Devotion 6.18.15

·        Dads are encouragers.  “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21) 

·        Dads affirm their children’s accomplishments and teach their children.  “A wise son hears his father’s instructions.” (Proverbs 13:1)  “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  (Deuteronomy 6:4 - 8)

·        Dads provide their children with discipline. “…we have earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them…. For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them….” (Hebrews 12: 9 and 10) Discipline is the broad spectrum of expected behavior, separate from but includes forms of punishment.  As dads, our role is to instill that sense of discipline through encouragement, teaching, modeling, and when necessary, punishing our children. 

·        Dads are the primary spiritual influence on their children.  “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Have a very Happy Fathers' Day from Hope Lutheran Men's Ministry!