Good Since 1956

You are My friends if you do what I command you (Jesus speaking). John 15:14

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since I was six years old. My parents made sure church was an integral part of the lives of my brother and I as we grew up. I'm happy they did for it was an experience that shaped us both for the better. One memory that has stuck with me for nearly 65 years is Brother Ray Peterson. He was our worship leader. Even though I was six, I still recall his favorite Hymn was “Trust and Obey” by John H. Sammis. He led us in that song every Sunday night.

Those words have never left me. The message in the refrain has remained before my mind's eye on the smiling lips of Brother Peterson as he sang;  "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey."

Through life's struggles they have been an anchor of hope for me. Trusting in the Lord always brings hope. Obeying is the action the LORD desires above all else (1^st Samuel 15:22). Obedience alleviates guilt and shame Satan uses to hammer us into discouragement and despair. There was a time in my own life when I endured my greatest crisis, and my trust was tested nearly to the breaking point. In life or perhaps death I was not sure, but I trusted He would never abandon me in either circumstance as I chose to remain obedient to His calling. The blessings of obedience brings relationship with Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and glory to God the Father.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus. Brother Ray Peterson is with his LORD now but we will be together one bright day when the redeemed of Christ stand together (Revelation 7:9). If he's still singing that lovely song as a memorial to his salvation, I'll gladly join him. Trusting and obeying has always worked for me. It's been good for me since 1956.

Ken