OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FATHERS!

OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FATHERS!

Prov 17:6

6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

           I am soon taking a trip to see my grandchildren! I can barely wait! I am so very proud of my daughter for the strong woman she has become and my grandchildren for the godly ladies they are becoming. My son-in-law is a joy to my heart because of his leadership skills. I am a happy grandfather.

           In eastern cultures the elders are respected, even revered, but here in America it is not so. Here the elderly is often forgotten or treated with disrespect as irrelevant to a rapidly changing world. Only in the sub-culture of Christianity do we mimic the respect shown by the eastern world.

           Joseph suffered isolation and separation from family because of the envy of his brothers. His only remaining family was his God. But in his later years he was rewarded for his sacrifice by having around him both his father and his children.

Gen 50:20-23

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

           Some of you are suffering from broken family relationships. Determine to repair the breach. Discover and admit your part in the brokenness. Seek reconciliation. Ask God for help for there is nothing quite as painful as strained family ties.

           Others of you are yet too young to understand the joy of grandchildren. Your children are yet small or perhaps they are teens going through the turmoil of transition. Pour yourself into them. Do all you can to make sure they emerge as good and godly people. You will be rewarded after a few days.

Prov 23:24

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Dear Father, help those parents today that are struggling with their parenthood. Help the children as they struggle toward manhood or womanhood. Thank you for family! AMEN