Knowing Him Daily

23.August.2026

Whatever you called your earthly father, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Papá, Otou-san, Vater, whatever language or name it took, the Bible makes something clear about that relationship. The first commandment with a promise attached is about honoring parents.

““Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”” Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

Regardless of how our parents raised us or treated us, how we respond still matters, and there’s a real benefit in choosing to honor them anyway. But scripture also holds fathers to a high standard, warning them not to provoke their children to anger or discouragement, but to raise them in the Lord’s nurture and admonition instead (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21).

Some of us walked away carrying what some people call daddy issues, wounds from fathers who didn’t provide what we needed, who provoked instead of nurtured, who discouraged instead of building up. That’s not how God intended fatherhood to function. And that’s not who God the Father is.

Think about Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac. God never intended for Abraham to actually go through with it. He wanted to see if Abraham would trust Him completely, even with the unthinkable. And at the last moment, God provided the ram, stopping Abraham’s hand. That’s the heart of our Father, testing our surrender, but never intending to crush us in the process.

Today, let’s shift toward something specific: discipline. A child left without correction doesn’t just harm himself, it brings shame to the whole family (Proverbs 29:15). Discipline isn’t cruel, it’s protection, direction, and love in action, the same love the Father shows every child He delights in.

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:12

God disciplines those He loves. He loves all of us, and He wants all of us. But scripture also warns that some who consider themselves as believers will end up separated on judgment day because of wrong motives, set apart like sheep from goats, hearing the words, depart from me (Matthew 25:33, 41).

If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:8

If God doesn’t discipline you at all, that’s actually the concerning sign, not comfort. Discipline is proof of relationship, proof of sonship, proof that you belong to Him. A Father who truly loves you won’t leave you to yourself.

Think about a tree being pruned. Watching it happen, it can look damaging, branches cut away, growth removed. But pruning isn’t destruction, it’s what allows the tree to grow even fuller and stronger than before. That’s exactly what discipline does in us. It looks like loss in the moment, but it produces growth that wouldn’t have come any other way.

If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, or if you’ve walked away, trying to do life your own way it’s not too late. He’s calling you back. He’s been waiting. Return to Him today. Surrender your plans, your pain, and your past. He’s ready to restore, renew, and realign you with your divine purpose.

~ Dear Heavenly Father ~

Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the Cross just for me. I admit that I have sinned, and I repent. I ask You to forgive me. I believe that He died and rose again. Right now, I make Him the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. My sins are washed away, my past is forgiven, and my future is bright. Thank you for saving me.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen.

Make today count and see you tomorrow.