WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.439 Take your Bibles tonight, turn over to Ephesians chapter 5 quick here this evening, as we'll take a few moments and get a challenge here as we consider those things of a new year. 00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:21.080 You know, it's important to always consider what a new year brings and the things and the elements with it as we look here. 00:00:21.079 --> 00:00:30.599 You know, this last year, we're in the last few hours of 2025 and a new year is just right around the bend here in just a little bit. 00:00:30.599 --> 00:00:37.379 But, you know, when the reality is, is last year is behind us and a new year is before us. 00:00:38.420 --> 00:00:43.599 And so this year ahead, I just want to remind you, you do have 365 days in it. 00:00:43.600 --> 00:00:55.060 You have 365 days, 8,760 hours, and 525,600 minutes. 00:00:55.340 --> 00:00:57.960 And the thing is, you have a choice how you're going to use them. 00:00:59.560 --> 00:01:01.560 You have a choice what you're going to do with them. 00:01:02.880 --> 00:01:07.939 You know, that's the one thing that we do have is, is how will we use those things? 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:11.540 How will we use that time in the year to come? 00:01:11.540 --> 00:01:13.300 And, and we know we're going to use them. 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:15.380 You know, you can't bank time. 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:22.680 You know, you don't get to put it away for later or, or say, well, I'll put, save that back for another moment. 00:01:23.219 --> 00:01:24.680 You know, time is one of those things. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:27.360 It moves and gets consumed no matter what we do. 00:01:28.020 --> 00:01:30.980 And that's the reason you find Ephesians chapter 5 tonight. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:39.240 As we look down in verse 14 here, as we see here this evening, where the word of God tells us here, it says, 00:01:39.239 --> 00:01:45.319 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 00:01:46.140 --> 00:01:50.959 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:51.979 Now look here at verse 16. 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:55.619 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 00:01:56.619 --> 00:02:02.199 Wherefore be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:06.859 You know, we see here we've been charged to do a couple things in this. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:08.740 You know, to walk circumspectly. 00:02:08.860 --> 00:02:12.039 You know, that circumspectly means to be carefully or intentional. 00:02:12.840 --> 00:02:16.560 You know, we definitely need to use our time intentionally. 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:19.400 We live in a day where there's a lot of things that consume our time. 00:02:20.699 --> 00:02:26.099 You know, I was reading an article today that they say the average teenager today 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:30.879 spends somewhere between six and eight hours playing games. 00:02:32.199 --> 00:02:34.539 On a device of some kind. 00:02:36.219 --> 00:02:38.419 Now, think about adults. 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:40.259 You have many adults do the same thing. 00:02:40.339 --> 00:02:42.060 They'll burn hours upon a phone. 00:02:42.199 --> 00:02:43.939 How many, you know, I won't ask for a thing, 00:02:44.159 --> 00:02:47.659 but how many of you have ever caught yourself death scrolling on your phone? 00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:50.739 You know, you're killing time, and just all of a sudden it just keeps consuming. 00:02:51.039 --> 00:02:55.079 I mean, when we look at how we use our time, it's important. 00:02:55.079 --> 00:02:58.899 It tells us that we need to be carefully, use it carefully and accurately. 00:02:58.900 --> 00:03:02.520 You know, use it as what's going to be profitable. 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:06.219 And our walk is to use our time wisely. 00:03:06.360 --> 00:03:08.920 And notice here it compares wise and foolish. 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:11.379 Because it's going to be used up. 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:13.360 The question is, is it going to be used wisely? 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:14.819 Is it going to be used foolishly? 00:03:15.280 --> 00:03:17.640 Is it going to be used carefully and intentionally? 00:03:18.099 --> 00:03:20.860 Or is it just going to let it pass by? 00:03:21.300 --> 00:03:23.080 You know, to do whatever. 00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:25.200 But we see these things. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:27.900 But I want to look at a couple things to draw your attention here 00:03:27.900 --> 00:03:31.380 as we get ready to close the year and begin a new one. 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:35.900 And talk about some things that will help us walk wisely in the year to come. 00:03:36.740 --> 00:03:40.220 You know, how to use your time in the year to come. 00:03:40.760 --> 00:03:43.120 Because that's one area that we're all even. 00:03:43.220 --> 00:03:44.740 Everybody has the same amount of time. 00:03:46.160 --> 00:03:49.280 You know, the person sitting next to you doesn't get a second longer than you have. 00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:53.360 Everybody is exactly on the same playing field. 00:03:53.599 --> 00:03:56.180 And so we want to consider what are some things. 00:03:56.240 --> 00:04:00.319 We're going to look at seven things that will help you redeem 2026. 00:04:01.139 --> 00:04:04.500 Because 2026 is going to come and it's going to be used up. 00:04:05.439 --> 00:04:08.439 What are you going to do in that time? 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:13.759 You know, I want to encourage you tonight as we look here in Ephesians chapter 3. 00:04:14.240 --> 00:04:16.879 It tells us as Paul continues to look at this, 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:20.839 he gives us an idea of one thing, the first thing that we can look at here 00:04:20.839 --> 00:04:26.000 when regards to this, as we look down in verse 17 of chapter 3. 00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:27.360 And it says this, 00:04:27.439 --> 00:04:32.899 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that you may be rooted and grounded in love. 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:37.180 You know, the first thing on the list there is to stay rooted and grounded. 00:04:38.019 --> 00:04:41.860 To be rooted and grounded in the things of God. 00:04:41.939 --> 00:04:45.000 Here it tells us to be rooted and grounded in love. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:46.819 And look at what it goes on. 00:04:46.899 --> 00:04:47.060 It says, 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:51.720 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, the length, the depth, and height. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:58.120 And to know the love of Christ with path to knowledge that may be filled with all fullness of God. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:04.300 You know, when we understand the reality of being rooted and grounded, 00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:08.720 you know, in understanding who God is, the fullness of God. 00:05:09.180 --> 00:05:11.660 You know, look over to Colossians chapter 2 for a moment. 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:14.860 Colossians chapter 2, you'll find there in verse 7. 00:05:15.180 --> 00:05:22.140 Here in Colossians chapter 2, you'll find that God brings forth something else here for us. 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:25.780 Look in chapter 2, look there in verse 7 of the second chapter. 00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:26.580 It says this, 00:05:27.240 --> 00:05:29.940 Rooted and built up in him, established in the faith, 00:05:30.040 --> 00:05:35.740 that ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 00:05:36.440 --> 00:05:37.220 You know, think about that. 00:05:37.320 --> 00:05:39.480 Rooted and built up in him. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:42.860 One of the things that we need to do is to be rooted and grounded, 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:44.920 built upon the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.540 Now the question is, say, preacher, how does that affect my time? 00:05:47.620 --> 00:05:50.960 Because that depends on how you use that time. 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:56.439 Because consider what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2. 00:05:56.800 --> 00:05:58.860 In verse 15, he makes it clear. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:05:59.680 He says, 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:02.860 To study to show thyself approved unto God. 00:06:03.400 --> 00:06:05.460 To study to show thyself approved. 00:06:05.459 --> 00:06:11.019 That word study involves investment. 00:06:12.239 --> 00:06:13.639 It involves labor. 00:06:14.659 --> 00:06:19.019 It involves directly time because it involves effort that's being made. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:22.179 To learn and to grow and to understand. 00:06:22.299 --> 00:06:25.379 You know, we live in a day and age where there's a lot of false teachings out there. 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:28.099 There's a lot of falsehoods that go around. 00:06:28.179 --> 00:06:30.579 How do you discern which one's right and which one's wrong? 00:06:30.579 --> 00:06:37.459 You know, simple truth is, if you're grounded in the truth of God's word, 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.319 it doesn't draw you away. 00:06:39.879 --> 00:06:43.120 Because when something false is said, you can go and think, 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:46.240 hey, there's something wrong with that. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:49.039 And study to show thyself approved means, 00:06:49.159 --> 00:06:50.699 I know where I'm going to go to look. 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:54.379 I'm going to understand how does this fit in the scope of scripture. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:57.019 You know, one of the things to do that, 00:06:57.100 --> 00:07:01.219 you know, how do you apply this being rooted and grounded in truth? 00:07:01.259 --> 00:07:02.819 Look back in the Old Testament for a moment. 00:07:02.899 --> 00:07:04.139 Go to Psalm 119. 00:07:04.839 --> 00:07:06.879 You know, Psalm 119. 00:07:07.719 --> 00:07:12.060 I think God tells us exactly how we need to be rooted and grounded. 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:15.360 You know, the application here is very simple. 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:18.439 We look in verse 11 of Psalm 119. 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:20.120 It tells us this. 00:07:20.199 --> 00:07:20.560 It says, 00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:22.019 Thy word have I hid what? 00:07:23.159 --> 00:07:24.240 In my heart. 00:07:24.379 --> 00:07:26.860 That I might not sin against thee. 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:28.740 You know, if you're going to be rooted and grounded, 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:34.079 it means that you've put time into not only reading God's word, 00:07:34.399 --> 00:07:35.819 because the one thing you'll find, 00:07:35.879 --> 00:07:37.420 there's a lot of people who read the Bible. 00:07:38.719 --> 00:07:41.500 You actually find more people read the Bible than you realize, 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:42.000 but you know what? 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:43.079 A lot of them, it's just reading. 00:07:44.800 --> 00:07:46.939 They don't really consider how does it fit? 00:07:47.719 --> 00:07:49.079 How does it apply to me? 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:52.839 Study implies that you take what you're reading and say, 00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:54.339 how does this apply to me? 00:07:54.980 --> 00:07:56.379 How does it apply to life? 00:07:56.439 --> 00:08:03.519 How does it apply to the principles that I need to use that I might be rooted and grounded in him? 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:06.259 You know, have that word hid in his heart. 00:08:06.339 --> 00:08:09.040 In other words, to know what it says, not just to read it. 00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:16.420 Not just to consume words on a page, but to have those words on a page have an impact upon you. 00:08:17.180 --> 00:08:18.960 You know, to hide those words. 00:08:19.040 --> 00:08:22.140 So when something comes up, God has something to draw from. 00:08:22.900 --> 00:08:25.280 You know, I think oftentimes as Christians, 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:28.540 we can be foolish because we don't know what God says about something. 00:08:28.540 --> 00:08:34.740 And we just react according to what we think instead of what God says. 00:08:35.820 --> 00:08:41.159 You know, to be rooted and grounded means that you have God's truth instilled in you. 00:08:41.159 --> 00:08:49.539 You know, one of the things for this coming year I want to encourage you is to really get rooted and grounded in the truth of God's word. 00:08:49.759 --> 00:08:50.980 To stay there. 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:54.799 To stay rooted and grounded in the truth of God's word. 00:08:54.799 --> 00:08:57.719 Secondly, I want you to pray earnestly. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:09:01.839 Because you never separate the word of God from prayer. 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:03.599 You know, the two are together. 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:08.219 Just the word of God is God speaking to you and prayer is you speaking to God. 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:15.219 You know, last I checked, any time you have a relationship or a conversation, it usually takes two directions. 00:09:16.439 --> 00:09:18.959 It takes two parties to be involved. 00:09:19.379 --> 00:09:21.879 To pray, you know, look over in James chapter 5. 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:26.080 Now, James chapter 5, it tells us over there. 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:31.080 In James chapter 5, we find here that the word of God tells us, he says, 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:33.220 in verse 16, he says, 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:36.960 Confess your faults one for another, pray one for another, that you may be healed. 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:42.980 And notice this, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 00:09:43.700 --> 00:09:49.080 You know, in other words, to have that relationship with God makes a difference. 00:09:49.120 --> 00:09:51.259 And to invest in that. 00:09:51.259 --> 00:09:55.500 You know, now we notice over here, in Matthew chapter 26, 00:09:55.819 --> 00:09:58.500 think for a moment as Jesus is telling his disciples, 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:00.899 when it comes to this idea of prayer, 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:02.240 and one of the things we need to do, 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:05.360 if we're going to redeem the time, we need to spend time with God. 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:09.220 We need to spend time with him to actually pray. 00:10:10.159 --> 00:10:11.179 You know, to have prayer. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:12.939 Notice what it says in Matthew 26. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:14.279 Look down in verse 41. 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:18.299 It tells us this, watch and pray. 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:20.059 That word watch means to be alert. 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:24.099 You know, a lot of times we go through life, aren't paying attention. 00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:28.459 You know, if you drive in traffic in Lincoln, 00:10:28.579 --> 00:10:30.279 you'll know there's a lot of people that don't pay attention. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:33.819 Whether it's the stoplight or traffic. 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:37.740 I mean, how many times has somebody just pulled blatantly out in front of you? 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:38.359 You know what they're doing? 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:39.199 They're not watchful. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:43.440 They're just going through and not being observant. 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:44.620 They're not paying attention. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:47.320 When Jesus told his disciples to watch, 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:48.480 he said to be paying attention. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:51.160 To be alert to what's going on. 00:10:51.220 --> 00:10:54.100 He says, watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. 00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:57.700 The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 00:10:59.020 --> 00:10:59.460 You know what? 00:10:59.520 --> 00:11:01.900 It takes effort in your flesh to pray. 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:06.139 You know, I've learned over the years that prayer is not easy. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:10.159 Prayer takes intention because you know what? 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:13.379 There's a hundred things to distract you that can draw your attention. 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:17.279 You know, you'll be starting to pray about something and pretty soon, 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.399 you know, well, that's a concern. 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:20.819 And then you start thinking about the concern instead of what you're doing. 00:11:21.079 --> 00:11:24.860 It takes intention to be alert, to be watchful. 00:11:25.340 --> 00:11:28.860 You know, over in 1 Peter chapter 4, it tells us this, 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:31.180 but in verse 7, it says, 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:33.139 and the end of all things is at hand. 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:37.060 Be therefore sober and watch unto prayer. 00:11:38.139 --> 00:11:41.919 You know, if you watch the news, the world is getting worse and worse. 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:44.039 You know, I always tell people this way, 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:45.419 when it comes to the Lord's return, 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:46.680 I don't know when he's going to return, 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:49.120 but I guarantee you we're one day closer than we were yesterday. 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:53.159 It's getting closer to the end. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:57.139 We understand the reality of that, 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:58.279 but we need to be sober. 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.879 That means to be right thinking, 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:03.939 to be thinking properly about what's going on about us. 00:12:04.019 --> 00:12:06.699 And that comes from the word of God and to pray, 00:12:06.899 --> 00:12:08.179 to talk to the Lord. 00:12:08.339 --> 00:12:10.240 You know, think about Philippians 4, 6, 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:11.879 a verse we often hear. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:12.360 It tells us, 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:13.439 be careful for nothing, 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:15.939 but in everything by prayer and supplication, 00:12:16.079 --> 00:12:17.199 with thanksgiving, 00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:19.720 let your requests be made known unto God. 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:24.039 You know, if we're going to redeem the time in 2026, 00:12:24.319 --> 00:12:27.539 we need to be rooted and grounded in the truth of God's word. 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:28.679 We need to be praying. 00:12:29.139 --> 00:12:30.759 We need to pray earnestly, 00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:32.199 you know, 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:35.319 to be focused on what God has. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:37.939 Now, the third thing we're going to look at here tonight, 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:39.259 if we're going to redeem the time, 00:12:39.339 --> 00:12:40.699 is you need to guard your heart. 00:12:40.939 --> 00:12:44.019 This is an area sometimes we let slide a little bit. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:49.019 Because when we understand what God's speaking about here, 00:12:49.079 --> 00:12:50.679 look over to Proverbs chapter 4. 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:52.819 You know, Proverbs chapter 4. 00:12:54.059 --> 00:13:00.699 Because what we do impacts what we're looking at, 00:13:00.819 --> 00:13:02.179 how we deal with things. 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:04.980 You know, look here in Proverbs 4 and verse 23. 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:08.199 He tells us this in 4, 23 of the book of Proverbs. 00:13:08.200 --> 00:13:11.660 He says, keep thy heart. 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:15.120 To keep thy heart with all diligence. 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:18.280 Now, when we stop and consider, 00:13:18.400 --> 00:13:18.960 what's he talking about? 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:20.320 If we're going to redeem the time, 00:13:20.400 --> 00:13:21.820 we need to guard our heart. 00:13:21.879 --> 00:13:23.060 Because you know what? 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:25.240 Your heart draws you away. 00:13:26.520 --> 00:13:29.420 What your heart is focused upon makes a difference. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:30.460 Because he says, 00:13:30.540 --> 00:13:32.240 keep thy heart with all diligence, 00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:34.940 for out of it are the issues of life. 00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.000 You know what? 00:13:37.039 --> 00:13:40.500 Your heart and the things of life intertwine. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:42.960 They're woven together. 00:13:43.940 --> 00:13:47.960 And when we understand the reality of that issue, 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:51.700 that our heart needs to be diligent in that. 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:54.560 You know, take a look over to Deuteronomy chapter 4. 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:56.720 You know, Deuteronomy chapter 4. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:59.460 And you'll find over here in Deuteronomy chapter 4, 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:00.539 down in verse 9. 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:05.240 That God even told the children of Israel 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.439 this same principle. 00:14:06.939 --> 00:14:09.000 As they were getting ready to come out of Egypt. 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:12.019 You know, he told them that they needed to do something. 00:14:12.079 --> 00:14:13.480 And he tells them here in verse 9, 00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:16.480 only take heed to thyself 00:14:16.480 --> 00:14:18.959 and keep thy soul diligently. 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:23.419 You know, one of the most important things here is 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:26.699 we spend more time worried about somebody else sometimes 00:14:26.699 --> 00:14:27.980 than we are worried about ourselves. 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:31.320 Well, look what they did. 00:14:31.379 --> 00:14:32.980 Or look what somebody over here is doing. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:36.680 But notice God tells us to keep our heart, 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:39.519 keep those things within ourselves, 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:42.120 to keep thy soul diligently. 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:44.360 Now notice here what it continues to say 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:46.180 in Deuteronomy chapter 4. 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:46.460 It says, 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:57.660 You know, I want you to see here, 00:14:57.720 --> 00:14:59.300 because there's an important element 00:14:59.300 --> 00:15:00.780 in what we keep. 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:02.500 Because when we keep our heart right, 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:03.480 it impacts others. 00:15:04.780 --> 00:15:06.660 We ought not to be overly concerned. 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.240 There is a concern for others. 00:15:08.660 --> 00:15:09.660 But I want you to understand, 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:12.000 it starts making sure you're right with God. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:15.120 Because if you're not right with God, 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:17.360 there's a problem in how you redeem the time. 00:15:18.059 --> 00:15:20.200 You're not redeeming it in that, 00:15:20.539 --> 00:15:20.759 you know, 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:23.799 think about what's needed to guard your heart. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.779 Well, one of the things, 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:26.419 as a psalmist gives us, 00:15:26.440 --> 00:15:27.879 look over to Psalm 139, 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:30.419 because guarding your heart sounds good, 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:30.740 but you know, 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:32.279 one of the ways you guard your heart 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:35.539 is to allow God to inspect your heart. 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:39.399 For God to inspect you 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:42.439 and reveal to you what needs to change. 00:15:43.699 --> 00:15:43.959 You know, 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:45.679 oftentimes we want to guard our heart 00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:47.459 and use ourselves as the measuring stick. 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:49.500 To use what we want. 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:51.539 But notice here in Psalm 139, 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:53.519 notice what it tells us here. 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:56.679 In Psalm 139, 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:57.799 look at verse 23. 00:15:58.459 --> 00:15:58.919 It says, 00:15:58.919 --> 00:16:00.319 Search me, O God, 00:16:00.439 --> 00:16:01.419 and know my what? 00:16:02.439 --> 00:16:02.959 Heart. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:03.040 Heart. 00:16:03.680 --> 00:16:04.480 Try me, 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.840 and know my thoughts, 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:07.280 and see if there, what? 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:09.120 Be any wicked way in me, 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:11.560 and lead me in the way everlasting. 00:16:12.460 --> 00:16:12.900 You know, 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:13.860 I want to encourage you, 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:16.320 if you're going to redeem the time in 2026, 00:16:17.160 --> 00:16:18.840 it's going to be built upon 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:20.200 spending time with God 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:20.519 and say, 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:20.940 God, 00:16:21.700 --> 00:16:23.540 you need to do an inspection 00:16:23.540 --> 00:16:25.560 of my heart 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:26.400 to make sure 00:16:26.400 --> 00:16:28.200 that it's where it needs to be. 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:30.540 And where it ought to be. 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:31.360 To say, 00:16:31.420 --> 00:16:31.720 God, 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:32.680 is there something 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:34.160 that needs to change? 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:36.960 Do I need a change of perspective? 00:16:37.180 --> 00:16:38.600 Do I need a change of attitude? 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.840 Do I need to change 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:42.980 the way I look 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:44.300 or accept the truth 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:45.180 of your words? 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:45.440 You know, 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.720 all those things 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:47.700 play into that 00:16:47.700 --> 00:16:48.800 to redeem 00:16:48.800 --> 00:16:50.180 this coming year. 00:16:50.800 --> 00:16:51.019 You know, 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.019 fourthly, 00:16:52.060 --> 00:16:52.960 we're going to see here 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.200 is if you're going to redeem 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:54.680 the year, 00:16:54.800 --> 00:16:56.100 you need to stay connected. 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:58.160 You need to stay connected. 00:16:58.240 --> 00:16:59.840 Look over to Proverbs chapter 20 00:16:59.840 --> 00:17:00.360 for a moment. 00:17:00.940 --> 00:17:02.019 Proverbs chapter 20, 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:03.080 look down in verse 20. 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:04.700 Proverbs 20, 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.940 Proverbs talks a lot 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:08.000 about who we hang out with. 00:17:09.500 --> 00:17:09.799 You know, 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:11.539 I imagine all of you, 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:12.940 especially if you're a little older 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:13.940 and for the younger ones, 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:14.960 you might even have your parents 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:15.299 tell you, 00:17:15.380 --> 00:17:15.539 you know, 00:17:15.840 --> 00:17:16.600 that you've got to be careful 00:17:16.600 --> 00:17:17.500 who your friends are. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:19.380 You know, 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:20.759 the people you hang out with 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.740 will influence you. 00:17:23.299 --> 00:17:23.660 Oftentimes, 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:24.940 we'll tell kids that, 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:25.620 but you know what? 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.039 Adults, 00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:27.160 we need the same advice. 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:29.700 We need to be careful 00:17:29.700 --> 00:17:31.720 who we're hanging out with. 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:32.980 Look here at Proverbs chapter 2. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:34.000 Look down at verse 20. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:34.860 It says, 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.120 that thou mayest walk 00:17:36.120 --> 00:17:37.240 in the way of what? 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:39.019 Good men 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:40.340 and keep thy path, 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.320 keep the path 00:17:41.320 --> 00:17:42.759 of righteousness. 00:17:44.660 --> 00:17:45.059 Now, 00:17:45.100 --> 00:17:45.880 when it talks about 00:17:45.880 --> 00:17:47.059 walk in the way 00:17:47.059 --> 00:17:47.759 of good men, 00:17:47.900 --> 00:17:49.220 walk with others 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.160 that want to walk 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:50.779 with God. 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:52.460 You know, 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.400 to be around 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.259 where people want 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:54.859 to walk 00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:56.039 with the Lord. 00:17:56.440 --> 00:17:56.640 You know, 00:17:56.660 --> 00:17:57.339 look a little later 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:58.539 to Proverbs 13. 00:17:58.960 --> 00:17:59.839 Proverbs 13 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.599 and verse 20, 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:01.279 the Word of God 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.099 tells us this. 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:02.440 It says, 00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:04.039 he that walketh 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:05.039 with wise men 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:06.000 shall be wise, 00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:07.339 but a companion 00:18:07.339 --> 00:18:07.980 of fools 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.879 shall be destroyed. 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.299 Who you're hanging out 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.460 with will impact you. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:14.440 You'll either be wise 00:18:14.440 --> 00:18:16.039 or foolish. 00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:18.720 You can either 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:20.940 wisely use 2026 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:23.819 or foolishly use 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:24.439 2026. 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:26.899 The reality 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:27.779 is yours. 00:18:27.919 --> 00:18:29.099 Psalm 119 00:18:29.099 --> 00:18:30.779 and verse 63 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.539 says this, 00:18:31.639 --> 00:18:32.480 I'm a companion 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.179 of all them 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:34.059 that fear thee 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:35.000 and of them 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.740 that keep 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:37.339 thy precepts. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:38.019 In other words, 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:38.659 we ought to be 00:18:38.659 --> 00:18:40.179 connected with those 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:41.700 that want to serve 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:42.359 the Lord. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:43.279 You know, 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:43.980 if you're a believer, 00:18:44.139 --> 00:18:44.740 you ought to have 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:45.720 a desire to be around 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.319 other believers. 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:48.779 You know, 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:49.659 often I question 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.299 when people say, 00:18:50.399 --> 00:18:51.139 I love the Lord, 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:51.919 but they want to hang 00:18:51.919 --> 00:18:52.579 around with people 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.759 who are contrary to God. 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.159 Intentionally choose 00:18:55.159 --> 00:18:56.139 to hang around people 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:57.240 that are counter 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.480 to the things of God. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:18:59.419 Now, 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.079 I want you to understand, 00:19:00.139 --> 00:19:00.559 we're not talking 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:02.539 about not communicating 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:03.899 or not being friendly 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:05.079 or not being a part, 00:19:05.159 --> 00:19:05.439 but you know, 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.759 your desire ought to be 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:07.519 to be around 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:09.079 other believers 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:10.460 that are going to 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.359 encourage you 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:11.980 in the truth 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:13.259 and not draw you away. 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:16.259 When we get drawn away 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.960 by the people 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:18.960 we hang out with, 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:21.200 it influences us. 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:21.420 You know, 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:23.180 1 Corinthians chapter 15 00:19:23.180 --> 00:19:25.140 verse 33 tells us this, 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:26.100 Be not deceived, 00:19:26.360 --> 00:19:27.500 evil communications 00:19:27.500 --> 00:19:28.700 corrupt good manners. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.039 Awake to righteousness 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.660 and sin not, 00:19:33.019 --> 00:19:33.860 for some have not 00:19:33.860 --> 00:19:34.880 the knowledge of God. 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:35.740 I speak this 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.700 to your shame. 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:39.120 You know, 00:19:39.140 --> 00:19:39.759 think about that. 00:19:39.819 --> 00:19:40.620 It's a shame 00:19:40.620 --> 00:19:41.340 when you don't want 00:19:41.340 --> 00:19:42.000 to be connected 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:43.160 to the things of God. 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:45.259 Be connected around 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.700 what God has said 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:47.900 because I want to, 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.740 just consider for a moment, 00:19:49.840 --> 00:19:50.980 what does that look like? 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:51.160 You know, 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.000 one of the best ways 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.720 to use time in 2026 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:55.840 is be with God's people 00:19:55.840 --> 00:19:57.860 when we're meeting together. 00:19:58.880 --> 00:19:59.700 And there was simply this, 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.299 be in church. 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:01.660 To be where you ought to be, 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:03.779 consider what the Bible tells us. 00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:05.420 Acts chapter 2 verse 42 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:06.660 told us this, 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:07.580 in the early church 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.620 they didn't have to be told, 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:09.500 it says they continued 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.799 steadfastly 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:13.240 in the apostles' doctrine 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.860 and fellowship 00:20:13.860 --> 00:20:14.799 and breaking of bread 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.140 and prayers. 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.019 In other words, 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.460 they didn't have to be forced 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.119 to get together. 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:18.700 You know, 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.759 you shouldn't be forced 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.539 to come to church. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:20.920 You know, 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:21.440 there's a lot of people 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:22.059 come to church 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:22.960 for different reasons. 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.079 But if you're going to use 00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:25.019 your time wisely, 00:20:25.019 --> 00:20:26.279 it's having your heart right 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:26.639 to say, 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.180 this is where I want to be. 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.980 This is where I need to be. 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:31.859 This is what's going to benefit me. 00:20:32.339 --> 00:20:33.180 And that's the reason 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.279 that the Bible tells us 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:35.279 in Hebrews 10, 00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:37.259 he says this in verse 24, 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:37.660 he says, 00:20:37.740 --> 00:20:39.059 let us consider one another 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:40.779 to provoke unto love 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:41.559 and good works, 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:43.539 not forsaking the assembling 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:44.539 of ourselves together 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.819 as the manner of some is, 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:47.519 but exhorting one another 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:48.379 so much the more 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:50.460 as you see the day approaching. 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.180 You know, 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:53.279 we've already talked about that. 00:20:53.619 --> 00:20:55.240 The world's getting worse and worse. 00:20:55.420 --> 00:20:56.500 If you haven't noticed, 00:20:56.680 --> 00:20:57.720 people don't like God. 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:58.539 We're getting into 00:20:58.539 --> 00:21:00.400 a more and more wicked society. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.180 Matter of fact, 00:21:01.200 --> 00:21:02.039 we have people that 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.460 they'll stay put up 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:04.819 for anything but truth. 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:06.240 You can have the Bible 00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.319 as long as you don't 00:21:07.319 --> 00:21:08.059 take it literally. 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:11.700 You can worship God 00:21:11.700 --> 00:21:12.799 as long as you don't believe 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.700 what God tells you. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.000 You know, 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:17.019 you can say whatever. 00:21:17.159 --> 00:21:18.700 You see a rise 00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:20.419 of syncretism 00:21:20.419 --> 00:21:21.419 within even people 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:22.740 that call themselves believers. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.639 They'll come to church 00:21:25.639 --> 00:21:26.259 on Sunday 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:26.919 and play around 00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:28.079 with the occult on Monday. 00:21:28.339 --> 00:21:29.839 They're not redeeming the time. 00:21:31.119 --> 00:21:32.480 We need to be careful 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:34.059 how we're using 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:35.579 that time 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.740 that God gives us to it. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:38.039 Now number five, 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:38.839 if we're going to 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:40.259 redeem 2026, 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:41.140 I think one of the things 00:21:41.140 --> 00:21:41.660 we need to do 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.620 is a little reflection. 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.859 Because if you're saved, 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:46.359 you always need to keep in mind, 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.559 remember where God 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.559 brought you from. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:49.039 You know, 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:50.019 this is one of those things 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:51.039 of redeeming time 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:51.819 that helps keep 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:53.339 your mindset correctly 00:21:53.339 --> 00:21:53.720 because, 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:54.680 let's put it 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.539 in a different term, 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:56.099 humility. 00:21:58.440 --> 00:21:58.680 You know, 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.460 when you realize 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:00.859 where God found you, 00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:02.380 it changes your perspective. 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.359 Because you're not going to 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.180 think more highly 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:06.779 of yourself 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.460 than you ought. 00:22:08.620 --> 00:22:09.860 Because you realize 00:22:09.860 --> 00:22:11.500 that where God found you, 00:22:11.580 --> 00:22:12.660 God found you 00:22:12.660 --> 00:22:13.720 as a sinner. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:14.620 You know, 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:15.759 think about for a moment, 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.980 look over to Psalm 103. 00:22:17.880 --> 00:22:18.120 You know, 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:19.200 consider what God 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.299 has done for us. 00:22:21.140 --> 00:22:21.279 You know, 00:22:21.320 --> 00:22:22.960 103rd Psalm there 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.700 in verse 2 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:24.519 tells us this, 00:22:24.580 --> 00:22:24.840 it says, 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.680 bless the Lord, 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.580 O my soul, 00:22:26.920 --> 00:22:27.840 and do what? 00:22:28.580 --> 00:22:29.259 What's that say? 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:31.560 Forget not what? 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:34.179 All His benefits. 00:22:34.379 --> 00:22:34.480 Well, 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.339 what's His benefits? 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:36.819 Notice what it lists. 00:22:36.899 --> 00:22:37.480 Look at verse 3, 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.179 who forgives 00:22:38.179 --> 00:22:39.679 all thine iniquities. 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:40.639 You know, 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.599 think about that 00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:42.079 for a moment. 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.679 If you're saved, 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:45.200 God has forgiven you. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:48.139 He took the penalty 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.099 of your sin 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:51.220 and placed it 00:22:51.220 --> 00:22:51.859 upon Himself. 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.279 You know, 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:54.679 if we're going to 00:22:54.679 --> 00:22:55.700 redeem the time, 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.399 it'll help keep 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.320 our perspective 00:22:57.320 --> 00:22:57.860 correct 00:22:57.860 --> 00:22:59.000 if we understand 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.900 and always remember 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:00.560 where we've been. 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:02.519 Where were you 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.460 when God found you? 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.380 Because it'll help us 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.840 focus on what we ought to do, 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:10.160 where God brought us from. 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:10.860 You know, 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.780 notice this, 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:13.180 He forgives 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:14.100 all our iniquities, 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.820 who healeth 00:23:14.820 --> 00:23:15.620 all our diseases, 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:17.080 who redeemeth 00:23:17.080 --> 00:23:17.780 thy life 00:23:17.780 --> 00:23:18.759 from destruction, 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.780 who crowneth thee 00:23:19.780 --> 00:23:20.860 with loving kindness, 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:22.620 and tender mercies, 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:24.320 who satisfieth thy mouth 00:23:24.320 --> 00:23:25.240 with good things, 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.660 so that thy youth 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:27.319 is renewed 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:28.799 like the eagles. 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:29.720 You know, 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.259 think about that. 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.519 What God has given to us, 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.440 forget His benefits. 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:32.720 You know, 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.640 oftentimes we forget 00:23:33.640 --> 00:23:34.839 what God did for us. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:37.319 It's easy to overlook 00:23:37.319 --> 00:23:38.099 and to take things 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:38.599 for granted. 00:23:40.120 --> 00:23:41.579 It happens all the time 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.240 that people 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:45.079 forget what God has done. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.359 You know, 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:46.460 Isaiah 63 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:47.839 tells us this 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.539 in verse 7, 00:23:48.620 --> 00:23:49.200 I will mention 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:50.200 the loving kindness 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:50.799 of the Lord 00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.559 and the praises 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.140 of the Lord 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:53.400 according to all 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:53.960 that the Lord 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:55.220 hath bestowed on us. 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.559 the great goodness 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:57.319 towards the house 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:57.759 of Israel 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.620 which He hath bestowed 00:23:58.620 --> 00:23:58.980 on them 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:00.120 according to His mercies, 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.779 according to the multitude 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:02.940 of His loving kindness. 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.299 You know, 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:06.180 I want you to understand 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:06.799 it's important 00:24:06.799 --> 00:24:07.480 to remember 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.759 what God has done for you, 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.920 where you've come from. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.420 Because think for a moment, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.740 go to Luke chapter 17 00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:14.420 for a moment. 00:24:15.400 --> 00:24:16.559 Luke chapter 17, 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:17.740 you'll find over there 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:19.200 that there's an account 00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:20.140 here with Jesus 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:21.559 that's recorded for us. 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:23.599 In Luke chapter 17, 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:25.299 down in verse 15, 00:24:25.379 --> 00:24:26.720 you'll find that Jesus 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.819 healed 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:30.319 some lepers. 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.279 Now notice what it says, 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.119 in one of them, 00:24:34.159 --> 00:24:34.859 in verse 15, 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:36.259 when he saw he was healed, 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.579 notice what he did, 00:24:37.639 --> 00:24:38.419 he turned back 00:24:38.419 --> 00:24:39.319 with a loud voice, 00:24:39.419 --> 00:24:40.299 glorified God, 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.879 and fell on his face 00:24:41.879 --> 00:24:42.460 at his feet, 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.460 giving him thanks, 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:44.559 and he was a Samaritan, 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.359 and Jesus answering said, 00:24:46.659 --> 00:24:47.359 were there not 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.240 ten clans, 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:49.359 but where are the nine? 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:52.299 I want you to understand, 00:24:52.459 --> 00:24:53.019 a lot of people 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:54.019 forget very quickly 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.240 what God has done for them. 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.959 We need to remind ourselves 00:24:56.959 --> 00:24:58.339 what God has done for us, 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.399 what God has provided, 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:03.019 what God has given to us. 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:05.139 Look into the Old Testament 00:25:05.139 --> 00:25:06.079 for another example. 00:25:06.179 --> 00:25:08.119 Go to 2 Chronicles chapter 32. 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:09.039 We talked about this 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.899 a few Wednesday nights ago, 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:12.319 but I think it's important 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.399 as we think about here, 00:25:13.459 --> 00:25:15.659 remember where God brought us from, 00:25:15.719 --> 00:25:17.179 what God has done for us. 00:25:17.219 --> 00:25:19.099 We see here in 2 Chronicles 32, 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:20.479 and you'll look down 00:25:20.479 --> 00:25:21.359 in verse 25, 00:25:21.619 --> 00:25:22.399 and you'll find a very 00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:23.659 important statement here. 00:25:23.899 --> 00:25:25.599 It's about King Hezekiah. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:29.079 You know, Hezekiah was a good king, 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:32.119 but notice Hezekiah forgot something. 00:25:33.399 --> 00:25:34.379 The Bible tells us this, 00:25:34.439 --> 00:25:36.179 but Hezekiah rendered not again 00:25:36.179 --> 00:25:37.459 according to the benefit 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:38.299 done unto him. 00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:41.059 Why did he not consider 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.839 where he was? 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:43.459 Because his heart was lifted up. 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:47.219 His heart was lifted up, 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:49.819 therefore there was wrath upon him, 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.660 upon Judah and Jerusalem. 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:52.680 You know what? 00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:54.720 Pride and humility, 00:25:55.799 --> 00:25:58.400 because sometimes we can just assume 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.600 God is going to do something. 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:01.460 You know, today we have a lot of people 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:04.519 that assume God is going to do something. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.980 Let me give you an example. 00:26:06.120 --> 00:26:07.240 When was the last time 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:11.799 that you heard any type of a decent politician 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.980 not end their statement 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.140 with God bless America? 00:26:14.140 --> 00:26:15.740 It rolls off the tongue 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:17.320 and we almost expect to hear it. 00:26:17.560 --> 00:26:18.440 The problem is, 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:20.040 is there's a lot of presumption in that. 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:21.440 It's not a bad statement, 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.560 it's not a bad request, 00:26:22.600 --> 00:26:23.720 but there's a lot of presumption. 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:27.040 The presumption is 00:26:27.040 --> 00:26:28.340 that we're worthy of God 00:26:28.340 --> 00:26:30.000 giving His blessing to what we do. 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:31.800 Our nation has a lot of problems 00:26:31.800 --> 00:26:33.520 that definitely don't deserve God's blessing. 00:26:33.860 --> 00:26:34.300 But you know what? 00:26:34.340 --> 00:26:36.100 We have been blessed by God, 00:26:36.680 --> 00:26:38.400 but I think it's dangerous 00:26:38.400 --> 00:26:39.600 when we presume, 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:42.200 be presumptive about His blessing. 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:44.100 Because we'll find God's blessings 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:45.920 are attached to things that we do 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.779 and responsibility. 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:50.360 You don't bless disobedience. 00:26:50.660 --> 00:26:52.340 You know, what kind of kid do you end up with 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.700 if every time they misbehave, 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.380 you give them a cookie? 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.740 I mean, think about that for a moment. 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:56.819 A good parent, 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.840 if you saw a parent 00:26:57.840 --> 00:26:59.019 that had a kid disobeying 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.860 and you gave them a cookie, 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:01.700 what would be going through your mind? 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.860 Would you say that's a good parent 00:27:02.860 --> 00:27:03.580 or a bad parent? 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:04.120 You know? 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.700 That parent's going to come to reality 00:27:06.700 --> 00:27:07.480 pretty quick too 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.740 that they weren't a very good parent. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:10.480 If He's our Heavenly Father, 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:11.559 we ought to understand 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:14.360 that He's going to be a Father to us 00:27:14.360 --> 00:27:16.620 and He's going to discipline when we need 00:27:16.620 --> 00:27:18.339 and He'll bless when we do good. 00:27:19.140 --> 00:27:19.460 You know? 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:21.160 When we understand the things 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:23.519 that we need to in that 00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:25.440 and not forget to render not a good 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:27.740 according to the benefit that unto us. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:30.019 You know, if we're going to redeem the time 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.920 in this coming year, 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:32.160 we always need to keep in mind 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:33.339 what God has done for us. 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:37.319 To remind ourselves of the things God has done. 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.980 Number six here quickly, 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:42.299 it says, live in light of eternity. 00:27:42.500 --> 00:27:43.680 Now we're talking about some of that 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:44.920 on Sunday morning 00:27:44.920 --> 00:27:46.339 through the book of Thessalonians, 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:47.480 but I want you to understand 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:51.420 to live in light of what's going to happen. 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:54.059 Not just in light of the present, 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:54.960 but of the future. 00:27:56.120 --> 00:27:58.420 Look over to Colossians chapter 3 for a moment. 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:01.400 Colossians chapter 3 and verse 2, 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:03.360 we find here in the Scripture 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:06.460 that God reminds us very clearly here, 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:09.019 and this goes back to the issue of our heart, 00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:10.160 to guard our heart, 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:12.019 because notice what it tells us. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:13.880 Set your affection on the things above, 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:16.120 not on the things on earth. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:20.340 To set your affection on the things above. 00:28:21.360 --> 00:28:22.980 You know, if we're going to redeem the time, 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:24.440 you need to love the right things. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:26.500 Because you know what? 00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:28.259 What you love affects what you do. 00:28:28.620 --> 00:28:30.180 What your heart is set upon 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:31.319 is what you do. 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:34.759 You know, I've observed something over the years 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.819 when it comes to people, 00:28:35.899 --> 00:28:36.639 and even myself. 00:28:36.679 --> 00:28:37.919 If you set something in your mind 00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:38.619 that I want this, 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:39.299 I'm going to work for it, 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:39.679 I'm going to do it, 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:40.079 you know what? 00:28:40.419 --> 00:28:42.159 You'll give up other things 00:28:42.159 --> 00:28:43.779 to make it happen. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.240 Why? 00:28:44.339 --> 00:28:46.539 Because you've set your affection upon it. 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:48.399 What are you setting your affection upon? 00:28:50.379 --> 00:28:51.700 Is it the things above? 00:28:51.819 --> 00:28:52.519 Is it eternity? 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:54.759 Is it standing before the Lord one day? 00:28:56.159 --> 00:28:57.200 For reward? 00:28:57.659 --> 00:28:59.899 You know, do we understand those things? 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:01.560 You know, look over to Romans chapter 8. 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:03.800 Romans, Paul here tells us 00:29:03.800 --> 00:29:07.280 in a little bit different context here, 00:29:07.340 --> 00:29:08.600 but the same application. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:11.259 You know, we find here in Romans chapter 8, 00:29:11.320 --> 00:29:12.360 look down in verse 4. 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.880 It tells us this, 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:15.360 that the righteousness of the law 00:29:15.360 --> 00:29:16.680 might be fulfilled in us 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:18.420 who walk not after the flesh, 00:29:18.560 --> 00:29:19.860 but after the Spirit. 00:29:20.280 --> 00:29:21.660 For they that are after the flesh 00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:23.100 do mind the things of the flesh, 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:24.380 but they that are after the Spirit 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:25.400 the things of the Spirit. 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:28.040 For to be carnally minded is death, 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.799 but to be spiritually minded 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:31.500 is life and peace. 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:33.440 You know, consider that dynamic. 00:29:33.579 --> 00:29:34.079 It's the same thing. 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:34.839 It's your affection. 00:29:35.000 --> 00:29:36.059 Is your affection yourself? 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:39.319 Or is your affection the things of God? 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:41.240 We need to understand the importance 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:43.819 of living in light of eternity. 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:45.579 If your eyes are on eternity, 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:48.480 you're not only concerned about your destiny, 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.500 but you're concerned about 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.559 the destiny of others. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:53.759 You're going to be concerned about others 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:56.000 knowing and understanding the gospel. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:59.460 You know, Proverbs 11, 3 tells us this. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:29:59.759 It says, 00:29:59.899 --> 00:30:01.859 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:04.460 and he that winneth souls is wise. 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:07.579 You know, to speak to others about it. 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:10.240 You know, about what God has done. 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:11.960 You know, John chapter 4, 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:12.700 Jesus says, 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:14.799 He that reapeth receiveth wages 00:30:14.799 --> 00:30:16.879 and gathereth fruit unto eternal life, 00:30:17.179 --> 00:30:18.599 that both he that soweth 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:21.019 and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 00:30:22.399 --> 00:30:26.179 You know, to sow the seed of the gospel. 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:29.519 You know, James chapter 5 and verse 20 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.299 tells us this. 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:32.759 Let him know that he which converteth 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:34.199 the sinner from the error of his way 00:30:34.199 --> 00:30:36.059 shall save a soul from death 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:39.419 and shall hide a multitude of sins. 00:30:40.079 --> 00:30:42.579 You know, we ought to be concerned about others. 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.719 You know, in 2026, 00:30:45.879 --> 00:30:47.480 if we're going to redeem the time, 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:49.740 we need to put the importance upon 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:51.779 what are we doing to reach somebody else. 00:30:53.660 --> 00:30:55.140 What priority is you put? 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.779 Is it secondary? 00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:59.720 Is it optional if I just happen to bump into it? 00:30:59.880 --> 00:31:02.360 We need to consider those things. 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:04.400 And if we're going to redeem the time, 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:06.640 the last thing I want to encourage you here tonight 00:31:06.640 --> 00:31:07.200 is this, 00:31:07.259 --> 00:31:09.000 and that's to find rest in Christ. 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:12.339 Because we live in a crazy world. 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:13.860 If you're going to redeem the time, 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:18.139 you need the refreshment that comes from being in Christ 00:31:18.139 --> 00:31:19.539 and spending time with him. 00:31:19.899 --> 00:31:21.839 And to find that, you know, Psalm 37. 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:24.799 Look over there in Psalm 37 in verse 7. 00:31:24.899 --> 00:31:28.319 The Bible makes it very clear for us. 00:31:28.379 --> 00:31:29.379 Very simple here. 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:30.740 It says this, 00:31:31.459 --> 00:31:35.119 rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:39.319 You know, resting in the Lord is trusting him 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:41.099 as we walk through life. 00:31:42.139 --> 00:31:44.299 To say, Lord, I'm going to rest. 00:31:44.379 --> 00:31:47.119 I'm going to put myself with you. 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:49.579 I'm going to wait patiently for him, it says. 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:52.759 Fret not thyself of him that prospereth in his way 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:55.539 because the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:58.019 You know the reason we need to rest in the Lord this year? 00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:59.240 Because there's going to be some things 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.119 that don't make sense. 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:01.439 Because you're going to be looking and say, 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:03.359 Lord, why does that person get away with that? 00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:06.359 Aren't you going to deal with that? 00:32:06.359 --> 00:32:09.859 We get our eyes upon that instead of resting upon the Lord. 00:32:10.639 --> 00:32:12.799 Resting upon what he has done for us. 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:15.099 Look over to Matthew chapter 11. 00:32:15.579 --> 00:32:17.819 Matthew chapter 11, you'll find Jesus 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:20.059 tells us this same reality. 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:21.959 He invites us. 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:25.579 He says this in Matthew chapter 11 verse 28. 00:32:26.159 --> 00:32:26.699 He says, what? 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:29.399 Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden 00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:30.579 and I will give you what? 00:32:31.699 --> 00:32:32.179 Rest. 00:32:32.180 --> 00:32:36.799 He says, take my yoke upon you and learn of me 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:38.360 for I am meek and lowly in heart 00:32:38.360 --> 00:32:39.880 and ye shall find what? 00:32:40.080 --> 00:32:43.060 Rest unto your souls. 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:46.600 You know, we live in a world that's disruptive. 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:49.779 A world that's upside down 00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:52.240 from where it ought to be because of sin. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.960 If we're going to redeem the time, 00:32:54.080 --> 00:32:56.860 we need to find our rest in the Lord. 00:32:57.580 --> 00:33:00.480 To trust Him in the year to come. 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:03.420 You know, when we understand that 00:33:03.420 --> 00:33:05.900 Hebrews 4 verse 9 tells us this, 00:33:06.140 --> 00:33:07.759 Therefore remaineth therefore a rest 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.860 to the people of God. 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:11.019 For he that entereth into his rest, 00:33:11.099 --> 00:33:13.660 he also hath ceased from his own work 00:33:13.660 --> 00:33:16.200 as God did from his. 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:18.599 You know, when we rest in the Lord, 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:20.539 we do what we're responsible for 00:33:20.539 --> 00:33:21.940 and trust God for the rest. 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:25.039 That God's going to make up the difference. 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:27.620 He is the one that's going to be there. 00:33:27.619 --> 00:33:28.979 He's the one that's going to accomplish 00:33:28.979 --> 00:33:31.119 those things in our life. 00:33:32.159 --> 00:33:34.519 Now I want you to stop and consider, 00:33:34.679 --> 00:33:37.019 even tonight or tomorrow, 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:40.339 to look down this list 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:42.099 as you get ready to enter into a new year 00:33:42.099 --> 00:33:44.779 and consider those things. 00:33:45.000 --> 00:33:46.979 How are you going to intentionally use 00:33:46.979 --> 00:33:50.259 or redeem this coming year? 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.819 What are you going to do to redeem it? 00:33:51.819 --> 00:33:55.639 It's going to be redeemed one way or another. 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:59.240 It's either going to be redeemed wisely 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:00.579 or redeemed foolishly. 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:02.019 The question is, what are you going to do? 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:04.939 What direction is it going to be? 00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:07.759 Some things to consider 00:34:07.759 --> 00:34:11.039 as we consider walking here in 2026. 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:13.920 Will it be a wise walk 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.460 that knows the will of the Lord? 00:34:15.460 --> 00:34:18.039 You know, back where we started there 00:34:18.039 --> 00:34:19.380 in Ephesians chapter 5, 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.880 it talks about that reality 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:22.500 that we know the will of the Lord. 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:25.619 Of what God would have 00:34:25.619 --> 00:34:27.460 or will be consumed foolishly. 00:34:30.260 --> 00:34:32.039 You know, think and consider 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:34.500 as we get ready to start a new year, 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:36.460 how are you going to use your 365 days? 00:34:37.220 --> 00:34:40.720 How are you going to use your 8,760 hours? 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:45.059 How are you going to use your 525,600 minutes 00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:48.379 that you have in a coming year? 00:34:49.819 --> 00:34:51.779 I want to encourage you seven things 00:34:51.779 --> 00:34:54.059 to redeem the year to come. 00:34:54.959 --> 00:34:56.419 Because it will make a difference, 00:34:56.839 --> 00:34:59.480 not only for you, but for others. 00:35:00.339 --> 00:35:01.039 Let's pray.