Father’s Day is just around the corner! While it doesn’t get as much press as Mother’s Day it is a reminder that we desperately need godly men to set the pace for another generation coming along behind them. Personally, I am grateful that my dad is a spiritual man, hopeful that my son will follow Christ all of his life, and convicted that I must be the link that continues that heritage.
Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” The key to faithful husbands and strong fathers is that first we must be godly men. Everything else builds on our relationship with God.
I remember when it first dawned on me that God has designed me – ME! – to represent Him in my home. My love is to show to my wife the love that Christ has for His bride, the church. My life is to show to my children the strength and tenderness of the Heavenly Father. And the only way either of those is possible is if I am filled with the Holy Spirit! Every man desperately needs God.
Pastor Clarence Sexton, my long-time pastor and mentor, was the first to press on me the Bible emphasis of “faithful men” (2 Timothy 2:2), and he has written a wonderful little book by that same title. It laid a foundation for me on this subject that has been of immeasurable help.
Here are a few other books that have encouraged and challenged me in this area. Perhaps they will be a blessing to you or someone that you love…
Point Man by Steve Farrar (First let me say that you should get every book Farrar has written. He is my favorite author when it comes to issues relating to men, husbands, and fathers. Farrar reads the Puritans and quotes freely from men of past generations, but there is a freshness and readability to his books. They are full of Scripture and rich with illustrations. This volume was the first and the flagship of his writings. You will be glad you read it.)
Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes (A friend put me on to this book years ago and I think every man should read it. Hughes writes to help men grow in godliness by applying spiritual disciplines. The book is a great combination of exposition and application.)
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards (This is a unique book written in narrative form. It examines the lives of King Saul, King David, and King Absalom and how each one of them became king. God used it in my life early on to make me think about what is most important in the heart of a leader. This is not just a book for some men, because all men are called on to lead.)
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (Not for the faint of heart. Arterburn addresses the vital issue of sexual temptation and specifically deals with pornography. It is a straightforward, practical book that aims to help men live in victory.)
Reclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan (This is a sobering book that deals with the reality of spiritual warfare, both in our lives and in our families. This is not just a book to read – it is a book to pray through and apply. Its subtitle best explains the purpose of Logan’s writing: “Protecting Your Family from Spiritual Attacks.”)
Obviously I cannot endorse everything that each author may say, but I believe these to be solid books that will help to develop stronger men. What is your favorite book for men?
Read each article in this series:
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
5 Books To Read For Bible Study
5 Books To Read On Prayer + 1 I’m Reading Now
R. Kent Hughes has also written Disciplines of a Godly Young Man that my husband is currently reading with our two pre-teen sons. It’s a book that we’ll have them read a few more times as they’re growing up.
That’s great to know! Thank you.
And #6 Calvin and Hobbes the essential…
How did I forget that classic?!? Good to hear from you friend.
Some things struck me today. News of President Trump holding a bible in front of the church that was just cleared of peaceful protestors. While the visual is powerful in that God is in control, and even using Trump, there is spiritual warfare. Christians rising up against the injustices to blacks with Satan pushing to make things Cease via Trump. The irony is that God used Trump to show the answer is in the Bible. I also listened to your message on Ezra and found many connections to the current events.
These are certainly days to seek God for wisdom. May the Lord help our nation!