My Father's Writing
It is difficult to believe that it has been two years since Dad passed away. During the past two years I have thought about my Dad every single day. Some days are more difficult than others. So many times I wish I could call Dad just to hear his voice, to listen to his wisdom. So many times I would like to ask his advice about a sermon, a problem at church, or a family situation.
One of the things I have always loved about Dad was his ability to put his thoughts into print. I love his writings. One of my most prized possessions is Dad’s copy of his Master’s Thesis from Harding Graduate School. It is titled, “Pisteuo in the Fourth Gospel.” It is an outstanding treatment of faith in the Book of John. I read it again recently and loved every word of it.
Another one of my most prized possessions is a collection of Bibles that belonged to Dad. There was a time when Dad did most of his preaching from small New Testaments. I have the last two that he used in his preaching. They are full of notes. On some pages there are so many notes it is difficult to read them all. His thoughts as he studied the Word of God amaze me. I thank God that we had a Father who taught us to love God’s Word.
Some of my favorite memories include being able to be at 34 Freed Hardeman Lectureships with Dad. It was one of the highlights of my life to sit with Dad through hundreds of lectures. He always had a small writing pad with him and he took notes on every lecture he heard.
Through the years as we would sit in Loyd Auditorium or Old Chapel Hall I would watch what Dad wrote. Many times I have copied in my notes what he wrote. In Dad’s later years he would occasionally doze off during a lecture. I now believe it was because he was wearing himself out.
Dale and I would sometimes laugh because you could tell when Dad would doze off because his handwriting would tail off. His handwriting was also affected in his later years because Dad had a form of Parkinson’s disease.
I loved Dad’s writing because it was always true to the Word of God, it was always insightful, it was always kind, and it was always helpful. And as much as I love Dad’s writing, I love my Father in Heaven’s writing even more.
Our Father’s writing provides everything we need in this life for godly living. (2 Peter 1:3)
Our Father’s Writing helps us stay away from sin. (Psalm 119:11)
Our Father’s writing helps us maintain a balanced life. (Joshua 1:7-8)
Our Father’s writing illuminates our way. (Psalm 119:105)
Our Father’s writing tells us about Jesus. (John 21:20-21)
Our Father’s writing tells us how much He loves us. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)
Our Father’s writing blesses our life. (Psalm 119:1-2)
Our Father’s writing reveals to us His heart.
Our Father’s writing gives us insights into life. (Psalm 119:99)
Our Father’s writing shows us the way to Heaven.
Our Father’s writing brings us comfort. (Psalm 119:50)
Our Father’s writing tells us how we can find contentment in this life.
Our Father’s writings bring us delight. (Psalm 119:92)
Our Father’s writing teaches us how to treat others.
Our Father’s writing helps us reflect on who we really are (James 1:23-24)
Our Father’s writing instructs us, corrects us, and is very profitable. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
May we never forget the value in our Father’s writing and may we take time every day to soak in what He has written for us.
Dear Father in Heaven, we thank You for Your marvelous Word. We are thankful that You loved us enough to communicate Your desires, Your Will, and Your heart to us. Help us, dear God to listen to Your Word every day of our lives. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.