From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 6:24 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: June 20th Happy Father's Day

"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 it 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 an 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!