The latest book I am reading is called "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning. Some of you who read my posts know I mentioned another book by this author a while back. I had not heard of him until recently running across another one of his book at the library. The title of this book was taken from Romans 8:15, where Paul tells us that we can cry out to God "Abba! Father!" Here's the whole verse
"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!". The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Romans 8:15-16
Knowing Jesus, gives us the right to come to God as his children. It gives us the freedom to know that we do not come to him as strangers, but as our Heavenly Father. The term "Abba" was a very intimate term. It was a very familiar term. God wants us to know him like that. He wants us to feel the freedom to come to him like that and know that we will be excepted.
Another quote from Brennan, "God created us for union with Himself. This is the orginal purpose of our lives. And God is defined as love (1 John 4:16). Living in the awareness of our belovedness is the axis around which the Christian life revolves. Being the beloved is our identity, the core of our existence." Manning, pg.52.
I have to wonder if we lived daily in the light of how much God loves us instead of trying to pursue the approval of man how much our lives would change. Also, understanding the depth with which God loves us. Have you thought about how much God loves you? The proof of that love is that He sent Jesus to die for you.
"And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:19-21, NASV.
http://www.amazon.com/Abbas-Child-Intimate-Belonging-EXPANDED/dp/B001TM9YXW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330055238&sr=8-2
