A Father's Love

Always timely is this from Arthur Bennett's The Valley of Vision:

Of all hypocrites, grant that I may not be an evangelical hypocrite, who sins more safely because grace abounds, who loves evangelical preaching, churches, Christians, but lives unholy.  My mind is a bucket without a bottom, always at the gospel-well but never holding water. (72)

Reflections on Hebrews 12:10, 11 (NLT)

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how.  But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful!  But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

My mother died soon after the birth of my younger brother. My father was left to raise four young children.  He was a rather taciturn person who seldom expressed his emotions. Now, finally, I realize and appreciate that Dad truly did the best he knew how to raise his children.

My Heavenly Father is always right and good in the methods He uses to nurture his children to maturity, also.  The training program may sometimes be painful but He never grows weary or backs off.  He is consistent.  The reward is a quiet harvest of right living.

My earthly father did the best he knew how to bring about good results.  My Heavenly Father, in infinite wisdom, always does what is right and good.  I thank God, my heavenly Father, for the heavenly and earthly families in which He has eternally placed me for my good and His glory.