Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church

November 9, 2008

“…with God all things are possible.”

                                                                                                          (Matthew 19:26)

            On November 4^th, 2008, history was made in the United States of America.  Barrack Obama, born of a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya was elected as the 44^th President of America.  Given this country’s history of slavery, segregation, the Civil Rights struggle, and continued resistance to change and pockets of racism that still exist, I never thought a Barack Obama would be elected as President of this country, at least not in my lifetime.

            Now that he is elected, the challenge to govern is his.  In his acceptance speech, President-elect Obama acknowledged that the challenges before the country are many and change will be difficult, but change will come.  From my perspective, his election to the highest office in the land is a witness to the fact that with God all things are possible.  That being the case, I believe the following because of God’s amazing abilities:

·         This country will cross party lines to work in a cooperative spirit to help bring positive change that is desperately needed.

·         Fiscal responsibility and financial healing will take place.

·         As a country, we will gain new respect from others in the world.

·         More focus will be placed on helping all Americans – regardless of race, creed, culture, or financial standing (rich, middle class, poor).

Of course, the election of Barak Obama to the office of President is no panacea for all

that ails America.  Our problems are many and no one man or political party can solve all the problems our country faces.  But with God all things are possible.  As a community of faith, we must keep our focus on God and what He is able to do through individuals and in the midst of seemingly impossible odds.

            As a community of faith, let us do our part in seeking to make a difference in the larger community.  Let us walk in love, showing compassion toward others.  Let us be good examples of what it is to be a responsible citizen, a responsible parent, a good employee or employer.  Let us as husbands love our wives and wives love your husbands.  As a community of faith, let us remember that Jesus instructs us to “let our lights shine.”

            The problems before us are many, but in Barack Obama being elected to the office of President of the United States, it only affirms that WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

November 2, 2008

“I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority…”

                                                                                                                            (I Timothy 2:1-2)

            In two more days our country will engage in the democratic process of electing a new leader for the next four years.  Campaigning for the office of President of the United States has been long, expensive, divisive and bitter.  But prayerfully come November 4^th, all of it will come to an end and then will come the challenge of leading.

            Whoever is elected is going to need our prayers.  We live in a pluralistic society with many differences.  There is no way that any elected individual is going to have the favor of all people.  There are just too many complex issues in which people have varying views and solutions that will not suit everybody.  Even people who profess faith in Jesus as Lord don’t agree on some issues.

            But in spite of our differences, we can still pray for our leader/s.  Scripture mandates that we pray for all who are in authority.  Here are some of the things we can intercede for on their behalf:

• We can pray for them to have wisdom…
• We can pray for their protection…
• We can pray for their health and that God will grant them strength for the journey…
• We can pray for them to be open to all people – regardless of race, religion, or culture…
• We can pray for their families…
• We can pray for them to be people of integrity…
• We can pray that a spirit of cooperation will prevail and that all parties can work together for the good of the country…
• We can pray for their spiritual well-being.  Death is in store for them as well, and after death the judgment…

Whoever is elected is going to need our prayers.  Will we as believers petition the great

God of heaven on behalf of those elected to serve?  Of course we who profess faith need to keep in mind, that no one man or political party has the solution for what ails our country or the world for that matter.  All of us need to look to God and seek to walk in harmony with Him.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says it well:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

October 26, 2008

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4 NKJV)

            The ending part of the above verse – “walk in newness of life” says much about our living on a day to day basis.  As those who profess faith in Jesus as Savior, our lives are to be a living witness of the change He has brought and is bringing to us.

            Our being changed doesn’t necessarily mean that we had to radically change the things we were doing.  A lot of individuals before coming to Christ were not engaged in any obvious signs of wild living.  But nevertheless, change still had to come.  This “newness of life” mentality is evident in some of the following ways:

• Each day is viewed as a blessing from God and is filled with opportunity for us to witness His wondrous works and simply marvel at all the things that God is capable of doing.

• On a daily basis we’re mindful of His amazing grace at work in our lives and understand that the same grace is available to others as well.

• We’re mindful that we are to be His witnesses, daily.  Having that understanding we strive to be good witnesses.

• Love, we’re engulfed by His love and rejoice that He loves us so, in spite of our shortcomings.  We in turn are to show love to others.

• We come to understand that worship is more than a Sunday affair.  Throughout each day we will have several moments of worship.

• We acknowledge our problems, but we also remember to acknowledge He who is greater than our problems, as a result, we are more at peace in the midst of our struggles.

• We view things differently – it’s nice to have things but we realize that things aren’t all that important as they use to be.

• With the passing of each day, we are that much closer to our eternal destiny.

Of course, there are many more ways in which this newness of life mentality is revealed

in our daily living.  You might want to make your own list.  Just remember, as followers of Jesus Christ, our lives are to reflect the change He has brought and is bringing.

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.

October 19, 2008

The Bible clearly teaches us that we are to show kindness to others (Romans 12:10).  A reading from the devotional booklet Our Daily Bread, Feb. 22, 2001 gives a good illustration relating to kindness:

“King Abdullah, the ruler of Jordan since 1999, has been known to disguise himself and go out into public places.  His purpose is to talk with ordinary people and find out what they are thinking, and to check up on civil servants to see how they were treating his people.  He has visited hospitals and government offices to learn what kind of service they were giving.

The king got the idea while in New York.  He couldn’t leave his hotel without being mobbed, so he slipped out in disguise.  It worked, so he tried it at home.  He reported that once this practice was begun, civil servants and hospital employees started to treat everyone like kings.

When Jesus comes as King, He will judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-46).  He said the basis for that judgment will be how people treated Him when He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or imprisoned.  Those being judged will ask when they saw Him in these situations, and Jesus will say, “Inasmuch as you did to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me (v. 40).”

Because all people are created in God’s image, and because Jesus by His words and example taught us that He cares deeply how we treat others, we should treat all people with kindness and compassion…” – David C. Enger

As Jesus lovers, we can’t help but be kind.

October 12, 2008

            The current economic crisis we’re in is revealing a lot about the mindset of many.  Charges abound as to how we got in this mess.  Some say it is because deregulation had set in and no one was really watching Wall Street.  Others attribute it to greed of CEO’s and consumers.  Then again, others are saying it is the fault of government.  There is probably no one specific answer but a combination of those reasons just mentioned.

            It’s no wonder that Scripture cautions us about becoming caught up in things.  I John 2:15-17 states – “(15) Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. (17) And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

            Then there is a passage that warns us against being greedy and having this unhealthy desire for money and things.  James 6:6-10 teaches the following – “(6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

(9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

            Obviously everyone is not guilty of being greedy and not being good stewards (managers) of what God has entrusted into our care, but nearly everyone is feeling the effects of this current global financial crisis.  What are we to do?  Again, Scripture is filled with passage after passage that will help guide us through life and the many challenges we will encounter.  Consider a few of my favorites:

• Psalm 37:1-25
• Psalm 46
• Proverbs 3:5-10
• Isaiah 26:3-4
• Matthew 6:19-21, 25-34
• Philippians 4:6-7

I’m convinced that with God’s help we will make it through global financial crisis.  But

our focus must be on God.  We have to be careful in not allowing our problems to overshadow our faith in God and what He is able to do.  Remember II Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith and not by sight.”  Or as Minister Farina Edwards said in our Bible Study last Tuesday, “Stop looking at the water (problems) and keep your focus on God.”

October 5, 2008

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1 NKJV)

            One of the joys of being a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is the assurance that at the end of our life’s journey, we will not face condemnation for the life we’ve lived.  Does this mean that we must have lived a perfect life?  The answer obviously is no because there is no one who can live a perfect life.

            The key to not being condemned is to be in Christ.  This means living a life that is in submission to His rule.  This means not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  The word walking does not mean moving our feet – it has to do with our behavior or conduct that is on display every day.

            The Bible is clear in telling us what walking according to the flesh looks like, one passage as an example is Galatians 5:19-21.  The Bible is also clear in telling us what walking according to the Spirit looks like, see Galatians 5:22-25 as an example. 

            Our faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection is to result in our being transformed (changed) as we make our journey from earth to glory.  This process of transformation (changing) involves our maturing in the faith.  In other words, when we first come to Christ we are like babies.  But over time we are to “grow up.”  If a baby grows up and does not know how to behave as an older person, he or she is considered to be immature or sick.  It’s no different in the Christian life.

            If we are not maturing in our Christian walk, if our behavior is not improving, our mindset is not changing there is a problem somewhere.  The Bible refers to this kind of Christian as being carnal.  The word carnal means to still be controlled by the flesh.  But as followers of Jesus we are to be controlled by the Spirit.  Romans 8:6 says a lot – “To be carnally mined is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”  Romans 8:9 also says a lot – “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”

            Again, the key is being in Christ, living a life that is in submission to His rule.  Because of His presence in our lives we are able to deal with our problems differently, relate to people differently, and live our lives in such a way that His presence cannot help but be made manifest as we live life everyday.  We’re not perfect but the Spirit in us will help keep us in check all for the glory of God.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…

September 28, 2008

            For several weeks now in our Tuesday evening Bible Study – we’ve been studying Anchors In The Storm written by Joe Stowell.  The premise of this study is that as we encounter difficulties (storms) in life, there are principles that we can hold on to as we go through the storm/s.

            A quote by the author from last week’s study – “When I’m in prayer, I’m often reminded of biblical principals that are relevant and true. His Word starts coming back to me and I’m reminded of passages and principals I need to apply.”  Note that he said His (God’s) Word starts coming back to him.  The only way God’s Word can come back to anyone is because they have invested time in the study of God’s Word.

            Today we are observing Christian Education Sunday.  As always, at the forefront of Christian Education is our involvement with the Word of God.  We are to be students of Scripture.  We are to meditate on Scripture and we should do this consistently.  As those who profess faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

            One of the deacons here is noted for quoting the words of Jesus as found in John 15:7 – “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”  There are two key thoughts found in this verse – walking in an intimate relationship with Jesus and having His Word as a part of our lives.

            Over the years, I have become convinced that many people struggle in their spiritual journey because of their lack of involvement with the Lord and His Word.  Christian education seeks to help us develop and mature in our faith.  The foundations of what is taught is found in the Scriptures.  Psalm 119:105 says it well – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light into my path.”  Through the Word of God, we benefit so much – guidance, strength, comfort, encouragement, healing, forgiveness, conviction and so much more.

            It is my prayer that as we continue our journey from earth to glory, we will hunger for the Word of God.  The study of it will do us well.  Consider Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Be a student of God’s Word and watch how your life will be enriched.

August 31, 2008

Does It Represent You?

(Source – Moments for Pastors by Robert Strand)

            In a particular church they had experienced such growth it demanded that they enlarge their facilities. It represented quite a step of faith. After much planning, praying, and working together, they decided on a new church building. It would be adequate for their expanded ministry. It was an exciting moment as together they came to the moment to begin raising funds for this multi-million dollar project.

The pastor and church board made their projections, along with their appeal to the congregation to share in this need by sacrificial giving. Everyone was challenged to be a part of this expansion project.

After the service was over a lady came to the pastor personally and handed him a check for $50, asking at the same time if her gift was satisfactory. The pastor immediately replied, “If it represents you.” There was a moment or two of soul-searching and she asked to have the check returned to her. She left with it.

            A day or two later she returned to make an appointment to see the pastor. This time she handed the pastor her check for $5,000 and again asked the same question, “Is my gift satisfactory?”

            The pastor gave the same answer as before, “If it represents you.” As before, the truth seemed to be sinking deep into her mind. After some moments of quiet hesitation she took back the check and left. Now the pastor was beginning to get a bit worried. Perhaps he had been too bold and had offended her. He also wondered if she would ever return.

            About tow weeks later there was a phone call at the church office asking for another appointment with the pastor. It was the same woman. As before, she came with a check in hand and a big smile on her face. This time the check was for $50,000. As she placed it in the pastor’s hand she said, “After earnest prayerful thought, I have come to the conclusion that this gift does represent me, and I am most happy to give it to the church for our new project.”

            Money and giving are always touchy subjects to many people. Why? Do we have guilt in this area of our Christian living? Are we too selfish about the material things in our living? Giving and living are two things that go together in the Christian lifestyle. The Bible talks about sacrificial giving as well as cheerful giving. Just another question: Will your giving this week really represent you?

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart.

                                                                                                                       David McConaughy

August 10, 2008

Some Things That Help Us To Live Better

(Source – Give Us This Day by Leroy Brownlow)

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

                                                                                                                                      Psalms 92:12

• Reading the Bible has a cleansing effect.  “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).  It is the mirror of the soul and lets us see ourselves as we are, which is the first condition for any improvement.

• Prayer is the bulwark against evil.  “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).  More things have been wrought by prayer than the world knows.

• The ability to see ones faults is helpful.  “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).  No wonder some people have difficulty making improvement – they can’t see their faults, only the fault of others.

• Helping others lifts us higher.  The doer is actually blessed more than the recipient.  “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  Lending a helping hand gives a feeling of usefulness and importance.  It will enhance your self-image which will encourage you to be a better person.  Some people are too down on themselves ever to lift themselves up.

• Wholesome associates bring out our better side.  “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (I Corinthians 5:6).  In the presence of some people it is easy to be good…

• Reflecting on the brevity of life is sobering.  “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (James 4:14).  Whatever stature you wish to attain, start working on it now.  For hours and flowers soon fade away.

July 28, 2008

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…”

                                                                                                             (Revelation 1:10)

            The verse above was spoken by the apostle John.  John had been banished to the island of Patmos for being a witness for Jesus Christ.  The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible describes Patmos as being only about ten miles long and six miles wide.  It was an isolated, barren, and rocky island with hills rising to about one thousand feet.

            But yet in spite of John being banished to an isolated island that was rocky and barren, the apostle John proclaims that he was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day.  His conditions were less than ideal.  He was being punished for being a witness for Jesus and yet in spite of his circumstances, he manages to be “in the Spirit.”

            To be “in the Spirit” certainly implies closeness to God and an attitude of worship.  Even in his isolated state – John was being used by the Lord to reveal events as it relates to the end times.  But the fact that he was “in the Spirit” still amazes me.  John obviously loved the Lord.  John obviously believed the teachings of the Lord and his life was a living testimony to the presence of God even though he was living under adverse circumstances.  But in spite of his adverse circumstances, he was “in the Spirit.”

            Note that on this barren and isolated island, John did not have a crowd to cheer him on, there were no drums, organ, piano or any other musical instrument at his disposal.  He had served the Lord faithfully and his reward was to be banished to an island?  But still, he was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day.

            John obviously realized the awesomeness of God and no adversity could take that away from him.  John also must have kept his focus razor sharp.  He was an apostle, one called by God to a specific task and he was aware of the dangers involved.  He remembered that Jesus was crucified; but he also remembered that Jesus rose from the dead and had ascended to heaven. He also remembered that before ascending to heaven Jesus had given them specific instructions (Matthew 28:19-20).

            I am convinced that the Lord would also have us to be “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day.  We gather to worship and praise Him.  We gather to pray to Him and give thanks for “all” He has done for us since our last gathering.  We gather to celebrate Him as Lord and Savior.  Surely, if John who was stranded on a barren and isolated island could be “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day, can’t we also considering just how blessed we are?

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise…

                                                                                                                                (Psalm 100:4)

July 21, 2008

The Anchor Holds

(Taken from – Give Us This Day / by Leroy Brownlow)

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”

                                                                                                                                  Hebrews 6:19

            In carrying out the symbol given in this Scripture we can say that life is a voyage.  Even the very best people find the voyage of life a little tumultuous at times.  The anchor is very essential to a safe journey.  There are at least two threatening sources of peril:

1)      The danger of drifting.  It is much easier to float with the wind and the tide than to go against it.  This is the peril that carries many people into the worst conditions of life.  They permit themselves to drift.

2)      The storms that strike.  There are the pressures of temptations.  Secular anxieties.  Physical infirmities.  Family afflictions.  Spiritual conflicts.  All beat down upon us with a mighty wrath, and can wreck us unless we have a mighty anchor that holds.

The only anchor that will not snap or budge in the tempest is hope.  It is sure and

steadfast.  It steadies the soul.  Those who are anchored to God can confidently face the tides and storms of this world.  Let us remember that having an anchor does not preclude storms, but rather protects us in storms.

            Every strain fixes the anchor deeper.  It holds even in the hour of death.  This was exemplified by a dying sailor.  He was near the end.  A friend said, “Well, mate, how is it with you now?”  The dying man with poise and assurance replied, “The anchor holds.”

            May all of us be able to say in both life and death, “The anchor holds.” 

July 13, 2008

Bulletin Thought

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

            We’re constantly seeing advertisements that guarantee blessings of one sort or another. Usually these advertisements require some financial investment or risk of some sort (read the fine print). But there is a plan that if followed will guarantee living in a condition of being blessed, being found in the favor of God.  It is not a plan that requires any scheming or trickery.  It does not even involve risk.  Who would not want to buy into a plan that guarantees being blessed?

            The Psalmist informs us of such a plan.  Note what he says (119:1-3 /Amplified Version):

1.      “BLESSED, HAPPY, fortunate [to be envied] are the undefiled – the upright, truly sincere and blameless – in the way [of the revealed will of God]; who walk – that is, order their conduct and conversation – in [the whole of God’s revealed will] the law of the LORD.

2.       Blessed, happy, fortunate [to be envied] are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart.

3.      Yes, they do no unrighteousness – no willful wandering from His precepts, they walk in His ways.

The plan as described by the Psalmist basically involves three things –

(1) Live right before God and man, verses 1 and 3. 

(2) Obey the precepts or laws of God (teachings of God’s Word), verses1-3. 

(3) Seek God with all your heart, verse 2.  The end result is that one will live in a condition of being blessed.

            Does this promise, assurance of being blessed means the absence of trials?  Absolutely not!  But it does involve some of the following:

• Having the understanding that we are never alone on this journey of life.  God is always with us.
• Being that He is always with us – His strength is available to us 24/7.
• There will be an inner state of contentment, regardless of our outward circumstances.
• Every need we have will be met.
• Hope, not hopelessness, will always be ours.
• Unconditional love will be an everyday experience.

Some may challenge the notion of buying into this plan.  They may say – “I knew there was a catch to it.  Who can live up to such expectations?”  There really is no catch.  All it takes is for us to have a willing heart to receive what God has for us.  Remember, Jesus said – “I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). 

If you’re willing to take the risk and seek blessings from other sources that give no guarantee, why not try God’s plan that guarantees blessings.

July 6, 2008

Bulletin Thought

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 NKJV)

            As we gather on another Sunday in which we will serve communion, I can think of a number of reasons as to why our hearts should be overflowing with joy and gratitude concerning our salvation.

            First of all – Titus 3:5-6 is clear in stating that our salvation did not come because of any work that we had done ourselves.  Our salvation came as a result of the mercy of God toward us.  There is no work that we can do that will earn us salvation.  That is a truth that is pointed out in other passages as well (Ephesians 2:8-10).  God has displayed mercy (undeserved favor) toward every soul.  As a result of His mercy and our faith in His work – we are saved.  We are saved from the wrath of God; we are saved from being eternally lost.  Our eternal destiny is sure – heaven will be our final destination. Hallelujah!

            Second – Titus 3:5-6 is clear in pointing out that our being saved has resulted in our spirits being renewed or reborn.  Salvation is a spiritual work.  Change happens in our hearts and that change is manifested in our outward actions.  Physically we look the same, but our actions, our living becomes different.  Note that I used the word “becomes.”  As we walk with Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives, study and apply His teachings, fellowship with other believers and commune with God through prayer – transformation takes place in our lives.  Truly we will be able to say – “The things I use to do I don’t do anymore.”  The Holy Spirit has worked and is working in us that results in our becoming a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).  Hallelujah!

Third – Titus 3:5-6 is clear in pointing out that God was not stingy concerning the Holy Spirit.  He was given to us abundantly through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Abundantly has the meaning of more than enough, plenty of.  God did not give us a “pinch” of His Spirit; He gave us His Spirit in abundance.  In other words, we can be certain that we have all we need through Him to live the Christian life.  That’s what II Peter 1:2-3 implies – “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”  Perhaps another way of saying it is that whatever we need to live the Christian life is at our disposal through a growing knowledge of the Lord.  A growing knowledge comes as we study and apply the teaching of Scripture.

            All of us who profess Christ as Savior should rejoice in that we are saved, that our lives are different, and that our future is bright.  I’m going to borrow a saying from a saint now gone home to be with the Lord (Mama Gilbert) – “I’m on my way to heaven and I’m enjoying the trip.” Hallelujah!

June 15, 2008

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name…”

                                                                                                                     Matthew 6:9

            Today we observe and celebrate another Father’s Day.  We take a moment to applaud those men who are fulfilling the role of fatherhood.  Father’s traditionally are considered to be those who have “fathered” a child.  But we know that there are many men who may not be biological fathers but are father’s nevertheless.

            A father’s primary role is to provide for the needs of his family.  Providing for needs of family involves far more than just simply putting bread on the table or seeing that enough money is present to pay the bills.  A father’s responsibility includes “some” of the following:

• Nurturing…
• Loving…
• Guiding…
• Teaching…
• Providing discipline…
• Setting an example…
• Listening…
• Playfulness…
• Sacrificing…

Of course we live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people, even father’s fall

short on fulfilling their responsibilities.  All the more reason to acknowledge our heavenly Father.  He never falls short.

            Our heavenly Father meets all the responsibilities listed above and then some.  Our heavenly Father has brought us thus far and provided for our inner most needs and stands ready today to help us in  whatever we may be facing.  If your earthly father has fallen short, please don’t forget your heavenly Father who does indeed provide for our needs.

Happy Father’s Day!