Hey John,
I want to write to you about my experience in proof-reading the first ten chapters of the book you’re finishing up, God Had a Son Before Mary Did. Actually, the experience began after reading only the first four or five pages. I read those first few pages and had to put the book down so I could take in what I was reading. I thought about the greatness of God as the Creator of the universe. The Father created his Son and then allowed his Son to create everything else. I thought about the slide show that Elijah put together back in the summer showing those amazing pictures of the universe. I thought, “Wow! What a great God!” Then, I thought about who Jesus is and what I know about his character. His humility, his compassion, his generosity just to name a few things.
Then, an overwhelming realization hit me. The Spirit that is in this great Creator with all of his wonderful qualities is the same Spirit that is inside of me! I am sharing the same spirit with the Father and his Son! It was almost more than I could take in. I kept thinking about the wonderful qualities that make up my heavenly Father, and then to think about having his Spirit was so very sweet to me. I found myself lying there in the dark with a tear running down my cheek feeling completely overtaken by the love of God. I thought, “Oh Lord, everyone needs to feel this!”
A few days later, when I picked the book up to finish reading, it was as if you had put into words the feelings I was having. I would read a few pages and then put the book down so that I could soak it in. Reading the book and the feelings it stirred up in me gave me a greater appreciation for the precious life that God has so freely given me.
Finally, I thought I would just sit down and list some of the Character Qualities of my Father: These are just some of the qualities that cause me to want to be like my Father.
1. Humble
2. selfless
3. holy
4. compassionate
5. very generous
6. honest
7. straightforward
8. caring
9. righteous
10. loyal
11. wise
12. just
13. trustworthy
14. unchanging
15. obedient (Jesus always obeyed his Father, as well as the Law)
16, unpretentious
17. merciful
18. tender-hearted
19. happy
20. delightful
21. forgiving
22. whole-hearted
23. hard working
24. laid back (he knows when to stop working and consider the lilies and he never pushes to have his way)
25. full of life (he IS life!)
26. strong
27. reasonable
28. kind
29. good sense of humor
30. dependable
31. protective
32. discerning
33. unmoved by circumstances
34. faithful
35. perfect judgment
36. condemns evil
37. gentle
38. bold
39. single-minded
40. patient
41. considerate
42. long suffering
43. grateful
44. unafraid (with the exception of fearing his Father)
45. loves people
46. counselor
47. friend
48. teacher
49. terrifying
50. austere
When I look at this list, I wonder why I would want to hang on to anything in my old nature. I understand what Paul meant when he said in our flesh dwells no good thing. In Jesus is everything I want to be!
Lee Ann
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That’s a wonderful testimony, LeeAnn, and so true!
I wonder if anyone could think of a quality of our heavenly Father that you did not mention?
jdc