Looking back - a brief outline

The living Lord God is faithful[1]

·         to himself, his very nature

o   Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

·         to us, who rely on and entrust ourselves to the living God, discovering that God is faithful!

o   I will exalt you and praise your name,
    for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago. (Isa 25:1)

1.       Spiritual experiences, for example,

a.       Age 13 – deep peace upon accepting God’s forgiveness for my sins

b.       Age 16 – deeply moved after hearing Billy Graham in person; later a S. African speak of Jesus’ execution

c.       Age 20

                                                               i.      quiet times in college prayer chapel with “career decision”

                                                             ii.      Met Jenny

                                                            iii.      Father’s death

d.       Age 22 – summer in Sweden when the Word becomes a companion

e.       Age 27/28 – Ethiopia after the military coupe; Psalm 91 evening before house was surrounded at night

2.       Rescue, for example,

a.       From immature and hurtful & unholy words, actions, or thoughts & desires that are hidden to others

                                                               i.      But you, LORD, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

b.       Jenny from acute pancreatitis

c.       Amos’ “prophecy” – son will return from wandering away

3.       Provision, for example,

a.       Grandparents who loved and prayed for me/us

b.       Enduring faithfulness in marriage

                                                               i.      Song – If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee

c.       Leadership to/from Ethiopia; to Durham!

                                                               i.      Assistance to learn a foreign language and learn greater self-confidence

d.       Safe deliveries and growth of five healthy children

                                                               i.      Psalm 127

e.       35 years of salary through donations

                                                               i.      Learning to practice and enjoy hospitality

f.         Lean times, contentment

                                                               i.      Song – Day by Day

g.       Enough food during a student dinner event (200?)

h.       No debt after five children with orthodontic care, through college, married; own our home

4.       Nourishment in God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16), for example,

a.       Learning, being formed by & growing

                                                               i.      in the experience of being with Jesus - John 15

                                                             ii.      keeping in step with the Spirit - Galatians 5

b.       Instruction

c.       Correction

d.       Training in right living

e.       Hope – 1 Peter 1

Faithful always

Your arm is endowed with power;
    your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. (Psalm 89:13-15)

---

[1] True, loyal, reliable, constant, trustworthy