This week's message (2/20) takes me to Genesis chs.24-25. Perhaps the key thought that's driving me as I read the text, and, what might perhaps show up in the sermon (!) is this idea of God's faithfulness. In Genesis 24 we see this "Hesed" of God four times (vs.12, 14, 27, 49). Most English translations render this Hebrew word "Hesed" with words like "steadfast love", "lovingkindness", "loyalty", "kindness", "faithfulness", etc. I understand that Israel, as they read this text, especially post-exodus Israel as they prepared to enter the promised land, would read these stories to remind them that God can be trusted. He would lead them to possess the land He promised Abraham. Why? Because they were so faithful? We know the answer to that question! They were rarely consistently faithful over the years, yet here is God, in Genesis 24, reminding them via his providence in getting a bride for Isaac, that His promised Seed would go on. The point I'm making is this: God is faithful to His people, has always exerted a steadfast love toward His people, not because His people (we) are so good, but because He is good. And, don't miss this, His goodness, His steadfast love is always connected to covenant. Always. "Hesed" is a covenantal love. And today, for His followers, this means that Jesus, because He shed His blood for us in the New Covenant (Luke 22:20), will be faithful to us always. I need to constantly remind myself of this. Our enemy the devil seeks to destroy us, primarily by casting seeds of doubt in our mind of the goodness of God. The Accuser hisses: "God will give up on you", "You're no good", "He's tired of you", and on and on he goes. Yet, the good news of the Gospel tells me this, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" God never hangs onto us because we are good or faithful enough to "earn" His steadfast love. NO! He hold onto us because of the New Covenant He made with us, sealed by the blood of His always good and faithful beloved Son. Believer, remind yourself of this. God is good to you all the time in Christ. Even His hand of discipline is meant for goodness and holiness (Heb.12:1-11; Rev.3:19). You can trust Him. He is good. If you do not know Jesus, He reaches out to you in love and grace. You and I will never deserve His grace! But it's precisely this truth that sets you free to come to Him as you are, not as you wish to be. May you know the steadfast love of Christ today! I invite you to come worship with us and hear the preaching of God's Word this Sunday from Genesis 24.

Next Week: Beginning Feb.27, Pastor Funk starts a 5-week series called "Tulip Time", with the subject being the doctrines of grace. It should be a great series! We'd love to have you come and worship/learn with us.