Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
Father’s Day Gift
When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
It was the day before Father’s Day. Hank, a ten-year-old, and his dad were in a store together, but in different aisles. Hank was penniless and still hadn’t figured out what to give his father the next day. His eyes found a display of golf balls—his father’s favorite brand. Hank knew his father would love those balls! Quickly, he hid a box of three balls under his shirt. Almost immediately, though, Hank was uncomfortable. He realized he’d done wrong. Reluctantly, he returned the box to the shelf and walked away.
Years later, Hank admitted to his dad that he still felt awful about the Father’s Day he didn’t give a card or gift. His father replied, “Son, I remember that year. I watched you take those balls off the shelf that day in the store. I suspected you were about to steal them for me, and I felt so sad. But then you put them back. You probably thought I was hurt that you didn’t give me a present, but watching you return those balls was the best Father’s Day present I ever received.”
This tale of Hank and his father, inspired by an anonymous story in God’s Little Devotional Book for Dads, serves as an important reminder of God’s promise to always provide a “way out” of temptation. Tomorrow, why don’t you share 1 Corinthians 10:13—along with the story of Hank and the golf balls—with your kids?
Before you say good night…
- What are the biggest temptations facing your family right now?
- How can you help each other find the “way out” God promises?
Dear God, sometimes it is so hard to resist the allures that surround us. Thank You for the promise of a way out of every tempting situation. We humbly ask that You show our children the way out when they too are tempted. Amen.
Illustration adapted from God’s Little Devotional Book for Dads (Tulsa, Okla.: Honor Books, 1995).
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
Contact Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson
540 Elkton Drive
Suite 201
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
877.732.6825