A Journey of Fathers

My husband recently returned from a journey into Iran, and this is just one of the pictures that he took while in this beautiful country. His entire trip was covered in prayer by many faithful people praying all over the U.S. for his safety and for God to use him as he went forth. The occasion of his going was indeed a sad reason; the untimely death of his father. Yet, the Lord strengthened him during this time and showed him many things through the trip. He had a chance to show forth God's love in a very tangible way to his family through this time of mourning and sadness, and he has a burden for the dear people of this country as well.

As I was driving home from a visit to my own parents house today in Tennessee, I was dwelling

on what a father is. One definition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary says that a father is -- 5 : one that originates or institutes b : SOURCE Another definition which we more commonly identify with this term is a : a man who has begotten a child; also : SIRE

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, his first statement was, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Jesus referred to God as his Father time and time again in the Scriptures. And just as God was the father of Jesus, who begot him by the Holy Spirit, He is also the Originator, Institutor and Source of all things. To us who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, God is also our Father, for we have been adopted into His family and are now a son or daughter of Jehovah God and a brother or sister to Christ himself.

Isn't this amazing? Unimaginable even? Yet, my friend, it is true. God is your very own Father. No matter what your earthly father may have done or left undone, your Heavenly Father is far above and perfect in every way. He is the Source for all your needs. He is your Protector. He is your Provider. Many followers of Christ never draw close or near to God in this fatherly relationship because of the poor example they had of their earthly fathers. Yet, once we receive this knowledge of God as our true Father, we can be lifted up to new and exciting heights in Him. We can find that place of rest and shelter from the storms of life, from the snares, and from the accusing voice of the evil one. Go into your Father's arms today and receive all you have need of in Him. He is waiting for you to enter in and rest in His unfailing love for you, His beloved child.

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows--

this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

Psalm 68:5