Taste and see that the Lord is good;²

Yesterday we celebrated fathers all around the world, and I just want to tell you, Dads, that if you were celebrated, then you have been a good father. When asked, “What makes a good father?â€�, these are the most common top qualities mentioned: 1. He is present, 2. He is a good example, 3. He treats mom with respect, 4. His children are his joy, 5. He disciplines fairly, 6. He listens, 7. He speaks and shows love, 8. He spends time with his children, 9. He protects, 10. He is supportive. If you have shown any of these qualities, then not only are you considered to be a good father, but, you have modeled the ultimate example of Fatherhood â€"God.

We have only to read the Bible to find that God is not only always present, but He is Omnipresent, which means He is present everywhere, all the time. (Ps. 139:7-10) God gave us an example of sacrificial love, unending mercy and forgiveness. (Ephesians 5:1-2) He taught us to treat others with respect, better than ourselves. (Romans 12:10) Children are the Lord’s inheritance to us, created to bring joy to our lives! (Psalm 127:3-5, 3 John 1:4) Discipline is never easy but God left us His manual to follow and learn from. (Hebrews 12:4-11) Human fathers are often distracted, but our Heavenly Father is always ready to listen! (1 John 5:14) God showed us His love in the most powerful way possibleâ€"the death of His Son on the cross spoke of His love to all of mankind. (John 3:16, Isaiah 54:10) Our Lord found pleasure in spending time with children and made time especially for them! (Mark 10:13-16) We’ve no need to fear when our God is near! (Psalm 46:1) God promises His unyielding support to us, all we have to do is ask! (Philippians 4:6-7)

You may not consider yourself a GREAT father, but you can be a GOOD father by following the examples of our GOOD GOOD FATHER. Ask our perfect God to be your guide and feel His arms around you as your children celebrate YOU â€"-the father that God gave them.

I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching For answers only you provide
‘Cause you know just what we need before we say a word

You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Because you are perfect in all of your ways, You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us.³

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how blessed we are to have you as the perfect father. Fill us with your love and wisdom to raise our children and be the fathers and mothers you designed us to be. Thank you for loving me and entrusting me with your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Psalm 103:13 (ESV).

2.    Psalm 34:8a (NIV).

3.    “Good Good Fatherâ€� song by Chris Tomlin. Songwriters: Anthony Brown / Joseph Patrick Martin Barrett.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.