What I’ve Learned from My Father

I am so thankful for my father, William Barclay Walker!  He was a godly and loving man known as and by the names of son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father, father-in-law, friend, teacher, Minister, Elder.  I remember many of the things that he taught me.  At a young age, he taught me to take good notes on his sermons: listen for the main points; write down new ideas; look up the scripture references; ask questions.  He taught me practical things like don’t sit on the edge of the bed – it will break down the mattress; don’t scrape your teeth on the fork; sip, as opposed to slurp, your drinks; wait until everyone has their food before you start eating; wait until everyone is done eating before asking to leave the table; take off your hat when at the table; let the water run in the sink for a couple of minutes before drinking it.  (Haha!  A friend and I discussed this one recently.  That advice was because most of the water pipes were made of lead years ago.  Today they are mostly plastic so this information is not necessary.)  He taught me how to write a check when I got my first checking account.  My father taught me to be respectful and polite to others; how to break-in a new book by folding back the new pages a few at a time from the front and then the back. He taught me not to ever to take the Lord’s name in vain – not that I ever did more than once.  I remember this lesson clearly.  I was in a row boat at Round Lake Christian Camp in Loudonville, OH as a youngster, with my parents.  I foolishly repeated something I’d probably heard and was duly chastised right there in the middle of the lake!  I learned that I never had to be afraid of him; that he would always care for me and treat me fairly in every circumstance, but also would discipline me when necessary.  I knew when I made him proud, even as an adult.  My father taught me love – for myself, for others and for God.  I knew that he loved me, too.  He taught me to pray in the name of Jesus.

My Heavenly Father has taught me many things for which I am thankful, as well.  There are many names in the Bible which describe the character of God, and I can be sure of each one: Elohim (God), Yahweh (Lord Jehovah), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Olam (The Everlasting God), Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals You), Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner), El Qanna (Jealous God), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is Peace), Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts), Jehoval Raah (The Lord is My Shepherd), Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness), and Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is There).

We come to know God better as our relationship with Him grows.  Through prayer and meditation on the Bible, we draw close to God personally.  We learn, through His Word, that He is the Most High and that He is the Sovereign Lord of Lords, the Creator and Ruler of all.  God satisfies and provides for our needs.  He brings prosperity to us.  He never sleeps; God is unchangeable.  He flies the banner of joy in our hearts.  He heals as the Great Physician; gives hope; protects.  He is jealous and wants no other gods before Him; He wants what is best for each of us.  God is all-powerful and all sufficient – continually and unending beyond time and space.  He makes us holy and His Spirit indwells us when we believe in Him.  His name means peace and we can find strength, comfort and rest in Him.  He is our friend and He defeats our enemies.  He is the Good Shepherd who provides and protects; He knows and calls us by name.  He even knows the number of the hair on our heads!  God brings justice to us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.  He collects our tears and He writes our name in the palm of His hand.  He gathers us under His wings, as a mother protects her children.  He hears our prayers.

Lord, How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done. (Andréa Crouch)