Day #3 God–the Father
says the Lord Almighty.’”~2 Corinthians 6:18
Realigning relationships takes time. It takes effort. But above all, it takes desire.
Let’s assess where we are so far. Hopefully, we understand that there is one God. This God is mighty and powerful. This God is the Creator. This God also exists as a Triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
As we begin today, let’s reflect on our own family relationships, esp. our relationship with our human father. The relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father can be impacted by our view of or interactions with our earthly father.
Keeping this in mind, we need to realize that God our Father has power, love, and understanding that is without limits.
Our routine:
Assessment: What is the current condition of my relationship with God, the Father?
What is the purpose of this relationship?
What is the state of this relationship? What is going well? What isn’t?
What changes need to be made to this relationship?
Adjustment: Read and reflect on Bible verses in order to adjust our focus from a world view to a spiritual view.
Our first view is going to come from David, the man after God’s own heart; then we will take a look at a few verses from the New Testament, including Jesus’ own words recorded in John and Matthew.
Psalm 68:4-5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,/is God in his holy dwelling.”
John 14:2
“‘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?’”
Matthew 6:9-10
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.’”
Matthew 6:28-32
“‘And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.’”
Matthew 7:9-11
“‘Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!’”
To sum up, the Almighty God is the Creator and is all powerful, and yet, this same Force willingly calls us His children. He loves us and He is our Provider and Protector.
One other aspect of a father that has a lasting impact on this relationship is in the area of discipline. Many of the memories or interactions associated with a father often revolve around methods of discipline, or even a lack of discipline. Please know that God's Word addresses this as well.
Hebrews 12:7-11
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined--and everyone undergoes discipline--then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Sit with the words of those verses a moment as we also reflect on our views of our earthly father. Whether that brings positive memories or thoughts about a fractured relationship, please know that our earthly fathers--for the most part--did the best they could with what they had. Our heavenly Father does not have the limitations and short-sightedness that our earthly fathers may possess.
Let us consider how we have behaved in this relationship, and let us strive to repair and strengthen our relationship with our heavenly Father.
Prayer:
Our Loving Father, who art in heaven, thank You for claiming us as Your own. Thank You for being the ultimate protector and provider. Guide us to give You the honor You deserve. Help us to respect Your authority in our lives and surrender to Your discipline. We desire a strong relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ~Micah 6:8
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