God IS My Father

Days are flying by! I cannot believe I’ve already been here two and a half weeks and yet it feels as though this has been my home for so long. I love the people and everything I am doing here. It still seems so surreal that I am actually in Costa Rica but I am loving it!! Last week we learned about the Father Heart of God and it was wonderful. The teacher was so incredible, Jack was his name. On Wednesday night he took the whole class out for ice cream and bowling...’because that’s what dads do’. It was so fun and I must say, after hearing him speak I have such a greater understanding of how God is my Perfect Father. I desperately wish everyone could be here and learn all the things I am learning. I’ll post some of the highlights from last week’s class:

The sum of who we are is all that is in our hearts…those things in our hearts are a result of: culture, experiences, friends, parents, God, Satan, ourselves, and relationships. The only thing that can fix those imperfections and change us into who we are supposed to be is to have an experience with the Living God. Jesus changes everything! And if you change who you are it will change what you do.

Who is God to you? We were asked to write down our first reaction to the following scenario: If you were at home relaxing and looked out the window and saw God pull into your driveway, what would you do? What would be your initial reaction? Now look at your reaction in comparison to what the Bible says about who God is. Do you have a proper view of God, or has it been tainted by other experiences and relationships in your life? I challenge you all to search for truth in your view of God, it can change your life! Who is God to me? He’s Daddy, my Perfect Love, the Man who will hold me and kiss my forehead and just let me rest in His lap when nothing else seems right.

This week we are learning about God’s forgiveness and what the cross really means. We watched The Passion of the Christ and I challenge anyone reading this to watch the movie, even if you’ve already seen it. While you’re watching it, ask God these two questions: How much do you love me? What did you do for me on the cross? Then spend some time reflecting and worshiping afterward. I guarantee you won’t look at Him and His sacrifice the same way ever again!