Christian Pastor Jesse Bradley, who serves at Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, spoke with Fox News Digital where he stated that Deuteronomy 1:29-31 in the Holy Bible is a reminder that God always protects His flock, even during difficult times when it might not seem that’s the case.
For those not familiar with the passage, it says, “Then I said to you, ‘Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God bore you, as a man bears his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.”
“Our Heavenly Father is our shield, strength and song. Not only is he with us, but he also goes before us,” Bradley, who is also the author of the recently published free e-book, “Four Elements of Fatherhood.”
Bradley went on to say, “Every blessing is a gift from God and reminds us of his faithfulness. Trust God because of his character and his track record.”
The pastor added that even when folks feel like they can’t really since the Lord’s presence, “you can still trust God’s heart.”
“Father God carries us through our most difficult moments. He led the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh in slavery, through the sand of the wilderness, to the land he promised for them,” he continued.
According to Bradley, the power of God “is evident in our weakness.”
“Daily reliance on God is a very healthy decision spiritually. When you decide to follow Jesus, you are in God’s family forever,” Bradley remarked.
The pastor then pointed out that Christianity is “not a dead religion.” No, “it is a vibrant relationship with the living God.”
“Because we are adopted into his family, we call him Father and are secure in his love. It’s good to look back, remember, and celebrate how God has guided and provided for you on your journey,” Bradley told Fox News.
God’s work in the world is meant to encourage us and it “empowers us to also step into new places and roles with purpose and passion. With gratitude, we want to bring him glory,” the pastor noted.
Father’s Day is a very important day of the year for the Christian pastor as he has four teenage children of his own and his spent a considerable amount of time during his ministry providing counsel for fathers over the last 15 years.
“Guiding dads to God is a passion,” he explained. “I want to encourage and empower dads who want a fresh vision of the fullness of fatherhood. Being a dad is relational, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual.”
In his new e-book, Bradley reveals how dads are expected, Scripturally, to be connected to their families, to invest time into them, to rest with them and go through times of testing together with them as well.
“Fathers protect and provide,” he stated, elaborating on the role a father plays in family life. “They speak the truth in love. They are honest and humble. They know when to be tender, and went to be tough.”
“Our Heavenly Father is the one who sets the example. We receive wisdom, hope and grace that we can share with our families and communities,” the pastor said. “When we abide with Jesus, we live fruitful lives. His passion and purpose fill our souls.”
Bradley also acknowledges that for those who have experienced abuse and other tragedies connected with their fathers, Father’s Day is not a joyous time of celebration.
He says there are four types of dads, including abusive, absent, average, and admired. For individuals who have experienced wounding by their fathers, the pastor says to practice intentional forgiving.
“Forgiveness will be your gateway for healing and restoration,” he went on to say. “Step into positive relationships, and change the direction — and your family.”
Bradley also says it’s important to acknowledge the good that good dads do too.
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