The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.  Romans 8:15

You can find out a lot about another person by asking them this question: ‘What comes to your mind when you think about God?’  Our concept of God shapes everything else in our lives.  Most unbelievers claim that God loves without a trace of judgment, or that He judges without a trace of love.  The first perspective keeps them comfortable in their sin, while the second keeps God at arm’s length out of fear. 

It’s important for each of us to answer that question, even as children of God. Although we know and claim to believe the scriptures, our perceptions of God can be distorted by our life experiences. 

Here’s a second question. ‘What do I believe God thinks about me?’ (I used to believe that God was disappointed in me, and it was a stronghold.) 

Our week-long study of ‘Abba’ can begin to heal what has been incurable, but only if we look at the distortions we’ve harbored over the years. 

Remember the story of the prodigal son?  The father stands on the porch, scanning the horizon for his son’s return.  He waits eagerly, and at the first sight of him, he gathers the skirts of his robe and runs to embrace him. 

If you were the son returning home and your earthly father was on the porch, how would you be received?  

And what if you were on the porch waiting for your child?  What would you feel and express?  Would love, forgiveness, and celebration define the moment?

Jesus tore the temple veil in two. He granted us radical access to His Father, whom we can now call Abba. This privilege invites us to tremble and draw close enough to heal every spiritual ailment. Healing can occur this week, but only if we identify our obstacles. I’m pressing in to examine mine, and let me tell you, this final scripture brings me to tears. 

As for you, I’ll come with healing, curing the incurable, because they all gave up on you.  Jeremiah 30:17