HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, GOD!

            As I was thinking about this month’s newsletter article, I read “A FATHER’S PRAYER” by Douglas MacArthur: “Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; Here let him learn compassion for those who fail. Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past. And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength. Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, ‘I have not lived in vain.’”

            Many fathers will be celebrating Father’s Day 2008 with their children, spouses, other family members, and friends. However, whether we celebrate with an earthly father or not, it is incredibly vital for us to always celebrate the Heavenly Father who has loved us since the beginning of time. It was even prophesied in the Old Testament: “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders, And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). Let us remember that God, “A Father to the fatherless…,” is able to provide for, care for, protect, and guide us in a way that earthly fathers do not have the capacity to do (Psalm 68:5 NIV). Even when celebrating our earthly dads, let us remember that there is a God-sized “hole” in everyone’s heart that only the Father can fill. He has the ability to teach men how to be fathers after His own heart and is the perfect role model for everyone to follow. Let’s give God a place of priority by celebrating Him each day, thanking Him for the loving fathers (and father-figures) in our lives, and praying for our loved ones on a daily basis. “…Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’” (Matthew 6:8-10 NIV). My prayer is that all dads who read this newsletter will have a blessed Father’s Day celebration!

            In addition to celebrating Father’s Day, the month of June is very busy for the church. June 14^th marks Flag Day, a time set aside to honor, show respect, and fly the American flag. This is also a day to remember our nation’s leaders and military families in our prayers. Father’s Day, a special time set aside to honor and remember the most important male figure in your life, is June 15^th. Also, June 16^th-20^th marks Vacation Bible School (VBS), a time for the church to be involved in teaching the word of God to young people. Every member of the church is asked to be involved in VBS. If you are wondering how you can get involved, the answer is: Get all children you know registered for VBS, volunteer your time, help provide supplies, and, most importantly, pray daily for VBS. What a unique opportunity for each of us to be about God’s business! Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4 NIV). So, let us further our Father’s kingdom by working together, not only during the special occasions mentioned above, but everyday! “Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?” (Malachi 2:10). As brothers and sisters in Christ, let us be on one accord with excitement as the Lord blesses our immediate families and our church family this month. The family of God working together…what a great gift to offer our Heavenly Father!

                                         ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

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