This month we connected with UPCI General Secretary Scott Graham to discuss his book, Dad Thoughts. In addition to being a beloved preacher, he has provided a resource from the unique perspective of a father to help young adults.
1. Why did you write Dad Thoughts?
Our two children are about four-and-a-half years apart in age. In 2013, Jeremy was graduating from college, and Jessica was graduating from high school. In thinking about what I could give them that would be more lasting than a simple gift, I decided I would write a book offering life lessons for this season in their lives.
2. What is the main message?
Over a ninety-day window, I read the Bible through. I started on day one in Genesis 1, Job 1, and Matthew 1, reading a few chapters from each location. On day ninety, I concluded reading the end of Esther, Malachi, and Revelation. From each of these three readings on each day, I lifted out a verse (or sometimes two or three) and offered a valuable life lesson from each of them to help solidify Apostolic values and practices in their lives.
The specific topics are diverse, but they include doctrinal fidelity, individual character and ethics, Kingdom service, and so on.
3. Who is the target audience?
The book is written primarily for young adults who are in transitions of life that graduation produces, whether that be from high school to college or from college to the work force. It is meant to function as a ninety-day devotional, possibly being read over the summer following one’s graduation. While I have heard of young people reading it who are not at this season of life, it is clearly written with graduates in mind.
Dad Thoughts Excerpt
Day 1
Genesis 1–5
There are so many significant points to be drawn from these chapters. Genesis is the book of beginnings; it contains the beginning of every major Bible theme. In just these five chapters, you will read of the beginning of the Earth, the beginning of life, the beginning of sin, and the beginning of redemption. But as we begin this journey through the Bible together, I would point you to the very first words of the very first verse: “In the beginning God. . .” (Genesis 1:1). That says it all to me. Before anything else. . . God! As you journey through life, keep that truth close to your heart. Before you worry about anything else, be quite sure that the God portion of your life is taken care of. Having that in focus comes before concerns about career, spouse, family, possessions, or anything else. Even though the words would not be penned for centuries, the first verse of the Bible states its truth, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” As you start a new chapter of life, a new beginning, your own genesis so to speak, make sure in that beginning. . . God!
Before anything else. . . God! Click To TweetResources and Links
Dad Thoughts – As graduates embark on their journey to adulthood, these nuggets of spiritual truth are meant to encourage and direct the reader to walk through life using Scripture, and fatherly wisdom, as a guide. With the turn of every page, we pray the voice of God declares, “I love you. I am with you. Go change the world!”