Happy Fathers Day!

Hey folks Happy Fathers Day!
I received this in my devotionals and it hit the nail right on the head for me and I just cant think that I am alone on this so I had to share....
Blessings to all you fathers out there you are pillars of society!
Sincerely
Shane Rossen

Bible Study Verse
Mark 1:9-11
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw Heaven bring torn open and the Spirit descended on Him like a dove. And a Voice came from Heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (NIV)

Thoughts
As a boy growing up there are two things that you want desperately: adventure and the approval of your father.

Boys are always off on some escapade, rescuing the good guys from the bad guys, saving the fair haired maiden, or, in a lot of cases like myself, just away from the house on some imaginary super mission.

I had the privilege of growing up on a farm in central Arizona and had plenty of room to roam and get into mischief, fortunately, none too dangerous. It was a great place to grow up. Open fields, hedge rows, cattle, hay stacks, a black lab named Jinx, rabbits, skunks, a .22 rifle, and the works! There were always lots of great places to go on an adventure with Jinx and the .22!

The other thing, the approval of my father, came mostly in non-verbal ways. At the age of twelve, to be given a man''s job and work in the field all day, usually on a tractor cultivating cotton, later on, baling hay all night. Or how about at age seventeen being tossed the keys to the boat and told to call three of my buddies and go water skiing the next day. That takes confidence on the part of a father. As a youngster and as I grew older, Dad and I hunted together, mostly doves, deer, and elk. Dad was always proud of me when I made a good shot and brought home the groceries. All his friends knew that it was me that had made the kill. Those were special times of being together with my Dad.

But, even with all the non-verbal displays of confidence, I still longed for those precious words from my Father, "Hey, Kid, you did good!" Dad wasn''t one to use those words very often, but when he did, it was a special moment. He didn''t say it often, but when he did, I knew he was proud of whatever it was that I had done. And, I loved hearing those words.
(Cliff S)

Action Point
Notice in today''s verses, Jesus hadn''t made it up out of the water before the Father was literally tearing heaven open to let the world know that this was His boy, His son, and that He approved of Jesus. I have to believe that those words of approval from the Father were just as important to Jesus as our words are to our sons, and daughters.

Fathers, you have a special role in the parenting of your children. Nobody can take your place, you must be there. You as a father must affirm your sons and daughters. You must let them know that you approve of them and that you are proud that they bear your name. And, you must let them know that they have what it takes to be good at whatever it is they choose to do in this life. You must also be sure that they know about and have faith in the Savior, and that real strength and approval comes from our Father in heaven, and that they also have what it takes to do whatever God has called them to do.

Fathers, this is an ominous responsibility that God has placed in your hands. Show your children that you are proud of them, but, don''t forget to tell them, too. They need to hear it. They long for your words more than you know. Step up Dads, do your job!
Courtesy of "Sportsmans Devotionals"