"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5

These verses are often read on Father's Day. They are a reminder of how very special children are to God and the great responsibility fathers have in rearing them. Verse 5 above speaks of their being a blessing to the father and in Proverbs 20:7 we see that a righteous father is a blessing to his children, "A righteous man walks in his integrity -- His children are blessed after him."

What does this tell us? Clearly it says that he (not only fathers, but everyone of us) is to walk uprightly before the Lord. Our lives must set a good example, our walk must express a difference, to our children who are daily at risk in this world of evil enticements. In the Mother's Day message we looked at Scripture that spoke of different aspects of our walk if you would like to review them.

God's word tells us,
"For whom He (God) foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son..." Romans 8:29 In the Scriptures Jesus' life is revealed, when we look at Him we see that He is merciful, patient, gentle, compassionate, kind and good. We also note when needed He disciplines and corrects.

Ephesians 4:1-3, the Apostle Paul speaking of the worthy walk tells us to, "...walk in a manor worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

We are not left on our own, we have God's instruction BOOK and we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide. This of course means that we should diligently seek God's wisdom day by day through prayer and the study of the Word. Proverbs is filled with wise instruction. Proverbs 4:3-9 is a beautiful picture of a father sharing with his son what he received from his own father when he was young. (The whole chapter is a father's wise instruction and counsel.) Vs. 3-9 follows:

"When I was a son to my father,
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, Then he taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget, and turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her (wisdom), she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
Prize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her,
She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty."

I close with Psalm 28,
"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings 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..."

Thank you, Lord, for godly fathers for they are truly a blessing to all of us.  Amen

Happy Father's Day!