FATHERS! They’re the heroes of our homes … and if not,
how their families wish they were! Living in a world that is filled with so much
apathy and a lack of courage to stand for what is right – has left women and
children aching to see their husband and dad rise to the challenge of becoming
the hero they are longing for. Children
want a daddy they can run to who will be their protector from the bullies. And children of all ages want a father who is
rock-solid strong against the storms of life; who can share wisdom beyond their
own from a longer span of experiences.
And of course, all kids want a dad who will laugh and play with them,
tease and tousle with them – and in the next breath assure them how much they
believe in them! Dads who have learned
to cushion their sons and daughters from some of the ills of the world, also
are smart enough to know that their children must experience some of the bumps
and bruises that come their way to strengthen their minds and set their wings
soaring! Wives secretly wish that their
husbands will love them beyond their imperfections to their fullest potential,
you know – like Christ loves His church (that’s us!). Women want their men to have strength as
unshakeable as the Rock of Gibraltar – yet who will express love and devotion
with tenderness and emotion! Wow,
dads! It sounds like your wives and kids
want it all. They want you to be Mr.
Perfect with every attribute in the dictionary wrapped up in the heart and soul
of what you see as just a body of faltering flesh and bones at times. How are you supposed to do it all? How are you supposed to be everything that
they want you to be? Well, let me tell
you. Godly wives will not want you to do
it alone or to have to be everything to everyone. They will recognize and desire for you to
lean on the wisest Father of all, drawing from His strength each day of your
life. They will want your example to
come not from self-sufficiency, but from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and
following Him daily. They will
graciously allow for your humanity when they see you on your knees, asking God
for help to be the man He wants you to be – and that YOU want to be! They will want to be right beside you in your
quest to be courageous … and will admire your commitment to become a more
devoted follower of Christ than ever before!
You think they were in love with you before? As your love for Christ deepens, so will
their love for you deepen even more! And
the same goes for your children – only in a different way from child to
parent. Their respect for you will
increase, they will choose to hang out with you, and you’ll be able to tell how
secure and loved they feel when they are with you! And you know what? As you step up to become more courageous, your
family will learn more about what their Heavenly Father is like as they watch
you! Yeah, you have big shoes to fill …
but we are confident that you can do it!
We believe in you, dads! You are
our special gift from God! I celebrate
the example I’ve been given through all the dads in my life … my dad and my
husband’s dad – both now in heaven and who taught me so much, our sons who are
incredible dads to our grandchildren, and my amazing husband, who loves his
family deeply and who is constantly and courageously stepping up the pace to be
the man that God has planned for him to be.
Happy Father’s Day, dads; you truly are our heroes!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY blessings to Merv
& Kathy on June 21st!
SPECIAL THANKS to Matthias and Liz
for leading the Re: Fuel Youth Lock-In / To those who helped w/Kidz event!
SUN, JUN 17: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, with a
message & pledge for “Godly, Courageous Men”, and Happy Father’s Day to all
our dads! You are loved and prayed for! (No Sunday School classes today).
THU, JUN 21: 7:00 P.M. – MISSION HUDDLE with Seykoras;
location will be announced – let us know # coming!
FRI/SAT, JUN 22/23: MEDFORD CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE, including
Elevation North; we’ll need your help!!
SAT, JUN 23: 4:30
P.M. – MEDFORD PARADE – come and see our fantastic church float for the community!
SUN, JUN 24: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, focusing
on “The Power of the Holy Spirit” from God’s Word!
SUN, JUN 24: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES &
PUPPET MINISTRY; let’s all learn more!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES … Praise God
for answered prayers, provision, harvest of souls, Seykoras, & Lundstroms
REMEMBER . . . “I will trust and not
be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song.” Isaiah 12:2
Serving Christ Joyfully,
Pastor Doug and Debbie
