As we celebrate this day set aside for honoring fathers, remember that it is from our heavenly Father that all love and goodness comes.  Therefore, let’s praise and honor Him with our whole beings this day.

Concerning our earthly fathers, Scripture tells us,
“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 a man whose quiver is full of them…”  Psalm 127:3-5

Today parents are bombarded with the world’s ungodly words of wisdom as to how to rear our children as the fierce battle rages daily for their souls.  But all praise to our loving God, He guides us with godly wisdom in His word and by the blessed Holy Spirit. 

James 1:5 tells us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
(Read Vs. 6-7 as to how he should ask.)

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 it is right.  Vs. 1
 ‘Honor your father and mother’ which is the first commandment with a promise:  Vs 2
 ‘That it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth.’  Vs. 3
“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.”  Vs. 4  The Amplified Bible

Did you notice that last verse?  Fathers are to train, discipline, counsel and admonish tenderly.  Child rearing is not a quick process, but an ongoing work just as our heavenly Father trains and disciplines each one of us.  We only need to look at Proverbs to see examples of a father teaching, 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 (wisdom) as silver,
And search for her 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.”

The first 8 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!

I close with Psalm 128 titled: ‘Blessings on the House of the God Fearing’:
“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.
 Yes, may you see your children’s children…”
  
Praise our Lord God forever!  Amen