Fathers' Day....

We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. —1 Thess. 2:11

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

In the US, more long distance calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day. But on Father’s Day, the most collect calls are made. It seems that children still depend on their fathers to provide, even when they are far away from home.

Fathers are needed and wanted for much more than financial help. While 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 is primarily directed toward church leaders, Paul talks about how their role is similar to a father’s. He states: “You know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.”

Exhorted is “to call near.” It is easy for fathers to think that all that’s required of them is to bring home a paycheck. But children need their close encouragement.

The word comforted is “to console.” Nothing is more valuable to a child than the time given by a father to listen and talk. Without constant relating, relationships turn cold.

Charged is “to affirm.” Fathers challenge their children by affirming the truth of God’s Word as they live it out in front of them. And even in failings, they affirm what is right through the asking of forgiveness.

How thankful we can be for fathers who help their children “walk worthy of God” (v.12). —Albert Lee

We’re thankful for our fathers, Lord,
They’re special gifts from You;
Help us to show we honor them
By what we say and do. —Sper

Good fathers reflect the heavenly Father.

**************************************************************

First of all, i didnt get to celebrate Fathers' day, i dont know where he is. Mum wouldn't let me know where he is. And last I heard, he's not with the company he worked with (which i have the telephone number), and he dropped his phone into toilet.. So... All numbers erased.

I do forgive my dad, and I do love him. I know how to show my love to him, but i know too, i am not capable of doing so. So, in other words.. It's my fault too. Sorry dad..

Well, he definitely didn't do whatever was mentioned as above, coz my dad's not christian. I hope he is, i wanna see my whole family in heaven, that's my future hope. My current dream is to see my whole family worshipping in the same church as me.

I realised i still tend to tear whenever i share this dream with someone.

AHHH! Anyway, i thank God for church leaders who played the roles of fathers in all areas mentioned above. I think in one way or another, all the pastors had heart to heart conversations with me, and I thank God for their shepherd hearts. Thank God that i got be part of the flock =)

The leaders in church are striving to do their best for the Lord too. Some i knew personally, with problems at home, did not let it distract them in their areas of services, which i find encouraging. Coz being me, sometimes i let too much things affect my areas of service..

So yaaa, last sunday was Fathers' Day which completely slipped off my head, till i had a group meeting and my members were like:

"We never sing lei"

I was like "huh?"

"Today Fathers' Day"

"HUH?!"

And of course, as usual, most of our presentations are always done a week before, so this one is no surprise either. Thank God for willing group members, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Rachel and Shaun who took the time, sacrifice lunch, to choose songs and brainstorm on the way of presenting it..

urgh.. We got to stop being so last minute!! haha.. Maybe it'll be a tradition. Thank God for great team work =)

Saturday and Sunday faster come!