On Father's Day I am reminded of my dad, who was taken out of this world when he was 50 years old and I was only 18. He was a great influence on me. I often tell folks that I had a greater gift in 18 years with my dad than many kids have in an entire lifetime!

I am reminded, thanks to my boys Preston and Bailey, that I have the great honor of passing on to my boys the great truths, character and life lessons that death cannot take from us. Life is no dress rehearsal...this is it, so we best make the most of our opportunities to be good dads!

I am also aware that many of you never had a dad in your life. Either he was dead, abusive or just absent. My heart goes out to all of you. I mean that. I cannot imagine my life without my dad's influence.

But for those of you who grew up without a dad, let me remind you of this comforting passage found in Psalm 68:5. One of the many great names by which God is known is "A father to the fatherless " It is not His doing, nor His will, when children are abandoned in any way; but what the devil meant for harm, God can use for good.

Joseph, Moses, Samuel, Esther, Josiah, Timothy and Jesus; this lists some of the bible's most illustrious individuals. Do you know what they all have in common? They were raised by stepfathers or by no fathers at all. God raised them up Himself and blessed them in extraordinary ways to do extraordinary things.

If your earthly father has not been a part of your life, take courage...the "father of the fatherless" loves you. He made you. He knew you before the foundations of the world. He has a plan for you. He's got your best interests at heart. You are here for a purpose and the Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. No exceptions!

So on Father's Day, while some of us honor our earthly dads, as we should, I hope we will all take time to also honor our heavenly Father.