Father's Day by Gene McGuire, Guest Writer (Sunday, June 10, 2007)

The Family Good News -Letter

23rd Year June 17, 2007



Dear Friends and Family,

Father’s Day has never been a big deal to me until some 25 years ago; you see, I never really knew my biological dad. I am told that we had contact until I was about 5 years old, but my only recollections are those told to me by my three sisters. Eugene, Sr., supposedly, was a great dad but left a lot to be desired as a husband. It is alleged that he was quite a musician, loved to sing, had an outgoing, pleasant personality and got along with people very well. His fatal flaw – something my mother just couldn't deal with – was his love for booze. I know what he looks like because I have a picture of him in my bedroom. Now, I could say that I love my Dad, but those would be just empty words because I never really knew him first hand. I can’t recall him ever buying me ice cream from the Good Humor Man, tucking me into bed, or even telling me that he loves me. Basically I am saying that in order to truthfully say I love my father, I must know him first. Unless there is meaningful interaction between two individuals no intimate relationship is possible.



Fortunately, In 1982 I found a Father that I can truthfully say “I love with all my heart”. I love this Father because He loved me first. (1 John 4:19) We all know that love is an action word and He proved His love for me by giving His only begotten Son so that I could receive Eternal Life. (John 3:16) I've gotten to know Him more and more as I read His Word, receive biblical teaching and communicate with Him in prayer. Romans 8:15 tells us that I can cry out to My Father using the term Abba, Father!!! I've been told that this Aramaic word is an endearing and affectionate term that can be translated Papa God!!! He loads me up with His blessings daily. There are so many aspects about My Father that thrill and overwhelm me, but His accessibility has got to be very close to the top of the list. I don't have to make an appointment with Him, He’s never on vacation, and He doesn't even take an afternoon snooze. I can come into His presence anytime I wish; be it for a personal need, interceding for others, or just to praise and worship Him. And I can most assuredly attest to the validity of the Scripture that tells us that “In His presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) Some years ago a brother and sister singing duet called The Carpenters recorded a tune that aptly fits this situation to a tee. I believe the song was meant to give adoration from one human being to another, but in my book, "To Know Him is to Love Him" applies exclusively to My Heavenly Father. The more I know about His love, mercy, compassion and unmerited favor, the more I love Him.



Let me ask you a question: Is my Father your Father? Just because we're both human beings does not mean that we're related! Don't fall for that “Brotherhood of Man” baloney being bantered about. There are two distinct families on this planet: the Family of God and the family of the devil. (John 8:44, Eph. 2:3 and Romans 5:12) Psalm 51:5 tells us that everyone of us has been born in iniquity and conceived in sin. Here’s a quote from the Amplified Bible: Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful]. If you want to point a finger, direct it to our ancient ancestors, Adam and Eve. But accusations and recriminations won't help; we're got to deal with the situation as is. Just get over It!!!! The fact of the matter is that none of us are going to get out of this life alive, but if you don't have the right family affiliation when that physical death occurs, you'll miss Heaven and will spend your eternity in Hell. (Matt. 10:28, Luke 12:5 and Rev. 20:13:-15)



Now here’s a question that I've been asked before: “If your Father is so loving and merciful, why does He sends people to Hell?” The answer is that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for us human beings. (2 Peter 2:4 and Matt. 25:41) furthermore, the Good Book proclaims that God desires that no person should perish, but that all would be saved. (Matt. 18:14) The choice is up to each individual. I believe the Almighty understands that all of us are not born rocket scientists so He made Salvation extremely simple to understand. The person who recognizes his or her need for a Savior and acts on that revelation by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has this result: But as many as received Him [JESUS] He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)
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Gene McGuire, noted Internet columnist is a frequent Guest Writer at our site and we are privileged. You'll be Blessed by his insights and his wisdom.

PLEASE NOTE: Happy Fathers Day to those with children and or who have the Fathering spirit. All the best.