I heard someone say that his relationship with God could be reduced to two understandings when it comes to receiving the Lord's love as described in Romans 8. He said God is intimacy and God is acceptance since nothing can separate you from the love of God; except yourself that is. That separation is best described in the three temptations of Christ as outlined in Matthew 4. Read also Romans 1 since you could turn any wood carving of a Rhino or a plastic uh Ken Doll into your first love. There is nothing wrong with Ken really. He had nice sweaters but you have to have a balance since plastic is not everything. You can control it but it cannot not answer back if spoken to. That separation is also described in the book of Jude and Proverbs 2. The spirit of wisdom is depicted as a woman; a sister, a relative. God is depicted as a father. Either way, Jesus is described as a friend that sticks closer than a brother. The end result is that values such as friendship or love in the word of God have no gender import. They are modelled on sincerity as in sincere friendship or sincere intent to love. See 1st Corinthians 13. As such, there is a concept known as the breast of God. The Holy Spirit is described as comforter but necessarily as the breast of God. There are many other descriptions so stay close and ask for more as you find your new dependence in and upon Christ. God never made anything that he did not accept. So, unravel that tight wire coil of emotions with a little forgiveness and receive all that God had in mind for you. If all else fails as you try to understand Matthew 4,5,6 and 7 listen to Yoda in Empire Strikes Back. He is just a science fiction metaphor for Jesus who was born, who lived, died and rose again for something very important. Baptists, Pentecostals and every church that finds its origins in the book of Acts can agree to that. The bible is just a good foretelling of how your best friend might treat you if he is your best friend. So read it a lot.