The God of Apple Juice and Spilled MIlk
By Karen Cogan
()
About this ebook
Parenting can be an eye-opening experience. My purpose in writing this devotional and study guide is to compare our experiences as earthly parents to God’s leading and teaching of His children. The similarities give insight into God’s parental nature. In Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) Jesus says, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Of course God is a perfect parent, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
We learn much about God through our love for our children. Let’s explore this idea together!
Karen Cogan
Karen enjoys writing all of her historical romance.
Read more from Karen Cogan
Drip Feed (NHB Modern Plays) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Neighbors: A Christian Christmas Romance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Half Of It (NHB Modern Plays) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSilverton: Claims on the Heart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe God of Apple Juice and Spilled Milk Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWaiting for Mama Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsToo Scared to Move Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Great Camp-Off Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDrip Feed & The Half Of It (NHB Modern Plays): Two Plays Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Mysterious Marquis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Prodigal Heart Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beneath the Northern Lights Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKatrina: Too Far From Home Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIf There Were Two of Me Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Golden Summer: Prequel for MADE FOR EACH OTHER, GRANDMA MANDY SERIES Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Gum Chewing Ghost Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Flower Girl Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSunny Under the Sea: God's Lessons for Little Kids Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLove's Frontier Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBetween Best Friends Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRetribution Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBetrayal Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to The God of Apple Juice and Spilled MIlk
Related ebooks
The God of Apple Juice and Spilled Milk Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYou Got That From Me: Understanding the Truth About God's Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhere is Dad? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMiraculous Or Mere Coincidence? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHands On Parenting In a Hands Off World Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIn My Father's House: Finding Your Heart's True Home Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Heart Like a Child: Believing Without Seeing Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPilgrimage to the Heart of God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFathered By God: Living Securely As His Beloved Child Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Call Me a Mother: A Christian Guide to Be the Best Single Mother You Can Be Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLord, Build Me a House: Restoring the Foundation of Your Sacred Temple Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStamped on Every Child's Heart: Impulsive Behavior Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLove Yourself God's Way Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Child's Mirror Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWrapped in the Father's Arms: The Role of the Father? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTo Be Like Jesus: Christian Devotionals and Bible Studies Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStrength in Waiting Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Second Mile: God’S Love in Action Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsParenting - Raising Kids to Love God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReflections Of A Sheep: The Series - Book Twelve Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPromises: God Doesn’t Break Them—He Makes Them Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChrist with us Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Matter of Perspective Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat Does God Do All Day In Heaven Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsConsider Your Call Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBut God Said I Can…Even Me: Believing God's Magnificent Vision for Your Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsServant Sons and Daughters: Serving Father God from a Place of Sonship Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJOSEPH: Bound Under The Guile Of the Devil...BUT GOD... Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod: Our Father and Mother. A Look into the Spiritual Parenthood of God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMarch is Luck: Women's Daily Devotional, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5NIV, Holy Bible Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for The God of Apple Juice and Spilled MIlk
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The God of Apple Juice and Spilled MIlk - Karen Cogan
FOREWORD
To trust God to act in our best interest is an essential part of growing in faith. Yet, when life seems unfair and our best plans come unraveled, even if we don't say them, many of our childish accusations, once directed at our parents, are now directed at God.
The childish, You're mean,
becomes Why do you let me suffer?
Everyone else gets to...
becomes Why do I have to obey God's moral laws?
Why can't I have what I want?
becomes Why don't You give me everything I pray for?
It isn't until we grow older that we understand how the child's own good lies at the basis of a loving parent's actions. It isn't until we mature in Christ that we understand God’s reactions are also for our own good. His love for us and our love for our children can be compared in common everyday parenting experiences. These experiences can help develop a faith that trusts in God even when we do not understand His actions, just as our children must trust our motives when they do not understand our decisions. This trust can develop a peace in our lives that allows us to direct our energy away from confusion and bitterness and toward trust and acceptance. Let’s begin.
CHAPTER ONE
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
In The Beginning
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep;
Genesis 1:2a (RSV)
Many young couples begin to feel there is a void in their lives that only a child could fill. They long for someone to love and protect, care for and teach. (Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; Genesis 1:26a RSV).
We long for a child, made in our image. When we get the good news, we collect items for the expected arrival and plan the nursery with great care, keeping the baby's needs and comforts in mind, just as God prepared for us. (And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food…
Genesis 2:8 ESV).
Could it be only a co-incidence that the scriptural accounts of God's preparation and feelings for mankind compare so closely with those of human parents for their children? Surely not. Perhaps God, in His wisdom, allows us insight into His nature by allowing us to share, in a small way, in the act of creation and the resulting feelings and responsibilities we share with Him in the act of parenting.
It follows that, until we relate our relationship to God as that of a parent, He may seem far away, His actions difficult to understand. Though we cannot hope to fathom the mind of God, we can gain insight into His nature when we compare our own parenting decisions with the choices God makes for us.
As we love, discipline, comfort, and direct our children, we find parallels of God's love and direction.
Perhaps God planned parenting as one way to understand His love. He invests Himself in us just as we invest ourselves in our children. Whether you are a parent or not, it is my hope these parenting parallels will lead you to a greater understanding of the relationship God desires with you, His child.
In His Own Image
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Want a crash course in unconditional love? All you have to do is become a parent. When I held my first born, I discovered what it meant to love someone with unconditional love. I stared at the red-faced, wrinkled, bundle and marveled that she was part of us. She had her father's eyes and my nose. Even so, when her grandparents came to visit we heard, She looks just like your baby picture,
from each set. Though there may have been some nostalgia at work, she did, indeed, favor us.
I couldn't wait to get her home and watch her grow. I had so many plans for the things I would teach her and the experiences we would share. Though I knew there would be tedious moments when she would try my patience, I knew from her moment of birth, nothing could separate her from my love.
Likewise, the Father of the human race created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them;
Gen. 1:27 (RSV) God’s role as the parent of mankind is confirmed by the beginning of the Lord's Prayer, Our Father who art in Heaven.
And again, when Jesus says, If you knew me, you would know my father, also.
(John 8:19, NIV) He must look at His children and feel an even greater unconditional love than we feel for our newborns.
The Parent Loves First
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19 (NIV)
We love our children unconditionally, simply because they exist. We love them through failures and disappointments. And most remarkably, we love them before they are able to return our love. Likewise, God's love for us comes before our love for Him.
Frederick Whitfield wrote a beautiful hymn that declares in the chorus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus--Because he first loved me!
And God's love for us, like ours for our children, is not based on what we may do for Him. When I resigned from teaching to stay home with my baby, my self-worth unfortunately stayed with my job. I confided to a Christian friend, Now that I'm staying home with the baby, I don't feel important. It's what I want to do, but I don't get the feeling of being respected I did from a career.
Your baby is valuable to you even though she doesn't hold a job, right?
she asked.
I raised an eyebrow. Right.
I suppose God feels the same way about you. It's not the job that makes you important. You are important in God's eyes simply because you exist. You are His child.
She was right, of course. I've yet to hear any parent tell his or her newborn, I'll love you as soon as you make something of yourself. Grow up and become a famous surgeon or a powerful lawyer. Then, I'll love you.
We love our children simply because they are... not because of what they are. It is a love that endures even when we disapprove of words or actions. It is unearned love. It is similar to God's love for us.
The Bible assures us that ...neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39(NIV)
Human parents understand this bond. It begins before birth. There, in the womb, a tiny baby is loved before he can return love or is aware that he is loved. He is loved merely because he exists.
It doesn't matter whether the child will be a boy or girl, have brown eyes or blue, hair or no hair. While they are yet unable to show affection (in fact, the kicks and squirms can be uncomfortable) the parents have a deep love and sense of protection for this small being who has no awareness of them.
Comparing the feelings of human parents to the Biblical account of God, we realize how much we are like children to God. As we kick and squirm our way through life, God watches over us, caring even when we are indifferent or unaware of His interest. Like a baby in the womb, we are loved even when we are unaware of that love.
Love Overcomes Failure
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
1 John 3:1a (NIV)
The fear of failure should not keep us from reaching for the personal growth God wishes us to attain. Though we may feel insecure, we must remember God is not impressed by titles or stations in life. He has often used people of very humble stations for His most important missions.
Along these lines, I am reminded of a story I recently heard. A little boy came home in tears from a baseball game. He told his Dad, I struck out three times in a row and the other kids laughed at me.
The father put his arm around his son and said, We'll work on your batting together. But you know I’ll always like you just as much whether you strike out or make a home run.
That father knew what a hurting child needed to hear. He offered love which could not be bought by success or lost by failure.
Jesus' disciples made mistakes. Yet, he still loved them. They were as close to Him as perhaps anyone could be. Yet, when Jesus was arrested at Gethsemane, all of the disciples forsook Him and fled,
Mt.26:56 (RSV). Peter denied knowing Jesus while Jesus was held at the house of the high priest. He must have felt that he had failed the Lord when he heard the cock crow. His remorse was so bitter that he went out and wept.
Remorse can be a good thing. It can spur us to higher achievements. However, God expects us to move past the remorse, turn to him for direction, and get on with our lives.
Jesus saw the possibilities his disciples possessed instead of their failures. He knew they had what it took to carry on the works he had begun. He entrusted them with his ministry and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus believed in them. This trust inspired them to put their failures behind them and accept God's call.
As we pursue God's will for our lives, He will be with us whether we triumph