Blessed Sunday to you all! 

Prayer:  “Father deepen the magnitude of my spiritual intimacy, intensity and influence upon my world around me by guiding my life and growing my faith through Your Word.  I yield my life to You for that end. Amen.”

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11: 1

Faith is an assurance convinced that God’s promises are so trustworthy that we can base our lives upon them.  Our faith does not depend on the circumstances we find ourselves, but on the certainty of God’s truth we believe. This kind of faith gives us the security on which to hold and to remain steadfast.

If you read this chapter of Hebrews it speaks of faith through the life of Abraham. Pastor Marc preached an awesome sermon on this today with some phrases on faith worthy of committing to memory.  There are two things that really shake our faith; fear and worry.  Abraham in his old age was asked by God to leave all he knew and go into a strange land and begin a nation.  

Faith responds with faith needs security while faith takes a risk.  Abraham did not know where God was going to lead him and his family, but he was willing to take the risk of stepping out on faith and following the voice of this invisible God.  Abraham developed a strong faith because he placed his faith in something strong.  He placed his faith in God.  When God asks us to obey, God gives us His faith and promises to stay with us no matter what, 

Worry wants predictability while faith values hope.  God promised the make a great nation of Abraham.  But Abraham was quite old as was his wife Sarah. Sarah was so worried that she could not give Abraham a son that she had her hand maiden to sleep with Abraham to produce the heir.  God then told Abraham that this was not the son to receive the blessing, but the next one.  God made good on his promise to Abraham and there was a second son, Isaac.  Later in the story of Isaac we read the worst passage in the scriptures when God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac.  Can you imagine Abraham at this point…Abraham sees all of his future in Isaac and God has asked Abraham to part with his past and now is asking him to give up his future. 

Faith in ourselves cancels out God’s faith in us and faith in God cancels out our faith in ourselves. Faith has confidence that every promise of God will be fulfilled. Faith has a commitment that the future God has promised is so sure, we can patiently rest in the present.  So, faith renounces self-dependence, embraces God, and enjoys as fulfilling fellowship with a loving God who is pleased with those who live by faith.

Take joy in the journey.  Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep.  Count your blessings and say your prayers.  Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day.  Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com     

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am only moved by what I believe and I believe God.