God’s Promise: 1 John 3:14 (ESV): “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.”
If you’ve been following along these past few days, you might see a theme. Who we are, whose we are, and how we serve. As men, fathers, and husbands, it is our role to protect and defend our families with the Word of God. That looks different for every man. Some of us aren’t natural teachers, but our actions speak louder than words. Others bring the Word to life through reading and sharing. It all depends on our God-given gifts and strengths.
When we discover those strengths and realize that they come from God, we find joy and passion in serving Him. That service begins in our first church—the harvest field of our homes.
A House Under Construction
The harvest field—your first church—is a home that you build, not just a house. It’s a place of constant repair and upkeep. Just when you think you’ve got things under control, something breaks. One moment, you’re soaking in the wisdom of Proverbs 18:4 (ESV): “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.” The next, your wife’s voice cuts through, announcing that the water heater has flooded the floor.
That’s the reality of shepherding. Transforming love isn’t a one-time fix; it’s ongoing, intentional, and requires steady effort.
Tiny Seeds, Lasting Change
As men of the shepherd, we must be intentional. And let’s be real—I’m not always intentional. The radio station WIIFM (“What’s In It For Me”) tends to play in the background more often than I’d like to admit. But when I am intentional, I realize that I’m not just influencing my immediate family—I’m shaping future generations.
It wasn’t until I started writing these reflections that I saw how many of my greatest opportunities for growth came not from me, but from God—often through my wife and children. The way we love, lead, and serve our families today creates a ripple effect for our children, grandchildren, and beyond.
That’s transformative love—a love that doesn’t just sustain, but radically changes hearts, environments, and relationships. It’s a love that outlives us.
A Shepherd’s Legacy
God transforms us, but we have to let Him. We must submit, be obedient, and live a repentant life. When we do, joy follows. The best part? That transformation doesn’t stop with us.
When I think about the future, I pray that God’s impact on my life will overflow into my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I pray that they see the love I have for God, that my actions bring a smile to His face, and that He turns His face towards them, blesses my family with His peace. Numbers 6:26 (NIV): “May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ”
Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value
Transformative love shapes generations. When we love with purpose, we’re not just impacting today—we’re building a legacy that will extend for generations to come.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you be more intentional in showing transformative love to your family?
- In what ways has God used your family to shape and refine you?
- What legacy of love do you want to leave behind for your children and grandchildren?
Bible References:
- 1 John 3:14 (ESV) – “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.”
- Proverbs 18:4 (ESV) – “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”
- Numbers 6:26 (ESV) – “The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
A Prayer for the Man of the Shepherd
Father, help me to love with the kind of love that transforms—one that reflects You, reshapes hearts, and lasts beyond my years. Give me the wisdom to shepherd my family with intentional love and the patience to trust You with the results. Let my life be a reflection of Your love for generations to come. Amen.
My Personal Journey:
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here**.**
#TheHarvestField #fatherhood #servantleadership #FaithfulShepherds #ChristCenteredHome
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