FLY GIRL!!! I thought Nicaragua would be just a short stop—but God had something much greater waiting for me. 🇳🇮🙏 I only had a short time in Nicaragua, but I made every moment count! I hiked through the beautiful mountains, explored a colorful local market, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a restaurant outside the city. Adventure is a part of me—it’s simply who I am. I love hiking, exploring new places, meeting people, and experiencing different cultures. Being there brought back so many memories from when I was just 18 years old, working in Mexico’s Yucatán region and other parts of Central America. I remember washing my clothes in a hollowed-out log with pigs wandering beneath my feet—but most of all, I remember the precious children I worked with and loved. Returning to this part of the world felt wonderfully familiar. The people of Nicaragua were incredibly kind. The restaurant owner surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and having the sweet children gathered around made that moment even more precious. We also talked about my returning to their community to teach about God, share His Word, and become involved in ministry. I made some wonderful new connections, and I’m now planning to return on my days off. What began as a short visit may become another opportunity to serve. I’m so excited to see the doors God continues to open while I travel! “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” —Revelation 3:8 God is good—all the time! ❤️🙏 🌍 JennaSummersUS.org 📧 JennaSummers14[gmail].com Mama Jennifer—a true story of faith, survival, and God’s redeeming grace—is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mama-Jennifer-Jenna-Summers/dp/1961265885 #Nicaragua #CentralAmerica #HikingAdventure #TravelWithPurpose #OpenDoors #Ministry #MamaJennifer #FlyGirl #FaithAboveTheClouds #GodIsGood

WHEN FAITH STANDS STILL! Trusting God When You Cannot See the Way Key Scripture: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” — Exodus 14:13 (KJV) Thought Of The Day... There are moments in life when faith means moving forward, but there are also moments when faith means standing still and trusting God to move. Israel experienced one of those moments at the Red Sea. They had finally been delivered from Egypt, but suddenly they found themselves trapped. The Red Sea was in front of them. Pharaoh's army was behind them. Mountains and wilderness surrounded them. From a human perspective, there was nowhere to go. But what looked like a dead end to Israel was actually the place where God was preparing to demonstrate His power. Moses declared: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD.” — Exodus 14:13 Sometimes God allows us to reach places where our resources, connections, intelligence, money, strength, and plans cannot rescue us. Not because God has abandoned us, but because He is teaching us: “This battle will not be won by your strength. You are going to have to trust Me.” FAITH DOES NOT DENY THE PROBLEM! The Red Sea was real. Pharaoh's army was real. The danger was real. But God was greater than everything Israel was facing. Faith doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. Faith means looking directly at the situation and declaring: “I know what I see, but I also know WHO I trust!” Your situation may involve your family, finances, health, marriage, children, employment, ministry, or an uncertain future. You may not know how God is going to work it out. You may not know when He is going to work it out. But faith says: “Even when I cannot trace God's hand, I will continue trusting His heart.” Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” DON'T LET FEAR MAKE YOU FORGET WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY DONE! When Pharaoh approached, Israel became afraid. Their fear became so powerful that they temporarily forgot the miracles God had already performed in Egypt. Isn't that sometimes like us? God has brought us through things before. God has opened doors before. God has healed broken situations before. God has provided before. God has protected us before. But when the next Red Sea appears, fear whispers: “What are you going to do now?” Faith responds: “The same God who brought me through THEN is still God RIGHT NOW!” David understood this principle. Before facing Goliath, he remembered how God had already delivered him from the lion and the bear. Yesterday's testimony can become today's ammunition for faith. YOUR RED SEA MAY BECOME YOUR TESTIMONY! God told Moses: “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it.” — Exodus 14:16 Then the impossible happened. God made a highway through something that had previously been an obstacle. The Israelites walked across on dry ground. Think about that. God didn't simply remove the problem. He made a pathway through it. Sometimes we pray: “Lord, take this away.” But God may answer: “I'm going to take you THROUGH it, because when you come out, you will know that nobody brought you through but Me.” Isaiah 43:2 declares: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” Notice God said “when,” not “if.” There will be waters. There will be fires. There will be difficult seasons. But there will also be God's presence. WHAT IS BEHIND YOU CANNOT STOP WHAT GOD HAS AHEAD OF YOU! The enemy thought Israel was trapped. Pharaoh probably believed he had them exactly where he wanted them. But Pharaoh didn't realize: God had positioned Israel exactly where HE wanted them. The place that looked like Israel's destruction became the place of their deliverance. That's a word for somebody today: Don't judge your future by what your situation looks like right now. God can turn your Red Sea into a roadway. God can turn your battle into a testimony. God can turn your delay into preparation. God can turn your pain into purpose. God can turn what looked like your ending into your new beginning. KEEP WALKING BY FAITH! Once the sea opened, Israel still had to walk through it. Faith isn't simply believing that God can open the door. Faith is having enough confidence in God to walk through when He opens it. There comes a moment when prayer must be accompanied by obedience. Exodus 14:15 records God saying: “Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” In other words: You've prayed. You've cried. You've trusted. Now MOVE! There are seasons to stand still and see God's salvation, and there are seasons when God says: “GO FORWARD!” Don't allow fear to keep you standing in a place God has already given you permission to leave. TODAY'S FAITH DECLARATION I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken. I believe that the God who opened the Red Sea is still able to make a way where there appears to be no way. I will not surrender to fear. I will not allow yesterday to imprison tomorrow. I will trust God when I understand Him, and I will trust Him when I don't. My Red Sea will not drown me—it will become part of my testimony! The Lord is with me. The Lord is fighting for me. The Lord is making a way for me. And when God says move— I'M GOING FORWARD BY FAITH! PRAYER... Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for being the God who makes ways where there seem to be no ways. Lord, some of us are standing before situations that look impossible. We see the Red Sea in front of us and trouble behind us, and we don't know which direction to turn. But today, we choose faith over fear. Remind us of every mountain You have already brought us over, every valley You carried us through, every door You opened, and every battle You fought on our behalf. When fear tells us that it's over, remind us that You have the final word. When we cannot see the road ahead, teach us to trust the One who already knows the destination. Give us faith to stand still when You say wait and courage to go forward when You say move. Father, part every Red Sea standing between us and Your purpose. Strengthen every discouraged heart. Restore hope to everyone who feels surrounded. Give peace to those waiting for answers. And when You bring us through, we will not take the credit. We will testify: “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3 We believe You are still working. We believe You are still making ways. We believe the same God who delivered Israel is still our God today. In Jesus' mighty name, AMEN! Final Thought... When you cannot see a way forward, don't assume there isn't one. The God who created the sea can also create a road through it. STAND IN FAITH. TRUST GOD. AND WHEN HE SAYS GO—GO FORWARD! Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

My name is Philippe Francois, and I am a Haitian entrepreneur. By God's grace and guidance, I have officially incorporated my business, SMIRNE VENTURE LLC, in the State of Delaware, USA. My company operates in the import, export, and manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), serving communities in Haiti and beyond. You can learn more about our mission at www.smve.net Running a business registered in the United States while living in Haiti has been a profound challenge. Like many of you, I believe that God opens doors that no man can shut. He has given me the vision, the legal structure, and the determination. However, I am now at a critical crossroads where I need financial resources to take the next step. My dream is not just to survive, but to thrive and create employment opportunities that will uplift families here in Haiti. To do this, I need to purchase inventory and protect my brand by registering trademarks. The minimum funding required to move forward is $50,000 USD. I am writing to you today because I believe in the power of prayer and the body of Christ. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:19, And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I trust that the God who gave me this vision will also provide the resources, whether through a loan, investment, or gift. How You Can Help: 1. Pray for me and my business. Pray for wisdom, the right connections, and open doors. I need the covering of the Lord over every step I take. 2. If God has blessed you with capacity, I humbly invite you to support this endeavor. As it is written in Proverbs 19:17, Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. I am not asking for a handout, but for a partnership in a business that seeks to honor God and serve others. 3. I have a fundraising page where I have been expecting donations but God have not activated money flow button you can do it now https://gogetfunding.com/the-last-stand-of-a-haitian-son/ If the Lord leads you to help, whether through a loan, an investment, or a gift, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. I am fully transparent and willing to share my business plan and all necessary documentation. Thank you for taking the time to read my request. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you have blessed me with your attention. In His service, Philippe Francois

HiTODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? Understanding Their Nature, Influence, and the Believer’s Victory. Main Text: Mark 1:23–27 Supporting Texts: Matthew 12:43–45; Luke 8:26–39; Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7 There are battles that the human eye cannot see. A person can look healthy on the outside and yet be fighting a spiritual battle within. A home can look beautiful while confusion fills it. A person can have education, money, connections, and opportunities, yet experience strange patterns that seem difficult to explain. The Bible teaches us that the spiritual realm is real. But we must be careful: not every problem is caused by a demon, and not every unusual experience should be labeled as spiritual warfare. Christians must combine spiritual discernment with wisdom, prayer, sound doctrine, and appropriate practical help. So, what exactly are foul spirits? A foul spirit is an unclean or evil spirit—a spiritual being opposed to God and associated with evil, deception, bondage, oppression, and defilement. But here is the good news: The believer does not need to live in fear of foul spirits. Jesus Christ has authority over them. 1. WHAT ARE FOUL SPIRITS? The expression “foul spirit” is used in some Bible translations to describe what is also called an “unclean spirit.” Mark 1:23–24 > “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit…” The spirit recognized Jesus and said, in effect, “I know who You are.” This teaches us something important: A. Foul spirits are spiritual beings They are not human beings, psychological conditions, or imaginary personalities. Scripture presents them as part of the spiritual opposition against God's purposes. B. They are called “unclean” The word speaks of something morally and spiritually polluted. Their purpose is contrary to the holiness of God. C. They oppose God's work Where God brings truth, they promote deception. Where God desires freedom, they seek bondage. Where God desires holiness, they encourage defilement. Where God desires peace, they seek confusion and destruction. But their activity does not mean they possess unlimited power. God remains sovereign. 2. FOUL SPIRITS SEEK TO DECEIVE, OPPRESS AND DESTROY Jesus warned about the activity of evil spirits. John 10:10 > “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” The devil's purpose is destructive. However, notice the second half: > “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus is greater than the enemy! Foul spirits may seek to influence: Thoughts Attitudes Temptations Destructive behavior Fear Deception Hatred Occult practices Spiritual bondage Opposition to God's truth But we must maintain biblical balance. Temptation is not automatically demonic possession. Mental or emotional distress is not automatically demonic activity. A difficult season is not automatically an attack from an evil spirit. Sometimes a person needs prayer. Sometimes a person needs repentance. Sometimes a person needs wise counsel. And sometimes a person needs medical or mental-health support. Spiritual maturity knows the difference. 3. JESUS CHRIST HAS AUTHORITY OVER FOUL SPIRITS This is where the message becomes powerful. Mark 1:27 > “For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” Notice the phrase: “They do obey Him.” Jesus did not negotiate with the spirit. He did not panic. He did not run away. He exercised divine authority. Luke 10:19 Jesus told His disciples: > “Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy.” The authority belongs to Christ. Therefore, Christian spiritual warfare is not about shouting the loudest. It is not about dramatic performances. It is not about trying to impress people. It is about standing in Christ, submitting to God, knowing His Word, and resisting the enemy. James 4:7 > “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice the order: Submit → Resist → Victory. You cannot successfully resist the devil while deliberately refusing to submit to God. 4. HOW DO WE GUARD OUR LIVES AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS? Ephesians 6:11 > “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Paul does not tell Christians to become obsessed with demons. He tells them to put on the armour of God. The armour includes: Truth — Don't build your life on lies. Righteousness — Guard your heart and conduct. The Gospel of peace — Walk in peace with God. Faith — Trust God when circumstances are frightening. Salvation — Remember who you belong to. The Word of God — Know and speak God's truth. Prayer — Maintain communion with God. The answer to spiritual darkness is not fear. The answer is deeper relationship with Christ. 5. DO NOT OPEN DOORS TO DARKNESS The Bible repeatedly warns God's people against involvement with occult practices and spiritual darkness. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 Scripture warns against practices such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and consulting spiritual mediums. Why? Because God wants His people to seek Him, not supernatural power from forbidden sources. Some people want spiritual power without spiritual submission. They want protection without holiness. They want miracles without Christ. They want supernatural experiences without discernment. That is dangerous. Ephesians 5:11 > “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” If something belongs to darkness, don't entertain it simply because it appears powerful. Not everything supernatural is from God. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE MAN OF GADARA Mark 5:1–20 Jesus encountered a man who was severely oppressed by unclean spirits. His life had become completely broken. He lived among the tombs. He was isolated. He harmed himself. He could not be controlled by ordinary human means. But when Jesus arrived, everything changed. Jesus confronted the spiritual bondage, and the man was eventually found: > “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.” Mark 5:15 Look at the transformation: Before Jesus: Broken. After Jesus: Restored. Before Jesus: Isolated. After Jesus: Reconnected. Before Jesus: Tormented. After Jesus: In his right mind. This is the power of Christ. And Jesus gave the man a mission: > “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee.” Jesus doesn't only deliver people from bondage; He gives them a testimony and a purpose. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. Don't become more conscious of demons than you are conscious of Jesus. Some Christians can talk about demons for hours but barely talk about Christ. That is unhealthy. Jesus must remain the center. 2. Spiritual warfare begins with spiritual alignment. Before fighting external battles, examine your relationship with God. Is there deliberate disobedience? Unforgiveness? Secret sin? Occult involvement? Compromise? Repentance is not weakness. Repentance closes doors that compromise opens. 3. The devil is real, but he is not equal to God. Christianity does not teach two equal powers fighting for supremacy. God is Creator. Satan is a created being. Therefore, never place Satan on God's level. There is no divine competition. 4. Deliverance should lead to discipleship. A person may experience deliverance and still need spiritual growth. Jesus did not call us merely to be delivered. He called us to follow Him. 5. Freedom must be maintained through Christ-centered living. Matthew 12:43–45 gives a serious warning about an “empty” house. The lesson is powerful: Don't merely remove darkness; fill your life with Christ. Fill your mind with God's Word. Fill your heart with prayer. Fill your life with fellowship. Fill your days with obedience. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Give your life completely to Jesus Christ. 2. Renounce occult and spiritually compromising practices. 3. Study Scripture consistently. 4. Develop a strong prayer life. 5. Guard what you watch, listen to, and celebrate. 6. Refuse to live in fear. 7. Seek mature Christian counsel when facing serious spiritual concerns. 8. Don't automatically interpret every physical or psychological problem as demonic. Seek appropriate professional help when necessary while continuing in prayer. 9. Stay connected to a healthy, Bible-believing Christian community. 10. Make Jesus the center of your spiritual life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I more fascinated by spiritual manifestations than by Jesus Christ? 2. Is there anything in my life that compromises my walk with God? 3. Am I feeding my spirit with God's Word? 4. Do I respond to spiritual challenges with faith or fear? 5. Have I opened myself to practices Scripture forbids? 6. Is my home and personal life centered on Christ? 7. Do I understand my authority in Christ without becoming spiritually arrogant? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from every influence of darkness and establish me firmly in Your truth. 2. Lord Jesus, let every area of my life that has been under spiritual oppression experience Your freedom and peace. 3. Every influence contrary to the will of God operating against my spiritual growth, be broken in Jesus' name. 4. Father, give me spiritual discernment to distinguish between truth and deception, in Jesus' name. 5. Lord, close every door that I have opened through disobedience, ignorance, compromise, or ungodly practices. 6. I renounce every practice that dishonors Christ, and I surrender myself completely to Jesus. 7. Father, fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, Your peace, and Your righteousness. 8. I refuse to live in fear. I choose faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in the power of God's Word. 9. Lord, protect my family and establish our home in Your presence and truth. 10. Father, make my life a testimony of the victory, freedom, and transforming power of Jesus Christ. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, foul spirits are real, but Jesus is greater. Don't spend your life looking for demons behind every problem. Don't become obsessed with darkness. Don't live in fear. And don't play with spiritual things that God has forbidden. Instead, know Jesus. Know His Word. Walk in holiness. Pray. Exercise discernment. Stand in faith. And when the enemy attacks, remember who you belong to. You belong to Jesus Christ. The darkness may be real, but the Light is greater. The enemy may oppose you, but Christ has overcome. The battle may be intense, but your victory is found in Jesus. > “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 So arise in faith. Stand in Christ. Guard your heart. Reject darkness. Walk in holiness. And let your life become a testimony that Jesus Christ still saves, delivers, restores, and sets captives free. JESUS IS LORD! If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/19WFeQkFUN/ Please get the full message from my book "RECOGNIZING AND FIGHTING FOUL SPIRITS"

A little more about me, beyond the bio. I’m usually the person who observes before joining the conversation. I like people, but I also really enjoy my own company. I can spend an entire evening listening to music, working on something, thinking about life, or going down a completely unnecessary internet rabbit hole 😂 I’m also at a stage where I’m taking my work, my relationships, and my personal growth more seriously. I like people who are genuine. People who can laugh at themselves, have an honest conversation, and don't feel the need to pretend they have everything figured out. I’m here to meet people, have interesting conversations, learn a few things, and see where some of those connections lead. So if you're new here too, say hi. What’s something about you that probably wouldn't make it into your bio?

🌟 Ministries at Harvest Edge Missions Center 🙏 At Harvest Edge Missions Center, our mission is to bring hope, support, and spiritual growth to our community through various outreach initiatives. We believe in the power of faith in action! ✨ Our Ministries Include: ➡️ Bible Studies: Join us every Wednesday at 5 PM to engage deeply in God’s Word and strengthen our faith as a community. ➡️ Prison Ministry: Every Sunday, we share the message of Jesus with those who are often overlooked, bringing hope and support to individuals in need. ➡️ Hospital Ministry: Our dedicated team visits local hospitals to uplift patients and families during their challenging times with compassion and care. ➡️ Women’s Ministry: Led by Sister Grace, our women’s group empowers ladies to grow in faith and build meaningful connections. ➡️ Recovery Program: We provide a transformative Recovery Program utilizing the 12 steps to help rebuild lives through resilience and support. ➡️ Community Outreach: Our weekly outreach initiatives include meal gatherings, care package distributions, and door-to-door missions, fostering connections and kindness. Join us in our journey to uplift our community, share the love of Christ, and fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION. 🌐 View Our Website To Learn More: harvestedgemissions.org #HarvestEdgeMissions #CommunitySupport #FaithInAction #HopeAndLove #BuildingConnections #GospelMinistry #TransformingLives #OutreachInitiatives #Empowerment #TogetherWeCan

FLY GIRL!!! I thought Nicaragua would be just a short stop—but God had something much greater waiting for me. 🇳🇮🙏 I only had a short time in Nicaragua, but I made every moment count! I hiked through the beautiful mountains, explored a colorful local market, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a restaurant outside the city. Adventure is a part of me—it’s simply who I am. I love hiking, exploring new places, meeting people, and experiencing different cultures. Being there brought back so many memories from when I was just 18 years old, working in Mexico’s Yucatán region and other parts of Central America. I remember washing my clothes in a hollowed-out log with pigs wandering beneath my feet—but most of all, I remember the precious children I worked with and loved. Returning to this part of the world felt wonderfully familiar. The people of Nicaragua were incredibly kind. The restaurant owner surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and having the sweet children gathered around made that moment even more precious. We also talked about my returning to their community to teach about God, share His Word, and become involved in ministry. I made some wonderful new connections, and I’m now planning to return on my days off. What began as a short visit may become another opportunity to serve. I’m so excited to see the doors God continues to open while I travel! “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” —Revelation 3:8 God is good—all the time! ❤️🙏 🌍 JennaSummersUS.org 📧 JennaSummers14[gmail].com Mama Jennifer—a true story of faith, survival, and God’s redeeming grace—is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mama-Jennifer-Jenna-Summers/dp/1961265885 #Nicaragua #CentralAmerica #HikingAdventure #TravelWithPurpose #OpenDoors #Ministry #MamaJennifer #FlyGirl #FaithAboveTheClouds #GodIsGood

PONTUS PILATE We know something at least about the previous history of this brusque and uncultured soldier of the Roman Empire. A tradition, which may not be reliable, says that he was born at Seville in Spain. He came of a fighting family, was a member of the ordo equester and served for a time under Germanicus in Germany. During a prolonged stay in Rome he seems to have captured the affection of a Roman girl of very high connections, Claudia Procula, whom he was destined to marry, and of whom we shall hear more shortly. As the illegitimate daughter of Claudia, the third wife of Tiberius, Claudia Procula was the granddaughter of Augustus Caesar. It is obvious from the sequel that this accidental connection with the ruling house served Pilate’s personal interests in an unexpected degree, for in AD. 26, on the recommendation of Sejanus, he was appointed Procurator of Judea, and in accepting the post he applied for and obtained the very unusual privilege of taking his wife with him. - FRANK MORISON

🌟 ESTHER CONFERENCE CAMP 2026!! 📅 Dates: October 2 - 4, 2026 📍 Location: Mares Kop- Haenertzburg This year’s theme is "Deep Calls to Deep," inviting you to dive deeper into your Faith and connections with Jesus. It’s an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth, fellowship, and empowerment. ✨ Don’t miss out on inspiring sessions, uplifting worship, and transformative experiences! For more information, reach out to: 📞 Zeah - 079 189 6204 📞 Ryns - 076 115 7314 Come and be part of this life-changing event

Guidelines for living. August 10th, 2026 What Is the Difference Between Faith and Obedience? Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:7-8 Why God chooses to use some individuals, and seemingly ignores those with far greater talents, is always something which defies human logic. The fact is that God often uses those who have little to recommend them when it comes to entitlement through education, family connections, and even intelligence. Yet the biographies of those who have made a mark for God indicates that they share three common traits: 1) They respond to God’s call in their lives. 2) Their simple faith in God is marked by complete obedience, and 3) What they have, they give to the Lord completely and without reservation. Such was a man who lived centuries ago, whose name was Abraham. Called by God, he took his family and his possessions and set out on a long trek through the desert to a place which God had promised. An interesting comment found in the book of Hebrews says, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed, and went even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Did you notice that last phrase, “he did not know where he was going”? Now, for a minute, consider how all of this must have looked to Abraham’s friends and neighbors. Do you suppose conversations went something like this? “Say, Abe, we noticed that you folks are packing. Where are you headed?” “I really don’t know,” Abe replies, “We’re just following the Lord.” “Really? Well, how are you going to make it? I mean, earn a living?” “Not sure of that either.” “So, what’s your five-year plan?” “Don’t have one. We’re just following God one step at a time.” Whenever someone steps out in faith to trust God, he is going to appear out of step with the crowd. More than one person has been called a fool when he or she walked away from the comforts of life to follow the Almighty. When called a fool for what he was doing, Oswald Chambers responded, “I am not many kinds of fools in one; only one kind, the kind that believes and obeys God.” Have you learned, friend, that obedience does not require you to have the full knowledge of the game plan? It only requires that you have complete confidence in He whom you are following. When you come to the place where you believe with all of your heart that God can be trusted, and no matter how foolish it may appear to others, you make the commitment to trust Him and serve Him, you’re going to hear from some who will ridicule you and try to make you feel stupid. When Mrs. Albert Einstein was once asked if she understood the theory of relativity, she replied, “No, but I know my husband does, and I know that Albert can be trusted.” Faith demands commitment at the level of your heart; obedience demands commitment at the level of your feet. You see, there are two parts to this issue of faith. The first is intellectual. This concerns what you believe. But the second, more important, is trust, and that involves action. Of Abraham, the Bible says, “He obeyed … and he went.” For the child of God, obedience is not an option. It’s a command, and when you are confronted with a command, you have two choices: to obey, or disobey. There is no third choice. A closing thought. Abraham was not perfect, but he was obedient, and God rewarded that obedience in a very large way. Resource Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8