September 23, 2025
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Psalm 24:1
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Matthew 6:9
Matthew 6:9
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Let's consider these three titles for a moment.
God the Father
Calling God "Father" was a revolutionary concept in the ancient world, where most religions viewed gods as distant, unpredictable, or wrathful. Yet, when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with, “Our Father in heaven.”
This term conveys love, intimacy, and belonging. A good father provides, protects, guides, and delights in his children. For those who may not have experienced such care from an earthly father, it is profoundly significant that God is not just a father but the Father who never fails.
Consider this: the same God who governs the universe stoops to listen whenever you offer a quiet prayer. That is the essence of Father-love.
God the Almighty
The Creed’s second title for God is Almighty, in Greek, Pantokrator, meaning “the One who holds all things” or “the Ruler of all.” This isn’t only about sheer strength; it’s about sovereignty. God is not merely one power among many, striving to compete or bargain with rival forces, like we witness among so called "world powers" today. God, as revealed in the Bible, is the ultimate authority before whom every power, throne, and dominion will inevitably bow.
When we call God Almighty, we are saying:
Nothing is stronger. Evil may roar, nations may rage, and storms may rise — but none of them outlast His reign (Psalm 46:1–3, 10).
No surprises. God doesn’t scramble to adjust His plans when life feels out of control. He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9–10)
No separation. His power is not theoretical, it is exercised for our good and our salvation. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38–39 that no force in heaven or earth can "cut us off" from God's love in Christ Jesus.
This matters deeply for our daily lives, doesn't it? Think about the seasons of upheaval, when we can feel like we are at the mercy of chance or uncontrollable powers. But confessing and knowing God as Almighty gives us the comfort of stability. We are not drifting on an uncontrolled sea, like it can feel at times in life. Rather, we are held by the One who rules the winds and the waves. This "almightiness" of a Father, means His power is always shaped by His love. His sovereignty is always united with His goodness.
God the Creator
Confessing God as Creator goes beyond simply acknowledging that He made everything. It means recognizing that everything belongs to Him, the earth, our lives, even our time and talents. They are all gifts given by His hand.
What really speaks to me in this is that Creation is good, and it's easy, for me at least, to forget how much joy God takes in the world He made. Genesis reminds us over and over: "And God saw that it was good." The stars, the seas, the trees, and even we ourselves all carry the mark of the Creator.
And if He created us, He knows us intimately. He knows our limits, our longings, our potential. He is not just the beginning of our story, He is its author and sustainer.
Couple questions to think about today:
Which part of this opening line of the Creed speaks most to you today: Father, Almighty, or Creator? Why?
Where do you struggle more: trusting God’s power (Almighty) or His care (Father)?
Let's Pray
Father Almighty,
You are the Creator of heaven and earth. The stars shine by Your command, and the oceans roar with Your power. Yet You call me Your child. Forgive me when I fail to remember Your greatness or when I act as if life is my own. Teach me to find peace in Your strength and love. Help me to see Your hand in creation and Your care in the details of my life. Today, may I walk in gratitude and trust. Amen.
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