Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Good, Good Father

I'm facilitating an online Bible study group - we call ourselves the Bible Babes and are studying Growing Through Prayer, a Love God Greatly Bible study. It's been such a joy to connect with these 24 women through the word on daily basis. M-F we read a short passage and SOAP (or SOAK*) in the Word.  I thought I'd share tomorrow's SOAK (SOAP whatever). 

Scripture
Matthew 7:11 - If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him.

Observation
Father gives good gifts to His children.

Part of the personal fun of birthdays and holidays as a parent is seeing my children's wish/dream list. Their heart is revealed by their wish/dream list. There is nothing wrong with ASKING for the things I desire, just as my children do at Christmas/Birthday. Father wants me to ask, knowing I may not get everything on the wish list, but the things I get WILL BE GOOD GIFTS.

Father God takes pleasure in our wish list as it reveals our heart. This is especially true when we ask according to His will and character (I John 5:14).

I'm reminded of John 3:16 - God loved; God gave. Love gives.

Application 
Can I see every answer as a good gift - even the ones not on my wish list?

Can I see every answer as a good gift - even in those times when the things I dearly desire on my wish list are not to be?

Can I trust Him?

I know my Father. He gives good gifts. I will look for the good gifts in the midst of the seemingly "no" answers.

Kneel in Prayer
I don't feel like sharing a personal prayer - but I wrote one out and you can be sure I prayed it.

I heard this song our first Sunday at The Rivers in Yuba City. I'm broken each time I sing it as I contemplate what I know to be true - He's a good, good Father; that's who He is and I'm loved by Him; that's who I am.   Everything else on the wish list is icing on the cake.  I will tell my soul to trust in this GOOD Father even when my dearest desires seem to be denied. I'm often singing this song to myself these days. I smile each time as I remember Arielle's disdain for songs (worship or secular) which repeat the same line over and over.....and sometimes I make up new words instead of singing the same line over and over.  ::snort::

 (Lyrics below)


Good Good Father

Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone

You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am , it's who I am, it's who I am

Oh, and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am , it's who I am, it's who I am

Cause you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us (several times)

Oh, it's love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak 
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think

As you call me deeper still (3x)
Into love, love, love

You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am , it's who I am, it's who I am

You're a Good, Good Father
(You are perfect in all of your ways)
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
(You are perfect in all of your ways)
It's who I am , it's who I am, it's who I am

*SOAK - to those who know my Precept roots - yeah - well - this has been incredibly sweet to immerse myself in small chunks of the word daily with a group of women who are ALSO depending on the Holy Spirit to speak to them through the same verses.  Some days I add Interpretation, context, outlining, cross referencing and even commentaries (::gasp::)...and some days I don't.  My SOAK is more like SOIAK. God speaks - his methods differ. I've seen imperfections in every Bible Study method - as we are imperfect. Heart matters. I've seen this method work for searching pre-belivers and those studying for DMins....we can all share together. 

I prefer the acronym SOAK over SOAP (though Love God Greatly uses SOAP) as kneeling speaks of surrender to me,  my 2016 word, and I've liked the word picture for years of soaking in the word rather than soaping in the shower....same thing call it what you want. LOL