Russia says to send nuclear warship to Caribbean

 

I have been in the church all my life and a committed follower of Christ most of my adult life (mostly committed most of the time).  And I realize that the dynamic of fathers is important in the church as well as the family.  What I mean is a dad is a guy you look up to, you don't want to let him down, and you can look to him as an example.  I had the chance to get lunch with my pastor this week, I guy who I enjoy spending time with as well as admire quite a bit.  I don't want to let him down, I cannot accept what he says and then not want to go walk it out.  Otherwise, I don't see how church is relevant unless you are actively seeking to "follow me as I follow Christ".  I know alot of my friends that go to church have different beliefs, but we all need examples. 

 I wonder how if we view our dad effects the way we look at our pastor, or how we look at God?  I had a good relationship with my dad for which I am grateful.  And I never wanted to let him down.  I am kinda babbling but it is my prayer that my family and friends would continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God.  I screw up all the time but I know God loves me, is for me and passionately loves me!  And I want to give that love away so help me Jesus.  When we get squeezed dry, and feel sinful or drained or whatever, God desires to fill us up.  We can come boldly by faith.  the righteous keep getting up and getting before His face.

I get an email devotional from Derek Prince, another church father.  if you want to get it sign up at derekprince.org. 

Turn Away from Folly
Here is a word for you from the Word.
Proverbs 9:13-18
The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. “Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgment. “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave [or of Sheol, the nether world]. NIV
That picture of Folly says one thing to me. It says that Folly offers us something below the real price. People are going on their way, they are pursuing their legitimate ends, and Folly impinges upon them with a suggestion that somehow if they turn aside and buy from her and receive what she has to offer, they will be getting a special bargain.
I have come to the conclusion that in the spiritual life there really aren’t any bargains. God doesn’t bargain with us. He doesn’t offer bargains. He doesn’t reduce His prices. And if you ever find somebody who is offering something spiritual at a reduced price, beware; it is not a genuine offer. It comes from Folly and from deception.
There is a price for spiritual blessings. There’s a price for spiritual riches. The price is twofold: commitment and discipline. Folly is undisciplined. She will try to persuade you that you can get it without discipline; that you don’t have to make a real life commitment. Don’t listen to her, she’s deceiving you, she’s turning you aside from the right way. - Derek Prince

Two Aspects of God’s Nature
Here is a word for you from the Word.
Psalm 113:5-9
Who is like the LORD, our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. NIV
There are two aspects of God’s nature that seem so different and yet are so beautifully combined in Him. The first one is His lofty grandeur. He sits enthroned on high, far above the earth. The other is His tender compassion and concern for the poor and the needy. The same One who sits enthroned on high raises the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and He cares, too, for barren women. He settles her in a home as a happy mother of children.
So often we think of God as a stern and awesome person. It is true; He is. But there is another side to His character. He is so tender and compassionate, so condescending. He stoops down to the lowest and He loves to exalt them to a position beside Himself.
So, do not be discouraged if you seem poor or insignificant or if there is a deep need in your life. Remember God’s tender mercy and compassion. - Derek Prince