Broken Vessels...Mended Hearts: The Power of God's Forgiveness

I Then Shall Live

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.

I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.

I know my name is clear before my Father.

I am His child, and I am not afraid.

So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;

the law of love, I gladly will obey.

I then shall love as one who's learned compassion.

I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving, too

I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;

I'll dare to see another's point of view.

And when relationships demand commitment,

then I'll be there to care and follow through.

Your kingdom come around and through and in me.

Your power and glory, let them shine through me.

Your hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor,

and may your living kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,

and may you feed a hungry world through me.

Lyrics by Gloria Gaither

As I listened to this song by Gloria Gaither at a recent Sunday morning service, I was deeply touched by the words. This beautiful song so eloquently portrayed my own feelings about what God had done in my life. I found myself  "singing" the words loudly in my heart along with the choir as an expression of gratitude and worship to the God who had forgiven me of so much. I especially loved the first stanza:

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father.
I am His child, and I am not afraid.


You see, although I grew up in a Christian home, was saved at an early age and spent all of my childhood and teen years very involved in church life, I have not always walked closely with the Lord. There was a brief time in my life that I wandered away from Him seeking after the things of the world and living very much for myself. Those few years away from the Lord were marked by self-centeredness, stubborness, arrogance and pride. I've often likened that period of my life to the story of the prodigal son who left the loving environment of his father's house to squander his inheritence and finally ended up living with the pigs. I had my own "pigpen" experience so to speak.

10 Terrific Tips for Dads

1)  Talk to your son about what's going on in his life. Talk about something other than sports or what chore he didn't get done.

2)  Tell your daughter you are proud of her. Compliment her on a character trait that she exhibits. ( helpfulness, cooperation, kindness, etc. )

3)  Teach your son how to build, fix or paint something. You're the one who must teach him these practical skills. His wife will thank you for it someday.

4)  Take your daughter on a date. Do something she likes to do. Buying her a rose would be a nice touch. Make her feel special.

5)  Be present with your family when you come home from work. Don't be preoccupied with work, the computer or your cell phone. Hang out at home and interact with them.

6)  At dinner time, share a verse or passage form the Bible. Ask your kids what they think it means. Briefly share what the verse means to you.

7)  Hug your wife and tell her you appreciate her in front of your kids.

8)  While driving in the car or at dinner time, share with your kids how God has blessed your family this month or provided for your needs. Say a prayer of thanks with them.

9)  Take your kids along to meet the needs of someone less fortunate than you. Let them see you serving someone who cannot pay you back.

10)  Take your kids to church...don't be a "stay at home" Dad on Sundays.


If you have other great tips for Dads, please write them in the comment box. I'd love to hear from you.

The Bible: Lesson Plan for Life

The Bible is an inherently practical book. It gives us instructions on relationships, attitudes, priorities and facing adversity. It tells us how to live. When we read the Bible we are not left questioning what we need to do to please God. It's right there in black and white.

 Some of my favorite verses are those that summarize concisely how to live a godly life. For example, Micah 6:8, which is the theme verse for my blog, says, "He has shown thee, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." My prayer each day is that I would, in the power of the Holy Spirit, be able to live this verse out.

Another passage of scripture that is full of practical advice for living is Romans 12:9-13. "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  To me this reads like a lesson plan for living. Could it be any more clear and direct? I don't think so. When you get a minute, take the time to read the entire 12th chapter of Romans. It is filled with wisdom and direction on how to live a life that pleases God.

Ephesians 4 is a chapter that talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created in Christ Jesus. It says we are to live as children of the light for we are no longer in darkness. Verses 29-32 speak specifically about our tongue, which tends to get us in so much trouble! It says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God for whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32