² To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 1 timothy 1:2 NIV

Today’s quiet time notes I pray will truly help you in your journey of faith. I continually thank God that I have been graced with parents who are so strong n the Lord. My biological father is also my spiritual father in Christ. A man who has dedicated the entirety of his life in service to God and leads a community church based in Luton. He stands alongside my mother who supports and contributes to the building of Gods Kingdom. 

I am aware that not everyone has had the privilege of this level of covering. However, experiencing this level of covering, helps me to identify (discern) the true fathers in the faith, who have the heart of a shepherd. As I was reading the book of 2 Timothy the Lord began to teach me about the characteristics of a genuine father in the faith (Some also use the label spiritual father). 

My example of a true father in the faith is my Dad, but the passages written by Paul also provide a more solid blueprint so we don’t get deceived by the wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-20). Below are some characteristics alongside supporting scriptures the Holy Spirit pointed out to me during this quiet time to identify the fathers in the faith: 

1. They address you as a son or daughter – 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2
2. They are loving and they care –  2 Timothy 1:3-5
3. They encourage – 1 Timothy 6:12
4. They rebuke  – 1 Corinthians 4:14-15, Hebrews 12:4-11.
5. They remind and guide – 1 Timothy 4:12-16.
6. They provide instructions to fulfil the call, assignment, your purpose – 2 Timothy 4:5
7. They pray for you –  2 Timothy 1:1-3
8. They impart into your life – Romans 1:11-12
9. They help you to prioritise the Gospel – 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
10. They give you the opportunity to grow and mentor or help others in a specific capacity – 1 Timothy 1:6-7, 2 Timothy 2:1-3.
11. They are fully rooted and knowledgeable in the word and instruct you to do the same – 2 Timothy 3:14-16.
12. They do not promote false doctrine (to identify this you also must be a student of the Bible) – 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:15-16. 

Some have is ignored these signs and have gotten caught up in a deception and end up under the covering of someone that is not supposed to lead them let alone be their father. A father whether adopted, biological or spiritual must display our heavenly fathers heart and the character of Christ. I continually pray that the children of God will increase in discernment in order to identify who God has approved as their earthly mentors, leaders that have a heart of a father.