From Praying the Names of God Week Twenty-Six, Day Five
The Name
Though the Old Testament provides many rich names and titles for God, the New Testament reveals him most fully. Jesus, in fact, shocked and offended the religious leaders of his day by claiming that he had a Father/Son relationship with the God whose name they feared even to pronounce. Furthermore, by inviting his followers to call God "Father," he made this the primary name by which God is to be known to his followers. That's why we can boldly pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, "Our Father who art in heaven..."
Key Scripture
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
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Friday
PROMISES ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S NAME
What a stunning revelation—that God is not only Lord and Master, the Ancient of Days, the Mighty Creator, the Holy One of Israel, but also Abba. And we are his children, not by virtue of our humanity but by adoption into his family. Because of Jesus our Brother, we dare to call God Father, to count on his compassion, to depend on his provision, to lean on his love.
Promises in Scripture
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing. (Psalms 68:5-6)
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust. (Psalms 103:13-14)
See how the lilies of the field grow.They do not labor or spin.Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of hese. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying,"What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (Matthew 6:28-32)
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
Continued Prayer and Praise
Remember that God was like a father to Israel. (Hosea 11:2)
Ask God for the grace to reflect his character. (Matthew 5:43-48)
Praise God, who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Thank God for calling you to be his child. (1 John 3:1-2)
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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.