Where do kids get the stuff they come up with? One evening as I was getting 8-year-old Steven settled in for the night, he looked at me and said, "You're my second favorite dad." Whoa, I thought. Am I missing something here? But then Steve quickly filled me in. "First, God. He's my number one Father. Then you."

I'm glad Steven is able to transfer his feelings of love for his earthly father to his heavenly Father. But some people have a tough time accepting that "other Father." All they know of a father on earth is desertion, abuse, neglect, hatred, and pain. To those who have seen nothing but bad from an earthly dad, turning their life over to another Father--even one who is God--is not easy. But it is not impossible.

If you struggle with loving the One who is our heavenly Father, remember that He is the ultimate Dad because He epitomizes love (1 Jn. 4:7), grace, mercy, and compassion. He gives good things to His children (Mt. 7:11). And He lovingly corrects us to develop our spiritual growth and maturity (Heb. 12:9-11).

Even the best of earthly fathers will sometimes let us down. But you can always trust your Father in heaven. Be sure that God is your number one Father.  — Dave Branon