Abba Father

My dad had a total knee replacement recently. He is in a ton of pain and the rehab is going to take several months. However, when all that is over I think he will be pleased with the change.

I am very close with my dad and to see him in pain is difficult. He has enjoyed good health the majority of his 72 years of living. He still plays baseball, swims, and golfs. He is very active for his age.

My dad has always been a good example to me of what God the Father is like. I know so many people who have warped images of God because of their earthly fathers. That is not the case with me. My dad has always showed unconditional love to me. When I was far from living the life God intended for me my dad always kept a close relationship with me.

Obviously, my dad has flaws. But what he does have is a tender heart towards his kids and his 12 grandkids (plus 4 great grand kids). Everyone of us know how much he loves us. The love of God the Father is tender and unconditional and for that I am grateful. My prayer for my dad is that he would continue to know the love of His heavenly Father and thus let that shine through his life.

Jesus called God "Abba". Which simply means daddy. It is a term which oozes with closeness. The New Testament tells us that because of Jesus we can call God "Abba" as well:

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. NIV

My prayer for all of us is simple, that each one of us would know and live in the unconditional perfect love of our heavenly Father.

P.S. I also pray my dad heals quickly, we have a lot of baseball games to go to soon...

What song would you want played at your funeral?

"...Death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." King Solomon

As a pastor I have officiated numerous funerals. A constant at most funerals is picking the right songs to sing or play the songs that best represent the life of the person who passed away. I have heard everything from Jimmy Buffet, tons of Country, Christian contemporary, and many hymns.
I do not plan on dying anytime soon, but if God has a different plan for me the song I want played at my funeral is "These are the words I would say" by a band called "The Sidewalk Prophets." Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1
Three in the morning, and I’m still awake So I picked up a pen and a page And I started writing just what I’d say If we were face to face I’d tell you just what you mean to me Tell you these simple truths
CHORUS
Be strong in the Lord And never give up hope You’re gonna do great things I already know God’s got His hand on You So don’t live life in fear Forgive and forget But don’t forget why you’re here Take your time and pray These are the words I would say
Verse 2
Last time we spoke you said you were hurting And I felt your pain in my heartI want to tell you that I keep on praying That love will find you where you are
I know cause I’ve already been there So please hear these simple truths
Repeat CHORUS
Say… from one simple life to another I will say… come find peace in the Father
Be strong in the Lord And never give up hope You’re gonna do great things I already know God’s got His hand on You So don’t live life in fear Forgive and forget But don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time and pray And thank God for each day His love will find a way These are the words I would say
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpKwja0j50&feature=related