September 13, 2004

  • Last month I finished reading Fathering Like the Father written by Kenn and Jeff Gangel and I would recommend this book to any man to read. It was designed for fathers to help them father more biblically but as I read it the characteristics talked about in this book are needed by all men regardless of whether or not you are a father. If more men reflected these qualities of God the Father then the church and world would be a much better place for all mankind to live. God's light would shine brighter than ever through us and I believe more souls would enter the kingdom of God. I have not completely finished my study of this book yet, but in the next few days I hope to completely pull my thoughts and notes together on it so that I can allow the teachings of the Gangels to change my fathering. Here is a small list of what the first two chapters are about. If you are a father or would like to be then I recommend you read this book today.



     


    Chapter One - Humor



    1. Use Humor as you teach and raise your children
    2. Do not show favoritism
    3. “True joy and happiness in our families comes as we trust God’s plan and provision through everything.” (pg 19)
    4. Be with your Kids

      1. Spend time with them
      2. Enter their world. Learn first hand their joys and trials.
      3. Include them in your daily life and routines. Let them see your life is like.

    5. Play with your kids
    6. Laugh with your kids

    Chapter two – Grace and Mercy



    1. Fathers must deal with the need for mercy
    2. Mercy relents from deserved punishment or consequences. Grace offers undeserved favor or benefit.
    3. God is not soft on sin, but, for his children, God desires holiness not legal perfection. Instead of getting us to “toe the line,” God prefers to bring us to the point at which we allow him to carry us along
    4. Discipline, by  nature, involves giving tender direction not harsh correction
    5. Grace and mercy must exist in balance with justice and discipline.
    6. Only mercy and grace deal with sin as God does. Instead of condemning we forgive and we help our children along the path to holiness.

Comments (5)

  • Wow, that does sound like a good book.  Although I don't have any kids of my own yet, I consider the youth I work with sometimes like my kids.  Those lessons totally apply to what I do with them and how I should treat them.  I might just pick up that book.

    By the way, how old is your son?  I also wanted to note how blessed your son is to have a Dad like you.  Raise him well, and may he grow up to be a true man of God.

  • Sorry, 1 year old son, got the answer, saw it in your profile.

  • I think I better chek that book out - sounds very good.

  • Third post, double sorry, I should just pay attention and consolidate.

    Question of the Week

    How can I (fongshui) pray for you this week?

  • Strength. I have been working 50-60 hour weeks since the last week of August and I am feeling tired. Also it is beginning to wear on my family.

    Spiritual Sensitivity. I am in a mens small group which meets Wednesday mornings at 5:45am and I want God to grow me in this group for the next 29 weeks.

    I hope that gives you some ways to pray for me. I would be more specifical, but I have been at work since 8am and it is now 10pm. Take care and I see you on the Blog Side.

    Godspeed,
    Wesley

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