Sunday Morning, June 20, 2010,

Today is Fathers Day!

Our fathers were given a nice take-away package that included a book called Fathers of the Bible, a devotional book marker, some handy little "tools", a 4 color ink pin, and a comb. Some of us will have to give the comb to someone else to use!  :o) Sis Melody always does an excellent job putting these types of giveaway packages together for special occasions. She is very creative.

There were several who were out today; some on vacation, some at a campmeeting, and some out of town visiting with family. We were glad to have two visitors with us in honor of Fathers Day, Daniel and Jason.

One of our own fathers, Bro Dillow, brought a lesson based on the "faith chapter" of the Bible, Hebrews 11.  We read through each account and noted that while they were put forward as pillars of faith, some of the individuals listed in this chapter had great failures in their lives. Yet, they recovered and did great things for God.

We also talked about the difference between hope and faith. Faith will move one to take action and goes beyond hope. Faith is like planning a vacation; having anticipation, planning, preparing, buying plane tickets, getting a rental car, planning meals, etc. Sometimes, we actually get vacation bills  before we even go on vacation. Faith is a verb, not a noun!

Finally, we discussed the fact that the Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming messiah. Many of them died in the faith, having never obtained the promise of the Messiah. We look backward to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In this modern day, there are many things that work against our faith. Modern conveniences, living in a land of luxury, available social services, technology, etc... all can play a role in exercising or not exercising faith. But one thing is certain, "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is rewards those that diligently seek him. "

May we be found "faith-full."