Exercise

Heart Guide for Lesson 10:
The Father's Heart of Love

Write a list of what your earthly father seemed to be like when you were very young. If he was absent by death or duty or had abandoned the family, be sure to put that on the list - even if you didn't actually know him. Perception is often more important than reality in the shaping of our emotional life. Remember the world, flesh and devil were at work to mis-shape your personality when you were very young. Having been wounded is not your fault; having 'acted out' is.
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

Write another list of what you have deep down thought (or feared) your heavenly Father was like when you were in painful or scary trials. Trials have a way of bringing the secret thoughts of our hearts up to the surface (see Job 23:13-17). Don't gloss over your feelings with a religious veneer. Remember them just as they were.
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

Do you see any connections? Make careful note of them and pray over them.
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

Return to The Father's Heart of Love: Head to Heart Guide for more ways to go deeper into these truths or stay 'on course' by going to the...