The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that “little is much when God is in it”. May we always be faithful in the little things so God can use it for His glory.

The parable of the treasure or pearl of great value is a great lesson for us. The kingdom of heaven is of great value. So valuable we should give up everything for the kingdom. But another aspect we need to think about is how valuable we are as well. Jesus gave up everything to offer us relationship. That is valuable.

Jesus speaks in parables in Matthew 13. The first one reminds us not to let the adversary get us off track.

Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that there are two paths and we have to choose one. There isn’t a middle ground. There will come a point of time in our life that we have to make a decision. Either we live our life for God or for ourselves.

Thomas in Christian circles is usually referred to as Doubting Thomas as a negative. But doubting or having questions aren’t a bad thing. We see that in Jesus’ actions, meeting Thomas in his doubt and drawing him out of it.

In Acts chapter 2 we have a story of how the Holy Spirit came upon those who were gathered to pray as Jesus had told them to. In that moment their purpose shifted. The Holy Spirit now empowered them to move forward and tell others about the good news. To be disciples who make disciples.

Isaiah chapter 6 is a powerful chapter. May we understand how big God is and be willing to be sent out.

Jesus washed feet and instructs us to do the same.

The story in Exodus 33 is at opposite ends of spectrum from Exodus 32. The people wanted a presence even if it was a false one, Moses only wanted God’s presence. Where do we fall on the spectrum?

Ezekiel was given a vision of a stream of living water. Where it went life was abundant. It is much like the vision given to John that he writes about in Revelation. We can agree where God’s presence is there is a change of landscape. How do we as a church help God’s mission be carried out here in Chariton?

Ezekiel has a vision of standing in the valley of dry bones. God tells him to prophesy to the bones to come to life and the form flesh and tendons. Then God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath. When the breath comes in the landscape is changed. What was once dead is now back to life.

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?