June 16th-20th Devotional

A Father's Devotional: Submission, Faith, Vulnerability

Listen to the devotional podcast here


Day 1: Choosing God as Your Example

Reflection: Today, let's consider the foundation of our fatherhood. Pastor Rod recounts a pivotal moment when God spoke to him, asking, "Rod, how do you view being a dad?". Kincaid realized that his initial approach to parenting was simply to be the "very opposite" of his biological father, whose example was not great. However, God challenged him, asking, "rod, why do you choose to parent out of the negative?" and urged him to "look at me and choose me to be your example as a father". This shift changed him dramatically and led him to seek what scripture says about fatherhood.
The sermon emphasizes that while the Old Testament offers many examples of fathers, Jesus himself provides three specific examples of fathers in the New Testament for us today. This day invites us to examine our own foundations for fatherhood and intentionally choose God's perfect example, rather than simply reacting to past experiences or societal norms.

Declaration: As fathers, we declare that we will look to God as our ultimate example for fatherhood, choosing to parent from His positive and perfect standard, rather than from negative past experiences.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of fatherhood and for Your perfect example. Forgive us for the times we have parented out of reaction or negativity. Guide us today to actively choose You as our model, aligning our hearts and actions with Your divine will for our families. Amen.


Day 2: The Power of Submission

Reflection: Our first example of fatherhood in the New Testament is Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, whose little daughter was at the point of death. Despite his significant status, Jairus sought out Jesus and fell at His feet, earnestly imploring Him to come and heal his daughter. This action was profoundly significant culturally, signifying deep respect, honor, and, most importantly, submission. Jairus, by this posture, was communicating his belief that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and the only one who could grant his prayer and heal his daughter.
Pastor Rod powerfully states that "submission to something or someone is taught not caught". He highlights a cultural problem where many children of the church have walked away from Christ because they were not taught submission and did not see an example of it from dads. Dads are encouraged to be "YouTube videos for submission" for their children, showing them how to submit to Christ. Your children are watching, and your example of submission to Christ can dramatically impact their own walk with God.

Declaration: As fathers, we declare that we will submit to Christ, actively modeling His authority in our lives so that our children may learn and embrace submission to Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to humbly submit our lives to You daily. Help us to lead by example, demonstrating genuine submission to Your will in all circumstances. May our children witness our devotion and learn the beauty and power of living a life submitted to Christ. Amen.


Day 3: The Strength of Faith

Reflection: Our second example of a New Testament father comes from the story of the mute boy whose father brought him to Jesus after the disciples were unable to cast out the spirit. The father's plea to Jesus included a hint of doubt: "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us". Jesus' response was a powerful challenge: "If you can, all things are possible for one who believes". Pastor Rod explains that Jesus was challenging the father's doubt, emphasizing that the point was not Jesus' ability to heal, but the father's ability to trust in God's power to do the humanly impossible.
Immediately, the father cried out, "I believe. Help my unbelief". This declaration acknowledges both his desire to believe and his struggle, creating a powerful model for us. The sermon teaches that "Faith sets no limits on God's power". Dads are called to "have faith" and to "demonstrate your faith for your kids". This active demonstration of faith instills faith in children, and as fathers submit their children to Jesus, they should have faith that He will take care of them.

Declaration: As fathers, we declare that we will live by faith, trusting God's power and demonstrating unwavering belief to our children, instilling in them a deep trust in Jesus.

Prayer: Almighty God, strengthen our faith where it is weak. Help us to echo the cry of the father, "I believe; help my unbelief". Grant us the courage to demonstrate our faith openly to our children, trusting in Your limitless power and instilling in them a confident hope in You. Amen.


Day 4: The Embrace of Vulnerability

Reflection: The third father Jesus uses as an example is found in the parable of the prodigal son. This father, upon seeing his son "a long way off," was filled with compassion, ran, embraced him, and kissed him. Pastor Rod highlights that "The father was looking. He was looking for his son", suggesting a longing and prayerful expectation for his return, rooted in his submission and faith.
The key takeaway from this father is the profound lesson of vulnerability. Dads are encouraged to "let your hearts be visible to your kids," whether in joy or sorrow. This includes showing affection, such as embracing and kissing, challenging the "macho and tough" stereotype that some dads feel pressured to uphold. Pastor Rod shares his own experience with his wife, Shelly, of purposefully allowing their children to see their disagreements and then witness their reconciliation, teaching them about real relationships and making up. This act of vulnerability teaches children that imperfect relationships can be healed, preventing them from feeling inadequate when they face challenges in their own lives.

Declaration: As fathers, we declare that we will be vulnerable, showing love, compassion, and open hearts to our children, allowing them to see and know the heart of God through us.

Prayer: Gracious Father, open our hearts to our children. Help us to overcome the fear of vulnerability and to express our love and emotions freely. May our embraces, our words, and our visible compassion reflect Your profound love for them, drawing them closer to You through our example. Amen.

Day 5: Living the Call: Submit, Have Faith, Be Vulnerable

Reflection: Throughout this devotional, we have explored three powerful takeaways for fathers, derived from examples in the New Testament: Submit to Christ, Have Faith, and Be Vulnerable. Pastor Rod underscores that these are not just abstract concepts but practical calls to action for dads today. He emphasizes the urgent need for men to embrace these qualities within their families and the wider church.
Your children are constantly watching your example. When you actively submit to Christ, you teach them where true authority lies. When you demonstrate unwavering faith, you instill in them a trust in God's power. And when you are vulnerable, allowing your heart to be seen, you teach them about genuine love, compassion, and the reality of relationships, ultimately reflecting the heart of God Himself. This final day is a call to integrate these principles into your daily life, making them a consistent declaration through your actions.

Declaration: As fathers, we declare that we will submit to Christ, modeling His authority in our lives. We will live by faith, trusting God's power and teaching our children to do the same. We will be vulnerable, showing love and compassion so our children may see and know the heart of God through us. We declare this in Jesus' name.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of fatherhood and for the clear examples of faith, submission, and vulnerability found in Your Word. Guide all fathers to reflect Your love and grace, submitting to Christ, demonstrating unwavering faith, and showing tender vulnerability to their children. May they lead by example, drawing their families closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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