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.