Thankful for Fathers

On Father’s Day, my mind was filled with memories of three wonderful fathers who have been a blessing in my life. I’m writing this in honor of them.

My earthly father, Carmelo Marrone, was born in New York City to Italian immigrants from Sicily. Dad taught me to love my family and my country. He gave me an appreciation for beautiful music, delicious food, and good friends. He even showed me how to whistle, use a camera, dance the polka, and drive a car. Dad was a good father, and I’m thankful for him.

My beloved husband, Jim Bandy, was a wonderful father too. When our son was young, Jim and Billy played with G.I. Joe or Star Wars figures. As Billy grew, they played chess, ping pong, and darts. Eventually, Jim taught William to drive a car and change a tire. Both Jim and William loved to watch movies, and that soon became one of their favorite father/son activities. I’m thankful Jim was such a good father to our son.

My Dad and my husband are gone now, and I miss them both terribly. But I’m thankful that I have another father, my Heavenly Father. I became a child of God when I was five. I went to a Good News Club, heard the gospel there, and I received the Lord Jesus as my Savior.

The Bible says, “But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12

When I received Jesus, I became a child of God. As I study the Bible, I learn more about God’s love and His plan for our lives. Since He loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love, I know He will always love me and watch over me. I’m thankful I’m His child.

Consider these words from the Bible:

I Corinthians 15:3-4 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

If you’ve received Jesus as your Savior, you’re already a child of God. If you haven’t received Jesus, it’s not too late. God loves you, and He offers you the gift of salvation and forgiveness for sin. Jesus died on the cross for you and for me. He willingly gave His blood to pay for our sin.

To receive salvation, you need to admit you’re a sinner, believe Jesus died for your sin, and receive Jesus as your Savior. Do you believe you’ve sinned? Do you believe Jesus died to pay for your sin? Are you willing to admit your sin to God and receive Jesus as your Savior?

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved, though faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”