just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 1 Thessalonians 2:11 NIV

I am not like your father
Why are you putting that on me?
Listen, listen
I'm not like your father
I'm not like your father
'Cause, even the best of them are just broken brother
Listen
For all men are broken
And broken men break their children
Who grow up to be broken men
But I'm bigger than that
Listen
I'm bigger than that 
Song by Misty Edwards, All Men Are Broken

Few relationships evoke intense emotional responses like those we have about our father’s. Whether your memories are good, bad, absent, controlling, abusive, or kind, dads represent our first view of God as Father in our lives. May our heavenly Father bring healing to your heart and hope for all things new.

I was doing some research about changing the spiritual climate over our communities, city and nation. I found teachings by Ed Silvoso ministries, an Argentinian minister. To summarize, he stated that to change the spiritual climate, it comes back to the home, the family. Even more specific, it starts when one heart remains open to change and then blesses the spouse whether it is the husband or wife.

He says we are to bless not blast.

Today’s verse refers to Paul engaging the Thessalonians as a good father would do to his children. As children we need to learn to bless our fathers and not blast them for all that that do wrong. As fathers we need to bless our children instead of pointing out all that they do wrong to not measure up. Blessing is not blind to offenses, rather it focuses on gratefulness and potential.

Next week, I will speak to the specifics of how Paul treated them as a father. Today, I wanted to help us to learn to bless and not blast. We start by learning to bless those closest to us, our parents. That is the training ground for God to let hope arise.

Have you spoken ill about your father? Have you lived a lifetime of blasting the failures of your dad? Does blessing someone who has hurt or wronged you seem inappropriate? Do you believe that God can help you learn to bless instead of blast? If yes, you are at the beginning of hope that changes the spiritual atmosphere for good.

Wherever you are struggling with being grateful, that is a good place to learn to bless. Yes, it starts in the home with  husband and wife, parents and children. But the principle is applicable to all spheres of influence over your life. Do you want to change the work environment? Learn to bless the management and coworkers. Do you want to enjoy the school you attend, learn to bless the teachers and other students. Do you want positive changes in your community or city? Bless and not blast what you see and hear.

Let the words of your mouth and the meditations of your hearts be pleasing.

Blessings Love y’all