When our children were young and afraid of monsters hiding in their closets and under their beds, my wife and I would tuck them in with a prayer and a song. Each had their own song with lyrics and melodies we wrote just for them. In fact, we recorded a “Mommy/Daddy” cassette tape for each child with Bible readings, personal affirmations, and their song. Most nights after prayers, they would turn on their tape player to listen to their Mommy/Daddy tape, often rewinding it to listen again and again. Our singing over them soothed their anxious hearts.
Zephaniah 3:17 says that God does the same for us. As a loving Father, he comforts us with His presence and His voice. Unlike human parents though, He never leaves us alone. And unlike human parents, His voice never tires of singing. That’s a good thing, because we never outgrow the need for comfort. There will always be a time when our anxious hearts can only by soothed by His singing.
Your thoughts? What words do you imagine God to be singing to you today?
If you’ve watched or played football for any length of time, you know that turnovers are a part of the game. They can be costly, affecting outcomes of games, championships and, when they occur repeatedly, an athlete’s reputation. Likewise, in our lives, turnovers can affect the level of trust and respect we receive from others. In this half-hour presentation, I offer four reasons why we commit turnovers and the two temptations that we face when we do. It’s part of the “Game On! Play Hurt.” series at 
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Thought for the Day – Psalm 27:10 on Father’s Day
Father’s Day is traditionally a time of family gathering, laughter and attention-giving to the household hero. I like it. It’s one of two days of the year, my birthday being the other, when everyone yields to my preferences — where to eat, what to do, and how to spend the day. Honestly, two days a year like that is enough lavishment for me. I’m deeply honored by my family most days, and especially so on Father’s Day. So, I’m looking forward to spending time with them today, save my daughter who’s vacationing in Europe without me(!). I’ll be thinking of her throughout the day. And I’ll be thinking, too, about so many who won’t be celebrating Father’s Day, because Dad is not around, or worse, was never really around.
Recently, a woman I spoke with told me about how her father had abandoned her as a young girl. He was no household hero. For her, Father’s Day serves only as a painful reminder of someone missing in her life. Fortunately, like David who penned Psalm 27, she’s experienced being received into God’s household. As part of this new Family, she’s discovering God’s love to help heal the wound and fill the void left by her earthly father. For that, she’s thankful. I’m thankful to be a part of that family too. On this Father’s Day while I’m hanging out and enjoying my clan, I’m also mindful of my bigger Clan made possible only by the Heavenly Hero who longs to receive us all.
Your thoughts? What are ways you might celebrate being received by your Heavenly Father today?