Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 21, 2011
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9
Courageous fathers fight for their families. They have the righteous resolve to do whatever it takes to protect them from the direct fire of the enemy’s arrows of discouragement. Precious children are emotionally, physically and spiritually vulnerable without their daddy’s protection. A father’s courage applied to a child’s fear is a remedy for peace and rest. Wise is the dad who does not dismiss, but cares for and comforts their little one’s worries.
Faithful fathers are called by Christ to intercede with bold prayers for their wives and children. They receive love from their heavenly Father, so they in turn can love well in their own home. Courage from Christ causes loving fathers to spend unhurried time listening to the hurts, dreams and concerns of their children. Courage creates courage for children.
“LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you” (2 Samuel 7:27).
Where does your child need you to step up on their behalf? At school, because of a menacing bully? At church, because of a cruel clique? In the neighborhood, because of an immature parent? In your home, because of competing siblings? When we care, we are aware of what our child is facing and what they need from us to remain faithful to Jesus.
It is your model of obedience to the Lord that lingers long in your lineage. Your child watches your every move and wonders how they can become just like you. So, your courage to say and do the right things greatly influences your child’s growth in integrity. Behavior as defined by the Bible brings consistency to a father’s growing character.
“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it” (Ezra 10:4).
As a courageous father you bring heaven’s hope to your home. It takes courage to symbolically label the entrance to your house with “Love God” and the exit with “Love People”. It takes courage to stand on behalf of your family against a secular and cynical culture and proclaim your 100% allegiance to Almighty God. Lean into the Lord’s courage and stand firm for your family. Your courage is a gift of security for your child.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
How can I courageously stand for my child in their current circumstance?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 31:6-7; Joshua 10:25; Acts 27:22-25; Philippians 1:20
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