An often-forgotten commandment today is the one that says that children are to honor their father and their mother. Though it seems to be rare among young people not raised in church in America, parents are often highly respected in other cultures.

Most churches will honor fathers today in some way. Children need godly fathers, and it is sad that many homes do not have a father present.

Fathers need to take time with their children to help them develop a right perspective on life and to teach them how to be a man. Fathers can also teach their children a good work ethic, honesty, and character.

Above all, fathers need to take their children to church (not just send them) so that they learn the importance of church and how to obey God. Of course, they will also learn how to be saved and serve God.

Fathers who are faithful to God, the church, and your family – we honor you today. Love your wife – so your children can also see the importance of that and love them and spend time with them.

God lays the importance of raising godly children on the fathers, according to Psalm 78: 4-7 “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

Once again, in this chapter it is evident that David loved the Lord. He did not only give praise to God on Sunday, but he was determined to praise Him “continually.”

He was glad to brag on what the Lord had done for him. He called it boasting in the Lord and what the Lord did for him. He recognized that God gave him many blessings – even in his frequent trials.

This king noticed that others that loved God – he calls them “the humble” in these verses – are made glad when they hear someone praise God. He did not just think about himself when he worshipped God, he wanted to be a blessing to others – which led him to understand the need of going to the assembling of the saints (church).

Those who “worship God on the lake” or in the woods never see this blessing. It is one reason why God made the local church. The church is compared to being a Body where there are no extra parts. Each part is intended to help the body to function as it should. When parts are missing or not functioning properly, there is some degree of health lacking.

Certainly, every believer in Christ has much to be thankful for. First, there is salvation. Secondly, there is His Holy Spirit which God has put in us to guide, teach, and empower us to do His will. Then there is His daily provision – and so much more.

Are you helping the Body to be encouraged in the Lord by attending your church regularly?

Joshua was a man of God who loved serving God. He spent much time in the Tabernacle with God. He was single-minded and saw what God could do, when none of the other ten spies did.

At the end of Joshua’s role as the leader of Israel, he knew that Israel would turn away from serving the true God. His last public address was a reminder to Israel that unless you work at remaining faithful to God, there is a natural tendency to drift away from Him.

In the above verse, Joshua wanted the people to know where he stood. He was determined to please God, and he was determined to do so until he died. He also wanted to ensure his children and grandchildren did the same.

All too often people know that they should serve God. They may be saved, but many are rather indifferent to serving God wholeheartedly. They do not go to church or read their Bible daily or pray. They may call themselves a “Christian” but there is little evidence for it. They have become practical atheists – all words – no action for God.

Because of their parents’ seeming indifference to the claims of Christ, it is very doubtful that their children or grandchildren will be saved or go to church. Children will most likely follow their parents’ example rather than their words when they leave home.

The only way to ensure you leave behind a Christian legacy is to set a right example in the first place. Joshua made the right choice – will you?

God does not want anyone to worship an idol, or bow down to one. What He does want is for His people to come before Him in reverence, humility, and faith.

True respect for God must also include confession and a willingness to obey Him. How else can we say “Lord, Lord,” if there is no desire to do what He says? True worship must also include being truthful before God.

Our God is holy and He cannot tolerate deceit, sin, or lies. If these things be in the heart when you worship, it is in vain. Jesus told the religious leaders. in Mt. 15:9: “in vain they do worship me.”

If our worship is to be real, it needs to follow God’s plan. Although some people cannot be in church on Sunday, many more could than will actually step into a church and not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is,” (Heb. 10:25).

Are you really worshipping God the way He is pleased with? Will He commend you for it?