84, 542, 170113 Response reading 84. Hebrews 11:1-6 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hymnal 542 1 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word Just to rest upon His promise; just to know, 'Thus saith the Lord' Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him over and over! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! 2 O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood; Just in simple faith to plunge me 'neath the healing, cleansing flood! Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him over and over! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! 3 Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; Just from Jesus simply taking life and rest and joy and peace. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him over and over! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! 4 I'm so glad I learned to trust thee, precious Jesus, Savior, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him over and over! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more! Numbers 17:1-13 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name of each man on his staff. 3 On the staff of Levi write Aaron's name, for there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral tribe. 4 Place them in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you. 5 The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites." 6 So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron's staff was among them. 7 Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony. 8 The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. 9 Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the LORD's presence to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each man took his own staff. 10 The LORD said to Moses, "Put back Aaron's staff in front of the Testimony, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die." 11 Moses did just as the LORD commanded him. 12 The Israelites said to Moses, "We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! 13 Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to die?" Lord's prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. amen.