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"Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?" (Proverbs 20:6). "A faithful man will abound with blessings" (Proverbs 28:20).
Yesterday I shared a story about my Mom and her love for others. Today I would like to share a message using my Dad as an example. He passed away in 1998 and would have had his 87th birthday today so that is on my heart. I hope as I write these stories you will also reminisce about those who've loved you and impacted your life.
My Mom was outgoing and gregarious. My Dad was quiet and I suppose not really much of a people person. My Mom carried that distinction for both of them! But Dad had a deep love for his wife and children and we all knew it. His love was shown especially in certain memorable moments.
He
also loved his grandkids and they all have such great memories of him.
Today Ester was sharing of some particular memories. Due to distance
and her relatively young age when he died they are limited. But she
recalls falling asleep on his rather substantial belly when he would
hold her in his big easy chair. It could be that the photos we have of
this grandpa/granddaughter "time together" prompts and reinforces her
distant memories.My dad taught me faithfulness not so much by his words but by his example. He and Mom were married for 53 years. He was faithful in his marriage vows, provided for his kids and was a man of integrity in his business dealings.
The truth of the daily Scripture is often most evident in the later years of life. I know quite a number of believers who are just coming out of a life of sin and are still dealing with the consequences of their past. That includes a number of you reading this devotional, as you've shared stories via email with us.
I remind you that faithfulness has its rewards, both in this life and the one to come. Even though you are actually abounding in blessings now, salvation being the greatest one, you can become discouraged with present trials. God's Word is ever true. Perhaps you need to consider someone you know that has served God faithfully for many years and observe how they abound with blessings.
I bet you know some people like my Dad don't you? I've met several in my life but not as many as I would like. And they're getting harder and harder to come by. Character qualities like faithfulness, steadfastness, and consistency sound boring to many people today. But they still matter to God. "A faithful man shall abound with blessings", and he does, both in this life and the life to come. And I am confident that my Dad has heard those wonderful words from the supremely Faithful One, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, may my life be marked by faithfulness and integrity. I know that these character traits are not developed over a short period of time. Obedience does bring blessing and it does bring eternal reward. Help us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time You have ordained, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Amen.
Note from Brooksyne:
Interestingly, this day on our calendar is marked by two major events
with our fathers. Stephen's dad celebrated his birthday on this day
and my father went to be with the Lord on this day six years ago. So,
it holds great sentiment for both of us. God did a supernatural work in
Dad's life the last six weeks he lived. He was a believer but
certainly had a rough exterior. Though he experienced a great deal of
pain and discomfort the Holy Spirit filled him with a kind, gentle and
extremely loving nature the last six weeks of his cancer ordeal. In
some ways Dad's Christian testimony was much greater and effective as
he was dying than the years when he was living cancer free. God taught
me a great deal through Dad's suffering and his response to suffering.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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