As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I am reminded of words attributed to the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass who said “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. While some debate whether he actually made the statement (it cannot be found in any of his writings), the fact remains however that the statement in principle is true. While we remain in the business of repairing broken people, I have come to realize (without sounding like a shrink) that many a problem encountered in adulthood has its roots in events that occurred (or did not occur) in childhood.

          The role of a father is huge and his footprint is even larger. The Old Testament patriarch Abraham had a relationship with God that was in part the result of God’s foreknowledge of his role as a father (Genesis 18:19).  Proper fulfillment of his role was necessary for him to experience the blessing of his covenant with God and bring the fulfillment of God’s promise to him to pass. Suffice it to say, fatherhood is a big deal!

          A vital part of fatherhood involves mentorship. Teaching, training and advising are essential in preparing generations to fulfill their roles as adults and be successful in life. A good model for fatherhood can be found in Proverbs 4:11 where Solomon rehearsed the instruction he received from his father, David; “I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in the right paths”.

 Successful fathers lead by precept and example. I once told a man in counseling that the expression, “Do as I say, not as I do” has never worked and it never will. Real fatherhood takes work and there are no shortcuts. I am reminded of a phrase that I once heard in a song, “You can’t teach what you don’t know and you can’t lead where you won’t go”.  As we honor fathers this weekend, let us show appreciation for the fathers who put in the work and did their jobs as best they could. Let us encourage the others to get busy.

Bill Young - MGCC

     This story has been preached and taught by just about every Christian minister, theologian and leader in the world. We all desire and long for that “double portion” experience in our lives as God empowers us to serve with ability that is beyond our own. Some have taught that this “double portion” experience can be obtained through giving or prayer.

     The scripture gives us the best light. When Elisha made his request, Elijah replied “you have asked a hard thing.”  The Hebrew word for hard here simply means tough or severe. In other words, it is not easy. Everything in life that is good is not necessarily easy. It takes discipline, self-control and faithfulness to walk in excellence in life.

     Elisha was promoted to the office of prophet in Israel and received “double” because he was faithful in serving Elijah for over ten years. He was referred to as” the guy who poured water on Elijah’s hands”. Although Elisha had that mantle cast upon his shoulders, which represented the anointing of the Holy Spirit, there was a period of growth and development that had to take place in his life before he stepped into that role as the Prophet of Israel. He was faithful in helping Elijah behind the scenes and out of the spotlight before promotion came.

     There are no shortcuts in the Kingdom of God. If you have a desire to accomplish more and be a person of greater influence, remember the story of Elisha. Be willing to serve where you are and prove yourself faithful. Know that God sees your service and will reward you accordingly.

     I certainly knew what he meant, an adjustment in thinking. Such was the case in the gospel of John when in chapter four, a nobleman approached Jesus in Cana to heal his son in Capernaum because he was sick and at the point of death. Capernaum was a good 15 to 20 miles away.

     After this man’s desperate request, Jesus response was “except you see signs and wonders you will not believe”. It almost sounds like Jesus was having a cranky moment considering the seriousness of the request or at best he appears to be quite insensitive to this man’s desperate situation. I assure you that neither were the case.

     Jesus, unlike many people today, had no problem telling the truth and at times said things in such a way that seemed harsh but were necessary in getting people to adjust their thinking. I truly believe Jesus was repeating to this prominent man words that had come out of his own mouth.

     Perhaps while discussing what people had seen, heard and said about Jesus he retorted, as many of us have done, “I’ll believe it when I see it”. Now, in an hour of desperation, he seeks out Jesus for a miracle. Jesus calmly told him to “go home, your son lives. The scriptures tell us he believed the word that was spoken and his son began to improve before he got home.

     This man made the adjustment and learned that seeing is not believing. Seeing knows whereas believing trusts without the benefit of seeing. This man had a life changing encounter with God and learned a very important lesson about real faith. Regardless of the challenges you may face in life, be determined never to become cynical but rather, keep believing.

In Daniel 6, versus 1-4 we see that the prophet Daniel rose to a position of prominence in Babylon because of his faithfulness, character and dedication to the things of God. Daniel is an Old Testament example of walking in excellence. It was these character traits coupled with his faith in God and his understanding of his purpose that enabled Daniel to be considered one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament.

His ministry was not without challenges. When he was promoted in the kingdom, his rivals launched an investigation into his life and could find, “no occasion or fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him (V4)”. That simply means they found no scandal or anything amiss. Daniel was a man of character and integrity.

It wasn’t long after this that he was thrown into a den of hungry lions because he was faithful to God and would not compromise. I often tell people, don’t spend the night in the lion’s den if you have not been faithful. It may not go well with you. You see, often people start thinking about faithfulness, dedication and integrity when they are in the midst of trouble and when the hungry lions are breathing down their neck so to speak. That is not the opportune time to develop your faith, develop your character and practice faithfulness.

Thank God for His grace and mercy because He will see you through any trouble if you will lean on Him with a sincere heart and trust. Many times you may have to make adjustments and changes so that God can bring your purpose to fruition in your life.

Daniel got in trouble for doing the right thing. It was not God who brought trouble to Daniel, but rather his enemies. In the same manner it is not God who brings trouble into your life. The truth of the matter is that trouble and challenges come to us all, but a life of faithfulness, integrity and dedication to God’s Word will always enable you to prevail.