What a Friend! ∙

What a Friend! ∙

A real friend sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

John 15:15 I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

 A Life Shaped by Faith and Tragedy

Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an Irish-born poet and hymnwriter, is best remembered for his timeless hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” His life was marked by profound personal tragedy that deeply influenced his faith and creative work. Born in 1819 in County Down, Ireland, Scriven grew up in a well-to-do family and received a solid education, eventually earning a degree from Trinity College Dublin. Despite his privileged beginnings, his life would take a series of heartbreaking turns.

Scriven’s first major tragedy struck when his fiancée tragically drowned the night before their wedding. Overwhelmed by grief, he sought solace in his faith and decided to leave Ireland, emigrating to Canada in search of a fresh start. However, his trials were far from over. While living in Canada, Scriven fell in love again and became engaged, only to lose his second fiancée to illness shortly before their wedding. These devastating losses left an indelible mark on his soul, shaping his deep reliance on God for comfort and strength.

The Creation of a Timeless Hymn

Amid his sorrow, Scriven dedicated his life to helping others, often giving away his possessions and assisting those in need. During this period of selflessness and reflection, he wrote, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Originally a poem titled “Pray Without Ceasing,” written to comfort his mother during illness, the hymn reflects Scriven’s unwavering faith and his ability to transform personal grief into a message of hope and solace. Today, his hymn continues to inspire millions, serving as a reminder of the enduring friendship and support found in the Lord Jesus Christ, even in life’s darkest moments.

What Is a Friend?

A friend is someone with whom you share a deep connection marked by mutual affection, trust, and understanding. Genuine friendships are built on respect, empathy, and sincere concern for each other’s well-being. These relationships provide emotional support, companionship, and a profound sense of belonging.

Characteristics of True Friendship

  1. Trust: Friends are reliable and can be counted on to keep confidences and offer support in times of need.
  2. Mutual Understanding: True friends share similar values, interests, and experiences, fostering open, honest communication.
  3. Empathy: Friends are sensitive to each other’s feelings, offering comfort and advice when needed.
  4. Support: They provide encouragement and assistance during both joyful and challenging times.
  5. Acceptance: Friends receive one another unconditionally without judgment, accepting each other’s differences and imperfections.
  6. Reciprocity: Healthy friendships involve a balanced give-and-take dynamic.
  7. Laughter and Enjoyment: Friends create positive memories through shared activities and moments of joy.
  8. Communication: Open dialogue is essential for maintaining a strong friendship and resolving conflicts constructively
  9. Respect: Friends honor each other’s boundaries, opinions, and individuality.
  10. Forgiveness: Through patience and kindness, friends forgive one another rather than holding grudges and fostering disdain.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 18:24: “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Father, You have chosen me as Your friend. How amazing You are my BFF. My mind and heart can hardly take it in. Thank You for loving me and wanting me close to Your heart.

INSIGHT

The Father as the Ultimate Friend

The Father is loving and kind, the perfect example of a true friend. Friendship begins with Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interact in perfect harmony and love. God’s heart reaches out in friendship to the world, offering a relationship unparalleled in depth and intimacy.

Through the Lord Jesus Christ, all children of the King have received an extraordinary gift: friendship with the living God, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He is truly our Best Friend Forever.

John 15:15: “I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

Friendship with God: A Privilege Beyond Measure

In the Old Testament, being called a “Servant of the Lord” was a significant honor, reserved for prophets and those chosen by God.

Jeremiah 35:15 highlights this role: “Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, ‘Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right.’”  

Moses provides a unique insight into his one-of-a-kind relationship with God in Exodus 33:11: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”

Moses experienced a unique closeness with God; they communicated as friends, face to face. In the Old Testament, while others had direct communication with the Father, only Moses had the privilege of speaking with Him in this manner. However, with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world, every child of the King is invited to have a deep, personal friendship with God. In some mysterious, remarkable way, God has extended through the Lord Jesus Christ a gracious invitation, saying, “Let’s be friends.”

The Nature of True Friendship

Friendship with God mirrors the qualities of a true earthly friendship, but on a much greater scale.

  • Faithful Love

Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”


A true friend remains steadfast, offering unwavering loyalty, especially during times of hardship. The Hebrew word rea, translated as “friend,” encompasses meanings such as “companion, comrade, and darling.” Unlike siblings, who are often guided by familial bonds and a desire to protect your feelings, good friends offer the honest counsel you truly need. While family may soften their words to spare you discomfort, a true friend values honesty over ease, offering candid truth that helps you grow.

  • Honest Counsel

Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”


A genuine friend speaks the truth in love, even when it is difficult to hear. Their honesty stems from loyalty and a desire for your well-being, in sharp contrast to the insincere flattery of an enemy.

  • Heartfelt Advice

Proverbs 27:9: “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”

The advice of a true friend is both comforting and uplifting, like a soothing fragrance that brings peace and clarity.

Friendship with Jesus

The Lord Jesus Christ explicitly revealed the profound truth of our friendship with Him.

John 15:15: “I no longer call you slaves . . . Now you are my friends.”

This friendship offers a deep connection with Jesus, characterized by unconditional love, wisdom, guidance, and hope. As we draw closer to Him, we experience the fullness of His friendship, which surpasses all human relationships.

This timeless hymn beautifully captures the essence of our friendship with Jesus:

The Hymn: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

“What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!”

Through trials, temptations, and burdens, Jesus remains our faithful friend, offering solace, strength, and refuge. His arms are always open, ready to shield and comfort us.

The Ultimate Friendship

A friendship with God is the highest and most profound relationship one can experience, marked by unconditional love, divine wisdom, and unwavering support. Through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are graciously invited into a sacred bond with the Creator of the universe, a connection that transcends human comprehension. This friendship is not only eternal but also deeply transformative, offering a wellspring of strength, comfort, and purpose. It reshapes our understanding of companionship, providing enduring guidance and an intimate connection that enriches every aspect of life.

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© Dr. H 2026

When The Going Gets Tough ∙∙∙

When The Going Gets Tough ∙∙∙

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. – 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Luke 22:39-40, 45-46

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed.

At last, he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not give in to temptation.”

The Power of Purposeful Action Over Intention

Good intentions, while admirable, are insufficient without deliberate action and a clear sense of direction. This truth is captured in Samuel Johnson’s famous line, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Stephen Covey expanded on this idea, observing, “We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions.” Similarly, Andy Stanley emphasized the importance of direction over mere intent, noting, “Your direction, not intention, determines your destination.” These insights underscore a universal principle: success comes not from wishful thinking but from purposeful effort and unwavering focus.

Walt Disney: A Visionary Beyond Intentions

Walt Disney serves as a powerful example of this principle in action. Disney’s success was not the result of good intentions alone but of determination, vision, and relentless perseverance. Imagine a world without the magic of Disney, a childhood devoid of beloved characters, enchanting stories, and timeless memories. This could have been a reality if Walt had relied solely on his intentions without taking purposeful steps toward his dreams.

Early in his career, Walt faced significant challenges. A newspaper editor dismissed him, claiming he had “no good ideas” and “lacked imagination.” Such criticism could have easily discouraged him, but Walt refused to let negative thinking define his future. Instead, he channeled his energy into proving his detractors wrong. Through hard work, creativity, and resilience, he built an enduring cultural legacy that profoundly shaped American society in the 20th century. His story exemplifies the transformative power of action guided by vision. As the timeless advice from Bambi reminds us, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Walt Disney’s Perspective on Failure: A Stepping Stone to Success

For Walt Disney, failure was not an obstacle but an essential part of the journey to success. He once remarked, “I think it’s important to have a good hard failure when you’re young . … Because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you. Because of it, I’ve never had any fear in my whole life when we’ve been near collapse and all of that. I’ve never been afraid” (www.lifehack.org). This perspective reveals Walt’s remarkable ability to see failure not as a defeat but as a learning opportunity.

His resilience in the face of setbacks became a cornerstone of his success. Rather than letting failure define him, Walt used it to refine his approach, strengthen his resolve, and fuel his creativity. This mindset enabled him to navigate challenges with confidence and ultimately achieve greatness. His story serves as a testament to the idea that failure, when embraced with the right attitude, can become a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation.

Lessons from Walt Disney’s Legacy

Walt Disney’s life and achievements underscore the importance of pairing good intentions with purposeful action, resilience, and a clear vision. His ability to turn criticism and failure into opportunities for growth offers a timeless lesson for anyone striving to achieve their goals. Success is not a matter of chance or mere intention; it is the result of deliberate effort, unwavering focus, and the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. Walt’s legacy reminds us that with determination and vision, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.

The Disciples’ Struggle with Temptation

Even with the noblest intentions, humans often falter when confronted with weakness or exhaustion. Fully aware of this reality, the Lord Jesus Christ urged His disciples to pray so they would not fall into temptation. On the final night of His earthly life, the disciples faced a specific temptation in the garden, not a grave moral failing, but the simple urge to sleep. Despite the gravity of the moment, as Christ foretold His betrayal and death, the disciples failed to grasp the urgency. What should have been a night of heightened vigilance became, for them, just another ordinary evening.

Their failure was not rooted in indifference but in sorrowful exhaustion, as MacDonald aptly observed. Though their intentions were sincere, they lacked the resolve to follow through. When Christ found them asleep, He extended grace, waking them and repeating His warning to remain watchful. Yet once again, they succumbed to physical fatigue, unable to stay awake and provide the support their Lord so desperately needed. By surrendering to exhaustion, they failed to be fully present, effectively abandoning their post as their enemies drew near.

The Depth of Failure

The disciples’ shortcomings did not end with their inability to stay awake. As Christ had foretold, all of them ultimately abandoned Him and fled when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56). This act of desertion, though deeply personal and painful, did not catch the Father by surprise, nor did it disrupt His divine plan. While humans bear responsibility for their choices, those choices are woven into a greater narrative, one determined and written long before.

The disciples’ failure serves as a poignant reminder of human frailty and the difficulty of remaining steadfast in moments of trial. Yet it also highlights the Father’s grace and sovereignty, who works through even our failures to accomplish His purposes.

REFLECT & PRAY

Struggling with fear, doubt, or exhaustion is not sinful; it is part of the human experience. The Father understands our frailty and extends grace even in our failures. As the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated with His disciples, He offers second chances and continues to work through us despite our shortcomings.

Father, strengthen me to persevere and remain watchful. Though my spirit is willing, I know my body is weak. Help me to rely on Your strength and not give up.

INSIGHT

Resisting Temptation by Aligning with the Father’s Will

Even the Lord Jesus Christ faced this tension, showing that true blessing often emerges from struggle. Yet it is not the struggle itself that defines us, but the choices we make in its aftermath. Our actions reveal the depth of our character and the strength of our resolve.

The Lord Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate example of resisting temptation and submitting to the Father’s plan, even when it meant enduring unimaginable suffering, anguish, and ultimately death. His steadfast obedience illustrates that yielding to God’s will is not a passive surrender but an intentional, courageous choice that demands faith, confidence, and perseverance in the midst of challenges.

The Agony in the Garden

Luke 22:41-44:


“He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’

Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.”

In a moment of profound anguish, the Lord Jesus Christ exemplified perfect submission, offering a timeless model for all children of the King. His fervent prayers and resolute embrace of the Father’s will underscored a critical truth about ultimate authority. For Christ, it was a matter of priorities: Who has the final say? Who commands absolute authority? Without hesitation, He answered with His eternal proclamation, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Through this decisive act of surrender, He revealed that even the most overwhelming temptations and struggles can be overcome when the Father’s will is placed above all else.

Hebrews 12:1-4

“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”

What gave the Lord Jesus Christ the strength to endure the cross? Throughout His earthly life, He chose not to use His divine powers for personal benefit. Instead, it was His steadfast faith that carried Him through. Rather than being overwhelmed by the immediate agony and suffering, He fixed His gaze on “the joy that was set before Him.” This forward-looking perspective empowered Him to bear the cross and its humiliation, fully aware that His sacrifice would achieve eternal reconciliation between humanity and the Father. His endurance was rooted in a profound understanding of the greater purpose His suffering would fulfill.

The Joy of Redemption

Through His unwavering submission to the Father’s will, the Lord Jesus Christ completed the ultimate mission of reconciling humanity to the Father. His death and resurrection served as the atonement for sin, opening the door to eternal salvation for all who choose to embrace it.

In the fullness of time, He will experience the immeasurable joy of welcoming all children of the King into the everlasting glory of the Father’s kingdom, as described in Jude 24-25:

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”

Mission accomplished! Job well done!

Instead of exerting control, Christ brings about transformation through the infusion of His inner peace.

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© Dr. H 2026

So Let It Be Written ∙∙

So Let It Be Written ∙∙

I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me so that you may obey them. – Deuteronomy 4:5

Nehemiah 8:6,8

Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained its meaning, helping the people understand each passage.

The Legacy of The Ten Commandments Film

In 1956, the legendary Cecil B. DeMille unveiled The Ten Commandments, an epic cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its grandeur and timeless themes. Featuring an exceptional cast, Charlton Heston as Moses, Yul Brynner as Rameses II, Anne Baxter as Nefertiti, and John Derek as Joshua, the film remains a landmark in cinematic history. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its visual splendor but also in its powerful dialogue, which explores profound themes of faith, leadership, and divine authority.

Memorable Lines from the Film

The movie is filled with powerful dialogue, such as:

  • “It would take more than a man to lead the slaves from bondage. It would take a god. And I am no god, I am but a man” (Moses).
  • “His god…is God!” (Rameses II).
  • “He has forgotten both of us. You lost him when he went to seek his God. I lost him when he found his God” (Sephora, speaking to Nefertiti about Moses).
  • “So let it be written; so let it be done” (Rameses II).

The phrase “So let it be written; so let it be done” highlights the Egyptians’ dedication to meticulous record-keeping. Significant decisions were carefully documented by court scribes, ensuring their permanence and proper execution.

The Written Record of the Father

Like the Egyptians’ commitment to preserving decisions through meticulous record-keeping, the Father has given humanity a precise, enduring written account. This record, the Scriptures, offers insight into His character, biblical history, His will, moral standards, and His plans for the future. To borrow the sentiment of Rameses II, “What has been written is what is to be done.”

The Scriptures serve as a guide, revealing what the Father desires His children to understand, believe, and act on. Yet human memory is fragile, prone to forgetfulness and neglect. This raises an essential question: Do the children of the King truly grasp what the Father asks of them? Are they prepared to take the first steps toward fulfilling His divine purposes?

The Importance of Remembering History

The extraordinary narrative and events depicted in The Ten Commandments are often dismissed as mere myth today. Yet the Scriptures, meticulously preserved and handed down through generations, stand as both a cautionary tale and a guiding light. The timeless call to remember history, first issued to the children of Israel over 3,500 years ago, remains profoundly relevant in today’s world.

A Call to Remember: Deuteronomy 4:9-13

Deuteronomy 4:9: “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.”

Deuteronomy 4:10: “Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live and teach their children to fear me.’”

Deuteronomy 4:12: “And the Lord spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.”

Deuteronomy 4:13: “He proclaimed his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has no grandchildren, only children. Each person must choose to believe, learn, and follow what He has revealed. The responsibility to remember and pass on His truth is vital for every generation.

Father, I eagerly seek You. May I be attentive, hear, listen, and receive Your word, and may I respond accordingly.

INSIGHT

The Story of Belief and Miracles

A story is told of two graduate students discussing the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, as described in the book of Exodus. The first student, skeptical of such an event, remarks, “I am at a loss; how could such an event ever occur?” The second student replies with conviction, “It’s simple! The story of the Red Sea is the story of a miracle. When you believe in God, you believe in miracles.” To this, the first student concedes, “Now I understand. I don’t believe in miracles because I don’t believe in God.”

This exchange underscores a profound truth: belief in miracles is inseparable from belief in God. Yet in today’s culture, theism, the belief in a God who hears prayers and intervenes in the space-time continuum, has significantly waned. The repercussions of this cultural shift are profound. For many, faith in the Father God, as revealed in Scripture, has nearly disappeared. Reverence and worship are increasingly dismissed as antiquated, and tragically, the Father and His teachings have lost their relevance to a large portion of society.

A Historical Pattern of Spiritual Apathy

This cultural drift away from God is far from a modern phenomenon; it has recurred throughout history. By about 600 BC, the children of Israel had fallen into spiritual complacency. Their faith had become hollow, reduced to ritualistic practices devoid of genuine connection to the Father. Though they possessed intellectual knowledge of their faith, their hearts were distant. They disregarded the warnings of prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah, who were met with hostility and mistreatment. Despite repeated calls for repentance, their stubbornness persisted, and judgment became inevitable.

The consequences were devastating. Jerusalem was conquered, the temple was destroyed, and the people were taken to Babylon. In captivity, the Israelites were overwhelmed with grief, fear, and regret. They mourned their losses and nostalgically yearned for “the good old days.” Ironically, it was the spiritual neglect and disobedience of those very “good old days” that had precipitated their downfall.

A Return to the Word of God

In time, Babylon fell to the Persians, and the people of Israel were granted the opportunity to return to their homeland. The Father, in His providence, raised up leaders such as Nehemiah and Ezra to guide and restore His people. The long-neglected Word of God was reintroduced and once again accessible to be heard, understood, believed, and obeyed. Ezra publicly read the Scriptures, carefully translating and explaining them so the people grasped their meaning.

With the restoration of truth and sound teaching, the people responded with genuine eagerness and attentiveness. Adversity, as it often does, had softened even the hardest hearts, paving the way for spiritual renewal and transformation.

The Reading of the Law: Nehemiah 8:2-10

Nehemiah 8:2: “Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, including the men, women, and children old enough to understand.”

Nehemiah 8:3: “He read it from early morning until noon to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.”

Nehemiah 8:6: “Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, ‘Amen! Amen!’ as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

Nehemiah 8:8: “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.”

Nehemiah 8:9: “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, ‘Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.’ For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.”

Nehemiah 8:10: “This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

A New Day of Joy and Strength

The season of mourning and weeping had ended, giving way to a new chapter for the children of the King. They rediscovered the Father God and His Word, rekindling their faith and devotion. In His presence, they found renewed strength and profound joy, marking the start of a fresh, hopeful era. As Nehemiah declared in Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Parallels to Modern Times

The “good old days” of ancient Israel bear an uncanny resemblance to our present era. In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven culture, it is all too easy to overlook and undervalue what is readily available. As children of the King, we have the most precious gift, the Word of our Father. Yet, much like the Israelites, we often neglect this treasure, failing to appreciate its significance until adversity compels us to return to it.

A Call to Listen

Each day offers a fresh start. The Father has made His Word accessible and continues to speak to those willing to hear. As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us: “Oh, that today you would listen as He speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Let us open our hearts, listen attentively to His voice, and embrace the joy and strength that flow from His Word.

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© Dr. H 2026

AFS – Absent Father Syndrome ∙∙∙

AFS – Absent Father Syndrome ∙∙∙

Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called “children of God” – and that is not just what we are called, but what we are. – 1 John 3:1 (Phillips translation)

Romans 8:15-16

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

The Crisis of Fatherlessness in America

The United States is grappling with a profound and growing crisis of fatherlessness. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 report, more than 25% of American children, approximately 19.5 million, are being raised in homes without a father. This is a stark contrast to 1960, when only 11% of children lived without their fathers. The states most severely affected by this crisis include Mississippi, where 36.2% of children grow up without a father in the home, followed by Louisiana at 34.4% and Alabama at 30.7%. On the other end of the spectrum, states such as Utah, North Dakota, and Idaho report the lowest rates of father absence, with 11.5%, 14.4%, and 16%, respectively. The Emotional Impact of Father Absence

The Emotional Impact of the Absence of the Father

The absence of a father, whether physical or emotional, leaves deep, lasting emotional scars on children. This phenomenon, often called “The Absent Father Syndrome” (AFS), can stem from a variety of circumstances, including death, divorce, demanding work schedules, or a father’s emotional detachment. Even when a father is physically present, his lack of engagement can deprive a child of the essential foundation for healthy emotional development, self-esteem, and identity formation.

This absence creates a psychological void that can profoundly shape a child’s emotional well-being. Children without an active, supportive father figure often struggle with feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and diminished self-worth. The long-term effects can manifest as difficulties forming healthy relationships, academic challenges, and behavioral issues.

The Influence of Earthly Fathers on Our View of God

Our relationships with our earthly fathers profoundly shape how we perceive our heavenly Father. When a relationship with a human father is strained, distant, or absent, it can unintentionally color one’s feelings toward God the Father. It is natural to project emotions, expectations, and experiences from an earthly father onto our heavenly Father. For some, this can lead to mistrust, fear, or detachment when approaching God.

However, such wounds are not irreparable. The ache and emptiness left by a broken or absent father can be healed through a deeper understanding of who God the Father truly is. By recognizing His unchanging character, boundless love, and unwavering faithfulness, even the most distorted perceptions can be transformed. God’s love is not conditional or flawed like human love; it is perfect, restorative, and redemptive.

Adoption into God’s Forever Family

One of the most profound and transformative truths about our relationship with God is that we are adopted into His Forever Family. This divine adoption satisfies one of humanity’s deepest longings: the need to feel accepted, valued, and to belong.

As children of the King, we are not merely given the title of “God’s children;” we are His children in every sense. This reality is both humbling and awe-inspiring, a truth so profound that it defies full comprehension. Even with an eternity to reflect on it, the wonder and magnitude of being part of God’s Forever Family will remain beyond the limits of human understanding.

This adoption is not based on merit or effort but is a gift of grace, freely given to those who believe in and accept the Lord Jesus Christ. It offers security, identity, and belonging, rooted in the unshakable love of our heavenly Father. Through this adoption, we are invited into an intimate relationship with God that transcends the imperfections of earthly relationships and reveals the fullness of His love.

REFLECT & PRAY

As children of the King, our identity and security rest solely on being adopted into the Father’s Forever Family.

Father, Abba, help me truly understand that I am not merely called Your child; I am Your child. I belong to You forever, and You are always “there for me.”

INSIGHT

The Supernatural Reality of Our Adoption

It is astonishing to realize that our adoption into God’s Forever Family was not finalized with a physical certificate or legal document. Instead, it took place deep within our hearts and spirits. When we placed our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted Him as our Savior, extraordinary supernatural events unfolded. Through the Holy Spirit’s transformative work, we were born again, not with a fragile, earthly certificate of rebirth, but with an eternal guarantee written in the Word of God.

Romans 8:15-16:


“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

Freedom from Fear

Before our adoption into God’s Forever Family, we were ensnared by fear, living under its heavy burden. Fear dictated our choices, trapping us in a cycle of insecurity and uncertainty. But the presence of the Holy Spirit has shattered these chains, liberating us from bondage.

As children of the King, we are no longer defined or controlled by fear. Instead, we are enveloped in the love and security of our heavenly Father. This transformative freedom brings profound comfort and reshapes our relationship with God. It replaces fear with confidence, despair with hope, and distance with intimacy, enabling us to fully embrace the joy and peace of being His cherished children.

Abba Father: A Relationship of Intimacy

Our adoption into God’s family grants us the privilege of addressing Him not only as Father but as Abba Father. While the English word “father” can sometimes imply formality, distance, or even sternness, the word Abba conveys a much deeper sense of intimacy and affection. Like “Papa” or “Daddy,” it reflects a relationship marked by closeness, warmth, and tender moments, one filled with love, security, and joy.

This is the kind of relationship our adoption establishes with our heavenly Father: personal, loving, and deeply connected. Calling God Abba is not irreverent; rather, it is an expression of the intimate bond we share with Him. In fact, the Holy Spirit Himself encourages and prompts us to address God in this way, affirming the closeness and love that define our relationship with Him.

Galatians 4:6: “Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Abba Father in the Garden of Gethsemane

The phrase Abba Father appears again in the New Testament at one of the most poignant moments in Christ’s life. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus faced the anguish of His impending betrayal, trial, and crucifixion, in Mark 14:36, He cried out in prayer, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

This intimate cry reveals the depth of Jesus’ relationship with the Father, one we are invited to share through our adoption.

Adoption: A Gift Freely Given

Our adoption into God’s family is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given to those who believe in and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

John 1:12-13:


“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn, not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”

The apostle John explains in 1 John 3:1: “Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called ‘children of God’, and that is not just what we are called, but what we are” (Phillips translation).

We are not just CALLED children of God; we truly are His children.

A Heavenly Father Beyond Compare

Earthly fathers differ in their capacity to love and nurture; some are good, others fall short, and a few are truly exceptional. Yet, our heavenly Father surpasses them all in every way. His magnificence is unparalleled, and He seeks a relationship with us that is deeply intimate, gentle, and warm. God invites us to approach Him as Abba, a term that embodies the tender affection and closeness of a loving Papa. In this relationship, fear is replaced by love, and complete acceptance overshadows rejection.

1 John 4:18-19:


“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
We love because He first loved us.”

Filling the Void

The absence of an earthly father often leaves a profound void, a deep emptiness where love, security, and belonging should reside. Yet, our heavenly Father steps in to fill that space with His perfect, unconditional love. He extends an invitation to a relationship that is not distant or intimidating but warm, welcoming, and deeply reassuring. In His unwavering presence and boundless affection, fear is replaced with peace, and uncertainty is transformed into confidence. Through this divine relationship, we find the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest longing, to belong and to be truly, unconditionally loved.

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© Dr. H 2026

Glorify Your Son ∙∙

Glorify Your Son ∙∙

Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

John 17:20-23

I am praying for these disciples and all who will ever believe in me through their message. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.

Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

The Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb

Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, embarked on a remarkable journey to uncover the tombs of ancient Egyptian rulers. By the time he arrived in Egypt in 1891, most of these burial sites had already been discovered, and many had been looted over the centuries. Undeterred, Carter, renowned for his exceptional excavation skills, was determined to take on the challenge. His efforts bore fruit in the early 1900s when he unearthed the tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and King Thutmose IV.

The Search for King Tutankhamun

In 1907, Carter was hired by Lord Carnarvon, an avid collector of antiquities, to oversee excavations in the Valley of the Kings. Carter’s primary objective was to locate the tomb of the relatively obscure King Tutankhamun. On November 4, 1922, Carter stumbled upon a stairway leading to a sealed portal. He immediately informed Lord Carnarvon, who traveled to Egypt to witness the unfolding discovery.

On November 23, 1922, Carter and Carnarvon broke through a mud-brick door, revealing a passage to the tomb. Their initial excitement was tempered by signs that grave robbers had entered the site, raising fears that the tomb had been looted.

A Moment of Wonder

However, on November 26, 1922, their spirits soared as they breached another door into the tomb’s outer chamber. By the flickering light of a candle, Carter peered into the chamber. When Lord Carnarvon asked, “Can you see anything?” Carter famously replied, “Yes, wonderful things.”

This marked the first time in more than 3,300 years that anyone had entered King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Inside, they found the king’s gold coffin, his mummy, and an astonishing collection of thousands of priceless artifacts. The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. Can anything be more glorious? Yes indeed.

A Greater Glory

As awe-inspiring as the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb was, it pales in comparison to the most glorious event in human history: the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. But how can suffering and death be glorious?

John 17:4-5:

“I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.”

The Meaning of Glory

What is the “glory” for which Lord Jesus Christ prays? It is profound and multifaceted, requiring careful exploration to grasp its depth. The Greek word for “glory” is doxa. Doxa is the root of the English word doxology. It originates from the Greek verb dokeo, which means “to think, suppose, form an opinion, acknowledge, or recognize.”

While dokeo often refers to human opinions or perspectives, these are inherently mutable and prone to error. Zodhiates notes that human opinions frequently shift, flip-flop, or stem from misinterpretations of data. In contrast, God’s “opinion” is the absolute truth. His words and thoughts are not mere opinions but unchanging facts.

Zodhiates states that “God’s opinion marks the true value of things as they appear to the eternal mind, and God’s favorable opinion is true glory.” Unlike the often flawed and shifting nature of human perspectives, God’s truth stands as unchanging and absolute. It transcends human error, bias, and misinterpretation, offering a clear and definitive understanding of the ultimate reality. While human opinions are subject to change and influenced by limited knowledge, God’s truth remains constant, providing an unwavering foundation that reveals the true nature of all things.

The Danger of Human Opinion

Human opinion often hinders our ability to perceive, comprehend, and embrace God’s truth.

John 5:44: “No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.”

John 5:44 emphasizes the tendency of people to seek validation and glory from one another rather than pursue the eternal glory that comes from God.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father shares His eternal glory with His children through the Lord Jesus Christ. This glory far surpasses any fleeting earthly recognition or honor.

Father, Your glory is beyond comprehension in our limited earthly existence. Help us focus on the glory that truly matters, Your glory, and disregard the transient, fleeting glory of this world.

INSIGHT

Unpacking the Multifaceted Concept of Glory

Grasping the meaning of the term “glory” is complex and challenging, as is defining the English word “trunk.” A single word, trunk, can signify a tree’s base, an elephant’s appendage, a car’s storage compartment, or a piece of luggage, depending on its context. Similarly, “glory” encompasses a wide variety of meanings, each contextually rich and nuanced. In the New Testament, the term is used in ways that can be both profound and perplexing. Through thoughtful reflection and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to penetrate the upper layers of this very rich, seemingly bottomless concept.

In the New Testament, the term is applied in ways that are both deeply meaningful and occasionally enigmatic. Through thoughtful, deep reflection and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can only begin to grasp the surface of this rich and seemingly boundless concept.  

The Essence and Visibility of Glory

At its heart, “glory” signifies the recognition and honor rightfully due to an individual. It also represents the very essence of God, embodying His unparalleled worthiness of worship and adoration. By its nature, glory transcends human understanding, yet it is made accessible through God’s self-revelation. Far from being an abstract or intangible concept, glory can be visibly manifested and observed.

The Father reveals His “glory” in ways that captivate and command attention. As described in Exodus 33:18-23, His glory is displayed as radiant light, brilliance, and splendor. This awe-inspiring manifestation draws recognition and reverence, serving as a testament to His majesty and power.

John 13:31: “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified, and God will be glorified because of him.”

In this passage, the Lord Jesus Christ declares that His crucifixion and resurrection will lead to His glorification. This statement may seem paradoxical, yet it underscores the profound truth of His mission.

Glory Through Sacrifice

The crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ stand as the ultimate confirmation of His identity as the prophesied Messiah, the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, and God incarnate. What may appear to human eyes as a tragic end is, from the Father’s perspective, a monumental victory. The divine plan of redemption required the sacrifice of Jesus’ life, and He willingly offered Himself to atone for the sins of humanity.

Romans 1:4: “And he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The resurrection of Christ is undeniable evidence that the Father accepted His sacrifice as the complete and sufficient payment for sin. To those unfamiliar with the Father’s redemptive plan, the crucifixion may seem a senseless and tragic loss of a virtuous man. However, in heaven’s eternal perspective, it is celebrated as the cornerstone of salvation, a triumph that secured redemption for all who believe.

Sharing in Glory

The Father and the Son graciously share their glory with the children of the King, yet this sharing is not reciprocal in the same way. When the Father bestows His glory upon us, He invites us to partake of His divine essence and splendor. However, when we glorify the Father, we do not add to His glory, which is already infinite and complete. Instead, we acknowledge, honor, and worship Him for who He is and what He has done.

To glorify the Father is to recognize His immutable essence and respond with heartfelt adoration and praise. It affirms and celebrates His eternal majesty. His glory remains unchanging, transcending human limitations and comprehension.

This concept of glory carries significant implications for our relationship with the Father. It goes beyond human comprehension. Attempting to define and categorize the term “glory precisely” is impossible; it has too many dimensions. It’s like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. However, it becomes real and accessible through the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, the eternal glory of God is revealed and shared, inviting us into a deeper relationship with the divine.

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© Dr. H 2026