Cultivating Gratitude- Part 3

 As we move on through the Book of Colossians, we are confronted with our third mention of "Giving Thanks" in chapter 2:6-7. A thankful heart is a mark of Christian maturity!  

The Apostle Paul points out in v.6 that since they received Jesus Christ as their Savior, now they must walk in Him- to live out a life of faith and practice in accord with who Jesus is and in accord with His teaching. Our word for "walk" (περιπατέω) is in the present tense and is an imperative. This means that this is a command from Paul to continuously walk in relation to Christ. Day after day cultivating this walk. How do we do this?

Paul gives four participles in v.7 describing a worthy walk in Christ- how to enjoy a vital union with Christ. 

1) Rooted (ῥιζόω) In Christ: Figuratively here, it means to be firmly fixed, planted in Christ. One is rooted in Christ at the moment one places their faith and trust in the finished cross work of Christ. So now one can begin to grow. We need to remember that we are rooted in Christ. The "tree" can now move upward in physical maturity, and for us spiritual maturity. Sometimes it feels like we struggle to mature in the faith. And that can be very frustrating. But remember, that if you have placed your faith and trust in Christ alone for your salvation, you can mature- the roots are there for the sap to flow and the plant mature (John 15). 

2) Built up (ἐποικοδομέω) in Christ: Paul changes metaphors a bit to a building. The foundation has been laid (strong root system), now the building can be erected. Now again, the grammar is continuous action, therefore this is a process of building. When Christ has free reign over our lives we grow up into a beautiful building- we mature in the faith and gain victories over sin allowing us the shine brightly for Christ's glory! 

3) Established (βεβαιόω) in the Faith: the idea is to make firm, sure, strong and stable. If we are continually maturing in the faith, we become more fixed and stable in our beliefs and usability to God. Observe Paul's words in Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

Notice now in our verse the phrase as ye have been taught. The Colossians matured in their faith through the teaching of Epaphras, possibly other teachers, and through Paul by this letter.  We need to be teachable and learn from solid biblical teaching and preaching. So, as we spiritually mature, we walk in and present to the world a more superior way of life!

4) Abounding in Thanksgiving: Now we come to the "giving of thanks." Of all the things that Paul could present as a worthy walk, notice that he only presents four and the fourth is a life of gratitude! As we are observing through this book, a heart of giving thanks is important to God! It recognizes His greatness, wisdom, power, love, etc. It keeps us focused on Him and not distractions to lead us away from Him. Satan knows that if he can distract us away from the Lord, we will stumble and fall. 

Notice also that Paul adds abounding (περισσεύω) therein- to be in abundance, excess, a picture of a river overflowing its banks. Often in the New Testament the idea is having more than enough. We are to be constantly (present tense- continuous action) overflowing with thanksgiving for all of the many blessings showered on us from God. Read Ephesians 1-2 to observe many of these blessings! A thankful heart glorifies the Lord before all those around us. And many of those around you need to see how awesome your God really is. A life of gratitude is a great and needed testimony before a world of unbelievers under the judgment of God. 

So, gratitude is a mark of spiritual maturity. Are you "growing up" in the Lord? Do you express gratitude before your family, co-workers, in public, everywhere you go? If not, why not? It will keep you focused on the Lord and glorify Him! You can't go wrong with this!! 

Cultivating Gratitude- Part 2

 We are tracing the theme of "Giving Thanks" through the Book of Colossians. The last post observed that we must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart can draw us closer to other believers. 

Today we will observe our second occurrence of "giving thanks" in Colossians 1:10-14. We must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart pleases and glorifies the Lord.

In this text, "giving thanks" is a fourth present participle in a series of participles describing a worthy, pleasing walk before the Lord (vv.10-12). A worthy walk includes being fruitful in every good work (v.10b), increasing in the knowledge of God (v.10c), strengthened with all might... (v.11), and then fourthly giving thanks... (v.12). A thankful heart pleases the Lord because it recognizes the Lord's salvation work on our behalf- recognizes the benefits of that work (vv.12-13). The grammar of v.12a emphasizes our continuous duty before God! 

Now, in vv.12-13 we have three verbal actions, and in v.14 a fourth explanation of why we should be thankful to the Father:

1) He qualified us for a share in the inheritance of the Saints (v.12b): The KJV word "meet" means to render competent or worthy, to make sufficient or fit, to qualify. Through salvation in Christ, we received a standing in God's favor qualifying us for an inheritance far surpassing any inheritance in this life. We can look forward to reigning with Christ in the future Messianic Kingdom and enjoyment of many more kingdom treasures, not the least, living forever with Christ! 

2) He rescued us from the power, authority, and ruling force of darkness (Satan's domain) (V.13a): We were rescued from the hopelessness and misery of our sinful, wretched condition. In Acts 26:18 Paul explains to King Agrippa his mission from God: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." 

3) He relocated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (v.13b): So, the Father relocated us from the jurisdiction of darkness and Satanic forces and resettles us under Christ's domain. We are now under Christ's rule over our hearts and lives. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God." But we also have a great future to look forward to as kingdom heirs who will "rule and reign' with Christ.

4) His Son Redeemed us (v.14): Jesus delivered us from the slave market of sin resulting in the forgiveness of our sins. He purchased us by His own blood! 

As you see, we have every reason to be thankful!! Remember, the "giving thanks" of v.12 is describing a life in Christ that pleases God! 

Think with me for a moment. Paul gave four participles, only four here, describing a life that pleases God. That one of those participles is "giving thanks" emphasizes for us the great importance of this virtue before God. Are you cultivating a heart of gratitude? Is your life pleasing to God? It can be with His help! 

Cultivating Gratitude

 When one studies the Book of Colossians, a theme of "Giving Thanks" emerges from every chapter. It is a minor theme, but an important one. In the next several posts we are going to observe the importance of gratitude- giving thanks. As we explore this theme, take careful note of where this exhortation shows up and be challenged to cultivate a thankful heart. 

The very first occurrence is found in Colossians 1:3. As Paul opens the letter, he quickly recognizes something positive in the believers at Colossae- their maturing faith and love for each other. Understand, Paul did not start the church at Colossae and did not know most of the people. But he heard these positive things, and he was thankful for these qualities in their lives. 

In fact, Paul was thankful to God for maturing these believers through their difficulties (which are revealed throughout the Book). This joy and gratitude led him to pray often for them. Are you thankful for what God is doing in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you even pay attention to the spiritual condition of those around you?

Our gracious Lord can take each one of us with all of our rough edges and mold us into the image of Christ. This ought to excite us and lead us to gratitude towards God for changing lives for His glory! 

Relationships can be hard to develop. Our sin nature often gets in the way. We all struggle with self-centeredness, from one degree to another. So, let us strive to cultivate hearts of thanksgiving for each other! let us pray often for each other! These practices will strengthen relationships and bring unity to our churches. 

Also observe: Romans 1:8; 1Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3; 1Thessalonians 1:2; 2Thessalonians 1:3; 2Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4. 

So, our first point is that a heart of gratitude can draw us closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Forgetting Christ?

It is our practice at Faith Baptist Church to worship the Lord on the first Sunday evening of every month through participating in the Lord's Table, or as some call the communion service. Tonight we will miss participating because of the Covid 19 stay at home orders. This grieves me because it is an important part of our corporate worship to our Lord! We participate, in part, to remember all that Christ has done for us.

This morning I came across a message by Charles Haddon Surgeon entitled "The Remembrance of Christ." He preached from 1Corinthians 11:24. The message was given on a Sunday evening in January of 1855. In this message Spurgeon remarked that the "text implies the possibility of forgetfulness." He went on to say that "Christians may forget Christ." He then again wrote, "Nor is this a bare supposition: it is, alas, too well confirmed in our experience, not as a possibility, but as a lamentable fact."

At first, these statements startled me. I thought to myself "how can a believer forget Christ?" But then it hit me, Spurgeon was right, it wasn't really that hard after all. We allow our minds to be so preoccupied by so many things, and we have an enemy in Satan who loves to distract us from proper meditation on the Lord and His Word!

Consider with me for a moment the phrase "this do in remembrance of me" found in 1Corinthians 11:24, 25. For context, observe the text below.

1Corinthians 11:23-26 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:  (24)  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.  (25)  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  (26)  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

The remembrance statement is a command, and the word for remembrance means to remind, to recall, a memorial so one does not forget. Alexander MacLaren comments, "The real meaning of the words is, ‘Do this in case you forget’; do this in order that you may recall to memory what the slippery memory is so apt to lose-the impression of even the sweetest sweetness, of the most loving love, and the most self-abnegating sacrifice, which He offered for us." 

There are ways in which mankind is very forgetful. The Israelites of the Old Testament struggled with forgetfulness. They quickly forgot the mighty acts that God performed on their behalf! Moses had to continually challenge the people to not forget. Notice in two texts from the Book of Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 4:7-9  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?  (8)  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?  (9)  Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Deuteronomy 6:12  Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Friends, we are not much different from the Israelites of old. And this is why Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit reminded the Corinthians of Jesus' words "do this in remembrance of me."  

How might we forget Christ? Well, every time we commit a sin- we forget about Christ! Every time we tell a lie, respond in anger, take out our frustrations on others, complain about things, act selfishly, etc. You get the point! There are other ways which are more subtle such as mindlessly worshipping on Sunday mornings. Singing great hymns about Christ while thinking about other things. Texting or serfing the web durring the worship service. Or maybe even serving the Lord at church in order to be seen or praised for what you are doing. Or what about Teaching a bible class, then later in the service be gossipping or complaining about someone. See, there is any number of ways in which we can fail to "remember" Chirst. 

Let us guard our hearts and purpose to keep Christ at the forefront of our minds and lives. Let us follow the mindset of Paul in Philipians 3:8 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"  Notice that Paul wanted "win Christ." What does Paul mean? I believe that he is saying that he wants to know Christ better by experience. To enjoy Christ in every aspect of life. It is Christ that fills his life, not the things he lost and gave up. The loss of other things were really no loss at all because Christ fully replaced any percieved or seeming loss. William Hendrickson, commenting on winning/gaining Christ, suggested that in meant "to make Christ more and more fully his own."  Christ was everything to Paul! So, he shared Jesus' words back in 1Corinthians 11:24 that believers are to continuously celebrate the Lord's Table in order to remember all that Christ did for mankind on the Cross. 

So, how forgetful are you? I hope not to forgetfull. Keep Christ as your supreme possession! Look to Him daily! Study His Word daily! Consistantly promote His glory! And we all look forward to when we can once again participate in the Lord's Table in our local congregations with our brothers and sisters in Christ! 

Trusting in the Power of God

Are you struggling with any fears or worries today? If so, we have a Mighty God who is up to the task of strengthening us! Martin Luther wrote in his wonderful hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, "A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing." We have an all powerful God who deeply loves us and desires to strengthen us! I have been greatly challenged by Psalm 86 and find great comfort in David's reminders to us of the power of God to help in our time of need. Take not of verses 7-10:

Psalm 86:7-10 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.  (8)  Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.  (9)  All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.  (10)  For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Notice David's determination to pray in v.7. When trouble came to David he knew enough to bow in prayer. Back in v.1 David asked God to hear (answer) him because he had a great need. David seems to be asking for God's presence to comfort him, but the implication seems to be that he does not "feel" God's presence. So again, here in v.7 David calls upon the Lord. Notice that David is determined to call upon his great God even when he does not "feel" God's presence because he knows the theological truth that God is there for Him. We cannot depend on feelings, but we must depend on God's truth! So David calls upon God through his troubles and trusts that God will answer (v.7).

Notice in v.8 that David understood that the false gods of the nations around him were impotent; no ability to act for they are the figment of man's imagination. What have the false god's ever created or destroyed? Elijah, on Mount Carmel, challenged the worshippers of Baal to call upon their gods to send down fire to burn up their sacrifice (1Kings 18:22ff.). So they cried and cried unto their gods, but nothing happened! Notice 1Ki 18:26-27-

And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.  (27)  And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

But when Elijah called upon Yahweh, the fire came down and consumed his sacrifice (1Kings 18:31-40).  "Gods" of man's imagination can do nothing! So why do so many today, including Christians, look for help and comfort through idols? Yes, idols. When we look to anything other than our God, we are looking to idols. Idols of philosophy. Idols of psychology. Idols of friends thoughts. Idols of our own thinking. We may even turn to the idols of shopping, sports, eating, etc. We may be tempted to turn to anything to find relief from our problems and frustrations. But listen friend, only God can guide, comfort, and help us!

In v.9 David also found comfort that eventually all nations will be brought under the rule of God in the Millennial Kingdom! He had confidence in the Lord's universal sovereignty and saving plan for the Nations. David sees God's mercy extended beyond Israel. The Abrahamic Covenant promised salvation even unto the Gentiles (Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 28:14). As a gentile, I am especially glad that God's care, mercy, and love extends beyond the Jews.

David then again focuses on God's power in v.10. As seen with many of David's Psalms, he drew hope and strength from rehearsing God's wonderful acts. David says that God does "wondrous things." The Hebrew word means to do something extraordinary, or difficult, especially His acts of deliverance and judgment. These are supernatural acts that defy our understanding, amaze us, and cause us to praise Him. Acts like the crossing of the Red Sea, providing manna/food from heaven, providing water from a rock, feeding Elijah by the ravens, and Joshua's crossing the Jordan River at flood stage. Friends, God is all powerful and can help you through any problem that you have today! Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Being good, God is ready to forgive; being great, He works wonders." 

Listen! Things in your life may be discouraging you and may even seem hopeless, but God can fix them or see you through them. Only God can truly help you! There is no where else to turn. Focus on God's mercy, love, and power! Don't turn to "idols." God is able and delights to help His children. There is nothing in your life to great for Him! Deal with your sins (1John 1:9), humble yourself, and turn to God in full trust and watch Him work on your behalf!

The Vital Importance of Prayer

For the Believer in Christ, prayer is of the upmost importance! Unfortunately, I fear that too many of us fail to grasp hold of just how important that it really is for our spiritual maturity. In Psalm 86 we find David in a time of distress. He seems to fail to feel the presence of the Lord in his time of need. But what I love about David is that even though that he does not "feel" the presence of the Lord, he knows that God is still with him as we often witness in his Psalms.  Take note of the first three verses of Psalm 86:

A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.  (2)  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.  (3)  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.

Notice how David pleads with the Lord to hear and answer him. But, even more importantly, notice how David comes to the Lord. He recognizes his spiritual neediness; "poor and needy." We must recognize this same thing. We NEED God daily because as mere humans, we are weak and constantly in need of the Lord for strength! Also recognize in v.3 above that David comes to God in prayer "daily."  David had many physical and spiritual needs that he could not solve himself, so he wisely turned to the Lord. We must follow his example and daily depend on the Lord by cultivating a stronger prayer life.

We find in the New Testament Scriptures a great illustration of the importance of prayer with our Lord's final hours with His disciples in Mark 14:26-51. Turn to and read the passage before you continue reading here.

Notice in verses 26 and following that they left the upper room and headed to the Mount of Olives where Jesus will spend some time with the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. As they are walking, Jesus informs them that they will stumble and turn against Him- Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.  Peter quickly answers that he will never deny the Lord. The others answered likewise. Peter, along with the other disciples failed to recognize their spiritual weakness and constant need for spiritual strength. See, they failed to remember David's Psalms.

Jesus and the disciples finally make it to the garden (Mark 14:32ff.). Jesus instructs eight of the disciples to wait by the gate, possibly just inside of it, while He takes Peter, James, and John further into the Garden to pray. In vv.33-34 Jesus became very distressed and grieved under the pressure of the coming cross experience. I don't believe that we will ever understand what Jesus was going through, but He desired that these three disciples experience some of His grief with Him and to pray with Him. Notice Mark 14:34: "And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch." Jesus instructed them to "watch," to be vigilant and alert. Why? Because their was spiritual danger. Jesus prophesied in v.27 that they would stumble and scatter. Satan was waiting to "devour" them: 1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: We must all be on alert because there is spiritual warfare around us. Satan wants to trip you up- devour you! Prayer is a vital ingredient to our maturing spiritually and being able to "resist the Devil" (James 4:7).

Jesus goes a little beyond them and drops to the ground to pray to His Father in Heaven. Remember, that Jesus came to His disciples twice and found them sleeping. He gently scolds them and reminds them of the great importance of "watching and praying lest they enter temptation" (v.38). Then Jesus makes this remark in the same verse: "The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The spirit is eager- Peter truly believed what he said in verses 29 and 31 that he would not deny or leave the Lord. But what he failed to understand was that the "flesh is weak."

Jesus knew what He was talking about. He knew the weaknesses of mankind. He knew the power of Satan's temptations. Remember Satan tempting Jesus in the desert (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus experienced the full force of Satan's temptations and resisted every one of them. He knows Satan's tricks. You and I end up failing at some point. This is why Jesus challenged His disciples and the Holy Spirit challenges us to "watch and pray."

One last point I want you to meditate on! We have Jesus here praying to His Father. We have Jesus agonizing in the Garden. If Jesus needed to consult His Father, how much do you and I need to pray? We are not Jesus! We do not have His power and strength! We are always needy, even if in different degrees.

So let us learn from David the importance of Prayer. And let us also learn from Jesus' instruction and by His example the vital necessity of prayer. How often do you bring your problems, sins, and concerns to the Lord? How dependent are you upon the Lord! Let me challenge you today to Pray! Pray! Pray!

Walking By Faith

I was greatly challenged this morning as I read the account of Abraham's Faith being tested by God in Genesis 22. In many ways, our faith is being tested now by living during this Covid 19 Pandemic. Fear and anxiety fill the hearts of many, including some Christians. Fear is simply a tool of Satan to drive us away from truly trusting God. So, what does this have to do with Abraham? Well, Abraham's faith was tested through an unusual command of God. Genesis 22:2 "And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." What would Abraham do? How would he handle a situation that was hard to understand? How could God form a nation and keep His promise if Isaac is dead? Isaac was the promised seed through which God would eventually form the Nation of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:15-19). Observe and learn from the great faith of Abraham in God's Promises.

We saw above that Abraham was commanded to sacrifice His son. How could God command this? Human sacrifice was forbidden and was a heathen practice performed by the wicked nations around him. How could one understand this request? But notice that Abraham never questioned God- He simply obeyed. Genesis 22:3 "And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him." We find no questioning or arguing from Abraham. Even though he probably did not at all understand what God was doing, he followed God's order with unfailing trust in God's wisdom.

It took days to get to the mountain as we observe in Genesis 22:4 "Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off." With that amount of time there is a temptation to start to question what you are doing. The mind can start to imagine all kinds of things- twisted things if we don't guard it. But Abraham's obedience here to God's command and word never waivered. Contrasted to Abraham's trust, we find Gideon's hesitancy and little faith in Judges 6. When the Lord visited Gideon and declared to him that he would save Israel from the Midianites, Gideon questioned, gave excuses, and pleaded for signs. Notice these examples:

Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.  Judges 6:17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
Judges 6:36-37  And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,  Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor...

Gideon failed to immediately trust in the Lord's plans and instructions, even though he would go on to do as the Lord asked of him. Abraham did not ask for signs, did not question God, or give excuses, he simply trusted and obeyed. In Genesis 22:9-10 Abraham reaches their destination, builds an altar, ties up Isaac, places him onto the altar, and is about to kill him until the Lord stops him. Notice what God says in Genesis 22:12 "And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."  Observe what God did for Abraham and Isaac: Genesis 22:13 "And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son."

There is one more thing that I want you to observe in Genesis 22. Isaac himself never argued with his father or with God. He too, willingly allowed his father to place him on the altar. Isaac was not a little boy here. Notice the v.5- "And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." The words for "young men" and "lad" are the same Hebrew word. Isaac could have stopped his aged father from tying him up, but he did not! Isaac too, was trusting God!  Abraham passed down his faith and trust to his son Isaac.

So, how should all of this challenge us today in our endurring the challenging time in which we live? We, like Abraham and Isaac must trust in God's Word and promises. None of us know exactly why all of this is happening to us today. It is hard to be confined to our houses and isolated from other people. It is hard to be away from others that we love. It is challenging to do our grocery shopping. It imay be hard to explain to our children. Some are going "stir crazy." As, Christians though, we know that God is still Sovereiegn over it all. God has a purpose for it all. God deeply cares for us as we observe in His Word. Let us walk like Abraham today!! Trust that God knows what He is doing and will see us through what we don't understand. Unwaveringly, follow His will! Completely trust in His care! Immediately obey His Word! and for the parents out there, teach your children to trust the Lord and to find comfort in Him! "Trust and Obey" as the hymn goes.