DR. STEPHEN PHINNEY: A wake-up Call for America! The United States has the HIGHEST rate of children in single-parent household of any nation in the world.
I heartily agree with the importance of fatherhood! Malachi 4:6 has been an important verse in my life, too. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
What seems so insignificant to mankind turns out to be of extreme importance to God. What does God point out about Abraham, the FATHER of Believers/believing? (Romans 4:16)
Genesis 18:18–19
[18] seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? [19] For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” (ESV)
So many are deceived into thinking that "real life", the important things - careers, social status, entertainment, ministries, and etc., all are outside the home and the family. Thus, the family becomes an unwelcome distraction of additional responsibilities. If you want to do something of REAL IMPORTANCE for God, FOCUS on RAISING YOUR FAMILY in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!
If I may mention one other thing - I have seen men who are willing and capable to be fathers, who have had their children "legally" stolen from them. This can be a traumatic, heart-rending, chronic experience. Remember these men and their children in your prayers, strengthen and stand with these men as you are able.
I heartily agree with the importance of fatherhood! Malachi 4:6 has been an important verse in my life, too. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
What seems so insignificant to mankind turns out to be of extreme importance to God. What does God point out about Abraham, the FATHER of Believers/believing? (Romans 4:16)
Genesis 18:18–19
[18] seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? [19] For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” (ESV)
So many are deceived into thinking that "real life", the important things - careers, social status, entertainment, ministries, and etc., all are outside the home and the family. Thus, the family becomes an unwelcome distraction of additional responsibilities. If you want to do something of REAL IMPORTANCE for God, FOCUS on RAISING YOUR FAMILY in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!
If I may mention one other thing - I have seen men who are willing and capable to be fathers, who have had their children "legally" stolen from them. This can be a traumatic, heart-rending, chronic experience. Remember these men and their children in your prayers, strengthen and stand with these men as you are able.
Great post response, Keith. Thank you for your wisdom. Fatherhood is a train wreck worldwide. It certainly is a sign of the times.