1. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. God is not a parent, who sets rules and punishes us when we break them. God is our friend and lover. Jesus is not an icon, incomparably beyond us as standard and judge. Jesus was as human as we are, a brother, and companion on the way.

2. The Spirit does not make us do things against our will. The Spirit persuades through the power that is love. Let us worship God, who set us free for freedom.

3. Lord our God, In our sin we have avoided your call. Our love for you is like a morning cloud, Like the dew that goes away early. Have mercy on us; Deliver us from judgment; Bind up our wounds and revive us; In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4. Psalm 136 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.

5. 7 who made the great lights- His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.

6. 13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. 16 to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever. 17 who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. 18 and killed mighty kings- His love endures forever.

7. 19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. 20 and Og king of Bashan- His love endures forever. 21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. 22 an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever. 23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.

8. 24 and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever. 25 and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

9. Giving thanks

10. God is the highest good.

11. “In considering the beauty of God And rejoicing that he has such beauty.”

12. You are the Lord God, three in one, and one; all good. You are good, all good, highest good, Lord God living and true.”

13. Giving thanks God is the highest good. Praise completes us.

14. I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed.

15. Giving thanks God is the highest good. Praise completes us. It makes us different from the animals.

16. Giving thanks God is the highest good. Praise completes us. It makes us different from the animals. It is a command – in all circumstances.

17. Giving thanks God is the highest good. Praise completes us. It makes us different from the animals. It is a command – in all circumstances. It is an antidote to pride and cynicism.

18. Reasons for praise God is the creator. (v 1-9)

19. "God means us to delight in his world. It isn't necessary to know botany or zoology or biology in order to enjoy the manifold life of nature. Just observe. And remember. And compare. And be always looking to God with thankfulness and worship for having placed you in such a delightful corner of the universe as the planet Earth."

20. Reasons for praise God is the creator. (v 1-9) What has he brought to birth? God is the liberator. (v 10-16) Where are you finding freedom? God is on our side. (v 17-22) How has he supported you? God cares for us. (v 23-25) Where have you found his love?

21. Praise completes others. Who needs thanking and encouragement?

22. My spirit rejoices in God my saviour!

23. Let your balloon go!