Mr. Gary Antion

Sermon Transcript

June 2, 2001

God's Faithfulness

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel and the lion’s den. Samson and the Philistines, All are examples where God’s Faithfulness came into play in delivering His people. God's Faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7 verse 9, we read a wonderful scripture. And I would like to focus on this one aspect for us to look at today. [9] Know therefore — Moses writes, or the author of Deuteronomy, we believe Moses did it or whoever was writing it for him, or he did it himself — Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God... Your God is not just A God. Your God is The God. The Faithful God. And, the word for faithfulness comes from the Hebrew word, let me give it to you exactly, EMUNAH (em-oo-naw’), and it literally means ‘security, moral fidelity’. It’s also translated faithful, faith, faithfully, faithfulness. It means to set in an office, it means stability, it means steady, it means truly, it means truth and it means verily. So God is the God who is faithful. You can count on Him. He’s steady. The Faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. God keeps His agreements. God is One who keeps His word.

Sometimes, we don’t claim the promises of God and sometimes we don’t rely enough on them. We read in Romans 4:21, talking about the example of Abraham which we are going to read about in a moment, that he staggered not. When God told him, you are going to have a child he was seventy-five, Sarah was sixth-five. He didn’t stagger at those promises. [20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief...this is verse 20...but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And notice the type of response that Abraham felt toward God’s Faithfulness. [21] and being fully persuaded...fully persuaded, completely convinced...that what He had promised...that is, what God had promised...He was able also to perform. God is Faithful. God promises His Faithfulness to us. Do we believe it?

I want to show us today; let’s all take a look and see some vivid examples of biblical accounts that show God’s Faithfulness to His people. Because I believe as I read the scripture, faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God. And that we may all grow in being more faithful - full of faith - as we look at these wonderful scriptures that God has inspired and preserved for you and me. And they are awesome scriptures. I just picked some. I mean, I could give you lots of them, but I just tried to pick out some examples. You’re familiar with many of them. I hope you can learn something from them, perhaps, as we look at them and go through God’s Faithfulness and how we can trust in His Faithfulness, and how He will always be there for you and for me.

So first, let’s take a look at Abraham’s example. And I don’t want to spend too much time on Abraham, though I thought it was a wonderful place to start since Abraham is called the Father of the Faithful, the father of those who are full of faith. I think it’s essential that we look at it and say, do we have faith like this? And, do we trust God? And do we also see the Faithfulness of God in delivering.

So, let’s do a brief scan of some of the major events in the life of the father of the faithful. Genesis chapter 12 and I am going to read a couple of verses in each of these chapters just to give you the sense of God’s call of him.

Gen. 12:1-4 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your own country, from your kindred...your people...and from your father's house, and go into a land that I will show you. Move away from your family. I’m going to show you a land somewhere out there. I am going to show you a land that is for you. [2]I will make you a great nation; and I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.

[3] I will bless them who bless you, curse him that curses you; and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed. This sounds like a very nice promise. Only one problem, they didn’t have a child. Huh, how am I going to pass this on? [4] So Abram departed...Abraham departed. Doesn’t say he kicked up any fuss, didn’t say let me go bury my dead, let me go say goodbye to my dad, oh my parents, oh my brothers, oh my sis... Oh! -- He said, I’ll do it. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran. And he took Sarai, his wife and Lot; he took them with him. Sarai was sixty-five, sixty-five years old. So, seventy-five and sixty-five. God’s going to bless me. Boy, I’m going out of here highly charged. Then he started thinking, wait a minute now, God’s going to bless us and I am going to have all these blessings, but how do I pass these on to my children?

Gen. 13:15-16 we see the promise repeated. God says, ...for all the land which you see, to you will I give it and to your seed forever. I’m going to give it to you and your progeny. I’m going to give it to you and your children and your children’s children and your children’s children’s children. I am going to give it to you. It is going to be all for you. And Abraham’s listening. Okay. Yeah, okay, sounds good. [16] And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth...there are going to be so many you would never want to count them...so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then shall your seed also be numbered. Now, we have problems with the census in America let alone census in other countries that are considered Israelitish countries and descendant of Abraham and the recipients of Abraham’s blessings because of God’s Faithfulness. So, he promises it.

Gen. 15:1-6 Abraham is beginning to wonder what is going on here now. You know, time is passing. I don’t know what age he was here, it doesn’t tell us, but at the next ‘age check’, he is already eighty-six. So, between seventy-five and eighty-six this occurs. After these things he is thinking about it, you know, God has promised me seed. Maybe it is my servants that are born in my household. After all, they are born in my household; maybe they are the ones. [1] After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward. I’ll bless you. [2] And Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?" [3] And Abram said, "Behold, to me you have given no seed; and lo, one born in my house is my heir!" Do you want me to give it to the servant? You know he is born in my house, maybe that’s what you mean by it. I have no children. You promised me a seed. Maybe it’s my servant. [4] And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be your heir...that’s not the way I’m going to do it. ...Saying, this shall not be your heir, but he that shall come forth of your own bowels...of your own inner parts...shall be your heir. [5] And He brought him forth abroad, and He said, look now toward the heaven, and tell the stars, if you are able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall your seed be. Innumerable. It’s hard to believe when you don’t have any children. [6] And he believed in the LORD...he believed God...and He counted it to him for righteousness.

It’s a little hard to believe when every month goes by and you expect a child and you are childless. My wife and I were four years childless right out of the chute. We were married in ‘63 and after a year of trying to get to know each other better as a husband and wife we decided to start having children. After all, we want to have a child at least nine years old when ’72 comes. Of course it wasn’t going to be — or even eight years old out of ’64; we thought ’72 was going to be the end... Let’s see if we can have some children here, anyway. And, no children. No children for one year. No children for two years. No children for three years. No children for four years. And then, we asked Mr. Armstrong to anoint us in January of '68. And in February of ’68 my wife conceived. It was a miracle, a blessing from God. We tried everything. We tried every approach; we tried every method; we tried every system that we could think of. None of them worked! But, you know what? God works. And we had resolved in our minds that we would be childless for the rest of our lives. We resolved. So, I can know what must have been going on here, they are waiting and the years are passing and there are no children.

So, chapter 16 and verse 15, the whole of chapter 16, but I won’t read it all. They said, Let’s do it our way. Let’s do it our way! Hey, Sarai is getting a little tired waiting and she said I’ve got it! You have a child by my handmaid. She’s my handmaid. You give her the sperm. She conceives and she can have a child. It will be part yours and part hers and since she’s part mine, it’ll be mine, too. There! We’ve got it! We’ve figured it out! This is the way God want’s us to do it!

Gen. 16:15-16, Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael. [16] And Abram was fourscore-and six years old...so, here he was eighty-six...when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. Eighty-six years old. The promise was made at seventy-five, waited fourteen years, nothing. Let’s take it into our own hands. Let’s do it our way.

Chapter 17 — now he’s ninety-nine. By this time his son, Ishmael, is thirteen. He’s a teenager. He’s in YOU (if there were one back there, or whatever it is, United Youth camps or corps or whatever...) Gen. 17:1 And when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him... You know, God sometimes will let us go on our own way, you know, let us go on our own path. He didn’t intervene and say "No, you are not going to have it, I am going to block you and you are not going to have it, you bad boy. You should have done this." No, you see, God’s promise is still there. God’s Faithfulness is still there. ...He said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be perfect. [2] And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. And Abram thought, boy, yeah, I’ve got a son now, right, you are going to multiply me. Ishmael and all of his kids. What a great thing! [3] Then Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying...so, here He is giving him this instruction. [6] And I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings shall come out of you. [7] And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your seed after you. So, he is saying, hey, here is what I am going to do.

Verse 16 Now, he comes down and changes the name of Sarai, which means contentious — some say contentious, some say bitter — changes her name to Princess. Sarah. Princess. So, He says in verse 16, And I will bless her...your wife...and give you a son also of her: yea, I will bless her. She shall be the mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. And verses 18 and 19 - what was Abraham’s reaction? Abraham said to God, O that Ishmael might live before you! We don’t need another one. I’ve already got one. Besides, I’m ninety-nine years old, God. How can I go out and throw a ball with him or catch rocks or hit rocks or hit stones over the barn or silo or whatever. How can I do that anymore? I’m getting old! And verse 19 And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. So, he is now ninety-nine years old. Now God says, Yep, you are going to have your own son.

Chapter 18 verses 1 to 14 — God’s promise. God says, I can do anything. I can do anything. It’s a beautiful statement. God’s Faithfulness. I can do anything. [1]

The LORD appeared to him in the plains of Mamre... chapter 18 verse 1 of Genesis...and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. [2] And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men...angels and the God who appeared, Jesus Christ, the one who became Jesus Christ. The three of them...stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them...because he recognized them as strangers...from the tent door, and he bowed himself toward the ground. [3] And he said, My Lord...that merely means Sir, that’s a title of respect...if now I have found favor in your sight, don’t pass away, I pray you, from your servant...stay here. [4] Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest under the tree...here I’ve got a nice shade tree over here, wash your feet, be refreshed. [5] And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort your hearts...you know, you are strangers in town, you look tired, here it’s the heat of the day, come sit under the shade tree, wash your feet, we’re going to make you something to eat. And so, he said, come sit here. He said, comfort your hearts and after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant... Hey, that’s why you bumped into me. I’m a hospitable guy. I’m going to help you, I’m going to take care of you. ...and they said...Okay...So do, as thou hast said. [6] And Abraham hastened into the tent...quick, Sarah. You know, I’m sure wives love this. Hey, guess who I’ve brought home for dinner tonight? No advance preparation. Guess who I’ve brought home for dinner? Sarah was a kind lady and so he said, quick, Sarah, quick! Abraham hastened to her ...Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth... Quick, bake some bread. [7] And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he went and dressed it out. [8] And he took butter, and milk, and the calf...so it shows that you can eat milk, butter and meat all at the same meal which Jews don’t believe...he took butter, and milk, and the calf, which he had dressed, and he set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. So, he served them. He stood by and he watched them eat. He was there and barbecued this beef for them and he put it out for them to eat. [9] And they said to him, Where is Sarah your wife? And he said, Behold, she is in the tent. [10] And he said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life...nine months...and, lo, Sarah your wife shall have a son. I’ve come to deliver you a message. She’s going to have a child. Sarah heard it in the tent door...because, like many women, she was inquiring and kind of eavesdropping — what’s going on, she couldn’t help hearing — she had this pole at the door to try to listen, she couldn’t help but listen and she heard this. ...And Sarah shall have a son...and Sarah heard it. [11] Now Abraham and Sarah were old...that’s an understatement...and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. She had already gone through menopause, so she, literally, could not. But, you see God is Faithful. God keeps His promises. He is the Faithful God. [12] Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?... Abraham’s an old guy! I’m old! He is ten years older than I am, but I’m still old and he’s that much older. Can we really have a child? Ha ha! And God heard it. [13] And the LORD said unto Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying shall I of a surety bear a child, when I am old? [14] Is any thing too hard for the ETERNAL?... Is there anything that I can’t do? Your Faithful God. Is there anything that I cannot do? ...At the time appointed...nine months...I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. So, God’s promise, He can do anything.

Gen. 21, verses 2-5 tell us that at the birth of Isaac Sarah is ninety and Abraham is one hundred. He’s reached the one hundred mark. [2] For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. [3] And Abraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bore, Isaac...which means laughter. [4] And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. [5] And Abraham was one hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born to him. Twenty-five years of waiting. Twenty-five years of thinking about it, trying to do it his own way and now he has the son that God promised.

But chapter 22, God still had to test Abraham and see what his faithfulness was to God. And God would intervene again. In chapter 22 verses 1-12, It came to pass after these things, that God did test Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. [2] And he said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac...some say, Josephus said, he was about twenty seven years old, others say he could have been a teenager, but he was definitely old enough to carry wood, to load it on the donkey and so on. Take now your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and get you to the land of Moriah; and offer him there, for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains, which I will tell you of. Think about the mental confusion. I waited all this time and I got this son and I told you Ishmael was good enough and now you have given me Isaac. And now you tell me to slay him. But Abraham — it doesn’t say he put up a fuss. [3] Abraham rose up early in the morning, saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and he cut the wood for the burnt offerings...he put that together...and rose up, and they went unto the place God had told him. [4] Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and he saw the place... Now, I don’t know if they had been walking real fast, a three day journey, I don’t know if they had been walking real fast. But, when he came near and saw it, [5] Abraham said to the young men...the ones who went with him...you wait here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. Abraham knew God and God was testing Abraham. Abraham knew God’s Faithfulness. And, in fact, it said he did that because he knew that if he had killed him, God was able to raise him up. So, he literally said, We’re going to go up there and worship — even though he knew God had said to sacrifice him - and WE are going to come again. We’re coming back because he believed in the Faithful God who wouldn’t let him down. [6] And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand...took his matches or whatever, flint...and a knife; and they both went together. [7] And Isaac spake to Abraham his father...these must have been very difficult words, traumatic words to hear...And he said, My father: and he said, yes, son; yes, my son. And he said, Behold, I see the matches in your hand and I see the wood: but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?... What are we offering? We’re walking up here, what are we going to offer? [8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering... So, he couldn’t bring himself to tell him yet. ...So they went both of them together. [9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, he laid the wood in order, and he bound Isaac his son... Now again, what type of a son would this have been that Abraham was able to say, okay son, put your hands here. Remember, Abraham’s well over a hundred by now and a young man could have run away. But he listened to his father. He did what his father told him. He bound him, bound his hands, he said God will provide and he took him, he came to the place, he bound Isaac, his son...and he laid him on the altar upon the wood. [10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. [11] And the angel of the LORD called out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham... Because God is faithful, God promised him a seed, God wasn’t going to take his seed from him, but he wanted to see if Abraham valued God even above a son that he had waited twenty five years for. ...Abraham, Abraham. And he said, Here I am. [12] He said, don’t lay your hand upon that lad, neither do anything to him: for now I know that you fear God, seeing that you have not withheld your son, your only son from Me. And then, Abraham looked up and there, caught in the thicket was a ram. He took it and he offered it instead. God is faithful. God’s faithfulness sometimes comes in different aspects and different ways. We need to be sure that we can count on the Faithfulness of God.

Let’s take a look at David, a man after God’s own heart and you’re familiar with this one, too - the example of David and Goliath — because it is a wonderful example of God’s faithfulness. God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from difficulties and trials.

1 Samuel chapter 17 and verse 4 and 5. The Israelites and the Philistines were set up to battle one another. [4] And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. Now, my conservative estimates put him at nine feet, three inches. The biggest guy I have ever seen in person is seven feet, eight. And when that 7’8"man stood up, the waitresses at our restaurant - their eyeballs came to his waist. That’s how tall he was. Seven feet, eight inches. His shoes looked like doctor’s valises, you know, doctor’s bags. That’s what his shoes looked like to me. He sat in one of the booths in our restaurant. He had to sit at the very back, his knees bent, and his feet still hung out into the aisle. He was enormous. The biggest guy I have ever seen. This guy is nine feet, three inches. [5] And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. His armor weighed over 200 pounds. Just his armor. So he decides he is going to stroll up and down the valley and taunt the Israelites.

Verses 8 to 11. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are you come out to set your battle in array? Look, I am a Philistine, and you are the servants to Saul... You are Israelites. Hey, they have chosen me as their champion. You choose your best. Why waste all these lives. It’ll be me against him. Send somebody down here. [9] If he be able to fight me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants... You win, we serve you. We win, you serve us. ...If I prevail, then shall you be our servants... [10] And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together. Send somebody down here. Saul heard this. Remember, Saul was head and shoulders above everybody else. This is a case where everybody shrinks back, wants to push somebody else. Hey, you go ahead and fight him. You go do it. And, nobody wanted to do it, including Saul. [11] And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. So, none of them was willing to go down and do it.

Verses 13 and 14. And the three eldest sons of Jesse... the three oldest boys were in the army. I call them Eli, Benny and Sam. Eli, Benny and Sam. They were the three eldest and David was the youngest. So, David would come up and try to calm Saul down and he would also go back and tend his sheep. Verse 13 says, The three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle...they had enlisted in the army...and the names of these three sons that went were...I call him Eli...Eliab, the firstborn, and next was Abinadab...I call him Benny...and the third one was Shammah...I call him Sam. [14] And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul. So, like most good dads and moms do, what did Jesse want to do? He wanted to send a care package to his sons.

So, verse 17, Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for your brethren an ephah of parched corn...take them some dried corn...and these ten loaves...take them some bread, three each...and run to the camp of your brethren; [18] And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and look how your brethren are, and take their pledge. Take tokens. Bring a pledge back to show they are still alive. Bring something back. Let them send a little piece of their cloth, a clipping of their hair, a little note from them to say they are still alive. You take this to them.

So, David is taking a care package to them. Verses 26-28, While David’s there, David hears this man walking up and down and defying the armies. And he sees everybody - hush, hush - and the mood is very solemn in the camp. [26] And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away this reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? So David speaks out boldly against him. Now, here’s this little guy that isn’t even old enough to be in the army and is small enough to stay home, and yet, he is coming out there saying, Who’s out there, this man, defying the armies of God, because he sees God, he doesn’t just see the man. So often, we see the problem; we don’t see the faithful God who can resolve the problem. [27] And the people said to him...well, this is what they will do...saying, So this shall be done to the man that kills him. [28] And Eli, his eldest brother, when he heard him speak to the men, Eli’s anger was kindled against David, and he said... Why did you come down here? Well, he came down here because his dad sent him. ...And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?... Why don’t you go back and take care of the sheep, David. Who’s watching them? You probably ran off, and just tried to get here. ...I know your pride...you see, a lot of accusations...I know your pride and the naughtiness of your heart; for thou art come down that you might see the battle. You just wanted to see some skirmishes, didn’t you? Well, that wasn’t the reason at all. His dad had sent him down there. David’s attitude, heart and motives were pure. And so, he is accused.

Verses 31 to 37. Eventually, he is brought before Saul. Can you imagine a whole army of soldiers, some of them whom I would assumed were trained, not all of them are militia, who have come with their pitchforks and whatever. Some of them were trained — and particularly Saul who stood head and shoulders above everybody else. He is not willing to get out and fight this guy. [31] And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him. Hey, we’ve got a volunteer. They were all excited. Quick! We don’t care whether he is able! Quick! Send him out there! We’ve got a volunteer. [32] And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of this Goliath; your servant will go and fight with the Philistine. [33] And Saul said to David, But you are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for you are but a youth, and he is a man of war from his youth. Why, he has been fighting since his youth and you are a young man. [34] And David said to Saul, Your servant...now, here is where David looked to the Faithfulness of God...Your servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: [35] And I went right after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth. And when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and killed him. [36] Your servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. I can do it because he is mocking my God. He is mocking our Faithful God. He can’t get away with that. [[37] And David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me...see, David’s trust was in the Lord, the Faithful God who doesn’t let His people down. David said, moreover, the LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with you. I mean, Saul is still afraid. Why didn’t Saul say, you are just a kid? Move out of the way. I trust in God. He put me in this office. I’m head and shoulders above everybody else. I’m probably the biggest man to go up against him. I’m close to seven feet tall, or whatever - I’ll go up against him. But he wouldn’t.

Verse 38 to 40, Push David out into the battle. But first, he tried to give David his armor. Here, David, put on my armor. This is very good armor. I’m sure his armor was good, after all, it was made for the king. It was probably real tempered and strong and shiny and bright. But, David tried it on and it weighed him down, it didn’t fit, and it wasn’t good for him.

So, 1 Sam. 17 verse 40 David took his staff in his hand, and he chose him five smooth stones out of the brook...he only needed one...he put them in his little shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. So he just climbed down the mountain into the valley and he started walking toward the Philistine. And the Philistine... [41] Goliath...came on and drew near...he was trying to see who was coming against him. You know, from a distance probably thought he was a decent sized person, but as he got closer, he saw it was just a kid. ...and the man that bore the shield went before him. So, this Goliath is so big, he’s got a guy with a shield in front of him, walking. So he is walking along and trying to see what is happening. [42] And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. He was good looking. [43] And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog...Huh? What do you think you are? What do you think you are playing with, a little animal? Am I a dog...that thou come to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. [44] And the Philistine said to David...all right, you’re the guy. Hey, if I win, you serve us...come to me, and I will give your flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field! [45] Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield...that’s your armament...but I come to you...not with my little sling...I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. I am coming to you in the name of the Faithful God. [46] This day will the LORD deliver you...see the difference? We cannot look to our own strength. We cannot look to our own power. Yes, we have to do something. David didn’t just lie down and say, okay, God, kill him for me. David was an instrument. David still moved forward. David still utilized all of his skills and his abilities, but he knew from where his strength came. And it came from the living, Faithful God. And he said...This day will God deliver you into my hand; and I will smite you and take your head from you. And I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the earth; that all may know that there is a God in Israel. [47] And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saves...God saves. He is a Faithful God. He doesn’t forget His people. ...the Lord saves not by sword or spear: for the battle is the LORD'S...God is the one that will be there...and he will give you into our hands. [48] And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew near to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. [49] And David put his hand into his bag...see, David didn’t just slow up, he ran toward him...and David put his hand into his bag and took the stone, and slang it...he swung it around...and he smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk right into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So, he shot over the shield right into the forehead. Boom! Down came the great giant. [50] So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. How am I going to get his head off? [51] Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine...some say he stood over, some say he stood upon - he was big enough to stand on - grabbed a...sword, drew it out and he slew him, and cut off his head. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead...they didn’t say, we’ll be your servants...they ran. And Israel pursued. There’s a great God in heaven - there’s a great lesson for us — the Faithful God does not let His people down.

I’d like to share with you a couple of examples in Elisha’s life because, brethren, I think it’s good for us to look and see the Faithfulness of God. Do you know, my inspiration for this message - these are almost all new examples - I gave a sermon in 1969 on this very topic. 1969 - on God’s greatness. And I thought, you know, as I looked over my notes, boy, that’s a good topic because it is good for us to put our eyes on the great God of heaven, the one who can strengthen, the one who can guide us through whatever difficulties, trials, circumstances we may be in. Whatever issues we have, whatever they might be, whether it is health or whether it is job difficulties, or family difficulties, it’s good that we can know that there’s a Faithful God in heaven who’s there for you and me. To keep us, to help us, to guide us, to love us.

2 Kings, chapter 4. Elisha is one of my favorite people in the Old Testament. Elisha, the one who succeeded Elijah. Elisha, in 2 Kings chapter 4 and verse 1. God’s tender mercy. Here’s a widow lady who is the wife of one of the sons of the prophets. [1] Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, your servant, my husband is dead. You know, remember him? He worked with you, worked along side of you helping you do some public Bible studies. He helped you teach people in that area. He went visiting with you. ...your servant, my husband is dead and you know that your servant did fear the LORD...you know he was a good man, he feared the Lord...and the creditor is come to take to himself my two sons to be bondmen. I can’t pay my debts. My husband’s dead. I’ve been taking care of my two sons. I don’t have any money. They’re going to come and take my kids away and sell them into slavery to pay off these debts. [2] And Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in your house? And she said, Your handmaid hasn’t anything in the house, except a little pot of oil. It’s all I have, some olive oil, some cooking oil. It’s all I have left. [3] And then he said, Go, borrow vessels...all types of containers, bottles from...all your neighbors, empty ones; and borrow not a few. So, he says, borrow many. Borrow many bottles and bring them in here. [4] And when you are come in, you shall shut the door upon you and upon your sons, and you shall pour out into all those vessels, and you shall set aside that which is full. [5] So she took her little bottle of oil and started filling bottle after bottle of Bertolli’s Virgin Olive Oil — not that it was Bertolli’s, but anyway, it sounds good — filling up bottle after bottle after bottle. And notice what happened. [6] And it came to pass, when the vessels were full... out of one bottle she got many...that she said to her son, bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not any more... There is still more in the bottle, it doesn’t seem to go empty...And the oil stayed. [7] Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt...she had enough bottles of oil that she could sell it because olive oil was precious — she could sell it and get enough money to pay her debt. ...Go, sell the oil, pay the debt and live you and your children of the rest. So, what a blessing. God cares about people, even the widow lady. All she had was a little bottle of oil and God made do. He said, you go and get the vessels and I’ll make this work. I’ll just keep filling up these oil bottles. I don’t know if that continued to occur or if that was a one time thing, but God took care of her. The Faithful God cared about this widow lady.

Now, we come to the next verse, verse 8, and we find the example of the great woman of Shunem. Shunem was about sixty miles north of Jerusalem and Shunammites are only mentioned twice in the Bible — here in this case and also Abishag, the woman who kept David warm in his old age before he died. Abishag was also a Shunammite. Only mentioned twice. But notice, [8] And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem...and this was up in that general vicinity, by the way, where he had been...where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was that as often as he passed by, he turned in to their place to eat bread. [9] And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God...this is a very special man, this man is close to God, he is a servant of God...which passes by us continually. He comes in, I invite him in for some bread, he teaches me, I give him some bread, he goes on his way. He comes by the next time, he teaches me, I give him some bread. I perceive this is a holy man of God. He comes by continually. [10] Let us make a little chamber...let us make a little addition to our house, let’s make a little room for Elisha to stay in when he comes by. Let’s be hospitable. And she said, On the wall there, we have room, we can expand...let us set for him there a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick...what more does a man need? A bed, a table, a stool and a candlestick — probably more than some of our ABC students have in their apartments, right? Anyway, I am teasing — not teasing too much because some of them don’t have a lot. Okay. So she provided...and it shall be when he comes to us, that he shall turn in there. Any time he comes, he’ll have a place to stay. [11] And it fell on a day, that he came there, and he turned into the chamber, and he lay there. [12] And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. [13] And he said to him, Say now to her, Behold, you have been careful for us...you’ve cared about us...with all this care; what can I do for you? would you be spoken for to the king?... Do you want some recognition, a letter from the king commending you for making a difference in your community? Would you like for me to mention you to...the captain of the host? And she answered...and she said, no...I dwell among my own people...I’m fine. [14] And he said, Well, what then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she has no child, and her husband is old. She doesn’t have any children. This lady would have loved to have had children, she has none. [15] And he said, call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. [16] And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, you shall embrace a son...nine months from now, you’re going to have a kid. ...And she said, No, no my lord, you man of God, don’t lie to your handmaid. Don’t tell me that which cannot be. Don’t lie to me. I’ve wanted a son all my life. I’m too old now, how can I have a son? Please, don’t say things that can’t be. Don’t hype it up. Don’t tell me what’s unreal. [17] And the woman conceived, and bore a son at the season Elisha had said to her, according to the time of life. Now, he gives her a son. Wow! What a joy! What a blessing!

[18] And when the child was grown, it fell on a day that he went out to his father to the reapers. So, who knows how old he was — ten, eleven or twelve — he was old enough to go out to the field. [19] And he said...when he was out there he said...unto his father, My head, my head. We don’t know what it was. Was it an aneurysm? Was it a stroke? What was it? We don’t know. ...and he said to a lad...one of his helpers...carry him to his mother. [20] And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, and he sat on her knees...so he must have been eight or ten years old, still small enough to sit on her knees...sat on her knees until noon, and then he died. You know, a mother holding this dear child which she didn’t want because she said she was too old and then probably loved, because many times children of parents old age are doted upon, oftentimes more than children of parents who are younger because they are more vigorous. When they are older they kind of give in more, dote more on them, especially if they haven’t had one.

And so he dies. [21] And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God...in that spare bedroom...and shut the door upon him, and she went out. [22] And she called to her husband, and said, Send me, I pray you, one of the young men, and one of the asses that I may run to the man of God, and come again. [23] And he said, Wherefore wilt you go to him today? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath...why do you want to do that? ...And she said, It shall be well. I need to go. [24] Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward...you know, you take it as fast as you want — I’m going to hold on as much as I can, being older here. I am going to still hold on. You drive as fast as you can...slack not your riding for me, except I bid you. If I tell you, you are going too fast, if I am about to fall off, then slow down, otherwise, you keep it going as fast as you can. [25] So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder isn’t that Shunammite... lady who is coming? That looks like her servant. That looks like her donkey. That looks like her, she is wearing her scarf or whatever. Isn’t that the Shunammite lady yonder down that way? [26] Run now, I beg you, meet her, and say to her, Is it all well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well...she wanted to get to this man of God who gave her this son and now, the son is dead. [27] And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away...because she must have grabbed him in an emotional way. She grabbed him and held onto his feet. And he said, you know, should I push her away? ...And the man of God...Elisha...said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD has hid it from me and has not told me. I don’t know why, I don’t know what’s happened. [28] Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord?... I told you that I didn’t need anything. ...Did I not say, Do not deceive me? Don’t lie to me. If your are going to give me a child, don’t say you are going to give me one and not give me one. [29] Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up your loins, and take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If thou meet any man...don’t even acknowledge him...And if any salute you...don’t...answer him back again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. [30] And the mother of the child said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you...I’m not going unless you go, man of God. And so, he went with her, too. He followed them. The child did not respond, couldn’t hear, couldn’t speak. [32] And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, laid upon his bed. [33] He went in there, and shut the door upon the two of them, and he prayed to the LORD. [34] And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon...this wasn’t artificial respiration to try to bring him back by breathing - he is dead. The kid has been dead, lying there for hours, dead. So, for whatever reason he did this, I have no idea. ...mouth upon his mouth, eyes upon his eyes, hands upon his hands: and stretched himself upon the child, and the flesh of the child waxed warm. [35] Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and he went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. [36] And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up your son. [37] Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, took up her son, and went out. God, the Faithful God, raised the dead. Why did He do this? For the glory and honor of the great God. To show His Faithfulness.

I want to show you one more example and then we’ll move to the New Testament. 2 Kings 6 and verse 8. You see, Elisha had been telling the armies of Israel where Benhadad was going to set up his trap for them. So Benhadad, the king of Syria, kept sending out for council from his servants saying, where should I place the camp to capture the Israelites? Well, put it here. Every time he put his camp here, Elisha would say, the Syrians are camping there, don’t go in that direction, go the other. Every time he had his trap set up - nothing. So he thought that maybe the men in his army might be spies. Do we have a traitor in our army who is telling the Israelites? They searched and they asked and they said, no. No, it’s not a traitor. It’s not a traitor. Verse 12, And one of his servants said, No, my lord, O king: it’s Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, he tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber. The words that you have in your little private meetings with your generals telling them your strategies, where you are planning to have your armies set up - he tells the Israelites and they avoid it. So, obviously, the king is not too pleased with Elisha. [13] And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Dothan is not far from Shunam, again, about sixty miles north and maybe a little farther west. [14] Therefore sent he their horses and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, they and compassed the city about. Sends all these men to get this one little prophet. [15] And when the servant of the man of God was risen early... he got up, he was an early riser, he went forth and he looked and he saw all these armies surrounding... the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! What do we do now, boss, how do we get out of this predicament? [16] And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. He knew the Faithful God, didn’t he? And I love this section because Elisha knew. [17] Elisha prayed, and he said, LORD, I ask you, open his eyes, that he may see. You know, brethren, sometimes we don’t see the overall power and might and hand of God that’s available to us because our eyes don’t look, we can’t see with a spiritual eye. Open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man...and what did he see?...behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Let him see who’s on our side. Let him see who’s here. He had all these angelic beings camped around him ready to do battle. And, of course, he didn’t need that many. [18] And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I beg you, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. So, the enemy couldn’t see — they took them over and fed them and they sent them back. From that time on, Syria would not go after the Israelites because, they said, ‘Their God is too tough for us.’

I could read you the story of Hezekiah, how he received the death pronouncement — You’re going to die. Hezekiah, you’ve done a good job, but you’re going to die. And Hezekiah turned and bawled — cried to God. Please, Father, don’t let me — I’ve served you faithfully — please don’t let me die. And, before Isaiah got away, God said, Go back and tell him he is going to live. I will give him fifteen more years. And that wasn’t good enough for Hezekiah, he said, Make the sun go backwards ten degrees. Make it go back. And God did. That’s the Faithful God we serve.

In the New Testament, a couple of quick examples, and then I want to bring it to a conclusion because, brethren, I want us to see, know and understand that we serve the awesome God. We serve a God who is faithful, a God that can be absolutely counted upon to know that He has our best interests at heart and sometimes, we don’t see when trials come; sometimes, we don’t understand what God has in store for us and others because of that trial. Sometimes, affliction happens to people so that others may learn. The man who was blind for how many years. They said, who did sin? This man or his parents or who? And they said, neither. He was allowed to be blind that I might show the glory of God, that I might bring recognition to the power and glory of God through this. So, there is a God in heaven who can intervene, but he has our best interests at heart.

Acts chapter 12 real quickly, the example of Peter. Here we see Peter in prison. Acts 12 verses 1-19. After James had been beheaded, the brother of John, they were just waiting to do Peter. So after the Days on Unleavened Bread, verse 4 of Acts 12 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter...Passover is a better rendering...to bring him forth to the people. I’m reading out of old King James but I’m upgrading the language. [5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him. They didn’t stop. They kept on praying. They kept on praying because here was Peter, one of the leading apostles. [6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night...the night before...Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains...bound with chains on him between two soldiers...and the keepers before the door kept the prison. He had a guard on each side, he was in chains and there was another person who kept the door. [7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in... God even provided a light. Well, let’s see, you need a light to navigate your way out of here. I’ll provide a light for you, so...a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side...tapped him...and raised him up, saying, Get up quickly. And his chains fell off his hands. Because we have a great God who can do anything. Remember what He said, Is there anything too hard for Me? [8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself...put on your sandals, don’t just run out barefooted, take your time, put on your sandals, get on your coat, take your coat over there in the corner...and so he did. And then he said, now cast your garment round about you, and follow me. Come on, I am going to show you the way out of here. [9] And he went out, and followed him; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel. He thought it was a vision. I’m just dreaming that this is happening. I dream to be free. I dream to be saved. But, it’s actually happening to him. He’s walking right out of the prison. [10] And when they were past the first and the second ward, they came to an iron gate that leads to the city; which opened to them of his own accord...just as they came up, automatic gate, it opened for him, no buttons to have to push, the gate just opened. And away he goes. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed...put him in familiar territory - there you are, now you have your bearings, now you can go. And when Peter was come to himself, verse 11, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. [12] And when he had considered the thing...when he finally considered what had happened...he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark...John Mark’s mother...where many were gathered together praying. They had come together, they were praying for him, they were continually praying for him. [13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. So, Rhoda came to the door to answer. [14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness...she recognized Peter’s voice. She was so happy, she left him standing outside and she ran back to tell everybody, ‘Peter’s at the door’. But she didn’t let him in. So she ran back to tell them and, of course, they are praying for him. [15] And they said to her, you are mad...You are imagining things, come on, we’re still praying for him. He is in prison, don’t you know, that’s why we are still here praying. But she constantly affirmed that it was so. Then said they, It is only his angel. It must be an angel there. [16] But Peter continued knocking...they could hear this knocking. When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Isn’t it amazing, sometimes, we believe in the Faithful God and then the Faithful God does something and we don’t recognize it? We’re surprised He did it. Well, I didn’t know God could do that. Of course, He can. Our God can do anything, brethren. Our God can do everything. It’s in His hands. It’s in His power. Do we believe? Do we recognize His Faithfulness? [17] And so he came in, but he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place. [18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, of what had become of Peter. Hey, we never saw him go, we didn’t hear any clanging, nobody banging on the chains, nobody was digging a tunnel through the walls to try to get out of the prison. I didn’t hear anything. He didn’t knock me over when he left. We were sleeping right beside him. How did this happen? [19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. There is a diversionary tactic. Now they begin an internal examination of the police department — what’s happening to the police department? So they bring in outsiders and they put them to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there he abode. Our God rescued him.

But one that is really exciting is Acts 23 and verse 11. Paul is before the Sanhedrin and you know they want to kill him. They are trying to give him a trial, but they really want to kill him. Acts 23:11 - and I love this — you see, God Almighty is there to encourage, to cheer, to help, to serve us. He is the Faithful God. He talks about us being faithful, but He is also the Faithful God. [11] And the night following the Lord stood by him...God appeared to him...and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you also bear witness at Rome. Do you know what Paul could take from that? Nobody is going to be able to hurt me until I get to Rome. God says I’m going to be in Rome. I can believe it, God was there to encourage him. [12] And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. That was a very rash vow. These men must have died because they never made it if they kept their vow — which they probably didn’t because they were corrupt individuals. [13] And they were more than forty, which made this conspiracy. We’re going to fast until we kill that guy. [14] And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. [15] Now therefore you with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you would inquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or whoever he come near, are ready to kill him. As soon as he comes near, we will kill him. But, here God has Paul’s sister’s son - Paul’s nephew, happens to be in earshot. Maybe he’s a page at the assembly. Maybe he’s a stenographer. Who knows what he was? [16] And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. [17] Then Paul called one of the centurions to him, and said, Bring this young man to the chief captain: for he has a certain thing to tell him. So, again, Paul telling him to intervene. [18] So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to say. [19] Then the chief captain took him by the hand, went with him outside privately, and asked him, What is that you have to tell me? [20] And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire that you would bring Paul down tomorrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. [21] But do not yield to them: for there more than forty of them lie in wait for him, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and they are now ready, looking for some opening to do it. [22] So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, Don’t tell anybody about this, that you showed these things. And verse 23, the Romans were very good about protecting their prisoners. Prisoners didn’t get away from them except if angels let them go. But, typically, prisoners didn’t get away from them. They prided themselves in protecting. [23] And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten...what is it, seventy horsemen...and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; [24] And provide them beasts...that Paul doesn’t have to walk this time — we’re even going to let him ride...and bring him safe to Felix the governor. God was able to protect His servant. I loved it that God stood by him and cheered him. Said, don’t worry, Paul, I will protect you. Brethren, our God is a Faithful God.

Isaiah 11 verse 5 — what is His name, what is written upon Him when Jesus Christ comes back? [5] Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, faithfulness the girdle of his reins. It says around His hips will be righteousness and around His waist will be faithfulness. God’s very being, at the center of His being is to be faithful. We can count on Him. He is steady. He is there for you and for me.

1 Corinthians 10 and verse 13 — God will never let us be tried above that which we are able. So, you know that if you are ever in a difficult circumstance you can get out of it because God has promised that. [13] There has no temptation...or trial...taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful... - PISTOS - in the New Testament — it means faithful, loyal — God will not let you down. He’s faithful...who will not permit you to be tempted...tried...above that which you are able; but will with the trial also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Matthew 10, verse 29. I got to thinking, how much does God really care about us? How much is God really faithful toward us? You know what God knows. He knows the number of hairs you have on your head; on you and me, it decrease by one hundred every day. Did you know, let me share with you something... First, I’ll read Mat. 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?...like a penny or even less...and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father’s will. How much are they worth? You can buy them in the marketplace for a penny — less than a penny — two of them — and when one falls to the earth, Jesus said, God the Father knows about it. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

You know what I have often wondered, how many hairs do we have on our head. So, let me get that. God counts our hairs. Christ said everybody’s hair is numbered. Some years ago, a German scientist counted the hairs on different human heads — I guess they were dead, maybe they were alive. He found that they vary in number depending, seemingly, on the color. There are more hairs on the head of a person who has black hair than red. But there are more on a person who has brown hair than black. And, guess which color has the most? Blond. A blond has more than brown. Black haired women have about 110,000, so red hair, probably less than 110,000, fewer than that. A blond has 140,000. So, red hair is at the lowest, then black, then brown, then blond. 140,000. The average woman with a thick head of hair will loose up to 100 hairs a day. Such loses are increased, somewhat, if the hair is long and becomes tangled in a brush or a comb. The average man looses hair, too, not only off his head but also off his beard. If he shaves every day, he removes about 1/64^th of an inch. That means, between the age of 20 and 65, he has removed twenty-three feet of beard. And I suppose that since the beard is on our head, any time we lose some of that, God also takes note. But it does tell us of God’s tender care for His people, how much He loves us, how much He cares about us, how much He pays attention to us.

Revelation 19 and verse 11 - when Jesus Christ comes back as a warrior to fight to redeem the world - Rev. 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him...one of His names...was called Faithful and True. Jesus Christ can be counted upon. God the Father can be counted upon. They are the Faithful God for us to look to and rely upon.

Another scripture I found is very encouraging. How much does God do?

Ephesians 3 and verse 20, the next to the last scripture. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all...your God and my God doesn’t just do all that we ask, He doesn’t even just do above all that we ask, He doesn’t even just do exceeding above all that we ask. Your God and my God can do exceeding abundantly above all because He is the Faithful God, the Living God who cares for His people and will not let them down.

I want to share with you one comment about the extras, it is a poem and I love it.

God could have made the sun to rise,

Without such splendor in the skies;

He could have made the sun to set,

Without a glory greater yet;

He could have made the corn to grow,

Without the sunny golden glow;

The fruits without those colors bright,

So pleasant to the taste and sight;

And caused the apple trees to bloom,

Without the scent that does perfume;

Those dainty blossoms, pink and white,

That fill our hearts with sheer delight;

He could have made the ocean roll,

Without such music for the soul;

The mighty anthem loud and strong,

The birds without their clear, sweet song;

The charm of kittens’ dainty grace,

The dimples in a baby’s face;

All these are extras from His hand,

Whose love we cannot understand;

The God who fashioned flowers and trees,

Delights to give us things that please;

All His handiwork so fair,

His glory and His love declare;

Yes, He who made the earth and sky,

Gave extra for our ears and eyes;

And while my heart with rapture sings,

I thank Him for the extra things.

Finally, Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22 to 26: [22] It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. [24] The LORD is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. [25] The LORD is good to them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. And, verse 26 understanding we have a Faithful God that will take care of us and love us and look after us and give us what we need, [26] It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Your God and my God, He is the Faithful One.