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Key Bible Verse: The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

A father's gentle touch—a soft hand on his daughter's cheek or on his son's shoulder—penetrates deeply, radiating warmth through young hearts and minds. A word whispered quietly is heard more distinctly and remembered far longer than any robust shout. A bedtime prayer with its quiet murmurings of faith, spoken in a father's gentle hum, will loosen tight eyelids and calm twitching little bodies, especially when sealed with a soft, masculine kiss on the forehead.

As fathers we find it more natural to flex biceps, showing our strength and bravery. But never underestimate the tremendous power of a tender touch, the blessed calm that follows a soothing whisper. When a man who exudes strength and courage can kneel to pet his little lambs, this brings peace and long-lasting comfort beyond any battle story a man can invent. And, not only that, the little lambs will forever realize the powerful shepherd is always on their side.

Fathers, our children see us as the hand of God, an extension of His comforting grace. Let's not forget to reflect all the attributes of His protective hand.

—Bryan Davis in The Image of a Father

My Response: When I'm hurting, do I, like the warrior David, turn to my heavenly Father for solace?

Thought to Apply: God's love is not drawn out by our lovableness, but wells up, like an artesian spring, from the depths of His nature.—ALEXANDER MACLAREN (Scottish pastor)

Adapted from The Image of a Father (AMG Publishers, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank You, Lord, that You are not a distant deity, but a personal God who reaches out to relate to us as Your sons and daughters.

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