Tag Archives: Fatherhood

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Joseph Shows How To Be A Real Man

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As a father, he had a lot of responsibility. He had to provide for his family while keeping everyone safe. He may have hoped a unique beginning to fatherhood smoothed out to a more ordinary time, but his family stayed in the Once in History category. And, each step of the way, we see how his character makes him a real man and a great dad.

His name is Joseph, and his relationship with Mary started out in an ordinary way. They were pledged to be married, but suddenly Mary delivered a bombshell. She was pregnant! Joseph knew the baby wasn’t his, and Mary’s explanation was a little hard to swallow, so Joseph had to decide what he wanted to do. His character guided Joseph to respond to this situation in a compassionate, gracious way as a real man always should.

The Bible tells us Joseph had in mind to end his relationship with Mary in a quiet way. This would keep Mary from facing the public embarrassment and hardships that came in having a relationship end in this way. She, and he, would be able to move on in life the best way possible if he kept everything quiet, but the Lord intervened and guided Joseph to a different plan. Matthew 1:20 says, “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” 

Joseph paid attention and went ahead with his marriage to Mary, so we can add being sensitive to the Lord’s guidance to the list of qualities Joseph displayed. This was not the only time Joseph was sensitive to the Lord’s guidance. As his family grew, Joseph continued to allow the Lord to guide him as a real man should.

  • When Jesus’ life was threatened as an infant, Joseph listened to the angel, who told him to flee to Egypt.
  • When the threat was over, Joseph listened to the angel, who instructed him to return home.

Joseph had the courage to allow the Lord to guide his decision making, and he had the wisdom to follow the guidance.

Joseph also had self-control. Matthew’s Gospel tells us Joseph and Mary did not have sexual intercourse until after Jesus’ birth. Joseph knew there was a proper time for this occasion, and he had enough control to wait until the time was right.

In summary, Joseph was a compassionate, gracious man who was sensitive to the Lord’s guidance, and he exercised self-control. These are certainly qualities of a great dad and a real man. In fact, they are excellent qualities for anyone – man or woman – to possess. How well do you measure up?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

4 Take-Aways for Dad

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A challenge from Ephesians.

There are many times in the Bible in which a challenge is issued to dads. Paul challenges fathers in Ephesians 6:4.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”

Here are 4 take-aways.

Keep love at the front

God does nothing apart from love. The discipline and instruction he offers is given in love. The decisions he makes are made in love. The actions he takes are taken in love. God is love.

As dads, we should strive to model this behavior in our own lives.

Take their feelings into consideration when making decisions.

Being the leader in your home does not mean you move forward with your decision no matter what. Good leadership takes others into consideration. Before making a decision, fathers need to weigh the pros and cons. This definitely includes the feelings of our kids.

Encourage and advise

A good dad is always willing to offer encouragement and advice at the proper time.

Keep expectations realistic

We should encourage our kids to improve in their hobbies, but not place unrealistic expectations on them. Hobbies encompass many great activities but few hobbies turn into professions, so be sure to keep those expectations realistic while offering encouragement.

Paul rewords his challenge in Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not aggravate your children or they will become discouraged.” Are you meeting the challenge?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

8 Questions Every Dad Should Ask

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Fatherhood is not a responsibility to be taken lightly.

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate dear old dad, and for dad, it can be a time to challenge himself to improve as a dad. Here are 8 questions every dad should ask.

1.  Am I setting a good example? 

Like it or not, dad, you are being watched.

A father and his young son were driving down the road one day when the car they were following suddenly stopped.  The dad slammed on the brakes causing everything the boy was holding to fly back in his face.  Amid the French fries in his lap and drink running down his face and shirt, the young boy said a word no one his age should ever say. Dad asked, “Where did you hear that?”  “I’ve been watching you,” the boy replied.  Rodney Atkins’ song goes on, “I’ve been watching you, dad.  Isn’t that cool?” 

2.  Do I express my love? 

Tradition has taught men showing affection is a sign of weakness, but that is not true.  Showing affection is actually a sign of strength.  The most powerful statement a dad can make to his son or daughter is “I love you.”  Every person has a desire to know he or she is loved, and hearing it from dad can be a life changing experience.

3.  Am I involved in my child’s life?

Take a quick quiz.  What are your child’s interests? His or her current interests may not be the most exciting for you, but it is not the activities which are exciting. It is the opportunity to spend time with your child and show an interest in his or her life that are exciting for dad. Value the time you have with your child and make the most of it.  Taking an interest in your kid’s interests gives you the opportunity to teach a lot of life lessons. 

4.  Am I helping develop self-confidence? 

Encourage independence, and allow your kid to make decisions and choices.  This will help develop self-confidence which is vital to survival in life.

5.  Am I teaching my child to have a voice? 

Having a voice means you say what you need and speak up when you are not being treated fairly.  Encourage your son or daughter to do this and be sure to listen when he or she does.  This is most important if your kid is introverted or has special needs.  Standing up for oneself is crucial to surviving in the arena of life. 

6.  Am I granting freedom to fail? 

Many lessons are learned in moments of failure.  It can be argued this is the hardest part of being a dad, but sometimes, giving a child freedom is best.  Failure is one of the greatest teachers in life.  Many of today’s successes are the result of yesterday’s failures.

7.  Am I modeling respect? 

Respect is learned by observation more than any other way.  Take another quick quiz.  Do you respect other people and their opinions?  Do you respect individuals who provide services to you such as a waiter or waitress?

8.  Am I teaching the value of hard work? 

Booker T. Washington said, “Nothing comes to one that is worth having except through hard work.”  Reaching a goal requiring hard work feels good.  Hard work pays off.  Encourage your son or daughter to work hard to reach goals and see dreams become reality.

How did you measure up?  If you are not pleased with your answers, you can take action this week by picking one of the questions and changing the way you answer it this week.  Share your experience in the comments below. 

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