LightGrams
October 16, 2025
Volume 29, Number 33
October 16 is a notable day for me; it’s my father’s birthday. He was born in 1921 and would be 104 years old if he were still alive. Sadly, a form of cancer ended his life when he was just a few weeks past his 84th birthday. I still miss him, and I thank God I had him as my father.
I could spend much time telling you about him. He was raised in poverty, volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in World War 2, and spent 40 years working as an electrician for U.S. Steel in the coal mines of Harlan County, KY. He was much more than these things, however. As I have often said, he was the best man I ever knew, always helping others in numerous ways, sharing generously from the large garden he grew every year. What a remarkable gentleman James Hall was!
Over the last two decades I have often wished I could speak with him again. More than ever, I see his wisdom and common sense. I would ask him more about his childhood and his time in Europe during the war. I would tell him over and over again how much he influenced my life. But I don’t have those opportunities. My father, like all humans, was mortal, and his time on earth came to an end.
Now let me talk about my other Father. As you might guess by the capital “F”, I’m referring to my Father in heaven, God. “What gives you the right to call God your Father, Tim?”, you might ask. My answer comes from John 1:12: “But as many as received [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Yes, I can call the God of the universe my Father. Jesus teaches me to pray to Him as “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).
Praying to God means that I can speak with Him. The apostle Paul instructs us on this in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.” Paul went even further in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 by urging us to “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer is our privilege, giving us occasions to converse with the Almighty.
Will this Father in heaven really pay attention to feeble mortals when they pray? “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). That’s not a guarantee that we’ll receive what we request, but it does assure us that our Father will consider our petitions and respond in ways that are best for our eternal good.
I’m ashamed to admit that I often took my earthly father’s companionship for granted; I didn’t phone him or go to visit him as often as I should have. His passing ended those opportunities. But my Father in heaven is eternal (Exodus 15:18; Psalm 9:7; Lamentations 5:19; 1 Timothy 1:17; et al.); He is always available to those who realize their need for His company, His guidance, His blessings, etc. I just need to use those opportunities more frequently and my life will be better for it.
One more thing: My father was the best man I ever knew because of the best Father of all. How grateful I am that James Hall allowed himself to be shaped by his Father in heaven!
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2025, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
Permission to reproduce and/or use the messages for noncommercial purposes is freely granted provided the messages are not altered.