“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NKJV

One night while spending a week alone with God in the mountains near Julian, California, I was again awed by the beauty around me… and especially the stars above. It was one of those crisp, clear winter nights when the brilliance of the moon and stars nearly takes your breath away. While looking up I sensed a surge in my heart and an inner voice that said, “Your Daddy made all this.”

I stood silent for a long time, pondering the deep impact of the voice of the Holy Spirit. As I considered the meaning of those words, I came to the distinct conclusion that “Father” is one thing… “Daddy” is another.

When the Spirit speaks to us, it is more than just words. It is the meaning and understanding that comes with the words that have the greatest effect. In heaven, all communication is spirit to spirit—full of meaning, emotion and revelation at the same time. After receiving the understanding in the heart (spirit), then the brain processes the message.

It was no surprise that I received this revelation shortly after reading the verse describing our Heavenly Father as “Abba Father,” which portrays the intimacy of a “Daddy.”

Growing up, my earthly father was always my father. I did not know him as “daddy.”  When he gave commands he meant them to be obeyed quickly. He was “father.” To set the record straight, I loved my father. I respected him too. And when I grew up and became an adult, my earthly father was often a friend. Still, I never knew him as ‘daddy.’ And this fact hit me like a ton of bricks that night in the mountains when I realized I had never had a daddy.

For the first time in my life, the revelation of a deeper closeness with God, as not only Father, but also as ‘Daddy’ exploded in my heart. It was a watershed moment that I have cherished ever since.

God is your Father. But He also desires to be your “Daddy.” There will be times your relationship will be very serious and you’ll get down to issues with one another. Other times will be more lighthearted. But either way, once you fellowship with Him enough to get to know Him and have great trust, I promise that you’ll want to be close to Him all the time. And if you’re like me, you’ll yearn and long for time spent alone with God, your Father… and your Daddy.

The title of this letter to DBM partners may at first sound disrespectful towards God. In fact, many Bible teachers today would be upset by this article, because main stream religion doesn’t want to, or can’t, comprehend such intimacy with Almighty God. If you have followed me for any period of time or read any of my books, you’ll know that I would never be disrespectful to the Father. I also take no pleasure in offending the brethren. Yet knowing and applying truth from God’s Word is paramount to living the fullness of the Christian life. If there were ever a time to live with God’s fullness and to apply all He has provided for His children… the time is now. So, as usual, let’s reference His infallible Word regarding “Abba Father.”

The apostle Paul writes, For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15, The Amplified Bible

Some people might think we shouldn’t speak in such familiar terms about God. It may even make you uncomfortable. But in reality, it is very scriptural to speak this way about Him… reverently—if you are in right relationship with God through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is living inside you. The Aramaic word for father—Abba—is used several times in the New Testament. The most accurate translation for that word in the English language is “Daddy.” It’s a word that signifies closeness. It speaks of a relationship that’s been developed through time spent together and reflects enormous trust.

Why We Should Know God as Our “Abba Father.”
Both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul had their obvious reasons for seeing God in an intimate manner compared to others in the Bible. But why should God be viewed as Abba Father to only a few? What of the rest of us who may not have had the transformational encounters that Jesus, our Savior, and His beloved follower Paul had?

Each one of us was created in God’s image (we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body)—similar to how Jesus was fashioned to represent God on earth. Creating mankind in His own likeness, was God’s plan from the beginning, as quoted from Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Knowing that we are made in the same image as God, establishes an unbreakable bond that we share with the Father. And as we become born-again and receive the Spirit of Jesus within us, a solid case for intimacy is established. This deep spiritual relationship cannot be replicated between us and any other god, human, or created being.

The Implications of God Being Our “Abba Father.”
God knows our strengths and weaknesses—and He loves us. This is one reason why we should view God as Abba Father. He made and molded us as an earthly father does. But He does so in a way that is closer and more personal than an earthly father ever could. He knows us more deeply than we know ourselves and handcrafted our personalities before we were a twinkle in our parents’ eyes.

So, the term “Abba Father” is not only an exclamation of praise or recognition. Abba Father, as conveyed through Jesus and Paul, reflects the knowledge that God knows us better than we know ourselves. That we trust Him implicitly. That He loves us unconditionally and will never forsake us. That He established the paths for our lives even before we took our first faltering steps as humans. That every day of our life has been written in heaven before we lived it. The knowledge that He loved us enough to sacrifice His only begotten Son in order to gain intimate relationship with us.

When you state “Abba Father” in prayer, or hear it referenced in a sermon, you should envision a Daddy who knows your greatest strengths, your greatest weaknesses, loves you unconditionally. But instead of forcing His will on you, He allows you to meet Him in your own way and develop intimacy that can only be felt between the Creator and the created. Between a Father of unfathomable love and His child.

For these reasons, God is also your “Abba Father.” Why not make some time in your busy schedule to be alone with God and your Bible… and get to know him more intimately as ‘Daddy’?

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16 NKJV.

With God nothing is impossible!

Dale & Paula

P.S. Brother Darrell is improving ever so slowly but please keep him in your prayers. Specifically I ask that you help his family and doctor get him out of that hospital. He will recover much better and faster at home.

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What Others Are Saying:
     “Dale, I want to remind you how important you, your message and your leadership are to all of us working from home, being challenged with Covid and social distancing and not being well nourished spiritually by our local ministers for whatever reason. Especially during these times in America when our national leaders fail to look to God for leadership and make practicing our faith in public less and less welcome, your voice is a light in the darkness. The work that you are doing for all of us is truly needed. Thank you Dale.” Ken
    “You two are such a blessing. It’s an example of how God will use two in a marriage that harmonize with Him, and each other to get Gods message across. Thank you for your obedience and for the encouragement to the body of Christ.” Judith
     “I love reading your messages because I grow spiritually every time I receive a word from you. I thank God for using you to touch my spirit the way you do. You bless my soul so much. All the Glory belongs to JESUS CHRIST.” Fikile – So. Africa   
    “This is a very good and timely article. I can’t agree more. Christianity is not a religion of convenience. It is time for all believers to take up our crosses and follow Him. Church is not for entertainment, but to learn the Truth. Christ said, ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life’.” Lois – PA
     “Thank you so much! You have helped me and inspired me. You two are such precious souls in His kingdom. Your kindness is wonderful.” Cindy – Micronesia

 
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