Today, we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers” by Jack Countryman.  Our focus today is on the important role of parenting.

Today our topics include children and worship – and the joy they both bring.

Children are a joy from the Lord!

Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us that we are the salt of the earth.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus wants you to take your role as a parent seriously. As salt, our behavior is to be distinctly different from those who do not know God.  It must not reflect the same kind of behavior that corrupts a godless culture.

Do your children see that you are burning with the light of heaven? What good works do they see you doing that reflect well on your heavenly father? How does your faith cause you to behave differently from anyone else?

Let your light shine brightly for God and he will bless you beyond what you can imagine!

God fills fathers with joy when they worship Him

John 4:23-24 gives us a clue to what God seeks:

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

God is looking for men who eagerly worship Him…according to the truth of the scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit.

In order for us to have an intimate relationship with God, it is essential that we come to him with an open heart.  We must be willing to surrender our life and worship Him in truth and in spirit.

Bringing glory to God will refresh our spirit and draw us closer to the heavenly father.

Make worshipping God a part of your character-building walk with him.

The impact that you will have on those you love will fill your heart with a deep sense of satisfaction; and give you a peace that passes all understanding.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd