There are many things we inherit from our parents—traits, traditions, and even treasured keepsakes. But the greatest heritage I’ve received is something far more precious: a deep love and respect for God’s Word. This is the legacy my dad, Dave Garrett, passed down to me and my sisters – and it’s this heritage that has truly shaped who we are.
As I sit down to share this, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible heritage my sisters—Becky, Suzie, and I—received from our dad (Mom too, but that’s for another post.)
Growing up, our father’s love for God’s Word was more than just evident; it was infectious. He didn’t just teach us Bible verses or take us to church. He instilled in us a deep respect and love for Scripture that has shaped our lives in ways I can’t fully express.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a glimpse into this heritage through a very special episode of my podcast. This episode features the first lesson from my dad’s remastered 1981 Sunday School class, “ABCs of Grace,” where he went verse-by-verse through Psalm 119. His passion for Scripture is as evident in this recording as it was throughout his life, and it’s a gift I’m honored to share with you.
A Legacy of Faith and Family
When I think about the legacy my dad left us, it’s not just about the knowledge he imparted but the love and reverence for God’s Word that he instilled in us. My dad wasn’t just a teacher—he was a living example of how the Bible should be central to our lives. He showed us that Scripture isn’t just a book to be read; it’s a living, breathing guide that shapes our hearts and minds.
This love for God’s Word was also nurtured by the encouragement of another important figure in our lives, Pastor John “Jack” MacArthur. Pastor Jack – father of Pastor John MacArthur of Grace to You Ministries – served as the interim pastor at our church in Newbury Park during the early 1980s, and his support for my parents was invaluable. In a time when women were often relegated to lesser roles in the church, Pastor Jack encouraged my mom, who was his secretary, to teach a Sunday School class alongside my dad based on Proverbs 31. His kindness and belief in her abilities had a lasting impact on our family.
Why This Message Matters
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and its focus on the power and beauty of God’s Word makes it a fitting centerpiece for my dad’s teachings. In this first episode, he takes us through the first eight verses, unpacking themes like obedience, personal application, and the comfort that comes from God’s Word.
One thing that stands out is the shift from “they” in the first four verses to “me” in the last four—a transition my dad highlights as a reminder that God’s Word isn’t just for others; it’s for each of us personally. He also delves into the key word “ashamed” in verse 6, exploring how the psalmist, Ezra, struggled with feelings of shame over Israel’s disobedience and how this can resonate with our own spiritual journeys.
But perhaps the most comforting takeaway is my dad’s reminder that even when we’ve messed up, God hasn’t given up on us. “There’s nothing you can do that can really mess it up,” he says, reassuring us of God’s grace and His desire to restore us, no matter how far we’ve fallen.
How You Can Engage
I’m so excited for you to hear this message, now available on my podcast and blog. Along with the episode, you’ll find a study guide to help you dive deeper into Psalm 119 and tips on how to grow in your faith. Whether you’re following along with my current series, “How to Study the Bible,” or exploring these classic teachings, there’s something here for everyone.
Join Me on This Journey
As you listen, I hope you’ll be reminded of the incredible heritage we have in God’s Word—a heritage that has shaped my life and continues to guide me today. This is the heritage that truly matters, the greatest gift my father could have given us.
So, grab your Bible, tune in to the podcast, and let’s journey through Psalm 119 together. There’s so much to discover, and I’m excited to share this experience with you.
Listen here: ABCs of Grace, Episode 1 – Dave Garrett
I’ll be updating the podcast every Monday with a new message in the series, “Rediscovering Dad.”
I invite you to listen to my dad’s messages. You’ll find them on the Dwelling Richly podcast on YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Be sure to subscribe so you’ll get notified when I update. You can also listen right here on my blog. It’s a lot of work getting these ready, but you are going to enjoy his teaching, I know it. Bookmark this page where you’ll be able to listen to Dad’s messages as I get each published.
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know you stopped by. Ask a question and share in this journey with me.
As I update each of the following will be an audio file and transcript complete with ways to engage in the Word along with my dad. When I update a new recording, you’ll be notified if you’ve set your podcast app to alert you – thanks for following the Dwelling Richly podcast!
New Episodes of my Dad’s Messages – Mondays beginning August 19, 2024
- “How to Enjoy the Bible” (August 19, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:1-8” (August 26, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:25-32” (September 2, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:33-40” (September 9, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:57-64” (September 16, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:65-72” (September 23, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:73-80” (September 30, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:97-104 pt 1” (October 7 , 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:97-104 pt 2” (October 14, 2024)
- “ABCs of Grace: Psalm 119:97-104 pt 3” (October 21, 2024)
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