One of the joys of being a Dad is the bond of trust forged between fathers and their kids. This confidence is forged through many exciting feats of courage. A trust displayed when jumping off the couch, bed, diving board, or other elevated position, into the arms of a reassuring father. Extra points when accomplished in the sight of a concerned mom.

A child's confidence in parents' ability to catch them in whatever the challenge is the embodiment of childlike faith. As we grow and mature, life gets more complicated. When we transfer childlike faith to our relationship with God, things can get messy. Sometimes we are overconfident and presumptuous about our relationship with God. Other times, we can live as orphans while our heavenly Father waits with arms wide open. 

This Sunday, we will look at 1 John 3:19-24. John reminds us that those in whom the love of God abides do not just love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth (3:17-18). Those who abide in God's love and truth enjoy 3 things (3:19-24): assurance, answered prayer, and God's abiding presence.