The Loving Father

 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. – Psalm 40:4


Father’s Day was celebrated earlier this week. What kind of father did you have growing up? And, if you’re a dad, what kind of father are you? There are fantastic fathers, terrible fathers, and somewhere-in-between fathers. Most are often the latter. Today’s verse says, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” If you put your trust in the Lord, you are blessed, and consequently so are all within your influence.

Jesus described God as the Heavenly Father. God is love. He is also Holy. He disciplines His children in two ways. The first is the application of the Father’s truths to your life. The second is the reliance on His direction through hardships. Hebrews says to endure hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7). Someone who is disciplined is consistent in doing what is right and necessary. Christian disciplines include Bible reading, prayer, fasting, worship, Christian fellowship, and good works.

In setting goals, remember the most important is to seek God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). The practice of Christian disciplines leads to blessing. The United States has many types of leaders with many different aspirations. Pray that your Heavenly Father will draw the hearts of leaders to be disciplined in His ways.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 40:4

Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 3:1-12

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.

11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
    as a father the son in whom he delights.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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