From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage@juno.com>
Subject: Greetings to All on Father's Day
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2001 7:47 AM

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.
 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them..."  Psalm 127: 3-5

The Amplified says, "Happy, blessed and fortunate is the man whose quiver
 is filled with them."
Oh, but what a responsibility does God give fathers in the rearing of the
children!

Ephesians 6:1-4 speaks of how parents and children should relate to one
another and is important to note here.  "Children obey your parents in the
Lord, for this is right.  'Honor your father and mother' -- which is the
first commandment with a promise -- 'that it may go well with you and
that you may enjoy long life on the earth'".  Vs 4 in the Amplified reads,
"Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not
exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training
and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord."

Did you notice the last part of that verse?  Fathers are to train,
discipline, counsel and admonish tenderly.  This is not a quick process, but
and ongoing work just as our heavenly Father tenderly trains and disciplines
each one of us.  We only need to look to Proverbs to see examples of a
father counseling and admonishing a son (daughters included)

The following are some Proverb examples -- I will select introductory
verses, but do read them in context for the whole teaching;
1:8-9 "Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
           And do not forsake your mother's teaching;
           Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head,
           And ornaments about your neck."

1:10 "My son, if sinners entice you,
         Do not consent."  (See Vs. 10-19)

2:2-5 "Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
           Incline your heart to understanding;
           For if you cry for discernment,
           Lift your voice for understanding;
           If you seek her as silver,
           And search for her [Wisdom] as for hidden treasures;
           Then you will discern the fear of the Lord,
           And discover the knowledge of God.

3:1;3-4 "My son, do not forget my teaching,
             But let your heart keep my commandments;
             Do not let kindness and truth leave you,
             Bind them around your neck.
             Write them on the tablet of your heart.
             So you will find favor and good repute
             In the sight of God and man."

3:21-23 "...Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
              So they will be life to your soul...
              Then you will walk in your way securely,
              And your foot will not stumble."

4:3-9 is very precious as the father is telling his son of the instruction
he received from his own father when he was young.  That whole
chapter is a father's advice to live well by following Wisdom.  The
first 8 or 9 chapters of Proverbs are filled with the teaching of
children.  It is a wonderful place to spend some time especially for
parents and grandparents.  Children today need all the tender
support and love they can get!

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.
 You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessing and prosperity will
 be yours.
 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons
 will be like olive shoots around your table.
 Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.
 May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life..and may
you live to see your children's children."  Psalm 128

Praise the Lord forever!