tired hands, and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed" (MEV).

APPLICATION

• Being a father is an incredible privilege, given from God.
• One of the most important ways fathers can train their children is how to love God, and the best way to do that is to love other people.
• Fathers have a duty to protect their families. Dads, it's OK to endure many slights but not an attack on the family God has given you.
• Men, there are many people within your circle of influence who don't have fathers in their lives (including 40 percent of the students at Harvest Preparatory School). Be a father to someone, because God is a Father to you.
• God is not a pinch hitter, a utility infielder, a substitute or a spare tire. He is an everlasting Father. That's who He is!

IMPARTATION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a loving Father – not only to me, but to all of Your children, whether there is an earthly father in their lives or not! We confess that too often we disparage fathers for their failings without first turning to You, who have no failings.

May those of us who are earthly fathers follow Your example of love and discipline. And may each of us look and listen for Your guidance in our lives. We love You because You first loved us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be Your children.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ — Jehovah Joshua Messiah — I pray. Amen!




WHC FAMILY PRAYER REQUESTS

In Matthew 18, Jesus said “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Let’s stand in agreement with the following members of our church family who have requested prayer:
We want to pray with YOU! Send in your prayer request on this online form so we can agree with you in prayer! Send in your testimony or praise report here when God moves in your life, so we can give Him glory with you!!