Who is your favorite movie or TV father figure? Why? What is one way you are like your biological father or a father figure in your life?

This week our guest speaker Dr. Jim Burns showed us that we are called by a Father’s love. Our understanding of the Heavenly Father is directly correlated to our understanding of our earthly father. When some of us think of dads we have incredible feelings, but others feel the opposite. Dr. Burns introduced us to two ways that the Father’s love is described in the Bible. The first is the Hebrew concept of “hesed,” meaning the steadfast, unending love of God. In the book of Hosea, we see a picture of God’s faithful, redeeming love that does not give up on us. The second is the name “abba.” In the New Testament, a new word for the Heavenly Father is introduced: “abba,” which is similar to a child addressing their father as “daddy.” All throughout the Bible, we learn that we are the “apple of God’s eye.” We have a Heavenly Father who knows and loves us. We are called by the Father’s love.

1. Father’s Day can stir many thoughts, memories, and questions, some that are beautiful and others that are broken. When you hear the word “father,” what comes to mind? 2. The word “hesed” means God’s steadfast love and kindness. What are some of the ways that you have experienced God’s love for you? How do you show love to other people? Who is someone that has embodied steadfast love in your life? 3. Dr. Burns taught us that when we view God as our “abba” we can develop an approachable, child-to-parent relationship with Him. Do you think of God as approachable? Is He safe to you? 4. There is a story of an Olympic athlete whose dad helped him cross the finish line after he collapsed in pain. Had God ever met you in your pain? Do you tend to run towards or away from God in your pain?

Spend some time in prayer for the biological fathers and father figures in your lives. Pray for one another’s relationships with the Heavenly Father, whose love for us is steadfast and kind.

Week Seven – June 18, 2017 – Jim Burns