Sermon: The Father I Wish I Had

Recently I read a book called Little Britches, by Ralph Moody. It is an autobiographical tale from his early childhood as his family moved from New Hampshire to Colorado. It is a fabulous book, but as I read it I could not help but be drawn to Ralph's father. The way Ralph described his dad prompted me to think of the kind of father I wish I could have had growing up.

I wish I had a father who...

• Taught me God’s word (Gen. 18:19; Deut. 4:5-9; 6:4-7; Eph. 6:4).
• Disciplined me with love (Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14).
• Provided for my needs (2 Cor. 12:14).
• Showed me how to be a good husband (Prov. 5:15-23).

While I did not have an earthly father to do those things, I do have a heavenly Father who...

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•     Teaches me His word (Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14- 15; Phil. 2:19-22).
•     Disciplines me with love (Heb. 12:3-7).
•     Provides for my needs (Luke 18:28-30).
•     Shows me how to be a good husband (Eph. 5:25-29).