MY DAD
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of the oak tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called him…
Dad
Psalms 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the steps with the wicked or stand in the way with sinners or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”
Godly Men Hate Apathy – They Love Action
In reflecting on this verse, it becomes abundantly clear that the Bible has always provided men with the knowledge and insight necessary for a father to become: a godly man, a kind and loving husband and parent, a leader-priest, a disciplinarian, and an example of righteousness. During each stage of the “fathering process,” the Godly man strives to have a theological (i.e., a fully-orbed, spiritual) understanding of God and an in-depth orientation toward the Scriptures, to become the father the Lord intended for him to be.
Godly Men Avoid Giving In – They Love to Be Challenged
A Fully-Orbed Christian Father is a living example of a “scripturally based life” – not only to his family but to those outside his family. Like a tree planted by the waters, he puts down his roots deep into the good soil of God’s Word and continues to grow and exhibit spirit-induced living. In every decision he makes, he seeks to take into consideration the example set by Christ in his incarnation as man, His crucifixion and His resurrection. As he himself grows in Christ, he seeks to impart that growth and continuing spiritual renewal to each family member and to serve as an example to the Church. In fair weather and in foul, he seeks to live justly in all ways, feeding on Christ, and ever taking Him as his example.
Godly Men Know They Need Jesus above All Else
A Fully-Orbed husband and father longs to exemplify ecclesiastical commitments and practices rooted in confession of “needing Jesus daily,” while serving as an example, role model, and defender of righteousness to his family and in every other sphere of life. His position is ever a spiritually battle-ready-attitude – swathed in passionate prayer, bound by deep conviction, a biblically sound conscience and fully-orbed courage and character.
Godly Men Hate Sin – They Seek Courage, Honor and Integrity
Our key verse for today is Psalms 1:1-3. In contrasting the difference between the fate of the wicked and the righteous, it begins with a Negative (Psa 1:1) and ends with a Positive (Psa 1:2). The psalmist tells us that there are places Godly men do not walk; ungodly men are not his advisors, and he is not seen among those who do evil things contrary to God’s word. Thus, the Godly man is known, first, by what he does not do. Second, he is known by what he does do. First, he loves God’s Word. He knows it is food for the soul. He is careful to live a life that serves to encourage others, drinking daily at the well of God’s Word. The result is a man who draws strength as does an oak tree planted by streams of water. He does not wither in the heat of the trials of life, but rather plunges deeper into the cool life-giving streams of God’s grace and mercy. Because of his love for God he prospers “in all that he does.”
Fully-Orbed Christian (Father) – Well-rounded and committed to the Christian life. A full understanding of, commitment to, and defense of the gospel.
Meet the Author
Alan Bullock
Alan Bullock has a BA in Biblical Studies, a Master’s Degree in Biblical Counseling, and an earned Doctor of Theology. In addition, Alan is a Certified Pastor Counselor, a member of The International Association of Christian Counseling Professionals (IACCP), and also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).