Luke 11:21

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.

Fathers, are you strong men? Are you fully armed? Are you guarding your palaces? Men, you are the protectors of your palace. Are you fully armed?

Technology has made protection much more difficult. Guarding your family means exercising diligence. It means paying close attention. It requires your strong presence and your willingness to provide a sense of direction.

Some fathers shrug their shoulders and relinquish control to their children. They decide to allow the kids to choose for themselves. Guarding and guiding requires discipline…for yourself, as well as the children.

Love them. Laugh with them. Talk to them. Train them. Get acquainted with their friends. Listen to their music choices. Guard them. Guide them.

Are you strong? This fathering business is not for the faint of heart. In Ephesians 6, Paul admonishes us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10). That is good news for the father who feels overwhelmed. You do not stand alone. You parent in the power of His might. You have the strongest of Allies as you guard your palace.

Are you armed? Paul goes on to encourage us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the wiles of Satan (Ephesians 6:11). That armor covers every part of our bodies — except our backs. We cannot turn our backs or we leave ourselves — and our families — exposed to the enemy. God puts two offensive weapons in our hands — the sword of the Spirit that is His holy Word and the fervent and effective prayer of the righteous man (Ephesians 6:17-18; James 5:16).

Suit up, dads! Make sure that you are well-defended and fully armed with the whole armor of God, with His Word, and with the power of prayer. Stand in the gap for your family. Protect your palaces!

Blessing:

Heavenly Father, help me to put on the whole armor of God so I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one that he aims at me and my family. Help me to cover them with prayer. Help me to be present and engaged. Alert me to trouble, and help me to be diligent to address it right away. Most of all, help me to remember that when I am weak, You are strong. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading:

Old Testament

1 Kings 14:1-15:24

New Testament

Acts 10:1-23

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 133:1-3

Proverbs 17:7-8

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