A Father’s Pride

we make Him our intimate friend by welcoming Him into every area of our lives: marriage, work, socializing, worship, etc.

Psalm 8:2 “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

How can a father or a mother not be proud of their children when they hear their children sing praise to God and pray.

ILL.- On April 9-12 I flew to Richmond, VA, to visit my daughter Holly and her family. When 4 year old Hayden prayed at the table in the past, she prayed fast, “Thank you, God, for this food. Amen. Amen.” This year she prayed, “Thank you, God, for this food and help us to have a good trip to Disneyworld.”

How can a parent not be proud of a small child who is willing and able to pray? Sweet are children’s prayers.

Psalm 34:11 “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

How does a father teach his children the fear of the Lord? By fearing the Lord himself! When a father fears the Lord and shows reverence for the Lord through personal worship and public worship, he has a better chance of teaching his children to fear the Lord. When he makes the Lord a priority his children have a better chance of doing the same.

ILL.- While visiting my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in April I noticed that Chris was reading his Bible. I said something dumb like, “What are doing reading the Bible?” He said he was keeping up with his Bible reading schedule. WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD A PREACHER BE READING THE BIBLE? Duh! I would say that Chris is doing what he should do and also, giving his children a good example of Christian living.

ILL.- I know that when son Shane was little I would take him calling with me. I don’t recall if I ever took Holly calling, but I probably did. I do remember, however, taking four-year old Shane on a particular shut-in call one time. We were getting ready to leave their home and Shane said, “Dad, aren’t you going to pray for them?”

I don’t think we parents and fathers ever lose our sense of pride over our children, that is, when they do well in life.

ILL.- I am proud of Holly and Chris’ marriage of nearly 18 years and three sweet children they have brought into this world. And I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law. Holly chose well. I am proud of her choosing to teach kids as a ministry of sorts and her involvement in music and teaching in their church. I am proud of the way she mothers her children and how they have learned to obey.

I am just as proud of Shane and Heather and baby Sophia. I am proud of son Shane’s involvement in the church that he and Heather attends in Cape Girardeau, MO. Shane plays his guitar for their three weekend services. In fact, his great desire is to be a worship leader in a church. He’s not had any traditional training in that realm but that doesn’t mean that his dream won’t come true. Many people are involved in church ministry work who never had any formal training and they do excellent work. I am proud of Shane and Heather’s parenting.

Psalm 115:14-15 “May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” May you and your children be blessed by the Lord. Amen. Should not this be our wish and our prayer?

Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man leads a blameless