Five Characteristics of the Perfect Father

June 11, 2012

You might describe your father as your own superhero. Some of you might use less flattering words. Many either don’t remember or never had a real dad.

My own dad was a wonderful, caring man. But none of us could call our fathers perfect. Here are five characteristics of the perfect father. Know anyone like this? Read more

25 Christmas Prayers– Day 3

December 3, 2011

Day 3 – Everlasting Father

Lord, what child hasn’t longed for a tender, compassionate father–one who never breaks his promises and one who will never desert his family?

Earthly Father vs. Everlasting Father

But our earthly dads are often limited by their humanness. At times even their best attempts at fathering will appear flawed, and they will occasionally disappoint us. Some surrender in exhaustion and despair at the sheer responsibility. Others keep on loving and serving their families the best way they can, eager to mirror Your character.

But You, Lord, are the Everlasting Father–the One who knows perfectly what we need. With Your great wisdom You give us only what is best. Read more

If You’re Courageous, You Can Change

October 4, 2011

“It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.”

When I saw that quote by Mark Twain, Read more

In the Wilderness? Words of Encouragement for You

October 18, 2010

I asked the Lord this morning to show me some words that might encourage others, but as I journaled, He first reminded me of those who might need those words of encouragment the most, the ones still walking in their own “wilderness”:

Are you one of these?

• The one whose heart is broken by another’s cruelty and refusal to stay in the marriage.
• The one who is searching for something–or someone–to ease the pain of loneliness.
• The mom who struggles to find the balance between working at home and ministering and caring for her kids.
• The one who cannot work from home and whose heart is paralyzed with fear for the children’s’ protection.
• The father whose job is on the line and who lives with fear of a pink slip. Read more

A FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE

June 19, 2010

I wrote this tribute several years ago with my dad in mind. I thought you might enjoy it at this special time. Happy Father’s Day!

A Tribute to Dad

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

He’s a giant of a man, with big, strong hands

that hold your heart in his own.

The words he speaks are apples of gold–

that can melt a heart of stone.

His laugh is contagious–His smile sincere;

His life is a book read far and near.

His love gives generous helpings to all;

For a father, you see, is always on call.

His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes;

But godliness clothes him–from his head to his toes.

He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of,

but his family is blind and covers in love.

Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays

filling the hearts of his family with praise.

Memories of a Father

My father died 15 years ago. I still miss him. But his words and his lessons still live on in my heart. Each of the few personal letters he wrote ended with a P.S. – a powerful statement. Sometimes he penned an encouraging truth from Scripture, sometimes a homespun bit of wisdom he learned, sandwiched in between the mortar he used building missions, and the lives he salvaged for Christ along the way. I treasure those bits and pieces of a father’s love and keep them close where I can pull them out in times of discouragement or frustration.  God blessed me with a great dad.

God Is the Perfect Father

Some of you can’t recall positive father figures, because of abuse or loss of your dad early in your life. Regardless of your circumstances, God assures us He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). He not only heals our memories; He is the perfect father who never breaks His promise, who loves us unconditionally, and who delights in spending time with His children.

Share a Memory

What about you? Share a memory about your dad. What made him special? How has God been a father to you?

NOTE: The winner of the drawing for the three-book series: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers is Patti McGoey. Congratulations, Patti!