Welcome
A Note from The River Church
Thanks for joining us on this six-week journey through the Lord’s Prayer. We hope that this will help you to engage your relationship with our Heavenly Father on a deeper level than ever before. We believe that God wants nothing more than for us to know Him for who He really is: our Father. Prayer can seem intimidating, maybe even mysterious. But when we understand it in its truest sense, conversation with our Father, it begins to shape not just the way we pray, but the way we understand our God.
God is most interested in relationship—an open, ongoing relationship that Scripture often describes as “walking with God.” Life is a process of learning to walk with God, learning to relate and communicate with God. How we interact with God is vital for our lives. Thus, when Jesus is teaching his followers to pray, He is showing them how to walk with God. If walking with God truly is what our lives are all about, praying the way Jesus shows us is a major part of our life. The Lord’s Prayer as taught by Jesus contains six elements. When we learn to pray these segments in the right way, we also will be learning to align our lives with God’s will for us.
But even more than that, we believe that each of the six elements point us to a bigger picture of who God is. While our focus will partially be on the Lord’s Prayer, we want to expand our understanding of God through each of these elements. Below is a breakdown of those elements
The Father’s Character The Father’s Kingdom The Father’s Provision The Father’s Forgiveness The Father’s Guidance The Father’s Protection
It is our hope that each of these elements, not only teaches you how to pray, but more so, how great our God is! As always, know that your church family is here for you as you begin this journey! We love you and are so thankful for you! In Him, The River Church Staff and Elders
Week 1: The Father’s Character
Our Father in Heaven.
Jesus begins his prayer with a simple word that embodies an important relational concept: Father. Jesus uses the Aramaic word Abba, an informal name we often translate as Daddy. It’s an intimate name for our intimate God. None of us will dispute that Jesus could legitimately start a conversation with the Almighty with such a familiar term. Yet how often do we fail to remember that in this prayer Jesus is teaching that all believers have the same right of relationship he enjoys? This relationship also transcends physical presence. God was just as much Jesus’ Father during their physical separation—God in heaven and Jesus on earth—and he is just as much our Father now as he will be when we join him in heaven. Hallowed be your name. God is very close and yet he is very different. We offer respect to our Father and our God for he is holy, with no darkness or sin. We pause to acknowledge that he is what we long to be. Our spirits yearn for this God-likeness to be a reality in us so that God’s glory is revealed to others here on earth.
This week we hope that you can experience the Father’s Character in a way like never before. Our God, who isn’t just almighty, powerful, and sovereign, but our God who is personal. That God wants to know you and for you to know him.
Here are a couple questions to consider this week: • Do I believe that God wants to have a personal relationship with me? • Do I speak to God, not just as a powerful God, but as my Father? • What aspect of my life do I need to invite my Heavenly Father into?
Each day you will encounter a SOAP study. We believe this is a very practical way to study the Bible. Below is an explanation of how to use your SOAP Study each day. S – Scripture - Read the passage of Scripture for todays journey O – Observation - Observe what is happening in this passage? A – Application - How does this Scripture apply to your life? P – Prayer – Write out a prayer to the Lord about His Character Day 1: The Father’s Character
S – Take some time to read Matthew 6:5-9. Read through it 2 or 3 times to really allow the words to take root in your mind.
O – Jesus wants his followers to pray. He wants his followers to know how to pray. One of the first principles that Jesus’ wanted his disciples to know was that prayer is about our Father’s Character. We are praying to the supreme being of the entire universe and yet He is our Father, or more accurately, our Dad. He is entirely different, yet very close. When we pray we acknowledge His Character.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Character
S – Take some time to read Isaiah 40:28. Maybe check out a few different translations of this verse.
O – It is incredibly empowering to know that we serve the everlasting God. Our Father is the Creator of the all the earth. It is comforting to know that when we pray we are communicating with the One who created DNA, stars, light, fish, and bald eagles. He is supreme and yet He is our Father. Relish who you are speaking to when you pray today.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Character
S – Take some time to read Jeremiah 51:19. Read this verse out loud to help you remember it better.
O – Our Father is not just another god. He is not a god among all the gods of the world. He is the only true God. He is the Creator of everything that exists. This is to be celebrated and worshipped. When we pray we call out the Character of our Father as the One who created all things and who knows each of us by name, down to the smallest details of our lives. He is an awesome Dad.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Character
S – Take some time to read Psalm 68:3-6. This would have been recorded as a song. Allow these words to be a form of worship for you today.
O – The author of this Psalm makes a powerful statement when he says, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” It reminds us that our God is a good, good Father. He does all the things that a perfect Father would do for His kids. But we are also reminded that He is different from our earthly fathers, because His dwelling is holy. How mighty is our God, the King of Kings and yet OUR Father.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Character
S – Take some time to read Psalm 103. As you read, note the words that catch your attention the most about who our God is.
O – There are some powerful words about our God in this psalm. He forgives, He redeems, He fills, He gives righteousness, He is compassionate and merciful, He will not constantly accuse us, and He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. While being reminded of all these powerful statements about our God, it also reminds us that, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” His character is something to cling to as we go to Him in prayer.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Week 2: The Father’s Kingdom
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Here Jesus says, “Yes, you’ve been fully adopted into God’s family. You have every right to be talking to Him, but do you realize who your Daddy is? He’s the King!” Not a king, He is THE King. So we say, “I want what you want, Father. Your kingdom is an awesome kingdom of light and love, and I want your kingdom to advance in this world of darkness and hate. My desire is the same as your desire: to see everyone come out of this world of sin and into your kingdom of forgiveness. I want your rule to advance and be known in this world.”
This is something incredible to consider: if the King is our Father, then we are heirs of his kingdom. There is something natural about our receiving it — it's our inheritance. From before the creation of the world, God prepared a kingdom for his children. It is theirs by the right of inheritance. And God does not regret giving you his inheritance he has for you. It is his good pleasure to give them the kingdom. Our God gives good gifts to his kids. Your Heavenly Father has entrusted you with the keys to His Kingdom. He has asked you to live and work in this world as heirs of another world. Our God, fully capable of accomplishing all of this himself, does not keep his kids on the sidelines. He has put us in the game, and empowered us to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth.
Here are a couple questions to consider this week:
• Do I truly understand the value of the inheritance my Father has entrusted to me? • What role am I currently playing in advancing my Father’s Kingdom? • What is one thing I feel like my Father is calling me to in his Kingdom?
Day 1: The Father’s Kingdom
S – Read Matthew 6:10 & Isaiah 37:15-20.
O - Jesus taught his disciples to lean into the truth that our Father is also the King. He encourages us to ask for His kingdom to be made known on this earth. In Isaiah 37 we read a prayer by Hezekiah where he understands that he is talking to the King of Kings when he says, “You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth.” When we fully understand that our Father is also the one true King, we realize that His kingdom needs to be found everywhere. So we pray for a glimpse of His kingdom in our lives and in the lives of those all around us.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Kingdom
S – Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Pray through the passage, asking God to lean into the Lord and his mighty power.
O - As we ask for our Father’s Kingdom to come to earth, we know that there will forces opposed to His Kingdom. Therefore, we have special armor to empower us to help God’s Kingdom be visible in our world. It will not happen without a fight. When we pray for God’s Kingdom, we are inviting conflict and opposition into our lives, therefore, we need to be sure we have the tools to fight.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Kingdom
S – Read Acts 8:4-13. Read it again. Try to imagine yourself in Philip’s shoes.
O - As we ask and seek for the Kingdom of our Father to invade this world and our lives, we understand that we play a role in our Father’s plan. We must not only pray that His kingdom come, but we must also be an avenue for His kingdom. Maybe we speak the gospel. Maybe we create or restore or encourage or declare something that is good news in our context. All these things and more are ways we begin to be an avenue for the kingdom of our Father to come to this earth.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Kingdom
S – Read Matthew 28:18-20. Try to memorize Jesus’ commission to us as his disciples.
O - After Jesus’ resurrection, he went back to heaven to be with The Father. But before he did, he commissioned his disciples to continue the mission of bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. The gospel message is the primary way that earth is transformed. It is the primary way in which all of heaven is manifested in anyway on earth. It happens when Jesus is Lord. It happens when people are healed and transformed by the power of the gospel. This is our mission. May our Father’s kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Kingdom
S – Read Revelation 21:1-7. Close your eyes and imagine what John is seeing. Now consider that your own eyes will see the same thing.
O - In one of the final images found in the Book of Revelation, John is given a vision about heaven. It’s a powerful vision because it helps us see how life in heaven will be lived — “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” When Jesus says we should pray for our Father’s kingdom that is found in heaven to come to earth, he is inviting us into something beautiful and good. When we see the Good News being proclaimed, experienced, discovered, created, or lived out, we should celebrate that a small piece of heaven has just landed on earth.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Week 3: The Father’s Provision
Give us today our daily bread. As humans, we are needy beings. In prayer we can admit those needs. We have physical needs—food, shelter, clothing—that must be met daily. We need health in our bodies. We have spiritual and emotional needs—hope, someone to love, faith—that also must be cared for daily. We need strength in our spirits. All of this is included in “daily bread.” This is where we pull a chair up to our Father’s table. We acknowledge that he has the means to feed us—whatever our hunger is. We go to him with our most basics needs anticipating he will feed us from his bounty. We ask because it demonstrates not only our need, but our trust in his provision for us.
Prayer, however, has become a fast food drive through window of sorts. We believe that God will give us things, so we pull up to the window, place our order exactly as we want it, and expect to receive our answers just moments later. This is not what it means to ask God for our daily bread. Instead it means, asking God, who is our Father, to provide for us exactly what he knows we need in our day. If you are an earthly father, you can relate to the joy of giving your kids what they desire most. It is built within the DNA of fatherhood: to take care of our children. As children of our Heavenly Father, we know that He wants to take care of us. Today, be reminded that your Father knows you, loves you, and wants the very best for you.
Here are a couple questions to consider this week: • Do I believe that God wants the best for me? • What is one thing I need to ask my Heavenly Father for this week?
Once again, each day you will encounter a SOAP study. Below is a reminder of how to use your SOAP Study each day. S – Scripture - Read the passage of Scripture for todays journey O – Observation - Observe what is happening in this passage? A – Application - How does this Scripture apply to your life? P – Prayer – Write out a prayer to the Lord about His Character
Day 1: The Father’s Provision
S – Read Matthew 7:7-11. What phrase is repeated multiple times?
O - In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to approach God, our Creator, as our Father. Like any good dad or mom, our heavenly Dad loves us, feels responsible for us as a part of his wonderful creation, and knows our limitations. Provision begins with simple trust on our part and a willingness to verbally ask our Father’s to provide what we need each day.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Provision
S – Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Read it 2 or 3 times to allow these words to take root in your heart.
O - Are you ever tempted to think you don’t need God’s help? Maybe you silently think, “Hey God, I got this. I can handle paying the bills, putting food on the table. When I really need you, I’ll give you a call.” There is a danger in being completely self-reliant or having more than you need that can set you up for major disappointment when suddenly that’s gone. A steady job, a healthy bank account, a sure retirement - these can be a blessing, but our Father provides for our needs, so we in turn will care and share with others.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Provision
S – Read Psalm 23:1-3. Do you believe that you have all that you need?
O - Another picture of our Father is one of a shepherd. While not too many people in Indiana herd sheep, maybe you have had an experience caring for a dog, cat or some other kind of pet. It doesn’t take much to realize a pet is far from self-sufficient. They depend on us to anticipate and make provision for their daily needs. In much the same way, that’s the kind of heavenly Father we have - one who anticipates, provides and gives us everything we need.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Provision
S – Read Philippians 4:18-19. What needs do you have today that you need to ask your Father for?
O - Our heavenly Father provides in many ways for us as his children. One way is through other people. The Apostle Paul experienced this in his church- planting work. He was often traveling and planting new churches and had limited time to do other work and support himself. God provided for him through people kind enough to host him in their homes or through churches sending him financial gifts to meet pressing needs. You may not be on the move like Paul, but God provides for you so you in turn can share with your church family, with a neighbor in need or even a random stranger who needs the love of Christ.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Provision
S – Read John 6:35. Have you ever experience real hunger or thirst? Consider the moment that your hunger or thirst was quenched. How did you feel?
O - Most of us spend a lot of time, energy and money taking care of our basic physical and emotional needs. Yet the greatest need of any person is to be in relationship with their heavenly Father. Making that possible is why Jesus came to this earth. He offers himself as “the bread of life” that can satisfy the deepest hunger of our souls. As you learn to trust him in every aspect of your life, he in turn gives you an unlimited, unending supply of the kind of life that brings real joy, peace and satisfaction.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Week 4: The Father’s Forgiveness
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
God has given us territory that is ours, and his provision within that territory is full and without want. Yet for some reason we often stray from our land and try to take what is not ours. We trespass into our neighbor’s land and incur a debt we cannot pay. When we transgress against another we are saying, “God, what you have given to me is not enough.” And for this we must ask forgiveness. We need to be aware that God has set a path for us; he has called us and given us a destiny. In this prayer we are asking God to help us not to stray from his place within his kingdom. And when other people stray from their path onto ours, hurting us and abusing us and causing us pain, then we need to forgive them as God has forgiven us. “Keep us, Lord, from being indebted to you in withholding forgiveness from others.”
Forgiveness is an unpopular concept in today’s world. Why would you release someone from the debt that they owe you? This is an all-too familiar position that many of us find ourselves in. We often justify our feelings because of the magnitude of what that person did to us. We want that person to suffer because they have caused us to suffer. Thank God that our Father did not say that about us. In the midst of our sin and debt that we have accrued against him, he forgave us. So in the same way that our Father has forgiven us, we must learn to forgive others.
Here are a couple questions to consider this week: • In what aspect of my life have I said to God, “What you have given me is not enough?” • Do I struggle to forgive others? Is there someone I have not forgiven? • Do I truly grasp the magnitude of the debt that my Heavenly Father forgave for me?
Day 1: The Father’s Forgiveness
S – Read Romans 5. What words or phrases stand out to you the most?
O - It is great news that our Father loves us so much that he sent Jesus to earth to redeem us from our sin. So much difficulty has come to the earth through the sin of Adam. But the good news of the gospel is that forgiveness and righteousness has come through Jesus. This is worth thanking our Father! Is forgiveness is available to any and all. Isn’t this great news?
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Forgiveness
S – Read Colossians 3:1-17. After you’ve read it once, read this passage in a few different translations.
O - As we begin to live and lead like Jesus, our lives begin to be transformed. Some things are put to death in our hearts and in our actions. Paul describes in vivid terms the contrast of a life with God and a life without God. One of the statements that he makes is to “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” When we pray for our Father’s forgiveness we are also reminded of those who need our forgiveness.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Forgiveness
S – Read Matthew 6:14-15. As you read, take an honest look at your heart.
O - Jesus makes a bold and difficult statement about forgiveness. He doesn’t mince words. He says that our forgiveness is impacted by the way we forgive others. That is a strong statement that affects every single person. Consider these words and consider your response as you pray about our Father’s forgiveness in your life.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Forgiveness
S – Read Luke 7:36-50. After you have read it, read it again, putting yourself in the position of the woman.
O - In this story we see a beautiful picture of a life that understands how much they have been forgiven. Jesus says, “I tell you, her sins—and they are many— have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” As we live with the reality that our sin separates us from our Father, when we receive His forgiveness, we pour out our worship to Him.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Forgiveness
S – Read Psalm 51. The Psalms are great because they are so real. Can you relate to the words David is speaking?
O - David opens his heart in this Psalm as he seeks the forgiveness of His Father. What he did was pretty significant. And he was caught. But David’s heart is evident in this prayer of repentance. Our Father is looking for sincere and broken hearts concerning the sin in our lives. And when we see it, he lavishes grace upon our lives. This is the nature of our Father’s forgiveness.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______12
Week 5: The Father’s Guidance
Lead us not into temptation.
Up until now, the prayer has been dealing with our relationship with the Father and with those around us. Here the prayer changes, now dealing with us going out into the world with the message of God’s love and forgiveness. “When you take us out into the world, Father, to do your bidding, to advance your kingdom, give us the strength to be in the world but not of the world,” to be salt and light in a bland and dark world. This might seem overwhelming, maybe even fearful for you. But consider for just a moment the magnitude of the mission. The God of Heaven sends us out to accomplish his purpose, to advance his Kingdom.
God our Father sends us out into the world, but he does not do so without first preparing us. Before we ever step foot into this mission our Father equips us and empowers us with everything we need to be salt and light. The greatest thing He gives us is his Spirit. The breath of the living God is within you. His Spirit is guiding you, leading you, empowering you, every day to be bold and fearless for the Kingdom of Heaven. Praying that God would “lead us not into temptation,” is to say “God direct my steps where you please.” It is to say “Father, through the power of your Holy Spirit, keep me focused on the mission you have called me to. Do not allow Satan to entice and distract me from the life that you have for me.”
Here are a couple questions to consider this week: • Do I feel like God has empowered me to accomplish his mission? • Are there areas of temptation in my life that have distracted me from God’s call on my life? • What do I need to ask God to do to refocus me to be salt and light?
Day 1: The Father’s Guidance
S – Read Isaiah 30:18-33. Once you have read it, read verse 21 out loud a few times.
O - The prophet Isaiah speaks about God’s guidance of his people. Have you ever felt lost and alone? Do you currently feel that way? Verse 21 tells us that if we listen, there will always be a voice behind us, leading us in the way we should go. As a parent, we want nothing more than to help our kids take the “right path.” Our Father is no different. He is with you today. He wants to lead you in the way you should go. As you spend time in prayer today, ask your Father to direct your steps.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Guidance
S – Read John 14:15-29. What is Jesus saying about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
O - Jesus begins with some really difficult words. Obey my commands. While this sounds like a difficult and daunting task, Jesus never intended for our obedience to be done in our own power. In fact, he knew we needed help. So he gives us the thing we need most. His very Spirit. The Greek word for Spirit here is “pneuma.” This literally means the “breath of God.” Did you know that God’s very breath lives inside of you? Your Father wants to guide you. He wants to lead you and empower you today through the Holy Spirit.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Guidance
S – Read Psalm 25. Take note of the words David uses, asking God to guide him. How many phrases do you see (Example: “Show me. Lead me.” etc).
O - David knew that God was not just a holy sovereign God. He was his Father. In Psalm 25, we don't just read of a man crying out to his God for guidance. We read of a son desperately calling out to his Heavenly Father. And here is the great news: The God of King David is the God who knows and loves you. He is your Dad. He is after your heart. Take some time today and personalize Psalm 25 to your own life. What words would you use to ask God to guide you with?
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Guidance
S – Read John 15: 1-19. How does the example of a grapevine illustrate God’s guidance in your life?
O - John 15 is a beautiful picture of God’s love and guidance over his kids. Jesus says “Remain in me.” Maybe your translation says “Abide.” God wants us to learn to rest in him, to stay close to him. In fact, Jesus says we can’t do much of anything outside of abiding in Him. Do you feel as i you are abiding with Jesus? How incredible that the creator of the universe wants you to stay close to Him. His guidance in our lives begins when we rest in his arms.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Guidance
S - Read 2 Timothy 3. Do you see any of these themes in our world today?
O - Paul charges Timothy to stay true to his faith. That is very difficult to do in such a dark world. Yet our Father has not left us alone. He has given us His Spirit, but he has also given us His Word. One of the greatest ways that God directs us is through the Bible. Verse 16 says that all scripture is God inspired. It is used not only to teach us, but to guide us. Are you a student of His Word? What steps do you need to take to be more faithful to the Word of God?
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Week 6: The Father’s Protection
And deliver us from the evil one.
Our souls have an enemy, and his devices of evil include temptation to participate in that evil. If we are led astray by his temptations, eventually we will end up in his hands. The evil one comes only to steal and to kill, says Jesus. He wants to steal our health, steal our joy and our love. If he is successful in his endeavors, we will enter into an eternal death in which we will forever be separated from the love of Christ. We are praying that God would keep us safe as we venture through life in the Lord’s service.
It is easy to journey through life and completely miss the fact that there is a cosmic battle taking place. This battle isn’t over land or countries. It is a battle for your heart. Satan and his schemes want nothing more than to distract you and lead you astray from the life that your Father has for you. As a Father who desperately loves His kids, God wants to protect you. He wants to fight for you. He wants to deliver you.
Here are a couple questions to consider this week: • Am I being attacked by Satan in any area of my life? • Has the enemy distracted me from the life God has called me to live? • What do I need to be delivered from today?
Once final time, each day you will encounter a SOAP study. Below is a reminder of how to use your SOAP Study each day.
S – Scripture - Read the passage of Scripture for todays journey O – Observation - Observe what is happening in this passage? A – Application - How does this Scripture apply to your life? P – Prayer – Write out a prayer to the Lord about His Character
Day 1: The Father’s Protection
S – Read Exodus 14. While this might be a familiar story to you, read it through the lens of a Father who wants to protect His kids.
O - Moses and the people of Israel found themselves in a situation we can all relate to. Our enemies are pursuing us on all side, and our backs are against a wall. For Israel, their backs were against a literal wall of water. Today you might feel empty. Attacked. Beat down. Moses’ words to the Israelites must be our words as well when we are faced with all sorts of trouble. Read Verses 13-14 again. Put yourself on the receiving end of these words. “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Do you believe that your Father is your protector?
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 2: The Father’s Protection
S – Read Psalm 34. Once you've read it, read verses 19-22 a few times.
O - David found himself with his back against the wall. Once again his Father has come through for Him. And his response is worship. Our God is a protector. He is your protector. Do any of the words in this Psalm resonate with you? How about “He freed me from all of my fears?” Maybe for you, you need to hear that “ The Lord protects the bones of the righteous.” Whatever situation you find yourself in today, remember that the God of Heaven is fighting for you.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 3: The Father’s Protection
S – Read Nahum 1. Yes, that’s a book in the Bible!
O - Nahum is one of the most unread books in the Bible yet it contains so much wisdom about the protection and love of God. Nahum was a prophet who warned Nineveh of God’s anger towards their sin. While that might sounds as if God is just an angry God, the true purpose of Nahum is to show these people that our God is good. And He is strong. Yet so often, we think we can walk through life without Him. Read verse 7 again. Say it out loud. Believe these words today. “The Lord is good. A strong refuge when trouble comes.”
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 4: The Father’s Protection
S – Read Isaiah 43:1-13. There is a lot of imagery in this passage. Take some time to imagine these words in your mind.
O - There is an important word to note in this passage. Can you find it? The word is “when.” Notice that the passage does not say “if.” There is a big difference between “if troubles come,” and “when troubles come.” The Bible is clear that our faith is not an automatic easy ride through life. In fact, it says elsewhere that the rains fall on the just and the unjust. Everyone is going to experience difficulty in life. The question is, will you allow him to go with you. This passage depicts a Father who doesn't allow his kids to be burned by the fire, or swept away by the waters. What fires or floods are you currently drowning in? Be encouraged today that Lord your God, your Dad, is with you.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______Day 5: The Father’s Protection
S – Read Revelation 21. We read this passage a few weeks ago in the Father’s Kingdom. But lets read it from the perspective of the Father’s protection.
O - What a picture. Verse 4 depicts a Father wiping away tears from his child’s face. A Father who is preparing an eternal place of protection. A place for the Family of God to dwell with our Dad. Forever. While we toil and suffer here on earth, it is easy to doubt or forget God’s protection. As we’ve studied this week, life is hard. Read John 16:33. Jesus says life is full of trouble. But we are to fear not. Because He has overcome the world. He is seated on High at this very moment. May we finish this study celebrating the fact that no matter what curve ball the world throws at us, our Dad is our protector. And His love for you is fierce. It is strong.
A – How does this passage apply to your life?
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P – Write out a prayer to the Lord ______A Word from The River Church
We hope that this six-week journey has encouraged you, challenged you, and made you draw closer to the God who knows and loves you. We hope that as you conclude this study, you would see this as just the beginning of a life committed to prayer and study of the Word of God.
Some of you might have a next step from of this study. Maybe for you, it is a newfound priority on studying the Word. Maybe you are ready to take the bold step in your faith in baptism. Whatever your next move is, we pray that the God of Heaven would fill you with all encouragement and wisdom through the power of His Holy Spirit. And as always, please know that your church is here for you. We want to help lead and guide you towards a life of living and leading like Jesus.
Wherever you are at in your faith journey, we hope that this study has helped you understand that the God of Heaven is the Father of your heart. You are known and loved by the Creator of the Universe. And as His son or daughter, you are His pride and joy. May we together as a body of believers live confidently in our identity as the children of God.
In Him The River Church Staff and Elders
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1. Extra Notes