A Father's Compassion
As my relationship with my father has grown over the years, I have become more aware that his words of advice and encouragement come from a heart of compassion.
We are called to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1), and over time I have been more thankful for the compassion of my earthly father, as well as my Heavenly Father. I appreciate more and more things Dad says like, “Take good care of your health. Eat right and exercise. Stay at peace with your brother and always keep communicating with each other.”
I’m grateful for my father Eli, and for his words of advice and care that come from a father’s heart for his children.
Psalm 103:13 says, “Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
I believe the more our son, Adam, honors his father, his grandfather, and God the Father, the more he will see their direction, discipline and encouragement, as coming from a father's heart of compassion.
Teaching our children to honor and have a healthy fear of their father through the example we show by honoring their father and our own fathers, can help them not only to do the same, but also to hear their words of correction, concern, and direction as words of love.
I'm eternally grateful for my Heavenly Father's compassion towards me, as displayed by sending His Son to save me, His Word to light my path, His Spirit to guide and help me, and the people He has put in my life. He is mindful of us because He loves us and created us.
May you receive the compassion of God the Father today and always.
Who and What Defines You?
There are few people in my life that have inspired, mentored, encouraged and motivated me like my amazing mother, Jeanette. I have been blessed to have a mom who was and remains a mentor, discipler, an encourager and a good friend.
I'm thankful that when I had a rough patch, and was on medication for anxiety and depression, my mother prayed and believed that God would get me to the point that I would not need it anymore. I don't want to know who I would be if my Mom didn't pray for me, encourage me, direct and mentor me.
The amazing thing is that she is not only this way with me. Cousins who have lost their mom, sister-in-laws, friends and countless others have gone to my sweet Momma to be to the encourager, comforter, mentor and friend to them as she has been to me, and I am glad to share her love.
I had a "diagnosis" that came about after an emotionally difficult time in my life. I took medication to help me cope with the disappointment and pain that led me into a tailspin. My mother knew this wasn't my sentence for life, that it didn't define who I was, even though a family member said that, just as he was on diabetes meds for life, I would be on meds for anxiety and depression for life.
My mom and husband, Andy, would not settle for that definition of me. They trusted God and prayed that He would help me overcome. With their support and the help of a great physician and The Great Physician, I started taking all natural supplements and I have thankfully been set free from being on those meds.
My son presently is on meds for emotional issues, and just as my Mom and husband believed I could overcome my "diagnosis" that called for meds, we believe, pray, encourage and inspire him to believe and pray that he can overcome.
My mom is my inspiration to be that mentor, cheerleader, prayer warrior, believer, guide, and trustworthy friend to my son Adam, as well as to all of my family, my friends and my brothers and sisters in Christ.
We all need people who will see us, not by our mistakes or failures, a label, a rebellious period in life, a diagnosis, or a tragedy or obstacle that has set us back. What would the church be like if we stopped and saw people by what they were capable instead of incapable of doing?
I choose to be like my Mom with my son, not like the family member who tried to give me a life sentence, a definition of me based on the selfish need to be justified, control my future or play god. Only God knows the future.
It's time to stop and pray that people will be set free, to inspire them, cheer them on, and believe that the God who raised Jesus from the dead and saves all who call on Him in truth, can heal the sick and broken-hearted.
We can be part of their answer to prayer. I'm so glad my mom did not give up on me, and that she, to this day, disciples and brings out the best in me. May I do the same, not just with my son, but with every person I come into contact with.
God cares for you and you are constantly on His mind. Find a faith, truth and Spirit-filled mentor who will speak truth to you, help you stay on the path of life, not give up on you, inspire and bring out the best in you! God's definition of you and your choices could be very different than you think. We all need people to speak truth to us and to guide us in the right direction.
You also could be that mentor, truth-speaker and inspiration to someone to guide them to them find hope, joy and peace and to trust God to help them live an overcoming and abundant life!
"May the God of all hope fill you (and _______) with all joy and peace as you (and ______) trust in Him, so that you (and _______) may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Who are you mentoring, encouraging, and inspiring?
Listen to my interview with Kristina on her Faith Breathed Hope Podcast.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-breathed-hope-podcast/id1492585861?i=1000514070077
The daily readings bring you to a quiet place where you communicate with your Maker! You get into a daily routine because the message in the book is clear and easy to understand 🌹🌺
-Claudette
Great devotional! This book is a must read for every Christian woman. It will guide you to a more intimate relationship with your Savior.
-Anonymous
Sometimes it’s all I need to read- It’s thoughtful and Godly and beautiful.
-Miriam
Awesome devotional! Draw closer to God with this one. So needed and well written!
-Kate
