When Jesus taught us to pray we are asked to pray to our father. That wouldn’t have been how they prayed to God back in that time. To see God as a father would be somewhat controversial. But that is part of what Jesus calls us to see, that God is a father figure. We might have had truly the world’s greatest dad, or a dad who wouldn’t win awards. No matter what we have the best Heavenly Father far better than any other.

Today we look at the name Yahweh. It was a reminder to the Israelites that God was present, is present and will always be present. It is a reminder to us today as well.

Who is God? Is that a question we can give a personal answer to? Will we just give the Sunday School answers? Have we had personal experiences with God to where we can tell others that might ask who God is? The names that the Israelites called God in the Hebrew spoke about different aspects of who God is. Join us as we look at these names.

Paul prays a prayer that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. There is a growth of grace that happens after entire sanctification. Part of that is a growth of love, a holiness of heart and life. Christianity was never meant to be just knowing the Sunday School answer but also living that.

Psalm 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, even when we feel the world is falling down around us. We don’t look at our circumstances because we know that God can use any situation for good. So we live with hope knowing that no matter what He is in control. Let us contemplate that thought and remember that we are called to be prisoners of that hope.

Rahab’s story usually isn’t a story that is told on Mother’s Day but it is an important one. We see a woman who hasn’t necessarily lived a holy life come to know God and live out her life leaning into what He has for her. It proves to us one chapter doesn’t tell the whole story.

Joshua I’m sure had a lot of anxiety leading the Israelites into the promised land. Even though he knew which way he was going there was probably still anxiety. So God says be strong and courageous. That is our message as well.

As Jesus is speaking during the Sermon on the Mount He gives this line about not giving what is sacred to dogs or pearls to swine. It seems so random. What is He even talking about? Discernment. We need to have the ability to discern. But what do we mean by that? We will talk about that today.

He has risen! He has risen indeed! A battle cry that helped people at that time realize what the resurrection meant. They realized the power that the resurrection brought. What this meant for them. What does it mean for us?

The Israelites were given a choice of comfort or uncomfortableness multiple times during the Passover. They continued to choose comfort. When given that choice what do we choose?

Ephesians tells us to give our lives as a fragrant offering. I can imagine the extravagant love that is talked about in Ephesians is best shown in the story of Mary of Bethany. She broke out expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. What an extraordinary act of love.

Peter’s action in denying Jesus the night Jesus was betrayed wasn’t good. But I am so thankful that we get to see the redemption arc of Peter’s life. Peter’s failure isn’t the final word. We see though through that situation that Peter was remorseful for his actions. We can’t just pass off our failures we need to be remorseful and repent.

On the night they celebrated with the Passover meal Jesus was washing feet, even the feet of Judas. All while the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest. Our call is to Christlikeness, to serve, to humble ourselves instead of trying to grab power.

The call to discipleship is not something to come into lightly. May we understand that call.

One thing that should be a distinction of Christians is the way we love God and love others. We don’t do it as an obligation but a desire. When asking the question what should we do knowing what God has done for us John tells us to love not just by saying we love but showing it through our actions.

John says this is how God shows His love among us that He sent His Son that we might have life through Him. What does that even mean? Join us today as we think about that question.

In first John we read God is love. John makes that statement twice! There doesn’t need to be a qualifier added onto that statement. God is love. The more we understand that the more that love will overflow in our lives.

James says that faith without works is dead. A pretty bold statement that some have agreed with over the years and some have disagreed with over the year. Being Wesleyan we believe that good deeds overflow from our faith. We will discuss that today.

We finish out this series on giving with Paul talking about this indescribable gift given to us- Grace. May we give Grace as generously as we are given it.

In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about this offering that is going to take place and gives the church some reminders on giving. Today we are reminded that we are a Kingdom of priests that are called to give what God asks us to give so that others can give Thanksgiving to God.