WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.279 The reading this morning comes from the book of James, chapter 4 and 5. 00:00:08.779 --> 00:00:12.160 Please follow along in your bulletins or on the screen behind me. 00:00:14.439 --> 00:00:17.900 Starting in chapter 4, verse 13, we read, 00:00:18.740 --> 00:00:25.519 Come now, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town 00:00:25.519 --> 00:00:29.780 and spend a year there and trade and make a profit. 00:00:30.940 --> 00:00:34.399 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:36.719 What is your life? 00:00:37.759 --> 00:00:43.280 For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:51.179 Instead, you ought to say, if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:56.920 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. 00:00:56.920 --> 00:01:00.760 For such boasting is evil. 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:09.900 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 00:01:09.900 --> 00:01:14.460 Come now, you rich. 00:01:15.100 --> 00:01:19.280 Weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:23.540 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 00:01:24.219 --> 00:01:30.760 Your gold and silver have corroded and their corrosion will be evidence against you 00:01:30.760 --> 00:01:32.939 and will eat your flesh like fire. 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:38.060 You have laid up treasure in the last days. 00:01:38.060 --> 00:01:46.379 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mow your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, 00:01:46.700 --> 00:01:48.859 are crying out against you. 00:01:49.260 --> 00:01:54.280 And the cries of the harvesters have reached the years of the Lord of hosts. 00:01:54.280 --> 00:02:01.280 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. 00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:06.019 You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:11.080 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. 00:02:12.199 --> 00:02:14.680 He does not resist you. 00:02:15.379 --> 00:02:17.599 This is the word of God. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:21.860 Thanks, Angie. 00:02:21.860 --> 00:02:21.920 Thanks, Angie. 00:02:24.280 --> 00:02:25.680 Good morning. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:26.819 My name is Oscar. 00:02:26.900 --> 00:02:29.680 If you don't know me, I'm one of the leaders here at Watermark. 00:02:30.159 --> 00:02:34.080 And this morning, it's my privilege to be delivering the sermon to us today. 00:02:34.699 --> 00:02:37.439 Can I ask us to pray as we consider God's word? 00:02:39.620 --> 00:02:46.360 Father God, as we consider your word today, Lord, we desperately ask that your Holy Spirit 00:02:46.360 --> 00:02:48.479 would speak into our hearts. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:53.460 Holy Spirit, please soften our hearts to receive your word today, not mine. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:03:00.840 God, I'm just a vessel, and I don't have all the perfect ideas, clearly, but your word 00:03:00.840 --> 00:03:01.500 is perfect. 00:03:01.780 --> 00:03:07.259 And Christ, we ask, Lord, that you would convict us, Lord, today. 00:03:07.319 --> 00:03:09.500 You would challenge us, Lord, and we would receive that. 00:03:10.240 --> 00:03:15.460 But at the same time, Father, we ask that we would see the beauty of Jesus Christ today, 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:15.900 Lord. 00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:17.780 He would strengthen our hearts. 00:03:17.780 --> 00:03:20.080 And so we commend this time to you. 00:03:20.879 --> 00:03:22.740 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:03:27.300 --> 00:03:29.180 Can we turn to the first photo, please? 00:03:29.900 --> 00:03:30.240 Thank you. 00:03:31.439 --> 00:03:33.159 Has anyone ever seen this before? 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:35.659 Anyone familiar with this exercise? 00:03:36.580 --> 00:03:37.420 Jamie's nodding his head. 00:03:37.419 --> 00:03:43.239 It's supposed to be a team-building activity commonly done, I think, at company offsites. 00:03:43.879 --> 00:03:45.899 I think it's called a trust fall. 00:03:46.759 --> 00:03:52.319 It's supposed to build trust within teammates as one person, one employee, falls blindly 00:03:52.319 --> 00:03:55.679 backwards into the arms of his or her other teammates. 00:03:55.680 --> 00:04:00.460 I haven't done it before, personally, but when I think about it, actually, it looks kind 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:00.879 of scary. 00:04:02.200 --> 00:04:06.819 For one, you don't know, you're blind, so you don't really know if someone is actually there 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:07.340 behind you. 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:11.840 What if one of your teammates secretly dislikes you and pulls their hands away at the last 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:13.340 second and you fall smack on the floor? 00:04:15.100 --> 00:04:22.300 No one likes not being in control when you fall, especially backwards off of a high ledge. 00:04:22.300 --> 00:04:27.720 And sometimes, our relationship with God feels like a trust fall. 00:04:28.660 --> 00:04:32.800 We know from coming to church, we know from reading the Bible that God is good, that we 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:33.579 should trust him. 00:04:34.520 --> 00:04:40.000 But when it comes time to fall backwards, we tense up and we hesitate, or we're tempted 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:43.620 to look behind us to ensure that he's really there. 00:04:44.980 --> 00:04:50.660 Because it's hard to relinquish control, even to God, whom we know in our hearts is sovereign 00:04:50.660 --> 00:04:51.220 and kind. 00:04:51.220 --> 00:04:53.940 It's hard to really surrender to him. 00:04:56.140 --> 00:05:01.160 And this morning, we are continuing our study on the book of James, as we have seen so far 00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:02.180 in James' letter. 00:05:02.860 --> 00:05:08.320 How we live, what we say, what we love speaks volumes to the condition of our hearts. 00:05:09.320 --> 00:05:14.640 In chapter 2, we were asked the question, if we love Jesus, why do we show partiality? 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:20.000 If we say we have faith in Jesus, where are the works behind that? 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:23.500 Chapter 3, we learned, how can we praise Jesus? 00:05:23.579 --> 00:05:25.620 But at the same time, we curse people. 00:05:27.019 --> 00:05:31.779 And then in 4, chapter 4, finally, a few weeks ago, if we love Jesus, why are we still in 00:05:31.779 --> 00:05:34.479 conflict with others, even in church? 00:05:34.480 --> 00:05:42.100 And today's message, on the surface, may seem like the proverbial sermon on money. 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:47.040 After all, well, Kevin Neals and even Alan are often a boondoggle in India, and they left 00:05:47.040 --> 00:05:48.640 me with this message, as they always do. 00:05:48.639 --> 00:05:51.219 Of course, I'm joking. 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:56.159 Our brothers are serving the church in India. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:05:58.959 I think Kevin's actually preaching, so that was a joke, for the record. 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:08.719 But this message, I think, there are some strong words on the abuse of money that we'll get 00:06:08.719 --> 00:06:10.060 into in a moment. 00:06:10.879 --> 00:06:16.620 But the core of today's message is that how we plan our jobs and careers reflects the 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:18.740 deepest ambitions of our hearts. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:24.040 Actually, how we plan anything and everything in life reflects, at the deepest level of 00:06:24.040 --> 00:06:27.199 our hearts, what we really believe about God. 00:06:28.579 --> 00:06:29.759 Let's dive into God's Word. 00:06:30.660 --> 00:06:31.399 Our declaration. 00:06:31.879 --> 00:06:34.360 Let's go to chapter 4, verse 13. 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:40.800 Come now, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:43.180 a year there and trade and make a profit. 00:06:43.180 --> 00:06:49.060 So in this passage, at the end of chapter 4, James is addressing traveling merchants who 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:50.620 were part of the early church. 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:55.860 And these Christian traders, in James' time, they would go into a city, they would build 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:59.920 connections, trade, make money, and then they would leave that place and do the exact same 00:06:59.920 --> 00:07:01.079 thing in a different place. 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:07.540 And clearly, in order to be successful at trading with all the organizational skills needed to 00:07:07.540 --> 00:07:13.120 source product, find buyers, negotiate price and payment, there's a lot of planning involved. 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:18.639 And of course, in our day here in Hong Kong, there is planning involved in any kind of 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:21.079 business endeavor or career prospect. 00:07:22.160 --> 00:07:27.300 If today you're in university, you will probably need to plan your course load to get the requisite 00:07:27.300 --> 00:07:31.360 credits to graduate with your major, which may have an impact on the job that you could get. 00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:37.139 If you're already working, at some point you may need to align yourself with a certain 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:40.000 business group or sector to further your career. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:44.439 And if you're thinking of starting your own company, you may need to write a business 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:49.000 plan, which would include a plan for funding, sales and marketing, monetization of revenue, 00:07:49.160 --> 00:07:49.459 etc. 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:55.939 But even if you've never officially been paid to work, everyone plans. 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:58.259 That's why there's a term called being a planner. 00:07:59.219 --> 00:08:00.199 Those who are single. 00:08:01.239 --> 00:08:05.279 Have you ever dreamed about who you're going to marry and plan what your married life would 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:05.719 look like? 00:08:06.599 --> 00:08:07.679 Those who want to have children. 00:08:07.799 --> 00:08:10.379 There's so much in this, I can't even scratch the surface. 00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:11.699 Should we wait? 00:08:11.919 --> 00:08:13.159 Should we try now? 00:08:13.160 --> 00:08:14.760 What if we do get pregnant? 00:08:14.939 --> 00:08:15.560 Which hospital? 00:08:15.700 --> 00:08:16.280 Which doctor? 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:18.880 How about schooling for our kids? 00:08:19.480 --> 00:08:23.060 I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where everyone just went down the street to the local school. 00:08:23.420 --> 00:08:24.240 Not in Hong Kong. 00:08:25.220 --> 00:08:29.300 Most parents, many parents in Hong Kong are planning their children's education from kindergarten 00:08:29.300 --> 00:08:31.900 to university before they're born. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:34.320 And how about retirement? 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:38.460 Such a common theme among parents at my kids' birthday parties these days. 00:08:38.460 --> 00:08:44.019 But many people, young and old, are planning or trying to plan or thinking about planning 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:44.600 their retirement. 00:08:44.780 --> 00:08:45.019 When? 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:45.840 How? 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:46.960 What does it look like? 00:08:48.080 --> 00:08:52.680 But if you notice, in James 4.13, this is not a prayer. 00:08:53.580 --> 00:08:54.639 It's a declaration. 00:08:55.600 --> 00:09:00.259 And in this declaration, there is not even a hint of a desire to know the will of God. 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:03.180 There is no submission to God's authority. 00:09:03.780 --> 00:09:07.320 There is no acknowledgement that the plan of God is better than our own plan. 00:09:07.320 --> 00:09:11.160 There is no prayer for God's guidance and wisdom. 00:09:12.180 --> 00:09:15.400 It's a declaration that completely and utterly ignores God. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:20.720 And so in response to this, in verse 14, James writes, 00:09:21.520 --> 00:09:23.600 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:24.520 What is your life? 00:09:24.940 --> 00:09:28.900 For you are a mist that appears for little time and then vanishes. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:36.200 Here, James, in his characteristically sharp and frank tone, reminds us of two things. 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:40.700 The first is that we are not in control of our lives. 00:09:42.340 --> 00:09:46.800 Years ago, I really wanted my daughter, Kiva, to get into a certain school. 00:09:47.280 --> 00:09:49.379 I applied and I really believed she would get in. 00:09:49.379 --> 00:09:53.759 But at the interview that morning, when Celeste and Kiva came out of the interview, 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:57.259 and Celeste said, hmm, not good. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:10:02.360 I was really upset that she bombed the interview. 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:06.779 And when I say bombed, I mean she didn't point to a book on cue or speak when asked. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:09.519 So that's a three-year-old bombing an interview these days. 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:17.840 But when I realized that she didn't do well in the interview, I was really angry at my three-year-old. 00:10:18.620 --> 00:10:20.620 Anger was rising up in my heart. 00:10:21.059 --> 00:10:24.939 And when we were driving home that morning, I had to repent. 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:32.340 I had to repent of my sin of just wanting to control my daughter's education for idolizing the school. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:38.580 So often, how we react to disappointment reflects our desire for control. 00:10:39.660 --> 00:10:41.879 We work hard in school to get good grades. 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:46.660 And we work hard at our jobs to get our CV just perfectly right to get that perfect job. 00:10:46.780 --> 00:10:50.440 But when we're rejected, we're devastated. 00:10:51.300 --> 00:10:54.300 We work hard to get that promotion we think we so deserve. 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:58.639 But when management passes us over for someone else, we become bitter and resentful. 00:10:58.639 --> 00:11:05.879 How we react to disappointment often reflects something deep in our hearts that's desperate for control. 00:11:06.699 --> 00:11:09.279 When our plans go our way, we don't think too much about it. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:14.120 But when our plans are crushed and we're faced with disappointment and uncertainty, 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:19.980 it's then we realize how much weight or how much hope we've put on our own plans. 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:27.980 And the second reminder from James, I think, in this verse is that we are not as important as we think we are. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:30.439 Ouch. Sorry. 00:11:31.919 --> 00:11:36.039 One of the reasons why we plan and want to be in control is because we think very highly of ourselves. 00:11:36.679 --> 00:11:40.840 We plan because we want everything to be perfect because it's all about me. 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:44.620 It's a very common view in this social media-driven age. 00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:48.460 But James reminds us, what is your life? 00:11:49.259 --> 00:11:53.319 For you're a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 00:11:53.320 --> 00:11:56.379 Is James telling us that our lives are worthless? 00:11:57.080 --> 00:11:57.920 Certainly not. 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:01.879 In Luke 12, 17, actually in many parts of the Gospels, 00:12:02.280 --> 00:12:05.200 Jesus said that even the hairs on your head are all numbered. 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:09.260 You are a precious child of the sovereign God. 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:14.879 The Lord knows you even better than you know yourself because he created you and he loves you deeply. 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:20.700 But James is reminding us that we tend to think that we are more important than we really are 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:25.700 as he likens our entire life to a mist that is here for some time and then is gone. 00:12:27.439 --> 00:12:31.480 And so these bold proclamations we make about our future that concern our careers 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:35.840 and all the ambitious goals we have to maximize everything for our children 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:38.860 and all the plans we have for a cushy retirement, 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:43.279 without humbly submitting or surrendering these plans to God, 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:46.659 James says in verse 16 and 17, 00:12:47.459 --> 00:12:48.899 you boast in your arrogance. 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:51.919 All such boasting is evil. 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:55.779 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, 00:12:56.439 --> 00:12:58.159 for him it is sin. 00:12:59.839 --> 00:13:05.699 We don't talk much in church about the fact that planning without surrendering our plans to God is sin. 00:13:07.319 --> 00:13:08.179 Adultery is sin. 00:13:08.839 --> 00:13:10.000 Murder, of course, is sin. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:12.320 But arrogant planning or arrogant boasting? 00:13:12.659 --> 00:13:13.440 It can't be. 00:13:15.080 --> 00:13:17.659 Proverbs has this to say about planning in chapter 16. 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:21.360 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, 00:13:21.720 --> 00:13:24.279 but the Lord weighs the Spirit. 00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:28.480 From our perspective, we think our self-made plans are good. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:33.100 But James is reminding us here that when we make plans without surrendering them first to God, 00:13:33.500 --> 00:13:37.500 in our hearts it's because we desire control and we think we are very important. 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:41.259 Let me ask us now, 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:44.559 what are we planning for at the moment? 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:49.440 What is keeping you up at night such that if we can just get this done, 00:13:49.919 --> 00:13:51.940 then we can relax and be happy? 00:13:52.779 --> 00:13:54.080 We can just get that job. 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:55.600 We can just get that relationship. 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:57.759 If our kids can just get into that perfect school, 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:00.220 then it's all good. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:03.059 How are we praying to God about our plans? 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:05.279 Is our prayer something like, 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:07.439 Lord, I really want this to happen. 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:09.259 Can you please bless my plans? 00:14:10.419 --> 00:14:16.159 Or are we truly submitting and surrendering our plans to God in prayer? 00:14:17.719 --> 00:14:20.539 And so when it comes to planning jobs, our career, and making money, 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:22.179 if we don't submit to God's authority, 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:24.879 we don't surrender the outcome to God, 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:28.199 James reminds us that this arrogant planning is sin. 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:33.340 But now as we continue on into chapter 5 of the book of James, 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.800 James will take us one step further. 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:42.100 How does this hard idol of control and this arrogant boast actually play out? 00:14:42.840 --> 00:14:47.540 What happens when we ignore God in our career or job planning, 00:14:47.900 --> 00:14:49.820 but somehow we end up with some money, 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:53.840 and then we're in a position to either spend, save, or give it away? 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:58.300 Well, James will tell us it's a very dangerous place to be. 00:14:59.620 --> 00:15:00.740 The dangers of wealth. 00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:03.460 How are you doing? 00:15:04.220 --> 00:15:04.780 All good? 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:07.879 Oh, good. 00:15:08.780 --> 00:15:09.639 Annabelle's great, okay. 00:15:11.300 --> 00:15:12.899 Let's look at chapter 5, verse 1. 00:15:14.300 --> 00:15:15.280 Come now, you rich. 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:18.840 Weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:23.860 This section of James in chapter 5, verses 1 to 6, 00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:26.200 is perhaps one of the most aggressive indictments 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:28.600 of the abuse of wealth in the Bible. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:35.139 But to be clear, James is in no way condemning anyone just for being wealthy. 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:38.420 It's what we do with our wealth and money 00:15:38.420 --> 00:15:40.700 that James is speaking so strongly against. 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:47.100 Now, some Bible scholars believe that this specific section of James' letter, 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:48.480 which addresses the rich, 00:15:49.180 --> 00:15:52.100 refers to non-Christians or those outside of the church. 00:15:52.680 --> 00:15:55.500 And the reason for that is because in this specific section, 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:57.420 James addresses the reader as, 00:15:57.800 --> 00:15:58.779 come now you rich, 00:15:59.240 --> 00:16:00.980 as opposed to previous sections of James 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:02.360 where he addresses the reader as, 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:03.519 my brothers and sisters. 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:06.700 Also, there's no explicit call to repentance 00:16:06.700 --> 00:16:08.440 in this section of the letter. 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:12.080 I think it's very possible, as I've studied this, 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:14.519 I think it's very possible that this part of the letter 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:16.579 is meant to refer to non-believers, 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:20.019 but only insofar as to comfort the early church 00:16:20.019 --> 00:16:24.259 who were poor and were being persecuted by the wealthy. 00:16:25.579 --> 00:16:27.259 In some ways, James is saying, 00:16:27.679 --> 00:16:30.620 take heart, the wealthy who are persecuting you. 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:33.240 The way they're handling money is ungodly, 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.279 and God will judge them severely. 00:16:35.939 --> 00:16:38.039 So don't desire to be like them. 00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:42.759 But this passage at the start of chapter 5 of James 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:47.279 is also incredibly instructive to us as a church, 00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:49.860 and not just for the ultra-wealthy billionaires 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.539 that we read about in the news. 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:54.799 The first reason for that is because 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:57.759 you and I may not think of ourselves as wealthy 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:59.500 compared to some billionaire tech CEO, 00:16:59.959 --> 00:17:02.120 but I imagine that most people here in this room 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:03.639 are not worried about our next meal. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.339 I imagine most people here aren't worried 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:07.539 about where we're going to sleep tonight. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.740 And relative to the rest of the world, 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:11.019 that makes us quite wealthy. 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:13.779 And the second and more important reason 00:17:13.779 --> 00:17:16.059 is that wealth is a relative concept, 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:18.619 and money can grip your heart and control you 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:19.980 unlike anything else. 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:24.220 Money can also cause relationships to break down 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.679 unlike anything else. 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:28.019 It isn't just the big corporations 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:29.539 who sue each other for money. 00:17:30.339 --> 00:17:31.720 It's not just the wealthy families 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:33.339 who squabble over the inheritance. 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:36.500 Disputes over money can fracture relationships 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:39.179 across the socioeconomic divide. 00:17:40.399 --> 00:17:42.859 Marriages lead to divorce over money. 00:17:43.459 --> 00:17:45.619 Friendships break down over borrowed money. 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:49.079 Parents fall out with their kids over money. 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:52.019 And James is making it very clear 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:54.679 that there is an inherent danger in dealing with money. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:57.220 And that danger and potential sin 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:58.199 can affect anyone, 00:17:58.399 --> 00:18:01.059 whether you're inside the church or outside the church, 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:02.339 whether you're ultra-wealthy 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:04.740 or you are living paycheck to paycheck. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:06.859 So what are these dangers? 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.039 Well, first, 00:18:10.659 --> 00:18:13.399 it's wastefulness, hoarding, and self-indulgence. 00:18:14.639 --> 00:18:17.419 Let's look at chapter 5, verse 2. 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:18.599 We're going to go through these 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:20.159 hopefully rather quickly here, 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:21.720 so let's do this. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.059 Verse 2, 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:24.059 Your riches have rotted 00:18:24.059 --> 00:18:26.700 and your garments are moth-eaten. 00:18:27.919 --> 00:18:29.179 It's a picture of buying stuff 00:18:29.179 --> 00:18:30.139 that we don't really need 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:31.240 that kind of goes to waste. 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:33.839 Imagine buying every article of clothing 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:36.480 at some boutique designer store in IFC, 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:39.899 but after we put into our closet for a few years, 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.480 there isn't enough time to wear it 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.759 or we just don't care about it 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:44.700 and the moths and the humidity of Hong Kong 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:45.519 destroy the clothes 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:47.440 and we just chuck it out after a few years. 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:50.119 It's a picture of reckless spending 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:51.339 and wastefulness. 00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:54.000 Let me ask us, 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:56.679 how many pairs of shoes do we really need? 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:59.459 That's not a dig at the ladies, okay? 00:18:59.919 --> 00:19:02.439 We guys here also like our vintage sneakers, all right? 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.779 Let me ask us again, 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:07.419 how many pairs of shoes do we really need? 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:09.199 How many gadgets do we need? 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.539 Verse 3, 00:19:12.159 --> 00:19:13.799 Your gold and silver have corroded 00:19:13.799 --> 00:19:16.139 and their corrosion will be evidence against you 00:19:16.139 --> 00:19:18.259 and eat your flesh like fire. 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:20.720 You've laid up treasure in the last days. 00:19:21.879 --> 00:19:24.740 Gold and silver aren't supposed to rust or corrode. 00:19:24.919 --> 00:19:26.480 So this is a picture of hoarding money 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:29.119 for such a long time that it's just wasted. 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:33.000 It's money saved up and stored for a rainy day, 00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:34.679 but ultimately put to no good use 00:19:34.679 --> 00:19:37.139 when it could have been used to give to someone in need. 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.799 And this hoarding, says James, 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:42.099 will be evidence against you. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:43.259 Or in other words, 00:19:43.459 --> 00:19:45.419 our hoarding of money exposes 00:19:45.419 --> 00:19:49.000 or reflects the selfishness in our hearts. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:51.039 And one day we will be accountable for that. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:54.559 And what drives us to hoard? 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:56.339 Our desire for control. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:58.079 The more money we have, 00:19:58.140 --> 00:20:00.700 the more in control we think we are. 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.799 Verse 5, 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:04.579 You have lived on earth in luxury 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:06.319 and in self-indulgence. 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:07.740 You have fattened your hearts 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.960 in a day of slaughter. 00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:12.440 Is our goal in life just comfort and pleasure? 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:16.660 Do we work just so that we can enjoy fancy meals 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.380 and nice holidays? 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.740 Do we elevate luxury? 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:20.779 Because if we're honest, 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:23.539 that is what truly satisfies us 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:26.039 and gives us the most joy in life. 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:28.420 Okay. 00:20:29.420 --> 00:20:30.720 Let me just pause here for a second. 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:34.660 Thank you, James, for that aggressive indictment. 00:20:35.140 --> 00:20:35.900 Appreciate that. 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:37.580 He doesn't mince words. 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:37.980 James? 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:41.059 Clearly, this is challenging. 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:43.559 I confess, it's very challenging for me. 00:20:43.860 --> 00:20:45.120 Perhaps it's challenging for some 00:20:45.120 --> 00:20:46.380 or most of us here, 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.339 particularly in a culture 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:48.900 where financial success, 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:50.180 asset gathering, 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:52.680 and consumption is highly celebrated. 00:20:54.640 --> 00:20:55.400 You know, for me, 00:20:55.620 --> 00:20:56.360 just to share, 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.400 you know, I have three kids. 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.339 And, you know, 00:20:59.380 --> 00:21:02.339 I do struggle with how much to save 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.799 versus give away. 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:07.359 Also, I love going on holiday with my family. 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:09.000 And, in fact, tomorrow we're going to Thailand. 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.720 But, you know, 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:14.879 flights and villas or hotel rooms 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:15.940 and food on holiday, 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:16.759 you know, it's expensive. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:18.559 It's an incredible luxury. 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:20.579 And so for me, 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:22.240 as I've been preparing this message, 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:25.799 I've had to ask the Lord to search my heart. 00:21:26.659 --> 00:21:27.720 Do I need to repent? 00:21:27.879 --> 00:21:29.079 Or where do I need to repent? 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.939 Or wastefulness, 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.740 hoarding, 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:33.980 or extravagance? 00:21:35.119 --> 00:21:36.039 But notice, 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:37.319 in these verses, 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:39.319 James is not super specific 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:41.859 of what exactly is considered 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:42.759 too much luxury. 00:21:43.439 --> 00:21:44.599 He isn't precise 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.879 about the exact quantum 00:21:45.879 --> 00:21:47.359 that he would consider to be hoarding. 00:21:48.659 --> 00:21:49.839 And, in the Bible as a whole, 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.579 other than perhaps tithing, 00:21:51.659 --> 00:21:52.980 which we're not going to talk about today, 00:21:53.199 --> 00:21:54.960 there isn't that much specificity 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:56.359 when it comes to how much to spend, 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:57.960 save, or give away. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:22:00.360 So it's hard to really know. 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:02.740 But I think for us, 00:22:03.600 --> 00:22:05.900 I think there are three helpful questions 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:06.960 that we could be asking ourselves 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:08.420 and each other 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:11.079 when it comes to how we treat money. 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:13.900 The first is, 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.240 are we talking with anyone 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:16.860 about how we spend, save, 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:17.720 or give money away? 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:20.279 You don't have to disclose your budget 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.160 to a hundred people, 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:23.279 but if you can find just one trusted friend 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.900 within the family of God 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:26.539 to share or wrestle through 00:22:26.539 --> 00:22:27.579 your budget 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:29.799 and how you are spending and saving 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:30.519 and giving money away, 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:31.500 I think it's very helpful. 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:33.759 Second is, 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:35.759 are we praying about how we can bless others 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.899 with our resources? 00:22:37.859 --> 00:22:39.519 There's a ton of need out there. 00:22:40.119 --> 00:22:41.039 In our prayer life, 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:41.839 do we have the heart 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:43.359 to be praying and asking the Lord, 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.819 how can we bless someone 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:46.079 through the resources 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:47.319 and money he has given us? 00:22:47.319 --> 00:22:49.700 The third question is, 00:22:49.899 --> 00:22:51.240 are we actually blessing people 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.159 with our money? 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:53.980 Faith versus works. 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.579 The Bible talks a lot about 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:57.319 giving money to local church, 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.419 to those in need, 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:00.099 to inviting people into your home, 00:23:00.439 --> 00:23:01.000 to have a meal, 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:02.939 and just generally having a heart 00:23:02.939 --> 00:23:05.619 to be generous to others 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:07.759 as the Lord has been generous to us. 00:23:10.119 --> 00:23:10.319 So, 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:12.960 wastefulness, hoarding, 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:14.159 and self-indulgence, 00:23:14.679 --> 00:23:15.379 the first danger. 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:17.060 Second, 00:23:17.800 --> 00:23:18.460 injustice. 00:23:19.540 --> 00:23:19.960 Verse 4, 00:23:20.800 --> 00:23:21.620 Behold the wages 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.840 of the laborers 00:23:22.840 --> 00:23:23.820 who mowed your fields, 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:25.260 which you have kept back by fraud, 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.300 are crying out 00:23:26.300 --> 00:23:27.420 against you. 00:23:28.520 --> 00:23:28.820 Here, 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:30.300 James is referring to landowners 00:23:30.300 --> 00:23:31.660 who would employ people 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.580 to work the fields, 00:23:32.660 --> 00:23:33.260 but these landowners 00:23:33.260 --> 00:23:34.780 would use their position of power 00:23:34.780 --> 00:23:35.760 to hold back pay 00:23:35.760 --> 00:23:36.620 from workers. 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:39.180 We see this throughout history 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:39.940 and in our day. 00:23:40.780 --> 00:23:42.220 The imbalance of power 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:44.060 often leads to injustice 00:23:44.060 --> 00:23:45.280 against the weaker side. 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:46.780 Those with money 00:23:46.780 --> 00:23:47.560 and affluence 00:23:47.560 --> 00:23:49.100 can and do abuse 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:49.660 their position. 00:23:51.040 --> 00:23:51.220 So, 00:23:51.300 --> 00:23:52.500 a question for us is, 00:23:53.520 --> 00:23:54.880 how are we treating people 00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:56.500 that have less resources 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.500 than us? 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.660 How do we treat the waiter 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.800 who serves us lunch? 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:03.359 How are we treating the amazing 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:04.240 domestic helpers 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.319 who have left their families 00:24:05.319 --> 00:24:06.819 to come and care for us 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.359 in Hong Kong? 00:24:08.639 --> 00:24:09.980 Are we being overly harsh 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:11.079 and demanding? 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:13.899 Or are we being respectful, 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:14.619 kind, 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:15.919 and generous? 00:24:17.919 --> 00:24:19.019 And if you're here today 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:20.700 and you're not a follower 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:22.039 of Jesus Christ, 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:23.379 please know that 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.079 among all the things 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:25.220 that we've just gone through, 00:24:27.220 --> 00:24:28.419 among all the Christians here today, 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.120 none of us get it right. 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:34.480 We all fall incredibly short 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:36.100 of God's standards. 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.700 But it's because of Jesus 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:39.060 and his blood on the cross 00:24:39.060 --> 00:24:40.600 that in spite of our sin, 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.240 we are accepted 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:42.680 as God's people. 00:24:44.600 --> 00:24:44.880 So, 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.300 so far, 00:24:45.380 --> 00:24:45.840 we've examined 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:47.240 that how we plan our jobs 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.300 and careers 00:24:48.300 --> 00:24:48.880 and making money 00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:49.700 reflects something 00:24:49.700 --> 00:24:51.080 inside of our hearts. 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.539 We've seen that 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:53.279 if we take planning 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.120 into our own hands 00:24:54.119 --> 00:24:55.299 and if we idolize control, 00:24:55.739 --> 00:24:57.000 it's a dangerous place to be 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:58.599 because that heart condition 00:24:58.599 --> 00:24:59.259 then pollutes 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:00.459 how we treat money. 00:25:02.239 --> 00:25:02.959 Now let's see 00:25:02.959 --> 00:25:03.679 what it looks like 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:05.479 to surrender our plans 00:25:05.479 --> 00:25:06.500 to God. 00:25:08.039 --> 00:25:08.779 Our surrender. 00:25:09.379 --> 00:25:10.459 Let's go back to 00:25:10.459 --> 00:25:11.599 verse four, 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:12.479 I'm sorry, 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.399 chapter four, 00:25:13.679 --> 00:25:14.339 verse 15. 00:25:15.159 --> 00:25:15.639 Chapter four, 00:25:15.719 --> 00:25:16.879 verse 15. 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:19.099 Instead, 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.099 you ought to say, 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:21.979 if the Lord wills, 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:23.099 we will live 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.759 and do this or that. 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:26.740 I think it's 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.500 an incredible prayer. 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:29.299 It's really the opposite 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.740 of the declaration 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.819 in verse 13. 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.860 The verse 13 declaration 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.339 says, 00:25:34.620 --> 00:25:35.160 I am the captain 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:36.200 of my own ship. 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.559 I will do this 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.839 for this amount of time 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:40.400 and I will make money. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.099 Verse 13 00:25:42.099 --> 00:25:42.960 makes a declaration 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:43.740 and boasts 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:45.360 that I am in control. 00:25:46.799 --> 00:25:47.799 In contrast, 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:49.039 the verse 14 00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.900 prayer starts off with, 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:52.580 if the Lord wills. 00:25:53.320 --> 00:25:54.380 Right out of the gate, 00:25:54.540 --> 00:25:55.840 the prayer acknowledges 00:25:55.840 --> 00:25:56.500 the lordship 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.720 and kingship 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:58.660 of Jesus 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.060 and our submission 00:26:00.060 --> 00:26:01.019 to him. 00:26:02.280 --> 00:26:03.100 If the Lord wills, 00:26:03.100 --> 00:26:03.600 we will live, 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:04.340 acknowledges that 00:26:04.340 --> 00:26:05.340 we're not in control 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:06.580 of our lives. 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.320 Instead of a boastful 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:08.860 declaration, 00:26:09.300 --> 00:26:10.259 it's a humble prayer 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.080 that simply says, 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.560 if it is your will, 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.019 Jesus, 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.720 I will be alive. 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.560 I am thankful 00:26:16.560 --> 00:26:17.940 for the air 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.720 in my lungs 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.720 that I'm breathing today. 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:22.600 Verse 14 prayer 00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:23.400 doesn't say, 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.600 in these five years 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:26.000 I'm going to go 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:26.620 to this city 00:26:26.620 --> 00:26:27.480 and build my career 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.559 and then in the next 00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:28.980 five years 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.259 I'm going to go 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.019 to that city 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:31.140 and build my career 00:26:31.140 --> 00:26:31.600 and then have 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:32.539 two and a half kids 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:33.720 and then in 20 years 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:33.960 I'm going to go 00:26:33.960 --> 00:26:34.779 to the third city 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.660 and I'm going to retire 00:26:35.660 --> 00:26:36.700 and sit on the beach. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:38.620 No, the prayer is, 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:40.079 Lord, if it is your will, 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:41.259 I will live 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:43.380 and do this or that. 00:26:44.600 --> 00:26:45.420 This or that. 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:46.900 This or that. 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:48.580 Imagine if you're 00:26:48.580 --> 00:26:49.460 a young man 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.220 and you've met 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.120 the woman of your dreams 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:52.860 and you want to ask 00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.480 her to marry you 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:55.220 and you go to her father 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:57.660 to ask to bless 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.220 the marriage 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.860 and he says to you, 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:00.240 okay, son, 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.660 you want to take care 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.060 of my daughter? 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:01.400 Sure. 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.340 What are your career plans? 00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:05.320 And you're like, 00:27:05.380 --> 00:27:06.000 oh, I'm going to do 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:06.820 this or that, sir. 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:09.700 Of course, 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:12.180 we need to work hard, right? 00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:13.259 We need to work 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:14.180 very hard at planning. 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.580 We need to work 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:16.259 very hard at our jobs. 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.500 No question about it. 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:20.619 The Bible isn't asking us, 00:27:20.659 --> 00:27:21.179 isn't telling us 00:27:21.179 --> 00:27:21.799 to sit on the couch 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:23.279 and hope for a job. 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:25.779 But it's how we plan, 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:27.439 how we plan 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:28.460 that is so crucial. 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.579 Because the gospel truth 00:27:30.579 --> 00:27:31.779 about our careers 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:32.919 and making money 00:27:32.919 --> 00:27:33.939 is this. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.220 It's not about 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:36.579 what kind of job we have. 00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:37.519 It's not about 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:39.039 how much money we make. 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:39.679 It's not about 00:27:39.679 --> 00:27:40.759 how successful 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.759 our careers are. 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:44.079 It's not about you. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:45.000 It's not about me. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.579 It's about living life 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.460 in accordance 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:49.220 or in line 00:27:49.220 --> 00:27:50.539 with God's will. 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.399 It's about surrendering 00:27:52.399 --> 00:27:52.980 and submitting 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.740 our lives 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.679 to Him. 00:27:55.399 --> 00:27:56.139 It's about giving Him 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:56.539 honor 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:57.559 in our work 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.779 because He is worthy 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.799 to be honored 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.519 and worshipped. 00:28:02.599 --> 00:28:03.500 And I've been learning 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:04.619 this about myself 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:07.679 because I'm currently 00:28:07.679 --> 00:28:08.480 in between jobs. 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:10.639 And as many people know, 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:11.679 when you're looking 00:28:11.679 --> 00:28:12.220 for a job, 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:13.559 you can be pulled 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.380 in all different directions. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.519 So many questions 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.339 you're asking yourself. 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.360 I've been working 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.640 in finance for 20 years. 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:19.940 Should I stay in finance 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:21.500 or try something else? 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.440 Should I look 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:23.200 to a different city 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:24.259 to move my family there 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:24.880 because maybe 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.900 there are better jobs there? 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.940 But as I've wrestled 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:29.960 with all these questions 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:30.819 and as I've 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:32.140 had the privilege 00:28:32.140 --> 00:28:32.660 of studying 00:28:32.660 --> 00:28:33.420 James' letter 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:33.980 over the past 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:34.680 little while, 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.259 these are just two things 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:37.819 that I've tried to do. 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:38.720 This is not comprehensive. 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:40.420 This is just two things 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:41.060 that I want to share 00:28:41.060 --> 00:28:41.539 with you all. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.940 The first is, 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:46.240 I have tried to submit 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.360 all the opportunities 00:28:47.360 --> 00:28:48.400 for jobs 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:50.000 that have come across 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.620 my desk 00:28:50.620 --> 00:28:52.180 to the Lord in prayer. 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:54.120 My prayers recently 00:28:54.120 --> 00:28:54.820 have been, 00:28:55.360 --> 00:28:55.759 Lord, 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.360 if it is your will 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:58.279 for this job, 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.740 please open the door. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.620 If not, 00:29:02.660 --> 00:29:02.860 Lord, 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.620 help me to trust you. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.340 Help me to trust you, 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:05.580 Lord. 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:07.480 And close that door 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.360 if it's not your will. 00:29:08.359 --> 00:29:11.179 And second, 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.359 I've tried to share 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.139 as much as I can 00:29:13.139 --> 00:29:14.099 about potential jobs 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:15.979 with my wife Celeste 00:29:15.979 --> 00:29:18.099 and with my trusted brothers 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:18.619 in Christ. 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:19.579 Actually, 00:29:19.979 --> 00:29:20.559 many of whom 00:29:20.559 --> 00:29:22.399 are sitting here today. 00:29:22.879 --> 00:29:23.579 I'm very thankful 00:29:23.579 --> 00:29:24.219 for you guys. 00:29:25.500 --> 00:29:26.399 But the reason why 00:29:26.399 --> 00:29:26.740 I do that 00:29:26.740 --> 00:29:27.159 is because 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:27.919 I have a tendency 00:29:27.919 --> 00:29:28.399 to, 00:29:29.679 --> 00:29:30.479 by myself, 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:31.659 pursue the jobs 00:29:31.659 --> 00:29:32.099 that are perhaps 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:32.759 the most lucrative 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:34.039 or the most exciting 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.339 versus what the Lord, 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.039 I think, 00:29:36.099 --> 00:29:36.859 may have for me. 00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:37.879 And so I've opened up 00:29:37.879 --> 00:29:38.399 the floor 00:29:38.399 --> 00:29:40.859 to ask other men 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:41.379 to speak 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:42.899 into my life. 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.740 Perhaps some of us 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.119 here today 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:47.039 are also thinking 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:48.500 about how to plan 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.119 your careers. 00:29:49.979 --> 00:29:50.619 And perhaps some of us 00:29:50.619 --> 00:29:51.079 here today 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:52.179 are wrestling 00:29:52.179 --> 00:29:52.839 with plans 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:53.559 when it comes to 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.339 family 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.859 and also relationships. 00:29:57.399 --> 00:29:58.339 But let me ask us, 00:29:59.259 --> 00:30:00.439 can we be a people 00:30:00.439 --> 00:30:01.279 of God 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:01.979 that submit 00:30:01.979 --> 00:30:03.000 and surrender 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:04.099 our plans 00:30:04.099 --> 00:30:04.599 to Him? 00:30:04.599 --> 00:30:06.459 Can we be 00:30:06.459 --> 00:30:07.379 a church 00:30:07.379 --> 00:30:09.579 who prays, 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.000 Lord, 00:30:10.099 --> 00:30:10.819 it is Your will, 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.980 please grant me this. 00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:13.079 But if not, 00:30:13.159 --> 00:30:13.740 I trust 00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.759 that Your will 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.399 and Your plan 00:30:15.399 --> 00:30:16.419 are perfect. 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.379 Surrendering is hard, 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.779 but it's a theme 00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:21.699 that we've seen 00:30:21.699 --> 00:30:22.519 and we see 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.379 throughout the entire 00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:24.119 Bible narrative. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:25.539 Look at Abraham. 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:27.839 Abraham was a rich man 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.679 when God called him 00:30:28.679 --> 00:30:29.199 to leave 00:30:29.199 --> 00:30:30.559 the place where he lived 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.799 to go to an unknown place. 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:33.180 He went from living 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:34.519 a life of luxury 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:35.599 to living in tents. 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.399 That's a pretty big downsizing. 00:30:38.379 --> 00:30:39.079 Look at Moses. 00:30:39.480 --> 00:30:40.279 Moses was adopted 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.240 into the family 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.940 of Pharaoh. 00:30:42.599 --> 00:30:43.059 He could have lived 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:43.960 a life of luxury 00:30:43.960 --> 00:30:44.720 and indulgence 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:45.839 inside Pharaoh's court, 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.399 but instead 00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:48.319 he obeyed God's prompting, 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.099 rescued his people 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:49.680 out of Egypt, 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:50.799 and lived in the desert 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.720 until his death. 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.859 Look at the apostle Paul. 00:30:54.319 --> 00:30:56.180 Paul was a wealthy Pharisee 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:57.039 that was probably 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:58.299 living a life of luxury. 00:30:58.299 --> 00:31:00.740 But when he encountered Jesus, 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.119 his life changed 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:02.980 and he gave up 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:04.819 all that wealth 00:31:04.819 --> 00:31:06.779 to live in chains, 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:08.519 to be imprisoned, 00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:09.379 to be persecuted. 00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:10.720 And he did that 00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:11.299 as he preached 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:12.519 and taught the gospel 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.299 until his death. 00:31:14.859 --> 00:31:15.480 But how were these 00:31:15.480 --> 00:31:16.799 Bible heroes able to 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.559 walk away 00:31:17.559 --> 00:31:18.460 from worldly pleasure? 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:19.720 How were they able 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.899 to not just plan 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.460 their lives 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:22.839 according to their own desires, 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:23.819 and how were they able 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.759 to gain the conviction 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.299 to fall backwards 00:31:25.879 --> 00:31:27.359 and bank their lives 00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:28.500 on the sovereign God 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.539 even unto the point 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:31.179 of suffering and death? 00:31:32.579 --> 00:31:33.259 No, it's because 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:35.519 they had an encounter 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:37.259 with the sovereign God 00:31:37.259 --> 00:31:39.199 and their hearts change 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:40.659 and their lives change. 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.719 It's because they realized 00:31:42.719 --> 00:31:44.159 how sinful they were 00:31:44.159 --> 00:31:45.119 and then they received 00:31:45.119 --> 00:31:46.379 the grace of God. 00:31:46.419 --> 00:31:47.179 And when they received 00:31:47.179 --> 00:31:47.799 the grace of God, 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:48.579 the grace of God 00:31:48.579 --> 00:31:49.859 changed their hearts 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:51.599 and changed their lives. 00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:54.359 And today for us 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:56.059 here at Watermark, 00:31:56.059 --> 00:31:58.059 let's look to Jesus 00:31:58.059 --> 00:32:00.220 who set the perfect example 00:32:00.220 --> 00:32:01.440 of what it means, 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.859 what it means to surrender. 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:04.859 Many of us know 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:07.119 the prayer Jesus prayed 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:08.480 in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.240 before his death. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.579 Father, if you're willing, 00:32:12.759 --> 00:32:14.179 remove this cup from me, 00:32:14.940 --> 00:32:15.799 Jesus prayed the night 00:32:15.799 --> 00:32:17.579 before his death. 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:18.879 Nevertheless, 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:20.639 not my will, 00:32:21.279 --> 00:32:22.500 but yours be done. 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:24.380 not what I will, 00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:26.019 but what you will. 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:29.579 This is who we're asking ourselves 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:31.200 to surrender to. 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:33.400 To Jesus Christ, 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.359 the Son of Heaven. 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:36.460 Jesus didn't just tell us 00:32:36.460 --> 00:32:37.299 how to surrender. 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:38.359 He didn't write us 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:39.259 a surrender handbook 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:40.319 and then hand it to us 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:41.799 to go take care of it ourselves. 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:43.859 In the Garden, 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:45.700 Jesus was physically alone. 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:47.259 His disciples had all 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.019 fallen asleep. 00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:49.680 It was between Jesus 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:51.879 and his Father in Heaven. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.099 And that night, 00:32:54.420 --> 00:32:55.119 Jesus surrendered 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:57.000 to his Father's will. 00:32:58.519 --> 00:33:00.740 But because he was fully human, 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:02.200 Jesus experienced 00:33:02.200 --> 00:33:03.779 the unspeakable burden 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:06.019 of stress and anxiety 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:08.920 as the cross lay before him. 00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:11.019 And because of this, 00:33:11.319 --> 00:33:12.420 because of his humanity, 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:15.000 Jesus fully understands 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:17.639 and empathizes with us. 00:33:17.640 --> 00:33:18.280 He understands 00:33:18.280 --> 00:33:19.280 what it feels like for us 00:33:19.280 --> 00:33:20.120 when we fear 00:33:20.120 --> 00:33:21.380 that uncertainty 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:22.400 of falling backwards, 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:24.680 of surrendering to him. 00:33:26.220 --> 00:33:26.960 But there was also 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:27.820 incredible hope 00:33:27.820 --> 00:33:29.300 in the Garden that night. 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:32.060 Jesus had hope 00:33:32.060 --> 00:33:32.900 in the glory 00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.700 of his resurrection 00:33:33.700 --> 00:33:34.580 that would come 00:33:34.580 --> 00:33:35.759 after his surrender 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.800 and death. 00:33:37.280 --> 00:33:37.980 And for us, 00:33:38.280 --> 00:33:39.220 in the same way, 00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:39.980 somehow, 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:41.620 we can also 00:33:41.620 --> 00:33:43.200 surrender to God 00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:44.600 and fall backwards. 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:46.339 We can experience 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.639 that same hope 00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:49.219 that God will 00:33:49.219 --> 00:33:50.859 strengthen our resolve. 00:33:51.019 --> 00:33:51.879 He would increase 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.439 our faith 00:33:52.439 --> 00:33:53.240 and pour the love 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:53.980 of Jesus 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:54.819 into our hearts 00:33:54.819 --> 00:33:55.699 through his Spirit. 00:33:58.419 --> 00:33:59.519 James 4.15, 00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:01.319 if the Lord wills, 00:34:02.279 --> 00:34:03.039 if the Lord wills, 00:34:03.039 --> 00:34:03.559 we will live 00:34:03.559 --> 00:34:05.219 and do this or that. 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:07.019 The heart of surrender. 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:10.239 This is the Christian life. 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:12.539 It's believing in Jesus 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:14.139 as our Lord and Savior 00:34:14.139 --> 00:34:16.340 and it's daily 00:34:16.340 --> 00:34:17.159 surrendering 00:34:17.159 --> 00:34:18.659 our lives 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.179 to him. 00:34:20.780 --> 00:34:21.599 Surrendering our jobs, 00:34:21.719 --> 00:34:22.179 our careers, 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:22.679 everything, 00:34:22.900 --> 00:34:23.920 our families to him. 00:34:25.159 --> 00:34:26.139 And as we surrender, 00:34:26.300 --> 00:34:27.039 as we lay down 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:27.639 these idols 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:28.519 in front of 00:34:28.519 --> 00:34:29.320 the feet of Jesus, 00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:30.440 the idols of control, 00:34:30.800 --> 00:34:32.039 of wanting security, 00:34:32.219 --> 00:34:32.940 of wanting comfort, 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:34.019 of overindulging, 00:34:34.019 --> 00:34:34.579 indulging, 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.440 as we lay down 00:34:36.440 --> 00:34:37.480 the idols of job, 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:37.960 careers, 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:38.400 money, 00:34:38.699 --> 00:34:39.099 family, 00:34:39.500 --> 00:34:40.159 relationships, 00:34:41.280 --> 00:34:41.759 retirement, 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:42.599 our kids' education, 00:34:42.739 --> 00:34:43.460 all these things, 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:44.119 as we lay him 00:34:44.119 --> 00:34:44.619 at his feet 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:45.259 and we surrender 00:34:45.259 --> 00:34:46.079 those things to him, 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:47.840 he replaces 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.800 that desire 00:34:48.800 --> 00:34:49.759 for these idols 00:34:49.759 --> 00:34:51.199 with a desire 00:34:51.199 --> 00:34:51.840 for himself. 00:34:54.400 --> 00:34:55.480 And what do we feel? 00:34:55.759 --> 00:34:56.460 What do we experience? 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:57.820 We experience him. 00:34:59.199 --> 00:34:59.759 We experience 00:34:59.759 --> 00:35:00.739 incredible lightness, 00:35:02.099 --> 00:35:02.980 incredible freedom, 00:35:02.980 --> 00:35:04.800 incredible peace 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:05.380 and joy 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.800 that the world 00:35:06.800 --> 00:35:08.079 cannot give us. 00:35:08.699 --> 00:35:09.380 Let's surrender 00:35:09.380 --> 00:35:11.079 to Jesus Christ today. 00:35:12.300 --> 00:35:12.960 Let's pray. 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:16.840 Father God, 00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:18.340 it's hard to surrender. 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:23.139 As I've studied this, 00:35:23.260 --> 00:35:23.360 Lord, 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:24.500 and even as I've been 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:24.900 speaking, 00:35:25.039 --> 00:35:25.139 Lord, 00:35:25.240 --> 00:35:26.559 I confess, 00:35:26.719 --> 00:35:26.820 Lord, 00:35:26.880 --> 00:35:28.360 I desire 00:35:28.360 --> 00:35:29.480 to hold on 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.320 to all these things, 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:30.460 Lord, 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:31.039 to know what's going 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:31.840 to happen in the future, 00:35:31.960 --> 00:35:32.059 Lord. 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:33.199 I desire for control, 00:35:33.340 --> 00:35:33.559 God, 00:35:33.619 --> 00:35:34.099 but I know, 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.119 we know, 00:35:35.279 --> 00:35:35.380 Lord, 00:35:35.460 --> 00:35:36.719 through your scripture today 00:35:36.719 --> 00:35:37.799 that you're calling us 00:35:37.799 --> 00:35:38.480 to be a people, 00:35:38.699 --> 00:35:41.239 to fall backwards 00:35:41.239 --> 00:35:41.659 into you 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.139 and to surrender 00:35:42.139 --> 00:35:42.500 to you, 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:42.699 Lord. 00:35:44.679 --> 00:35:45.619 Won't you help us, 00:35:45.679 --> 00:35:46.039 Holy Spirit, 00:35:46.099 --> 00:35:46.639 to do that, 00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:46.920 God? 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:48.460 Give us the strength, 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.659 give us the resolve, 00:35:49.759 --> 00:35:50.299 give us the will, 00:35:50.380 --> 00:35:51.619 not by our own strength, 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:51.940 God. 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:53.579 Can we do this, 00:35:53.699 --> 00:35:53.840 Lord? 00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:55.179 But we can do it 00:35:55.179 --> 00:35:56.179 by the power 00:35:56.179 --> 00:35:56.699 of your Spirit. 00:35:58.699 --> 00:35:59.739 And thank you, 00:36:00.239 --> 00:36:00.500 Father, 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.139 for Jesus, 00:36:01.260 --> 00:36:01.780 your Son, 00:36:02.860 --> 00:36:03.659 who paved the way 00:36:03.659 --> 00:36:04.199 for us, 00:36:04.940 --> 00:36:05.659 didn't just show us 00:36:05.659 --> 00:36:06.139 how to surrender, 00:36:06.280 --> 00:36:08.039 he himself surrendered 00:36:08.039 --> 00:36:08.780 and he faced 00:36:08.780 --> 00:36:10.039 the terrible outcome, 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:10.239 Lord, 00:36:10.260 --> 00:36:10.960 but there was glory 00:36:10.960 --> 00:36:11.920 after in the resurrection, 00:36:12.219 --> 00:36:12.420 Father, 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:13.239 so I pray that 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:14.440 our eyes would be 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:15.260 fixed on Christ, 00:36:16.579 --> 00:36:17.320 we would see him, 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:18.059 to see the beauty 00:36:18.059 --> 00:36:18.599 of him, 00:36:19.860 --> 00:36:20.760 and we would run 00:36:20.760 --> 00:36:21.099 to him 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:21.659 and turn to him 00:36:21.659 --> 00:36:22.099 every day, 00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.380 every day. 00:36:24.440 --> 00:36:25.139 We pray this 00:36:25.139 --> 00:36:25.679 in his name. 00:36:25.679 --> 00:36:27.039 Amen.