Recently I was talking with a very good friend. Each time I really “get into the details” with a close friend, I come out changed. We were discussing some new music and old music. My friend told me that he really has connected with Rich Mullins. I was kinda blown away by this because I was never a huge Rich Mullins fan. I appreciated his story and that he was a pioneer for Christians in music, but I never particularly LOVED his stuff.

In our conversations, it came out that the reason Rich Mullins’ music meant so much was not because of the artistry but because of the story. Rich Mullins had a tough spiritual walk and my friend identified with that. The songs rang home to REAL struggles and questions that he had with and about the Lord. One of the greatest struggles my friend had was understanding the Father as “Abba”. The term “Father” actually had a negative impact on him!

This really broke my heart. My own Dad is amazing. He gave me the best picture of “Abba” that I feel any Dad can give to his son. I also realized in that moment that we all come to knowledge of “Abba” differently. I was given great life examples and my buddy was touched by the life and story of another person in order to understand it.

Romans 8:15 – 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.”

I know there isn’t a whole lot of verses in this lesson, but I think the example rings out. There are two things I learned. 1 – We never know the impact that our own lives as husband/wives/fathers/mothers/brothers/sisters can have on another person’s understanding and knowledge of the Creator God. 2 – The way God reveals His truths to me in my heart is not a universal revelation. God works on each individual heart and calls that heart uniquely to His own heart in the way He knows that person will respond!

My friend shared this link with me while I was driving home from our hangout. It was a such a joy to read through it and I am BLESSED to have friends that I see in this way and that see me in this way.
http://ragamuffindads.com/2014/03/08/the-value-of-being-intentional-with-friends/

Jesse Horne