This morning, as I was writing in my paper journal with pen and ink (I like writing that way more than on a computer, yes I'm that old), I wrote "god" instead of my usual "God." So I promptly scratched it out and wrote in the capitalized version of the word. Which got me to thinking about how I address God day to day and in writing and conversation. My first question was, "Shouldn't I address Him as Yahweh or maybe Jesus Christ?" Maybe so, but I resolved right then not to get distracted by such debates as I felt that it would probably lead to disputes that are simply not productive. I left it at that for a little bit but then, as I was writing a short prayer at then end of my journal entry, I suddenly realized that God has actually given us the form of address he most prefers, Father. Jesus told us to address him as Father when he gave us the Lord's Prayer, the "Our Father." And, as Paul points out in Romans 8:15, we have been adopted into the very family of God and so we call God Abba! Father! Which I have been given to understand is the Aramaic version of "Papa!" or "Daddy!" It conveys childlike intimacy and confidence in His care and love. So there you go... I don't call my mom "Karen" but "Mom!" I didn't call my Dad "Bob" or "Robert" but "Dad" or "Daddy!" Makes sense to me :-) Abba! Father! Romans 8:12-17 Heirs with Christ 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
I would boycott NBC, if I ever watched it that is. I actually never watch anything on the old line networks, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX. Everything I watch is on the cable only stations... do they still broadcast over the air? Ah well, this story is about the fact that it seems NBC refused to air an ad put together by some Catholic outfit that features an embryo and all of the hardships it faced in early life ending up with the revelation that they were talking about Obama. Here is the ad , check it out and see how unoffensive it is. Like I said, if I watched them I'd quit now. :-/