The Man Who Changed My Life

Have you ever known somebody that truly changed your life?

I once knew a man who could fix anything broken, and could equally break anything in perfect working condition.

I once knew a man who was as strong as ten men and could manhandle anything into his submission if he so wanted.

I once knew a man who loved the element of surprise – be it on an unsuspecting person coming around a corner, or on purchases made spontaneously.

I once knew a man who would go to great lengths to embarrass his friends who boasted and lost bets and put them in the place of great humility. At the same time, this same man was so stubborn that, even when vested with the truth in an argument, would not go back on his original opinion.

I once knew a man who would spend $5 to save $50; however, in a great paradox, this same man would often spend $50 to save $5!

I once knew a man who loved to play practical jokes on both the unwitting and deserving alike. His favorite gaff was to take ordinary foods such as pickles and beef jerky and spicing them up to be hotter than the surface of the sun – only to put them on the break room table at work and sit back in the corner and watch the fire works.

However, I also knew a man who cared nothing for the spotlight or glory, but craved to work behind the scenes, unbeknownst to anyone.

I knew a man who understood the concept of friendship so deeply that he risked confronting his best friend about marital infidelity for the sake of assuring him that he was still loved.

I knew a man who knew nothing of selfishness, and gave of everything he had – almost to a fault.

And, I once knew a man who loved life so much that battled through cancer and strokes and heart disease and diabetes to be there for his family as long as he could, even though the daily pain was unbearable.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, this man I speak of was my father. It was six months ago last week that he was taken from this life and into his eternal reward. I miss him with every breath. Not a day has past since his death that I haven’t thought about him. All the times I’ve instinctively thought, “I wonder if dad has that tool,” or “I need to call dad to see if he knows how to do that,” only to be faced with the reality that he is no longer at my beckon call. This is my first Father’s Day without him, and the sting of that early morning phone call on January 11^th about his demise is still very real.

But if there’s something I have learned about my dad in his absence it is that, strangely, he’s not really gone. For I see more of who I am in who he was every day. The things I say, the phrases I choose, the manners in which I act - all point to the model from which I learned them. Only now, years later and too late to tell him, can I truly understand how much like my father I am. Dad didn’t get the joy of seeing the birth of his grandson (due in October), but I’m aware now, even more so than with my two precious daughters, that my son will look to me in the same manner as I did to my dad. My fervent prayer is that I can portray to proper image to him that will cause him to grow as God will have him.

Lord, I want to be just like You, cause he wants to be just like me

I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see

Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little boy can read

I want to be just like you, cause he wants to be like me

On this Father’s Day, we are reminded of the eternal truth that permeates everything about us – that despite the role our earthly fathers played in our own development, there is a Father Who, in His very nature, loves us unconditionally and always seeks His glory in our lives. He will not leave us nor forsake us. And for those of us who are fathers or might be fathers in the future, we want to just like our Heavenly Father, because our children want to be like us.

Resounding Themes:
God, Our Constant Father
A Child’s Adoration
Gratitude and Compassion

Ready, Set, READ

Matthew 5-7

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- As you read through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, are you shocked by the number of times he refers to God as “Father?” What are some of the things Jesus attributes to Father God? What seems to be the major underlying characteristic about the “Father” of Whom Jesus speaks?

- Was/is your earthly father perfect? In what ways was/is he wonderful? What were/are his shortcomings? Overall, was your father a good role model for you growing up?

- When you think about your own father (or at least the person you called daddy), what images come to mind? Was/is your experience with your father growing up? Later in life? If they are still living, how would you describe your relationship with your father currently? If you are a father now, what are some lessons that you learned from your own father that find yourself employing with your own children?

- Have you ever truly thought of God as your Father…not just the ruler of the universe? If so, what comfort does that give you in your specific situation? If not, what keeps you from worshipping God as the Father?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Lord God, You are the God of all times, Lord of lords, King of kings, wonderful, mighty Councilor, and the Price of Peace. For there is none like You in history, O God…and history itself belongs to You and You alone. Your throne is high and exalted, and by no scheme of man can you be accessed or persuaded or comprehended. And yet, by the token of your unsurpassing love for Your creation, You extend Yourself to us – that we might have access to You – and allow us to humbly call You our Father. God, we are thankful to Jesus, Your Son, who taught us what is to trust You as “Abba,” Father, and Daddy. As loving children, Daddy, we long for Your admiration, affection, correction, and instruction to live our lives to the full! So, too, as we parent our own children on this earth, we look to You, our ultimate model, to become the fathers You would have us be to our own children, both young and old. Sweet adoration flows from Your children, as we dance for joy in Your presence, and You cover us with singing. We pray this, Daddy, through Your faithful son. Amen.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!