Fathers' Day

I want to accomplish great things. Lord, make me a great leader like Nehemiah.

He had a God-given vision to restore the walls of Jerusalem and God used his leadership and ordinary people to do an amazing work.

Nehemiah‬ ‭1‬:‭2-7, 11‬ ESV that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses.

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Under his leadership, the walls of the city of Jerusalem were rebuilt in 52 days. A task that had been left undone for 140 years was completed in just 52 days through the leadership of a former cupbearer.

I want to live courageously. Lord, give me courage like David

David's faith in God gave him incredible courage to face a giant.

1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭32-37‬ ESV

What I do is really not as important as who I am. Lord, give me integrity like Joseph

Joseph's brothers were jealous of him. They sold him to traders. He ended up in Egypt and became servant to a man named Potiphar. He maintained his integrity when he was tempted by Potiphar's wife. He was mistreated again, and even though he was innocent, he spent years in prison. He was released and became the second in command of Egypt.

His home country went through a drought and God arranged for a meeting with his brothers who had betrayed him. They were starving and came to Egypt for food.

When they learned who Joseph's identity, and after their father had died, they were afraid that Joseph would use his power and position to treat them like they had treated him.

Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭19-21‬ ESV

Even though he had been mistreated, betrayed by his own family, from his powerful position, Joseph showed kindness, forgiveness and integrity.

I remember my place as husband and father - leader of my home. Lord, help me intercede for my family like Moses.

The Israelites sinned over and over and Moses led them to repent and then stood between God and them and pleaded for mercy.

Numbers‬ ‭14‬:‭17-20‬ ESV

"A family without prayer is like a house without a roof." - Rev. William Jay

Most men that we think of as great aren’t. Mostly they’re just high achievers. But the Bible never commands anyone to be a high achiever. It never tells men to amass great fortunes, build tall buildings, or wield great power.

We have one ultimate purpose: to love God. Lord, give me whole-hearted love for you.

Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭36-38‬ ESV

Our calling, our purpose is to love God with our whole hearts, all of our being. The first priority, our most important goal, is to deeply and wholly love God.