I am realizing how profoundly an individual is impacted by either a missing parent or an abusive parent. Studies show you may be driven (instead of called), prone to addiction, and vulnerable to all the siren calls that come from the void of not being loved well by a earthly father or mother. The solution? Developing intimacy with your heavenly Father.
Hence this short series for the rest of April and May.
J. I. Packer said:
If you want to judge a person’s relationship with God, find out what it means to him that God is his father.
Every single one of us needs to know how deep the Father’s love is for His children. This is what can change our behavior, dissipate our anxiety, and overcome the evil one.
If you want to do this in a small group, members should read the opening and watch the videos/pictures on this website, but then can download the questions to fill out. Here’s the document for that.
Questions for #1 Abba, Father
I will be drawing from different classics on this subject which bring light to Scripture. (I think they all belong in your library!) But if one or more particularly resonates with you, perhaps His Spirit is telling you to get it and go deeper with it.
This week:
Henri Nouwan was a Catholic priest who struggled with same-sex attraction, and though the LGBT community wants to twist that into making him a hero who affirmed that lifestyle, his journals evidence not only that he trusted God’s plan for sexuality, but that he led a celibate life. He also struggled with “works righteousness,” as do we all, but perhaps Catholics do more so, thus slipping into Satan’s lie that we are loved on the basis of how good we are or that Christ’s blood is not sufficient to cleanse us.
Nouwen had an epiphany about the love of His Father when seeing Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal” on a poster. He then went to see the original, pulling up a chair and coming back day after day to meditate on it, making the guards nervous. God showed him, through that masterpiece, how deeply loved he was by His heavenly Father. He was an overcomer, if not a complete victor, in the two areas where Satan kept trying to bring him down.
Nouwen was an art lover and thought we should memorize paintings that penetrate our hearts as we do Scripture. This week we will look carefully at the father’s cape, hands, and the head of the younger son. Memorizing these visuals will help you hold truths about the Father’s love in your heart.
Recently in listening to Keller on the relationship between sin and the devil, he said the devil doesn’t have power, he uses our own sins like a piano, and plays upon them, whispering lies. When I am deep in the sin of anxiety, how the devil likes to run evil fingers “glissando” on my piano, whispering lies, augmenting the deceitful thoughts of my heart:
He doesn’t love you. How could He?
Sunday:
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Meditations on the above?
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How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways?
Monday: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
Though Nouwen seemed to come from a stable family, he said, “Somehow fear of being rejected, of being abandoned, of being disliked has been with me as long as I can remember. I kept asking my parents, friends and colleagues in many different ways: “Do you love me?” In The Return of the Prodigal, he shares how even a good father cannot meet our deepest needs for love. Only God can do that.
This reminds me of Sally Field’s famous Oscar acceptance when she cried, “You like me! You really like me!” And what a fickle crowd to depend upon for love and identity.
Here is an 8 minute clip of Nouwen talking about looking for love in all the wrong places. As you listen, consider how you have trusted in these kinds of affirmations, for we need to expose the lies we believe.
3. Thoughts on the above?
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do
B. What people say about you
C. What you have
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7
C. Luke 12:13-21
Tuesday: Under His Wings
Prepare your heart with this:
Nouwen’s first encounter with Rembrandt’s painting was with the poster in another’s office. The portrait of the father blessing his son touched a place inside him that “had never been reached before.” He actually collapsed, so great was his longing for the Father’s love.
So often a picture or a “word picture” can reach the heart in ways words alone cannot. One of the aspects of Rembrandt’s painting is that the father’s cloak looked like wings.
The word “wings” in Scripture is translated in several ways – two different ways are seen in the book of Ruth.
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A. What does it say?
B. What promises are here?
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this?
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
Wednesday: Mother and Father
10. As Nouwen gazed on the painting, he noticed how different the two hands of the father were. What do you see?
Nouwen saw a male and a female hand, a father and a mother. Nouwen reflected on his own parents: It was my mother who offered closeness, affection, and personal care. My father seemed more distant. He was the provider who loved his wife, expected much of his children, worked hard, and discussed important issues. A virtuous, righteous man, but I found it difficult to be intimate with him (Sabbatical Journey 81-82) The sight of the hands actually touching the child moved Nouwen deeply.
11. Consider your own mother and father, and if willing, share both the positive qualities and, perhaps, the negative that could have distorted your view of God as Father.
12. Meditate on Matthew 7:11.
A. What does Jesus say?
B. What is He telling us about the Father’s love?
C. How might you apply this?
13. Meditate on Matthew 23:37
A. What is Jesus’ lament?
B. How does this show Him as a “mother?”
C. Notice who He loves (is it because they are good?) How does that calm your heart?
D. Notice the word “wings” again. What did Jesus say in John 14:9? Thoughts?
Thursday: Nothing in my Hands I Bring
In the painting, Nouwen began to look at the younger son. He’s missing a shoe and the other is tattered. His robe is filthy. But none of that matters to the Father. This spoke deeply to Nouwen for his own father’s love seemed conditional on how well he did in life.
14. Meditate on Luke 15:11-22 and find everything you can that shows what our heavenly Father is like.
15. Recently a pickleball friend came to Christ. She prayed a prayer of repentance and faith in Christ. But then she asked me: “How do I know He will accept my prayer? I’m so unworthy.” What would you have told her?
Friday: Born Anew
Then Nouwen looked at the younger son’s head in the painting. He was nearly bald, like a newborn baby, his head pressed into the heart of His Father. The more he looked at the painting she saw that it was actually “a large gate” for him to meet the One he had been searching for since he was born — “the God of mercy and compassion.” The more he looked he saw that the image of God created by Rembrandt was not just a warm father, but the womb of the divine Creator. He had come home.
Sometimes in our little church, due to good teaching on Scripture penetrating the heart, a person will “I feel like I’ve been born again, again!
16. Can you identify with the above? Have you had an experience of feeling like you’ve come home to God, or of being quickened, of being “born again, again?” What precipitated it?
Saturday: Take-A-Way
17. What is your take-a-way, and how, if you really believed it for today, might your life be different?
166 comments
Meditations on the above? I get caught in the trap of am I really loved. Yes devil uses that when my perception of rejection comes along and he uses other people to help focus in on that insecurity. I also think of Bing s comment earlier this year about how she has grown in understanding of being fully loved by God just as she is. I want that. Will be interesting to see how the hands and cape express the Father s love. I always like to think of the father throwing his arms around the son as he ran to meet him.
How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways. He makes His mercies new every day. In the high moments, the low moments, the disappointments, the discouragement, there is the awareness of His presence when I stop and move my focus to Him. Great is His faithfulness.
So glad to have you with us, Judy!
Oh, Judy! Thanks for reminding me of what I have written earlier this year! Your comment gave me goosebumps because of my experience this week as I have written below. God is good! He is so gentle with us when we fail.
Such a good reminder from you, Judy, and Bing ! I so pray to understanding being fully loved by God. I do believe He loves each of us so much more than we will ever understand. I pray that I will accept His love, so that I can see others with His eyes. I agree! Great is His faithfulness!!
Happy Sunday ladies! I plan to join you in this study in April and May. 1. Meditations on the above? When you come from a difficult childhood it can be a struggle to know what a father’s love actually looks like, feels like, and is, in practical every day kind of ways. I have grown some in this department but I gladly welcome the opportunity to grow in my understanding.
How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways? (More blessings than specific to a fathers love)Yes through the love and concern both a friend has shown me, but also in the kind prayers of a person in my small group. Also in the laughter and joy of my nieces and nephews at our belated Easter celebration yesterday, and the shared laughter I saw between my daughters at the same event.
Tammy — so glad to have you with us!
Dee
Tammy, all blessings are a taste of the Father’s love. Family joy and laughter always cause me to rejoice and be thankful because all good things come from our Father.
Thank you, Dawn it was my first response to see it that way, but then I paused and thought since this is a focus on the Father’s love, was it specific to that.
Tammy, isn’t it great to hear laughter among our family?
Yes Ernema, it is. It occurred to me that if I as a mother feel that way about my loved ones, then perhaps, G0d the Father feels that way about me, when I find joy or laughter in everyday life.
So good to see you back, Tammy!
Seeking the love of the Father is the desire of my heart. Having read The Prodigal God by Keller, it has my opened my eyes further to His grace and love for each of us. I look forward to learning more of His heart for me.
So glad you are here, Rebecca, We have another Rebecca — or maybe that is you. She lives in Kansas City.
Welcome, Rebecca! I put “Rebecca D.” on my post so we won’t get confused. So glad to have you with us!! 🙂
Amen, Rebecca D! I love the Prodigal God by Keller! I pray to know our Father better each day.
Welcome, Rebecca!
This looks really good.
Thoughts on the Father’s love – definitely the biggest spiritual and emotional struggle of my life. Growing up a strong willed child with a strict, harsh father and a very insecure, emotionally immature mother, I was the classic “strong willed child”. Lots of history … running away …. good student with good friends; I didn’t fit any mold. But at age 17, my pastor-father asked me to come by his office after school one day. I knew it must be something pretty important and was a little nervous. Without going into a TON of detail (because there is that, for sure), he said basically the following to me. “You have often said that you feel unLOVED. The problem is not that you are unLOVED but that you are unLOVEABLE. You’re at the age where boys are starting to notice you and you have the ability to make a good impression on people. I just want you to know that, as your father, if I see a serious relationship developing, I will feel it is my responsibility, as your father, to warn this young man what he’s getting into and what you are really like. (i.e. unloveable). I’m not sure what he expected by way of a response from me, but I wasn’t able to let him see me break so I simply said, “OK” and walked out of the church and down to a bridge, where I contemplated suicide. I thought about it for a while and eventually decided I didn’t need to do that. All I had to do was never date anyone (much less marry anyone) and no one would ever discover the awful truth. And so I never did. Needless to say, this had a huge impact on my relationship with God …. about 35 years that were calm and stable and then a mild stroke and the rejection of my church in 2016 caused my world to crumble. The two churches that have rejected me are unable or unwilling to answer the question, “Do you believe God loves me?” or “Do you believe your church has reflected God’s heart towards me?” I’ve been shunned now for 7 years, just finished 38 treatments of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and am now on to ketamine infusion and spravato …. all in hopes of reclaiming my life and being able to manage the pain of shunning and PTSD. How have you experienced God’s love this week in big or small ways? I got a very unexpected call from the former senior pastor of one of the churches that has rejected me yesterday. (The rejection occurred after he moved away, at the beginning of COVID when the administrative pastor – very controlling – was overwhelmed.) I hadn’t talked to Pastor Kevin in over two years and he knows me, knows my story and has cared for me in many ways over the past years. He has no idea how insightful he is but our wavelengths always connect and he can encourage me (and pray for me) like few people can. It had been a rough week and I am basking today in the warmth of God’s promises that he pointed me to and his very sensitive and compassionate prayer for me.
Beth, I am thankful to God for sending Pastor Kevin to you. Glad he prayed for you and shared God’s promises with you during a rough week.
I’m so glad to see a familiar face here. I have done some of these studies but usually lurk in the shadows.
I’m glad to see you back here, Beth. I’ve been praying for you throughout the years.
How incredibly kind of you Dawn. Thank you so much.
Beth, your story unbelievably resonates with me. So glad you took the time to write a bit of your testimony. God be very near and dear to you and show you His great love for you.
Such a tragedy Beth — how thankful I am as well for pastor Kevin. May this study be healing.
Oh, Beth! Your story brings tear to my eyes! So thankful that the Lord prompted Pastor Kevin to contact you and pray for you.
Beth I remember the story of the churches and you having to move; and corgis! I have wondered how you were doing. I’m thankful for your former pastor. I’m glad you are here again!
This lesson looks like just what I need to draw closer to God.
So glad to have you here Stephanie.
Just what I need at this very moment!
So glad you are here, Donna!
Welcome!
First timer!!
Welcome!
You are so welcome here, Gina.
Welcome Gina! You will be blessed.
Dee- I’m so very excited about this study. I will probably remain silent just due to lack of time, but me heart is with everyone!
Welcome, Stephanie, Donna, Gina, and Judy!
Good to have you, Judy.
1. Meditations on the above? I don’t think that we can ever fully comprehend the Father’s love for us. It is good to spend some time frequently contemplating and absorbing it. Our deepest love for our most beloved person on this earth doesn’t even come close to the Father’s love for us.
2. How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways? It has been brought to my attention in many small, but significant ways. Throughout the week the moment that I started to feel frustration, annoyance or anger I was struck with the thought that this is what is supposed to happen, it’s God’s will and I need to humble myself and acknowledge that I am not in control, that God is. And to truly think what would Jesus do?
From Dawn:
Our deepest love for our most beloved person on this earth doesn’t even come close to the Father’s love for us.
Love this, Dawn!
Sunday:
Meditations on the above?
Every single one of us needs to know how deep the Father’s love is for His children. This is what can change our behavior, dissipate our anxiety, and overcome the evil one.
I have come to the realization that no earthly father or mother could ever show us the kind of love that our heavenly Father gives to us. But the reality of unmet expectations is still very palpable. I know I needed to give grace to my earthly father and mother in what I perceived as their failures as well as to myself now that I am a mother myself.
My word for the year is “emptied” and I believe God is taking me through the journey of emptying myself, especially with regard to my calling whether it is my job, my ministry, or my close relationships. Lately, I have been experiencing the “dark night of the soul” which has left me emotionally and physically drained yet sensing His work, stripping me of my tendencies to depend on myself and my idols. His love is relentless; He will not leave me in a place any lesser than His good.
How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways?
His presence in the midst of His refining. I had an eye-opening experience this past week that made me realize I am still very legalistic than gracious. Yet, God still showed His love for me.
You are such a beloved daughter of God, dear Bing. I pray God will meet you in your dark night of the soul. I, too, struggle with legalism though I hate it. God will help us.
This will be my first Bible study class.
So glad to have you, Judy Faye!
This is my first time to join a Bible study with you.
A warm welcome, Susan!
Sunday:
Meditations on the above?
—I find the whole art thing very interesting. My pastor son Tyce uses works of art occasionally in his sermons. He has a favorite artist named Daniel Bonnell and one particular painting is called “The Shadow in the Middle”. It depicts Christ with the woman caught in the sin of adultery. It is one of those as you look at and ponder it there is a great depth of meaning. It is one of those that shows the love of the Father through Christ in his treatment of the woman.
—These comments about Keller’s illustration on the relationship between sin and the devil stood out to me.
“Recently in listening to Keller on the relationship between sin and the devil, he said the devil doesn’t have power, he uses our own sins like a piano, and plays upon them, whispering lies. When I am deep in the sin of anxiety, how the devil likes to run evil fingers “glissando” on my piano, whispering lies, augmenting the deceitful thoughts of my heart:”
It was good to be reminded the devil really doesn’t have power over us. I feel often we give him far too much place when in reality we serve and have an all powerful God. But it is our sin that the enemy harasses us with. He is a manipulator and a liar beating us up with lies when God our Father is close by ready to forgive and comfort our hearts with his love.
How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways?
—Last Sunday, Easter Sunday God poured out his love in so many ways. We had over 20 family and friends to our home for Easter dinner after church. Usually I find it rather stressful to get accomplished but this year things came together beautifully. I felt like God was in the middle of all the details of preparation and serving.
But the great blessing was that my husband’s brother and his wife came from over an hour’s drive away and attended our church service with us. They don’t go to church and have never been to our church and had never heard our son preach. They were moved and affirming of what they saw and heard. We were able to love on them and we sensed God’s love in our midst. God showed his love in many small ways last week but this was a big one. For several days afterwards we felt a lot of praise to God and basked in what He had done.
Glory to God
Welcome, Carol!
Interesting parallels that Nouwen sees in the painting–wings, hands, and the bald head of the son.
Marla! My heart leapt to “see” you here!
I’m so excited for this study!
And we are excited to have you here!
Growing up in a very strict legalistic home with a pastor and missionary as my father, I was never able to earn the felt love of my parents. I still struggle deeply to this day with knowing the love of God for me as I was reminded often how very angry God was at me for my transgressions and often told that God was thundering down from Mount Sinai at me. I am very well aware and I’m in awe of God’s great holiness, but stumble to believe His love for me though I see it presented clearly in Scripture. I have freely proclaimed the love of God to many many people and truly believed in God’s deep love for them. But I have always thought there was some sort of loophole when it comes to me, some reason that God could remain God but not love me because of my sin. I have whispered His love to many a dying patient of mine as I left their bedside. One day I said quietly and gently to a woman dying of pancreatic cancer, “God loves you so very much.” I had said it to many many others, but this time I was startled to hear this patient reply back to me, “and you know that He also loves YOU very much!” I gulped quickly and could hardly make it out of her room fast enough to dissolve into tears. If I could only believe His love for me is true, I should be happy forever!
And to think how you pour your love out to the fatherless, the broken, the abandoned.
How I will pray this desire you expressed below will become a reality:
If I could only believe His love for me is true, I should be happy forever!
Miriam, wow..your story here. Especially that you were told that by someone who, as a child, was a major representation of God to you. How that must have made you want to run away from God. What really ministers to me in your honesty in this is that you press into God instead of backing away. Such a witness to me of the power of Christ in you.
Oh Miriam, Thank you for sharing. I totally identify with you. For years I felt like you that I didn’t really have equal status when it came to God’s love and favor. I felt like I was less than others and was as my son says “ just a schmo”. I doubted Gods love for me and He brought me to a place where I confessed it and He started me on a path to the truth of how much He loves me. I agree with Dee’s prayer for you.
Missy, how difficult that must have been ” I was never able to earn the felt love of my parents”. I pray for your hearts’ desire: “If I could only believe His love for me is true, I should be happy forever!”
Miriam … I relate so much to that. Growing up as a pastors kid and being a BSF leader for many years and in Christian radio for 30, I also was very comfortable pouring into others and reminding them of God’s love, compassion and fresh starts. Colossians 3:12-17 was the way I believed all image-bearers should relate to each other. I think that is why it has been so hard to be shunned by church leaders, without a word of explanation or speaking to me even once. It seems so wrong; so contradictory to scripture. And the only way I could reconcile that has been to believe that I’m singled out … different …. unloveable. The words of hope, reminders of God’s grace and second chances (Go and sin no more) that I share with others do not apply to me. At one level, I know it’s a lie but I cant make sense of it so that’s the conclusion I come to. Like you, I long to truly believe that His love is real. The challenge for me is weighing God’s Word against the words of so many people who bear Christ’s name and choose to believe God’s Word. In my mind, they should match. When they don’t, I have a choice to make. Who will I believe?
So hard Beth. May God’s Word be like an anchor in your heart. Those who bear the name of Christ are called to be Christlike in their words and behavior. If they are not living out their belief in Jesus, how can their words be of value. I pray that you will press into Jesus and His love for you.
Oh, dear Missy! How my heart aches reading this. I see God’s love so clearly in your life; how I pray that you will know in your soul, the value you have in our true Father, our Abba Father’s eyes! You are a treasure in His heart. You have influenced my life so much, through this study, your words, your life, your parenting and your nurturing your dying patients and drawing others to Jesus! How I pray that your heart and soul will accept and embrace His deep deep love for you. I join Dee, in her prayer for you.
1. Meditations on the above?
I’ll be able to face anything diving deep into His love for me. I’m so looking forward to this study!
2. How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways? Spring reminds me of ‘hope’ and renewal and I think that is why God made it. To remind us. The temps have been warm here and the birds are singing! God is showing me that no matter what happens in my life here on Earth, He is good and while life can seem like a forever winter, He loves me to an endless depth so no matter how painful the trial, the birds will sing. 🙂
loved this comment 💕
God is showing me that no matter what happens in my life here on Earth, He is good and while life can seem like a forever winter, He loves me to an endless depth so no matter how painful the trial, the birds will sing. 🙂
Amen to Bev. So love your thoughts about winter and no matter the pain of trial, the birds will sing. 🙂
Rebecca D. 🙂
3. Thoughts on the above?
We are taken (chosen), blessed, broken and given. We think we are what we do, or what other people say about us, that we are what we have. The real truth that Jesus reminds us is that we are like Jesus himself, the beloved child of God. The world tells us we are what we do, other people say, what we have. God says I am his beloved and on me my favor rests. When we truly believe this, we will see the the chosen-ness of others and be able to love and encourage them.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do – I can fall into this easily whether it is service in church, or in relationships with others.
B. What people say about you – If someone thinks I am not loving enough, or not good at something, I can easily see myself as a failure and if I allow that thought to blossom, it easily becomes I’m not worth anything.
C. What you have – That if we live ‘less’ materialistically that it will impress other believers, or that if we have a comfortable life that means we are successful.
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50 – Jesus has deep compassion for me, for He hears me, and when I’m feeling distant from him because I’m afraid of something here on earth, He doesn’t leave, but He comes to me. So I must remember this and walk in confidence of His love for me whenever I feel He is distant.
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7 – Jesus knows me and has entrusted me to Himself for He chose me. He doesn’t entrust Himself to all men. He looks at my heart, not at what I do or what I have. So He loves me for me, and He loves my heart.
C. Luke 12:13-21 – Life doesn’t rely on our possessions so we must guard my heart regarding greed. If I love my possessions more than Christ and spend my life chasing after them, and finding my joy in them only, then my life will be me focused, not Christ focused or other focused. I would waste my life on the things of this world that will burn up instead of the riches and glory of Christ that will impact other’s lives and will last forever.
Thank you Rebecca D! So like you to help me out.
❤️
Monday: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
3. Thoughts on the above?
—Dee’s comment referring to Nouwen said “he shares how even a good father cannot meet our deepest needs for love. Only God can do that.” That stood out to me because I believe that is a real and deep truth. To be complete in our spirit only a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ will bring us into the family of God and make us truly his child and give him place as our true Father. And as Nouwen said we are all unique and special to God but equal as his children in his love for us. The world measures status and position but not God. A good earthly father himself will point his children to God as their perfect Father and encourage them toward a relationship with Him.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do
—somewhat
Trying to be a good person because it is what born and raised central Nebraskans try to do.
My sister and I talked yesterday about how in years past we lived in legalism trying to “follow the rules”.
B. What people say about you
—more than I’d like to admit.
I do concern myself with what people think of me. Wanting to avoid rejection.
C. What you have
—too much.
In my own small town corner of the world I live in a nice house, and we drive nice cars and I concern myself with my clothes and how I look.
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50
The good things I do.
—In the Luke passage verses 39 stands out to me. After Jesus healed and freed the demon possessed man Jesus instructed him to go back home and declare how much God had done for him. And it says he went away proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Life is not about what I do for Jesus but what He has done for me.
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7
What people say about me.
—The truth is people look at us and judge or measure us by how we appear and how we present ourselves but they don’t know my heart. More than once someone has judged my heart critically and wrongly. God knows who I really am and when I am laid bare before Him what He has to say is all important because he accepts me because I am covered by Jesus. I am redeemed by Jesus. I am loved by Jesus. And in the end it only matters what God says about me.
C. Luke 12:13-21
What I have.
— Verse 15 says “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” There is great danger in taking satisfaction in what we have materially. It can easily become a distraction from what really matters in life and replace God as the most important thing in my life. Verse 21 says “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” I desire to hold all the things I have loosely. I think of the scripture
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:6-7
My 98 year old mother in a small little room, in a little old rest home, in a really small town made the comment last week to my daughter and I. I don’t need anymore than this. She recognizes all her basic needs are met at this point in time in that place. I am deeply humbled by the reality of her status. But she has Jesus and she rests in the fact that she is His.
Hi Dee!
I’d like to follow along with this study!
Oh Steph — loving knowing this!
Welcome, Stephanie!
Welcome Stephanie!
This is my first time on this platform.
Welcome Shirley!
I’m looking forward to this study.
Welcome Janet!
Hi, Janet! and to all the new ones I may have missed, welcome!
Wow! Lots of new names and faces. Welcome to the blog. Dee’s teaching and questions will challenge and bless you.
Would love to study Abba Father with you!
Welcome, Amy!
Welcome, Amy!
1. Thoughts on the above?
There was a time when my maternal grandparents lived with us. My maternal grandfather always favored me for some reason among his grandchildren when he was still alive. (smile). I am the oldest female grandchild. I remember so many memories of him letting me ride on his shoulders so I can pick fruit from trees, making my favorite treats, and tucking me for the night. My grandfather’s love was as good as it can get on this earth. I was devastated when he died in a bus accident.
I do not remember my father doing these things. My Dad showed love for us through practical ways and gifts whenever we did something good like good grades. I remember the first guitar that my Dad bought for me. I treasured that for the longest time ever. An aunt who was significant in my life growing up was the same. She was generous but “required a price” for it. For her, it was my good grades and being an obedient niece. My identity by then was based on the good things that I did and am still working on fighting this lie these days. God is helping me.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do somewhat but I have been seeing a shift for a biblical basis and this blog is a big part of it!
B. What people say about you: This can still be a stronghold at times
C. What you have: I have more than I have ever had growing up so this one is not a strong struggle for me although it rears its ugly head periodically
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50
Both of these passages speak of Jesus’ compassion for those who are ill or wandering. He reached out to them and answered their heart’s desires far beyond what they could ask for. Song of songs 6:3 I am my beloved’s and He is mine.
I don’t have to do anything to deserve God’s love and compassion. He has done much for me!
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7
God looks at my heart and not my appearance.
C. Luke 12:13-21
To use our riches for things of God and not use them for ourselves. We can hoard such as the rich man did but we all do not have a guarantee of tomorrow or another minute.
Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” A heart that is satisfied in Jesus alone and a life lived for Him alone.
Lesson for me: To look to God for my identity and to use what He has given me such as talents, gifts, and resources for His honor and glory. I am His Beloved, chosen by Him. Nobody can add or subtract from it. Because of this identity, I can look at others and thank Him for how He has gifted them as well as His Beloved also.
I love this lesson of truth, Bing! To look to God for my identity and to use what He has given me such as talents, gifts, and resources for His honor and glory. I am His Beloved, chosen by Him. Nobody can add or subtract from it. Because of this identity, I can look at others and thank Him for how He has gifted them as well as His Beloved also.
3. Thoughts on the above? Chosen and beloved The way I should think and not shrink back from that truth
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do yes I do that There is a sense of satisfaction, job well done yes it’s fickle source of finding worth.
B. What people say about you I yes feel deprived if I don’t get those atta girls Fickle source again. Worse when I sink into what do I think people think of me Shallow source We re told others think of us very little.
C. What you have don’t get real stuck on that but at times there is a sense of pride
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50 self Jesus looks at you with compassion Heart feel the thrill He calls you daughter. I’m His daughter, I’m His daughter, I’m His daughter!
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7 don’t trust in man’s opinion. Look to Him who knows all hearts and motives.
C. Luke 12:13-21 self, be rich toward God and His ways.
1. Meditations on the above? In the painting of The Prodigal, the Father’s cape is red, the color of blood, representing forgiveness. His hands are caressing his prodigal son, not punishing him. The son’s head is turned to the side, as if in shame for his wayward life. His head also appears to be shorn, the other men in the painting have long hair and beards…perhaps a remnant of his life with the pigs? I know the Bible refers to long hair as an honor, maybe the shaved head symbolizes dishonor? I have struggled to truly accept my Heavenly Father’s forgiveness and have been my own harsh judge many times throughout my life. I have been able to draw closer to God the past 2 or 3 years by getting to know Him through Scripture (this blog and other studies have helped) and getting to know Him through His Creation…really meditating on His Word and opening my heart and mind to see and hear Him. Retirement has helped take the stress of schedule and time constraints off of me, so that my time with my Father is less hurried.
How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways? I have been working in my yard, preparing to plant my garden and I overdid it. I felt so sore and tired for 2 days, I prayed and asked the Lord to restore me and I believe He did! I was back to normal and able to prepare a Birthday dinner for a church friend by Friday. I felt accomplished instead of defeated! Praise the Lord!
Great meditations on the painting, Lydia.
I love your meditations on the painting, dear Lydia! So good.
3. Thoughts on the above?
He is charming! He is from The Netherlands. Our son lives there. He is convincing. I am God’s chosen one.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do –
not much
B. What people say about you
some
C. What you have
not at all
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50
Lord, thank You for caring about me. You are the only One I need to impress. Help me to always have faith.
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7
Jesus, heal my heart. Take the ugly out and replace it with goodness and kindness. Help me not care about my body so much.
C. Luke 12:13-21
Lord, thank You for allowing me to participate in Your world. I know having things is nothing compared to having You. I can get caught up in this world, but as I get older I realize it is nothing. Thank You.
Nouwen is charming and convincing. 🙂
I was introduced to his writings, probably 30 years ago when he spoken on Hour of Power (Schuller). I immediately bought 3 or 4 of his books and devoured them. They are still among my favorites, although lately I have really gotten hooked on Walter Brueggeman’s writings on the Old Testament.
Rebecca D.
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth? That she would be richly rewarded for what she has done for she has taken refuge under God’s wings.
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally. The prodigals’ head was shaved for he was humiliated. One shoe was completely worn off and the other looks like it fell off when he embraced His Father. Maybe they were so worn from being enslaved and traveling, they stuck to his feet. It was most likely painful just to walk back to his father from wherever he was. What is standing out to me is that God wants me to come as I am..daily, minute by minute. especially when I’m choosing to hold onto a bad disposition inside because I feel it’s just. It’s easy to hang onto it a few days and then later feel bad about it and not press into Jesus because I feel I don’t deserve Him. That’s the point, I don’t deserve Him, but in Jesus Christ, I have Him, and we are One. He wants me to always take refuge in Him rather than in anyone else or anything else in this world. My sin nature desires to take refuge in the empty things of this world because it puts me in control and it eases pain quickly without really dealing with it before and with Christ. It isn’t a one time clinging when things are rough, and then I go my own way. It’s a daily, second by second hiding under His wings. giving myself daily to Him. He already has me, I’m already His daughter so His arms are always there.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz? To spread his wings over her to protect her. She’s run to him instead of younger, richer men, so she’s asking Him to be her covering. He means more to her than anything else.
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings? That His comfort, His presence, His covering was way more valuable and worthy than anything this world offers whether it be status, reputation, or wealth.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A. What does it say? B. What promises are here? In order to ‘rest’ in the Lord, we must dwell in Him. When we dwell in Him, we will take refuge in His wings. Nothing can touch us that will destroy us. He is faithful. He is our refuge, our strength, our shield.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this? So the threats in this world that pound upon us are physical ailments, spiritual attack, and other hard things that attack us mentally which affects us as a whole. When we are Christ’s and we take refuge in Him, none of these attacks can destroy us internally. Our outward body is decaying, but our inward man is being renewed day by day. That is amazing. To have God as my refuge, my strength, my helper, my husband, my healer my provider, and my protector usurps the bad things. When I forget, I let those things have me and I am joy-less, but when I take refuge in Him and trust Him with these things, I will have an indescribable joy deep down that will help me rise above it surrounded by God’s shield and protection. It might be painful but it won’t take me down.
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer. When I have a day where I just give up on others, or want to just disappear, or find other ways of comfort than Christ, I will begin to sink in the depths of depression. When I trust Him with the things that are in my life, and take refuge in Him, then I will soar like an Eagle for that day. The more and more I trust Him, and let Him be my shield and comfort, the more and more I’ll shine brighter in a dark world. The more I’ll become like Christ.
This is so helpful this morning. I woke up with a bad disposition yesterday morning, due to a conversation I had with a person close to me the night before. I get tired of certain things and just give up. I pressed into God asking Him what are you doing? I don’t understand. Why am I still here? I confessed my attitude but I haven’t turned yet. So it’s been since yesterday morning and I’m still in this mode. Now I am asking myself, Rebecca, you’ve done this before, did it change anything in that other person? No! So pouting and distancing doesn’t help, and yet I so desperately desire to. This morning, God is showing me that when I pout and distance myself from anyone in an effort to enact a form of justice for an injustice done to me, I am distancing myself from God more so than this person. I’m not trusting God to take care of this, I’m taking control and think I can be my own shield but oh what an unsteady and floppy shield I am!
So good from Rebecca — yet how I sympathize!
This is so helpful this morning. I woke up with a bad disposition yesterday morning, due to a conversation I had with a person close to me the night before. I get tired of certain things and just give up. I pressed into God asking Him what are you doing? I don’t understand. Why am I still here? I confessed my attitude but I haven’t turned yet. So it’s been since yesterday morning and I’m still in this mode. Now I am asking myself, Rebecca, you’ve done this before, did it change anything in that other person? No! So pouting and distancing doesn’t help, and yet I so desperately desire to. This morning, God is showing me that when I pout and distance myself from anyone in an effort to enact a form of justice for an injustice done to me, I am distancing myself from God more so than this person. I’m not trusting God to take care of this, I’m taking control and think I can be my own shield but oh what an unsteady and floppy shield I am!
I agree, Dee! I so sympathize since I have been there many times! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca.
Oh, I do relate to this. Thank you for sharing this, Rebecca! Lord, help me to Trust only You and never myself!
Rebecca, your comment about distancing self from others to enact a form of justice is distancing myself from God is exactly what I needed to read. It shows me how I’m to respond with love and gentleness for the situation I face tomorrow. Thank you
So I have to share this. We have Monday morning devotions at work, and one of my colleagues, Phil, shared. He gave an illustration from his life of how excited God is about us.
Phil likes to take his grandchildren fishing and boating and one morning, he was dead asleep only to wake up with one of his grandchildren’s face right in front of his- eye to eye. His eyes dancing with delight anticipating his grandpa waking up so he can spend time with him. Phil’s eyes welled with tears and told us that this is how God is with us. He can’t wait for us to wake up!
Delightful story Rebecca. 😊
Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Rebecca! How I love this! I am sobbing reading this!! Our amazing Abba Father, God is so excited for us to wake up!
Beautiful and heartwarming story! We should all wake up and imagine the Father’s eyes on us twinkling with anticipation!
Tuesday: Under His Wings
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
—Boaz brought God into Ruth’s situation and called on God to bless her and reward her for doing the right thing (taking care of Naomi) and coming to the right place (The God of Israel under his wings).
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
—The picture of being under wings is one of great security. No longer vulnerable to outside attack or danger. It feels like a place of peace.
Personally when I was laid low with Covid I experienced great comfort and peace from Psalm 91:1-4. In the NLT it says
“1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
—At that time I felt the peace of being covered by his feathers under the shelter of his wings.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.”
—In a Bible study I did last fall with women at my church we were studying about the woman who had an issue of blood. This fact was brought out that the Hebrew word (kanafayim) used for corners of a garment could also mean “wings”. This woman in her pain and distress reached out to just touch for the corner, edge, wing of Jesus garment.
What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
—She asked him to spread his wings (the corner of his garment) over her.
“He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 3:9 ESV
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
—By spreading his “wings” over Ruth it was a symbolic act that he would be her redeemer to protect and provide for her.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
—Oh wow! I don’t preview the questions here before I answer but answer each one as I come to it. And as you saw in my answer to # 6 this passage of scripture already has precious meaning to me. I memorized it at the time when I had Covid and quoted it often to my heart.
A. What does it say?
—Again from the NLT it says
“1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
B. What promises are here?
—There is rest in the shadow of the almighty God.
He is a refuge and a place of safety.
He will rescue and protect.
He will shelter with his wings.
His Word is my armor and protection.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this?
—This is what I need most when hard things come into my life.
An almighty God who brings his protection and comfort over my life. It says “His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
I have his Word to comfort and guide me through hard stuff.
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
—My experience of this very thing has made a great difference in how I respond to hard things but the most wonderful thing is the peace I experience from being in his presence and under his “wings” when I take hold of God’s Word and believe it.
After battling breast cancer twice, I need to not only know, but also feel and experience God’s love for me in a deep way.
Lillas — so glad to have you in this healing fellowship.
Welcome Lilis.
Welcome, Lillis!
1. Meditations on the above?
The story of Nouwen is powerful. I love God deeply, yet I always feel unworthy of His love for me. My word for this year is “Trust”. The circumstances of my life are bringing me to a fork in the road of life: Trust or Despair. I am choosing Trust, but is a daily battle. One of my biggest sins is anxiety, so I relate well to these words from Keller:
“he (the devil) uses our own sins like a piano, and plays upon them, whispering lies. When I am deep in the sin of anxiety, how the devil likes to run evil fingers “glissando” on my piano, whispering lies, augmenting the deceitful thoughts of my heart.”
2. How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways?
I have experienced the Father’s love through the words and encouragement of dear friends. I have experienced the Father’s love through my daughter, Darcy. She has been here for ten days and has spent hours with her dad, encouraging him and playing games with him. She is a huge help, as we talk about the future and the unknowns. She has grown in her faith so much in the past two years. We are like two teacups going through the refining fire together. 🙂 As I pray each day, I find that starting with Praising God for who He is, His power as creator of the Universe, His gift in giving His Son for our sins, and His great grace in redeeming me, a sinner, helps calm my anxiety and know that He is the One I want in control of my life. (I give my control idol to Him daily)
This is so good, Patti. You and I have both grown through releasing control. My relationship with my firstborn is so much better since I’ve released control. He is a very strong believer, yet sometimes his choices perplex me, yet just letting that be between him and God has been so very good. I’m sure he feels the same about me! 🙂
Amen, Dee. Releasing control is a huge relief. xoxo
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
He asks the Lord to fully reward her.
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
He is always with me. He covers me and protects me. I will be rewarded for resting with Him. Thank You Lord Jesus.
3. Thoughts on the above?
I love Nouwen’s words: “If you can live your life as the Taken (Chosen), the Broken, the Blessed, the Given, the w0rld will recognize Jesus in you.” This is more difficult than it sounds. How I pray that I will listen to Jesus and quiet the voices in my heart that come from the worldly ones.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do ~ I can get “works oriented” too easily. It is my words or silent prayer that are most important to the Father. All the works mean nothing if my attitude is about works. The only good works that are worthy, are the works that flow from a heart desiring God’s blessing not the world’s applause.
B. What people say about you~ I think I can slip into this knot way too easily. I fight the “people pleasing” idol. I pray daily, that my words will be pleasing to God and that I will never utter negative or judgmental words about another. Words can hurt me deeply and trying to let go of those kinds of memories in life is a huge struggle. I don’t want to be the person that creates that pain in others.
C. What you have
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture. (Use my suggestions or your own.) These are all of Jesus, but as He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.)
A. Matthew 9:36 and Luke 8:36-50 ~ The Lord is my Shepherd. I can trust Him for my life. I want to abide next to Him and let go of the things of earth I cling to.
B. John 2:24 and 1 Samuel 16:7 ~The Lord God knows my heart. My behavior and words come from my heart. Luke 6:45b: “for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. ” It’s about the heart; the core of my being….abide in His Word.
C. Luke 12:13-21 ~ This verse is speaking to my soul these days. I am purging my life of things that I had too much attachment for….how little the earthly things truly mean.
Patti — I know people recognize Jesus in you.
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth? May the LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally. The blessing He is giving is from the Lord. At night as I fall to sleep I like to think of myself under His wing and that He is covering me.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz? Protection and to be a kinsman redeemer.
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings? That he would take care of her in all matters.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A.What does it say? God is our refuge and fortress and He is faithful. When we dwell in His shelter we abide in His shadow.
B. What promises are here? He will deliver us from the snare and from deadly pestilence and cover us.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this? That I am not alone and I don’t need to go through any situation without Him.
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer. Surrender my concerns and hurts into His hands, and let Him take care of situations.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
She asks for him to spread the cover over her because he is her kinsman redeemer.
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
Not sure. Wings cover to protect. If one used their wings to protect the widow then she would be safe from the elements.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A. What does it say?
If we rest in the shelter of God we will be protected.
B. What promises are here?
He will recur me from danger. He will protect me from disease. He will shelter me. He will cover me.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this?
when hard things arrive, and they will, I have Him right next to me working all things out. Thank You Lord!
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
Away goes the worry, the anxiety, and the stress! It is TRUE! He protects me and has for my entire life. I am so thankful.
Love this answer Laura:
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
Away goes the worry, the anxiety, and the stress! It is TRUE! He protects me and has for my entire life. I am so thankful.
10. As Nouwen gazed on the painting, he noticed how different the two hands of the father were. What do you see? One is more feminine and the other more masculine.
11. Consider your own mother and father, and if willing, share both the positive qualities and, perhaps, the negative that could have distorted your view of God as Father. My mom was everything my dad wasn’t. She was sacrificial, loyal, driven in occupation, encouraging. Always driven to do the right thing. She hated any type of injustice. She taught us to look at the inside of a person first. It didn’t matter their culture, color, or position. My dad refused to go to my brother’s wedding because he was marrying my sister in law who is half german, half African American. He finally decided to but sat way in the back. Sad. He came around many years later. He had a soft spot in his heart for me but I SO needed more spankings than he would give me. He never raised his voice once, never angry, just annoyed from time to time. He was critical of others, but not mean to anyone. He had an amazing sense of humor but wasn’t very affectionate or emotionally intimate. He was very self centered. He had an affair, then left us. So this distorted my view of God as distant and maybe a little concerned with me and my life, but if I messed up He would leave me.
12. Meditate on Matthew 7:11.
A. What does Jesus say? If me, being evil, know how to give good gifts to my children, how much more the Father if I ask Him for good gifts will give them to me.
B. What is He telling us about the Father’s love? God’s love is holy and perfect, and so the sacrificial love we have for our children as evil people pales in comparison to God’s love for us.
C. How might you apply this? God loves me and cares about every intimate detail of my life. I matter more deeply to Him than my children matter to me, even though I think my love for my children is an endless well of deep, His is deeper.
13. Meditate on Matthew 23:37
A. What is Jesus’ lament? He longs to show them how much He loves them and longs to have them press into Him, but they refuse to.
B. How does this show Him as a “mother?” He has the nurturing qualities of a woman, for most women long to love on and gather their children in close to them.
C. Notice who He loves (is it because they are good?) How does that calm your heart? He loves those who aren’t good, who have done horrible things and rejected God. Yet He still longs to hold them close. This encourages me that when I’m unfaithful to Him, He will remain faithful.
D. Notice the word “wings” again. What did Jesus say in John 14:9? Thoughts? That Jesus is the Son but also the Father. Jesus loves as God does.
I’m so glad you had the mom you did, Rebecca. You certainly have overcome through your heavenly Father’s love.
1. Meditations on the above?
I believe wholeheartedly in the above quote by Packer. It is helpful to do self-examination and to ask myself how do I see God? How do I imagine Him, picture Him, what do I believe about His character and His stance towards me? I also love Henri Nouwen, and I have read his book about the Rembrandt painting and how profoundly it impacted him. I also am reading his book called The Inner Voice of Love, which is a collection of journal entries that Henri wrote during a six month period in which he experienced a mental breakdown and had to leave his L’Arche community to seek spiritual and psychological help. Each day after meeting with his counselors, he would write a spiritual imperative to himself. It was after this time and upon returning to his community that he began to write his book about the Return of the Prodigal Son. I have loved Nouwen ever since learning about him right here on Dee’s blog. Through his writings, listening to some of his talks that have been recorded and preserved, I have found Henri to be a kindred spirit. I can so relate to his inner struggle to hear the voice calling him the Beloved. Henri reached a point in his life in which he heard and believed the voice of God, saying, “You are My Beloved Son; on YOU my favor rests.”
The Henri Nouwen Society, which you can find on the Internet, has wonderful resources if you are interested in his writings to learn more. I would also recommend the book Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom by Carolyn Whitney-Brown and Henri Nouwen. Written after his death, the author took Henri’s notes and dictations about his friendship and fascination with the Flying Rodleighs, a trapeze artist group he met while in Europe. He mined wonderful spiritual truths from that friendship, especially that of the “flyer” trusting in the “catcher”.
2. How have you experienced the Father’s love this week in big or small ways?
It’s been a difficult week or two for me. A serious situation with a family member and the death of a friend whose funeral I will be attending this morning. For a couple of days, I carried a felt sense of heaviness about these things. A walk at the park on Monday where a warm breeze caressed my face….I always think about Jesus’ words about the Spirit being like the wind, blowing where it will. Supportive friends, an email from a dear friend, a warm hug yesterday, offers of prayers, watching The Chosen.
Thank you for sharing these interesting facts about Henri Nouwen, Susan. I have loved so many of his writings and knowing his struggles, makes his words and faith even more meaningful. I am sorry that you have had a rough week. I pray for a healing and meaningful time as you attend the service for your friend. Praying for comfort for the family and for you, as you mourn.
Thanks for bringing all this about Nouwen here too. I am going to check out the trapeze artist book! Praying for you in this heavy time.
Susan, I am sorry for your loss and the sadness that brings. I will pray for your peace. ♥️🙏
Oh Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for the comfort of God to envelope you. Thank-you for all the extra information on Henri Nouwen, I have only read one of his books about 8 years ago while visiting friends in Georgia. It is apparent that he walked closely with the Lord! God bless you friend.🙏❤️🙏
3. Thoughts on the above?
“You and I are the beloved sons and daughters of God”, said Henri. Yet, said Henri, how hard that truth is to claim, because we think we are what we do, or what other people think of us. This is so true. “You are My Beloved; on you My favor rests.” We must listen to that voice, not the voice of others saying you are what you do or you are what you have.
Jesus took bread: He blessed it, He broke it, and He gave it. He did this more than once during his time on earth. These four words, “taken, blessed, broken, and given” summarize the life of Jesus. He was taken by God, blessed by God, broken on the Cross, and given to the world. These same four words also summarize our lives as the Beloved. Henri explained: Your life, your spiritual life as a son or daughter of God is a life that is taken by God, that is blessed, that is broken, and is given. I am taken, I am blessed, I am broken, and I am given – remember these four words so that you can claim what it means to be the Beloved of God. It is through your living out these four words that the world will recognize Jesus in you.
You are taken. Do you believe that God has CHOSEN you? That means that God has seen you from all eternity as precious in His eyes. You are unique and you have a unique role to play in God’s story. Most people don’t believe that at all. You are God’s chosen one and special in His eyes. But here’s the catch: if you believe that you are chosen, it doesn’t mean that others aren’t chosen! It doesn’t mean that you are the best of the class. But God’s way is that if you believe that you are chosen by God, then God gives you eyes to see the chosen-ness of others. When you understand your chosen-ness, it opens up a place in your heart where you can say, “Hey brother, hey sister – you, too, are unique in God’s eyes, and that doesn’t take anything away from my uniqueness!” But this is very hard to claim in a world of statistics and rankings.
I can relate to the above! We live in a competitive world, and it’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, of looking at others and either feeling inferior or superior to them. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing my specialness as a way to pat myself on the back and then feel resentful when others are getting the attention. But at God’s table, in His family, we are all His children and there is no favoritism or need to compare ourselves with one another. I’ve always thought of the verse in the psalm about God giving or assigning us our portion and our cup as sort of like being at His table and He is serving up the portions. We are all going to get generous portions.
Henri said that to be blessed by God means that God says good things about you.
Susan, Lots of good input here. Thanks for sharing. A few years ago a dear pastor friend of ours shared his thoughts on being chosen by God. He said it is a great mystery on the part of God. He said Salvation is like a door we must walk through. And above that door it is written “Whosoever will may come. When we walk through that door and turn around and look back above it we see it written “Chosen before the foundation of the world”. And what a wonderful comforting truth to realize.
Susan-I haven’t been able to be here at all lately but just decided to pull it up and saw this from you. I am so moved, as usual, by your depth of wisdom. Nouwen’s Prodigal Son was so pivotal for me in college in my walk. I just started his devotional “You are the Beloved” and had thought of you as I read. So sorry about your loss and all that your family is going through. Love you so dear friend.
Love this, Susan: But God’s way is that if you believe that you are chosen by God, then God gives you eyes to see the chosen-ness of others. When you understand your chosen-ness, it opens up a place in your heart where you can say, “Hey brother, hey sister – you, too, are unique in God’s eyes, and that doesn’t take anything away from my uniqueness!”
Love that God has a different view of Chosen than the “world” has!
Wednesday: Mother and Father
10. As Nouwen gazed on the painting, he noticed how different the two hands of the father were. What do you see?
—The one hand has a definitely rougher and broader look. While the other appears softer and has a little more slender look to it.
11. Consider your own mother and father, and if willing, share both the positive qualities and, perhaps, the negative that could have distorted your view of God as Father.
—My sister and I have talked about the fact that our parents were both middle children from larger families and both were very insecure in themselves. They cared and showed their love by working and providing for us but didn’t know how to demonstrate affection in an emotionally supportive way. I recognize they were products of their own families and grew up in the Great Depression years on farms in central Nebraska. They had grandparents who were pioneers and very practical people. But not demonstrative. It made them not very good encouragers to us emotionally.
I can readily identify with Nouwen’s assessment of his father as it parallels my own feelings about my Dad. Like Nouwen I had a longing for my Father’s love. The positives were that they were changing and growing as believers because they had godly friends in their lives and attended good Bible teaching churches.They gave us a good foundation and appreciation spiritually for God and the truth of his Word.
12. Meditate on Matthew 7:11.
A. What does Jesus say?
—If even ungodly people know to give good gifts to their children our Heavenly Father with far greater generosity will give good gifts to those who ask of Him.
B. What is He telling us about the Father’s love?
—God’s love excels all other loves.
C. How might you apply this?
—It is good to bring my requests to Him in the light of his fatherhood and He will lovingly answer with good gifts.
13. Meditate on Matthew 23:37
A. What is Jesus’ lament?
—The people of Jerusalem rejected and even killed God’s prophets and messengers who were sent to them through the ages.
B. How does this show Him as a “mother?”
—He would have gathered its people to Himself like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings to be protected and cared for.
C. Notice who He loves (is it because they are good?) How does that calm your heart?
— No not because they are good but because He is loving and forgiving even to the rebellious if they will turn to Him.
D. Notice the word “wings” again. What did Jesus say in John 14:9? Thoughts?
—Not making a connection here with the word wings and this scripture??
I’m not even sure Bev what I was thinking about John 14:9! : ( Except perhaps that the Jews, despite being with Him, didn’t know Him and wouldn’t come under His wings.)
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
Boaz asked that the Lord reward her work and that her wages be full form the Lord, God of Israel, as she sought refuge under His wings.
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
Our Heavenly Father is our safe place, our protector and our shield from the storms of life. He is always pursuing us and knows our hearts and minds. We need only to abide in Him and rest in His care, daily. It sounds so easy, but it is not always easy to let go and trust. My sin keeps drawing me to “fix” things, when His voice keeps calling me to rest. I love this sweet hummingbird that sits on the tiny top branch of one of our trees. I call this little one, “Peep”. He is a reminder to me that God takes care of even the tiniest and more vulnerable of His creation.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
Ruth asks Boaz to spread his covering over her. His “wings of protection”.
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
It is a means of protection for Ruth from the Lord. Boaz is serving as the Lord’s protective wing over Ruth, for she is a woman of God and of moral integrity.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A. What does it say?
He who dwells (abides) and trusts in the shelter of the Most High (Our Abba Father), will seek refuge under His wings.
B. What promises are here?
Our Abba Father is the Most High God. If we put our trust in Him, He will be our refuge and He will be our faithful shield and bulwark; our protector.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this?
Even during the storms of life, our Lord and Father will have His hand on all that happens in our lives. He will be with us in trouble. He will be our Comforter in sorrow. He will be our hope in the storm.
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
I say I truly believe this ~ and I do~ yet, during the storms, I stumble and fall. I pray that my trust will be more real and I need to let go of my worry and anxiety and let Him protect and care for me, instead of feeling like I have to do something on my own. Letting go is so difficult, even though we know He is the answer. When I struggle with this, my prayers of Praise help me to remember His glory and His power; Who He is and that I belong to Him. That is what matters.
From Patti:
I say I truly believe this ~ and I do~ yet, during the storms, I stumble and fall. I pray that my trust will be more real and I need to let go of my worry and anxiety and let Him protect and care for me, instead of feeling like I have to do something on my own. Letting go is so difficult, even though we know He is the answer. When I struggle with this, my prayers of Praise help me to remember His glory and His power; Who He is and that I belong to Him. That is what matters.
Wednesday: Mother and Father10. As Nouwen gazed on the painting, he noticed how different the two hands of the father were. What do you see? I LOVE this observation. The tenderness of a mother’s hand and the strength and protection in the
11. Consider your own mother and father, and if willing, share both the positive qualities and, perhaps, the negative that could have distorted your view of God as Father.
I shared previously a profoundly negative experience with my Father. What I didn’t share is that almost 10 years later, when I was out of college and hadn’t dated anyone, he asked me about that, and I reminded him of our previous conversation. I will never forget his response. He literally collapsed his torso and head onto my dining room table and began to wrack with sobs. Yes, he remembered it. He’d been plagued with guilt and so hoped that my hastily walking out of that room meant it didn’t impact me much, but he knew better. He spoke of the frustration of being caught between a strong willed, verbally articulate daughter and an emotionally fragile, needy wife. I assured him that he was forgiven, but the problem was that I had BELIEVED HIM. And I still struggle with that. I think he was telling the truth the first time. But my greater point is that my father, for all his harshness and unfortunate choice of words (something all three of his children inherited from him) , was also extremely humble and never hesitated to ask for forgiveness. He carried the weight of his mistakes as a parent who understood “tough love” but didn’t get the “tender” side of it (although he learned in later years.) My most precious memory is of coming downstairs every morning and finding him on his knees, head buried in the sofa cushion, praying. My mother – almost too complicated to write about, but I choose to remember her last prayer at the dining room table, three days before she died of cancer (just 8 weeks after my father died) in 2011. She was never able to address her insecurity and low self esteem, but she was always able to look to the Lord and thank him for His grace, for salvation, for the many gifts He’d given her. That was a precious memory that both my brothers and I talk about often. She modeled one who truly loved her Lord and longed for heaven, all her life. She was the most unattached person to this world I have ever known. 12. Meditate on Matthew 7:11. A. What does Jesus say? We can confidently be assured that what Jesus gives to us is for our best. And if we look deeply, it is not hard to SEE those gifts. We just take them for granted so easily. B. What is He telling us about the Father’s love?
“Father knows best”. We can trust Him fully. C. How might you apply this? Remind myself of this often. He is worthy of my trust. I can rest in that, with confidence. 13. Meditate on Matthew 23:37 A. What is Jesus’ lament? God’ appointed prophets and messengers were not accepted and received with defiant disobedience far too often. It broke His heart because He knew the heartache they were inflicting upon themselves. B. How does this show Him as a “mother?” He wanted to gather them, hover over them and keep them from harm. The nurturing, protective side of God. C. Notice who He loves. How does that calm your heart? He not only is wiling to forgive and restore, but waits longingly for us to recognize our need and run to him. D. Notice the word “wings” again. What did Jesus say in John 14:9? Thoughts?My brain has turned to mush. I need another cup of coffee and will think on this through the day.
Beth, I love the story of your father apologizing for misspoken words that crushed you. He knew he made a huge mistake. Words cannot be unsaid, but I am so thankful that God’s grace can give us forgiveness for all of our sins. So thankful for God’s mighty redemption, in spite of our brokenness.
Beth — I agree with Patti.
Bev struggled with John 14:9 too and I’m not even sure what I meant – -so don’t worry! My brain may be the mushy one.
Beth, thank you for your vulnerable sharing about your relationship with your father, his asking you for forgiveness for his words. That’s a tender place for you, but also so precious. It seems your dad truly regretted the pain he’d caused you and he was honest about his words.
3. Thoughts on the above? As I think through how some people judge their worth or value based on what they do or others view them, it causes me to process how I find my value and in the past year, I think I have come to realize that often its based on whether or not I think other people love or care for me.
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can) Too much.
A. The good things you do
If I just love you enough, If I just show up enough, maybe you won’t leave me, maybe you won’t judge me as deficient.
B. What people say about you
Similar to my above answer.
C. What you have
Less so, but I am sure I find some of my value in how I look, based on feelings of inferiority from growing up poor and often lacking.
Good honest reflections to take before your Abba, Tammy.
The word “wings” in Scripture is translated in several ways – two different ways are seen in the book of Ruth.
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
There is a rich reward for those who take refuge in the God of Israel. Whatever I receive from God when I am under His wings is a rich reward from God-priceless things like peace, safety, security, and a future with hope. There is no price tag for these.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings.” What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
Spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a guardian-redeemer of my family.
B. Culturally at that time, a widow was destitute — could not own property — was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
Being under “wings” or “corner of a garment” implies confidence in the ability of the one owning the wings or garment.
The refrain of the song Under His Wings:
Under His wings, under His wings,Who from His love can sever?Under His wings, my soul shall abide,Safely abide forever.
8. Meditate on Psalm 91:1-4
A. What does it say?
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High is safe.
B. What promises are here?
God is our safety, shield, refuge, rampart, covered, rest, and fortress.
C. Since hard things still come into our lives, how do you make sense of this?
We are never promised a perfect life here on earth but ultimate safety in Christ. Even when our earthly bodies have been consumed by illness, death, and evil, our souls and spirits are saved eternally. And one day, our physical bodies will also be new. The enemy does not have the final say.
9. Keller says to ask, after meditating on a passage: “If I really believe this, what difference could it make in my life today?” Answer.
No worries, more peace, joy, and love for others.
10. As Nouwen gazed on the painting, he noticed how different the two hands of the father were. What do you see? In one hand I see hard work, maybe dirt under nails and a blister and sores (not expecting that from a wealthy man.) In contrast the other hand appears to have gentler usage.
Nouwen saw a male and a female hand, a father and a mother. Nouwen reflected on his own parents: It was my mother who offered closeness, affection, and personal care. My father seemed more distant. He was the provider who loved his wife, expected much of his children, worked hard, and discussed important issues. A virtuous, righteous man, but I found it difficult to be intimate with him (Sabbatical Journey 81-82) The sight of the hands actually touching the child moved Nouwen deeply.
11. Consider your own mother and father, and if willing, share both the positive qualities and, perhaps, the negative that could have distorted your view of God as Father. My father worked hard to provide for his family and he loved us and was protective of us, but like many from his era not particularly demonstrative. My mom came from a dysfunctional family and did the best she could, but she didn’t have a strong nurturing family experience. In my early 20s I choked out the words I love you to my parents. I remember being afraid to say them. After that we were able to vocalize those words to each other.
12. Meditate on Matthew 7:11.
A. What does Jesus say? If humans in our sinfulness know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does our perfect Heavenly Father give good gifts when we ask.
B. What is He telling us about the Father’s love? That it is endless and unrelentless
C. How might you apply this?The Father is perfect and when we ask He will respond with good.
13. Meditate on Matthew 23:37
A. What is Jesus’ lament? That Jesus wanted to gather Jerusalem under His protection but they wouldn’t let Him.
B. How does this show Him as a “mother?” The protection a mother hen has as she spreads her wings over her chicks.
C. Notice who He loves (is it because they are good?) How does that calm your heart? He loved those who were doing evil and willing to protect them. He is willing to protect and nurture me if I’m willing to surrender to His loving care.
D. Notice the word “wings” again. What did Jesus say in John 14:9? Thoughts? If we have seen Jesus we have seen the Father. Jesus is the exact representation of the Father and the radiance of His glory. That as I read the gospels and see the tenderness and the tireless compassion this is what the Father is like.
I want to ask for prayer for my son Tyce who serves as lead pastor at our church. This morning he and his wife Bethany learned that their former pastor in Texas and very good friend Phillip took his own life. It is the kind of shock that will be far reaching in the lives of many many people. Tyce attended Phillip’s church for about 3 years after he had graduated from seminary and was very active in ministry with Phillip. They even traveled to the Philippines together on a two week trip teaching indigenous church leaders. They were close as families and each have 3 boys close in age. Tyce had been in contact with him just last week. As near as they know so far no one saw this coming. My son is devastated. We are heart broken for he and Bethany and our grandsons. I thought of the sharing on this blog last month about grief and how to minister to those who are hurting deeply. I went to my son’s office this morning and just sat and cried with him. He received my hugs and tears with gratitude. There are no words. No answers to be given. No platitudes to be offered. It just plain hurts. One of my son’s concerns is how to help his own sons walk through this. They are friends with Phillip’s boys. I pray for God’s grace and wisdom to be poured out during this very difficult time in all their lives.
I have shared this for prayer with family and close friends today but I also treasure the prayers of this group.
Oh, Bev! How sad. How comforting your presence and tears and hugs must have been for your son! Praying for grace and comfort for Tyce and his family and Phillip’s family. “No words-it just plain hurts.”
This is heartbreaking. I serve as moderator for ANTHEM OF HOPE, a ministry that Jarrid Wilson started years ago to minister to people who are dealing with depression and suicidal thought. Pastors carry such a heavy load and often feel they have no one to turn to. Sadly, Jarrid, himself, took his life a few years ago just after conducting the funeral for another person he’d ministered to. I’ve heard this story too many times. It is a reminder to all of us to pray for our pastors and check in with them to make sure they’re not falling through the cracks as they minister to others. I will pray for this precious family and for your son as he processes this huge loss.
Beth, I have not heard of Jarrid and the Anthem of Hope before. Mental health struggles are so prevalent nowadays. I see it among my students. I think our lesson this week on God being our Father brings home our deepest need for Him in our lives. Thank you for your services as a moderator for Anthem of Hope.
Jarrod Wilson was affiliated with Greg Lauries church on the west coast (featured in THE JESUS REVOLUTION) but It moved to Nashville after jarrids dearth. 17,000 members. A safe place.
Prayers for comfort for all.
Oh Lord, this is so sad. Please with Tyce, and with Phillip’s family. May they sense Your loving presence.
Bev, this is so terribly sad and tragic. I can’t imagine the devastation this has caused to this pastor’s family, his wife and children. And the heartbreak for your son and all who knew and loved this man, too. I will pray for Phillip’s family and for all who are grieving for him.
Oh, Bev~ this is so heartbreaking. We have no idea the pressures that pastors deal with on a daily basis. So much pain and heartache.
Lord, we pray that you will be with Bev, with Tyce and his entire family and with Philip’s wife and family. We pray, Abba Father, for Your presence with each one of your children, who are suffering so from this loss. Only You can comfort the hearts and souls of these families.
Dear Bev, 2hat a terrible tragedy! I am praying for your son Tyce and his family. Also for Phillip’s family and church community. Lord Jesus, hold them close, cover them with Your healing wings. 🙏❤️🙏
4. Consider, how much is your identity based on any of the fickle following? (Be as truthful as you can)
A. The good things you do
Not sure about this one because I tend to always feel guilty or bad about something I’ve thought, done, or a wrong attitude. I tend to feel that others are “more good” than I am. But this shows that I might very well believe that if I could do, think, or act better, God would like me more.
B. What people say about you
Yes, I am sensitive to what others say or think about me. I can so relate to Henri’s words above about his fear of being disliked. I am trying to remember one of my favorite writer’s words though, when he was having a hard time with someone who clearly did not like him, and another friend said, “Must you always be liked?” I admit that I want others to think well of me, and I often struggle with feelings of being left out. I believe some of this is from things that happened to me when I was young. One example was when I was in the sixth grade, I was assigned to sit next to this boy in my class, and at the start, he looked right at me and said that he hated my guts. I didn’t even really know him. I was never in the popular group at school.
C. What you have
I don’t think I struggle in this area. I’ve never been a ‘keep up with the Jones’ type of person, and what other people have doesn’t impress me and I don’t feel as if my identity comes from where I live or the kind of car I drive or anything like that.
5. Now, concerning each of the above, speak truth to your soul, using Scripture.
A. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or harassed, like a sheep without a shepherd, weighed down in spirit, striving, trying to do better, feeling like I’m trying but I can’t live up to God’s standards, Jesus has compassion on me as a shepherd wants to take care of his harassed, helpless sheep. Jesus invites me to rest in Him.
B. God sees my heart and knows me. I must return to the sure assurance of the inner voice, God’s voice, that tells me that I am His Beloved, and He is mine. I don’t have to do anything to make God like me. He loved me enough to die for me.
C. God tells me to be rich in the things that are of Him, and not to put my trust in earthly possessions or wealth. No amount of possessions can make me more valuable to God or increase my worth towards Him.
6. Meditate on Ruth 2:12
A. How does Boaz pray for Ruth?
Boaz sees and acknowledges how Ruth has come to trust in the God of Israel, taking refuge “under His wings”. He prays for the Lord to reward Ruth for what she has done (Boaz had heard about Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother in law, Naomi, how she left her homeland and came to live with Naomi and her people)
B. Meditate on this picture. Express what it means to you personally.
I see the contrast between the father’s cloak which spreads out over his shoulders, and yes, like wings. It makes him look warm, welcoming, sheltering, accepting. In contrast, the elder son’s cloak falls straight down and is more closed. Looking at him, one gets a cold feeling that he is closed-off and unwelcoming and judgmental. The father that Rembrandt painted, representing God the Father, is loving, forgiving, merciful, tender, compassionate, soothing, sheltering, protecting, offering refuge.
7. Meditate on Ruth 3:9
A. The word for “garment” is the same Hebrew word as is translated “wings”. What does Ruth ask of Boaz?
Ruth asks Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, because he is the guardian-redeemer of their family. She is, in a beautiful way, asking to come under his protection and care; to become his responsibility.
B. Culturally, at that time, a widow was destitute – could not own property – was among the poorest of the poor. What meaning does this add to the concept of wings?
It really was a very humble request and she was honestly seeing herself as someone who did not have anything to offer to Boaz as in a payment of some kind or anything of material value to give him in exchange. She was also vulnerable, like prey, and unprotected in her culture. She could have been abused, mistreated, taken advantage of. She needed protection and safety, and she sought it under both God’s wings and Boaz’.
I like your contrast between the two “coats” and your description of Ruth’ vulnerability.