WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.700 Well, good morning, church. 00:00:07.020 --> 00:00:10.300 Turn with me in your Bibles to Psalm 147. 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:16.580 If you're looking in one of the Pew Bibles, it's page 492. 00:00:21.320 --> 00:00:24.820 Next week we'll be starting a series in the Gospel of Luke, 00:00:24.820 --> 00:00:30.120 the last six chapters of Luke 19 to 24. 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:35.120 And as we did with the series in Genesis this fall, we have those Scripture journals. 00:00:35.399 --> 00:00:38.359 So they have the full text of the Gospel of Luke on one half of the page 00:00:38.359 --> 00:00:43.120 and then a blank page on the other side for you to write notes and reflections and questions. 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:48.539 So if those are helpful for you to take sermon notes or to be reading on your own 00:00:48.539 --> 00:00:53.000 and reflecting through the Gospel of Luke as we go through that in the next sermon series, 00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:54.539 there are several on the back table. 00:00:55.179 --> 00:00:59.619 If you can put $3 on the offering plate to cover the cost of those, that'd be great. 00:01:00.060 --> 00:01:05.299 But if that would be helpful for you, feel free to take one of those today 00:01:05.299 --> 00:01:10.659 and use it over the next few months as we journey through Luke's Gospel. 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:18.719 But this morning, to begin this year, I thought we'd look at a psalm. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:21.519 Let me read to us Psalm 147. 00:01:24.819 --> 00:01:29.319 Praise the Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our God, 00:01:29.679 --> 00:01:33.500 for it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting. 00:01:34.699 --> 00:01:36.419 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. 00:01:37.299 --> 00:01:39.539 He gathers the outcasts of Israel. 00:01:40.299 --> 00:01:44.139 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 00:01:44.140 --> 00:01:47.260 He determines the number of the stars. 00:01:47.879 --> 00:01:49.819 He gives to all of them their names. 00:01:50.819 --> 00:01:54.099 Great is our Lord and abundant in power. 00:01:54.960 --> 00:01:57.340 His understanding is beyond measure. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:01:59.659 The Lord lifts up the humble. 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:02.100 He casts the wicked to the ground. 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:04.859 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. 00:02:04.980 --> 00:02:07.040 Make melody to our God on the lyre. 00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:09.840 He covers the heavens with clouds. 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:12.000 He prepares rain for the earth. 00:02:12.120 --> 00:02:14.000 He makes grass grow on the hills. 00:02:14.700 --> 00:02:19.020 He gives to the beasts their food and to the young ravens that cry. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:25.020 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man. 00:02:25.759 --> 00:02:28.599 But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, 00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:32.100 in those who hope in his steadfast love. 00:02:32.099 --> 00:02:34.799 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem. 00:02:35.039 --> 00:02:38.560 Praise your God, O Zion, for he strengthens the bars of your gates. 00:02:39.299 --> 00:02:41.299 He blesses your children within you. 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:43.879 He makes peace in your borders. 00:02:44.759 --> 00:02:46.599 He fills you with the finest of the wheat. 00:02:47.539 --> 00:02:49.280 He sends out his command to the earth. 00:02:49.359 --> 00:02:50.859 His word runs swiftly. 00:02:51.919 --> 00:02:53.560 He gives snow like wool. 00:02:54.620 --> 00:02:56.400 He scatters frost like ashes. 00:02:57.439 --> 00:03:00.340 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs. 00:03:00.340 --> 00:03:02.300 Who can stand before his cold? 00:03:03.060 --> 00:03:05.939 He sends out his word and melts them. 00:03:06.659 --> 00:03:09.800 He makes his wind blow and the waters flow. 00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:13.340 He declares his word to Jacob. 00:03:14.140 --> 00:03:16.400 His statutes and rules to Israel. 00:03:17.319 --> 00:03:19.500 He has not dealt thus with any other nation. 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:21.920 They do not know his rules. 00:03:23.060 --> 00:03:24.680 Praise the Lord. 00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:31.719 Well, last week we looked at Psalm 90 to close out the past year and decade. 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:36.480 And this morning we're looking at Psalm 147 to begin a new year and a new decade. 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:43.600 As I said last Sunday, the occasion of a new year is an appropriate time to take stock of where we've been and where we're headed. 00:03:43.599 --> 00:03:51.840 Sometimes we can get so caught up in the daily tasks of life that we can lose sight of our spiritual priorities and purpose and perspective. 00:03:52.439 --> 00:03:56.859 But these Psalms can help us to refocus on the character of God. 00:03:57.419 --> 00:04:03.019 Our ever-present, ever-faithful, and everlasting God as we begin this new year. 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:05.340 Now the Psalms are a book of songs and prayers. 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:10.120 And they're meant to accompany us through all the seasons of life. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:18.220 The Psalms are written to help us approach God in all kinds of different situations that we might face. 00:04:18.340 --> 00:04:23.920 So there are Psalms of lament, expressing anguish, crying out to God in the midst of distress. 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:29.060 There are Psalms of confession and repentance, turning to God with our sin and failure. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:35.480 There are Psalms of trust and confidence, resting quietly in God's presence and God's promises. 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:46.000 There are Psalms of remembrance and reflection, looking back on the history of God's people and considering the lessons that can be learned from God's work in history. 00:04:46.600 --> 00:04:51.379 There are Psalms of thanksgiving, of gratitude for God's provisions and God's mercies. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:54.819 And finally there are Psalms like this one of praise. 00:04:55.740 --> 00:05:02.740 Now the last five Psalms, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150, are all Psalms of praise. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:08.439 They all begin and end with praise the Lord. 00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:14.480 The Hebrew word is hallelujah, praise Yahweh, right? 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:15.780 That's where we get hallelujah. 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:18.379 It means praise the Lord. 00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:23.340 So Psalm 146, if you look at that, it's an individual praising God. 00:05:23.460 --> 00:05:28.480 Begins, I will praise the Lord, O my soul, I will praise the Lord as long as I live. 00:05:28.480 --> 00:05:33.259 Psalm 147, we see the church or God's people gather together praising Him. 00:05:33.439 --> 00:05:35.759 It is good to sing praises to our God. 00:05:36.220 --> 00:05:37.560 That's what we're looking at this morning. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:44.180 In Psalm 148, we see all creation, the heavens and the earth and all the creatures giving praise to God. 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:50.720 So these concluding Psalms of praise are meant to point us toward our final destiny. 00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:59.160 The book of Psalms helps us to journey through all the seasons of life, and the end of Psalms points us to where we're headed in the end. 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:10.700 Where we as individual believers and as the church gather together and along with all creation will give praise and glory to God. 00:06:10.699 --> 00:06:18.719 Now, in the different seasons of life, our prayers might not always begin with praise like these Psalms do. 00:06:19.339 --> 00:06:28.839 But the point is, if we keep praying to the God of the Bible long enough and walking with Him, our prayers will end in praise. 00:06:30.719 --> 00:06:35.219 Through all the ups and downs of life, we can know that our prayers will certainly end in joyful praise. 00:06:35.220 --> 00:06:40.920 So, as we begin a new year and a new decade, I thought it would be appropriate for us to look at this Psalm of praise. 00:06:41.540 --> 00:06:41.740 Right? 00:06:41.840 --> 00:06:48.360 We're not yet at the end of our journey, but we can look forward and we can sing in anticipation of it. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:58.680 And as we begin this new year in an uncertain and ever-changing world, this Psalm points us to the one thing that we can absolutely and always depend on, 00:06:58.980 --> 00:07:01.020 which is the character of God. 00:07:01.019 --> 00:07:04.899 Now, Psalm 147 has three sections. 00:07:06.959 --> 00:07:10.439 Each section begins with an invitation to praise the Lord. 00:07:10.539 --> 00:07:15.639 Verse 1, verse 7, and verse 12 all invite us to praise the Lord. 00:07:16.039 --> 00:07:18.259 And then each section gives us a reason. 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:20.560 Why should we praise the Lord? 00:07:20.919 --> 00:07:22.599 Well, each section gives us a reason. 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:27.139 And each section will focus on one aspect of God's character. 00:07:27.139 --> 00:07:33.459 And it'll show us God's character expressed toward his creation and then toward his people. 00:07:33.599 --> 00:07:39.719 So, in each section we'll see an aspect of God's character expressed toward his creation and expressed toward us as his people. 00:07:39.959 --> 00:07:42.279 And that gives a reason to praise him. 00:07:42.699 --> 00:07:49.079 So, as one writer put it, this Psalm links the wonders of God's creation with the glories of his grace. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:51.899 So, let's look at each section in turn this morning. 00:07:52.419 --> 00:07:54.300 First section, verses 1 to 6. 00:07:54.800 --> 00:08:00.959 Praise God who sees both the big picture and the small details. 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:03.639 That's verses 1 to 6. 00:08:03.759 --> 00:08:09.620 Now, how does that look in, how does, how is that characteristic of God expressed toward his creation? 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:10.680 Well, look at verse 4. 00:08:10.819 --> 00:08:18.060 He determines the number of the stars and he gives to all of them their names. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:32.919 According to scientists at UC Santa Barbara, assuming an average of 100 billion stars per galaxy would mean that there are about 1 billion trillion stars in the observable universe. 00:08:33.740 --> 00:08:36.360 Now, scientists will also say that's only an estimate. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:44.159 We can't be sure how far the boundaries of the universe actually extend or whether there are other universes that we have no access to and can't even observe. 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:49.360 But the point is the number of stars is unimaginably large. 00:08:49.960 --> 00:08:53.639 We couldn't even count that high if we spent our entire lives just counting. 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:59.080 If you spent 30 years just counting, doing nothing else, you could get to a billion. 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:02.039 But this is a billion trillion. 00:09:02.039 --> 00:09:09.179 That means you have like, I think you have, does that mean you have to do a trillion more times? 00:09:09.319 --> 00:09:13.559 Anyway, right, I can't even do the math, right? 00:09:13.699 --> 00:09:19.919 Like, you wouldn't even be a tiny fraction of the way there if you spent your entire life counting. 00:09:20.019 --> 00:09:22.759 Even if we spent all of human history counting. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:27.319 The entire human race couldn't count up to that number. 00:09:27.320 --> 00:09:35.040 Now, of course, the scientists or the psalmist lived before modern astronomical tools were invented 00:09:35.040 --> 00:09:38.500 and before these sort of calculations of modern scientists. 00:09:38.660 --> 00:09:44.980 But in the ancient world, the stars would have been far more visible at night, right? 00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:47.560 No electric lights to obscure them. 00:09:48.520 --> 00:09:51.420 Not much else you could do outdoors after it gets dark. 00:09:51.419 --> 00:09:57.279 And so, in the ancient world, regular people, not just trained scientists, 00:09:57.779 --> 00:10:02.919 would likely have spent a lot more time looking up into the night sky 00:10:02.919 --> 00:10:07.139 and contemplating the vastness of the universe. 00:10:08.500 --> 00:10:09.019 Right? 00:10:09.139 --> 00:10:09.919 More than we do. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:13.339 And so, the psalmist looks at the sky and he says, 00:10:13.459 --> 00:10:16.599 God is the Lord of the vastness. 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:20.340 He determines the number of the stars. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:24.240 Too many for us to count. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:32.560 He sees the whole picture that is far too big for us to even begin to get our heads around. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:36.200 And at the same time, he says, 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:40.159 God notices even the small details. 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:44.019 He sees each individual star. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:47.679 He gives to all of the stars their names. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:54.620 God sees not only this hugeness, but he even sees the close-up. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.519 And so, in verse 5, the psalmist reflects, 00:10:57.679 --> 00:11:01.879 Great is our Lord and abundant in power. 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:04.399 His understanding is beyond measure. 00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:05.980 God sees the whole picture. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:10.480 And he sees the individual details of his creation. 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:16.300 But this section also shows us how God sees both the whole picture 00:11:16.300 --> 00:11:20.120 and the individual details of our lives. 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:25.759 Notice the variety of verbs in verses 2 and 3 and 6 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:28.860 that talk about how God deals with his people. 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:33.120 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. 00:11:34.019 --> 00:11:36.680 He gathers the outcasts. 00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:38.460 He heals the brokenhearted. 00:11:38.460 --> 00:11:41.620 He binds up or bandages up their wounds. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:45.240 The Lord lifts up the humble or the afflicted. 00:11:45.320 --> 00:11:47.340 And he casts the wicked to the ground. 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:53.720 You see, what this section is telling us is that God has a detailed awareness 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:56.879 of our condition and our needs. 00:11:58.060 --> 00:12:00.840 God doesn't just see us from a distance. 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:03.180 Remember that song 30 years ago? 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:06.700 They had us sing it in elementary school. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:08.060 That was where I was then. 00:12:09.020 --> 00:12:09.200 Right? 00:12:09.600 --> 00:12:12.780 From a distance, the world seems blue and green and all nice. 00:12:13.500 --> 00:12:15.280 No, God sees more than that. 00:12:16.660 --> 00:12:19.740 God sees our condition and our needs up close. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:25.080 And he deals with us in the way that is appropriate to our condition and our needs. 00:12:25.420 --> 00:12:28.780 He doesn't just deal with us in a general or mechanical way. 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:32.780 He engages us personally with detailed care. 00:12:32.779 --> 00:12:38.980 Now, the prophet Isaiah used similar words and phrases toward the end of his book, 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:44.980 where God was promising that after the exile to Babylon, the people, the city of Jerusalem 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:52.279 would be rebuilt and the outcast would be gathered and God's servant would bind up the brokenhearted. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:58.579 So, some people think that maybe this psalm was written after the people returned home from exile. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:06.819 And they looked and saw that God's promises that he had given beforehand through Isaiah were now being fulfilled. 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:08.259 Right? 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:11.200 The city was being rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:18.319 And the outcasts, people who had been exiled and removed from their homes, were now finding a home. 00:13:20.120 --> 00:13:24.360 And people and the brokenhearted were being bound up. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:31.519 So, perhaps this psalm was written and the people who were singing it or who wrote it were looking around at each other 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:36.220 and could look at each other and say, look at what God has done for us. 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:43.960 You know, take a moment to just look around at some of the people who are seated next to you. 00:13:44.800 --> 00:13:45.180 Right? 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:50.060 Especially if you've been coming here for a little while and you know some of those people by name. 00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:51.539 Right? 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:55.159 Take a moment to think about, you know, I know the pews all face forward. 00:13:55.799 --> 00:13:59.339 And that's helpful because, you know, whatever, maybe it helps you pay attention. 00:13:59.719 --> 00:14:01.199 But we're also here together. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:02.179 Right? 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:05.459 So, a long time ago, Trinity used to meet in this other building. 00:14:05.579 --> 00:14:08.039 We used to rent another building that was a semicircle. 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:12.199 And so, you'd both be looking at the front, but you'd also be looking at each other. 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:16.539 And sort of seeing each other sing and pray and worship God together. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:18.379 Right? 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:26.200 But as you look at each other, think about, you know, can you look at each other and praise God for what he has done? 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:29.799 You know, as I look out. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:30.340 Right? 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:33.240 As I, you know, see you. 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:33.860 Right? 00:14:35.179 --> 00:14:36.759 Some of you were outcasts. 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:38.059 You had been rejected. 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:39.500 You were feeling alone. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.860 You had been mistreated. 00:14:40.860 --> 00:14:43.840 And God in his mercy has gathered you in. 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:46.120 Gathered you into his flock. 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:49.580 And you found a spiritual home among the people of God. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:52.200 Some of you have been brokenhearted. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:55.139 Grieving or vulnerable. 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:56.960 Hurt. 00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:59.500 And the Lord has comforted you. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:02.419 And brought you under his wings. 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:06.159 And brought some healing to your wounds. 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:08.539 Some of you have been proud. 00:15:09.659 --> 00:15:12.500 Harboring secret sins and not living in the truth. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.639 And God has exposed you and brought you down. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:19.500 And yet, in his mercy, he has led you in the path of repentance. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:21.959 And he's showing you the way to hope. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:26.819 Twenty years ago, this church was literally about to close. 00:15:27.819 --> 00:15:29.480 This church had 20 or 30 people. 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:31.740 Hadn't had a pastor for five years. 00:15:32.299 --> 00:15:33.819 A whole bunch of messy things had happened. 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:36.820 And God's people prayed. 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:38.920 And God mercifully provided. 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:41.860 Then, and in his mercy, he has built us up. 00:15:42.660 --> 00:15:44.480 He's built us up to who we are today. 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:46.820 So we can look around the room. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:49.160 We can, you know, we can praise God. 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:50.660 Especially as we get to know each other. 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:53.580 And hear the stories of God's grace. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.260 In each other's lives. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:57.400 How God has met us where we are. 00:15:57.740 --> 00:16:00.940 How God has dealt with us according to our particular needs. 00:16:01.020 --> 00:16:03.080 How God has walked with us through hard times. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:04.820 And we can look around at each other. 00:16:04.900 --> 00:16:05.780 And we can come to church. 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:08.060 And we can say, praise God. 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:11.700 Because I can see what he's already doing. 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:13.400 And what he's already done. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:18.100 But you know, some, but we can also proclaim these words. 00:16:19.060 --> 00:16:20.639 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:22.020 Builds up his people. 00:16:22.160 --> 00:16:23.180 He gathers the outcasts. 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.120 Heals the brokenhearted. 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:26.139 We can also proclaim those words. 00:16:26.200 --> 00:16:26.980 In faith. 00:16:27.600 --> 00:16:29.759 When we don't yet see what we hope for. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:32.299 What I mean by that is. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.740 We can declare. 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:37.439 God is a God who heals the brokenhearted. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.659 Even when. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:43.220 We're longing to experience. 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:45.460 A deeper healing and restoration. 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:47.159 That we haven't yet experienced. 00:16:48.439 --> 00:16:49.399 We can declare. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:50.259 Excuse me. 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:51.100 We can declare. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:53.519 That our God. 00:16:53.920 --> 00:16:56.040 Gathers in the outcasts. 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:57.879 Even as we pray. 00:16:58.080 --> 00:17:00.080 For those who are still far away. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.300 From the good shepherd. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.379 Alright. 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:03.740 We can. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.420 We can. 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:05.759 Praise God. 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:06.079 And say. 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:08.079 These are true things about God. 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.980 Even if. 00:17:09.140 --> 00:17:11.140 I'm longing to experience them. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.660 Even if I'm longing for someone else. 00:17:13.839 --> 00:17:15.059 To experience them. 00:17:15.059 --> 00:17:16.759 And to be able to look. 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:18.659 For them to say. 00:17:18.919 --> 00:17:19.359 Praise God. 00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.359 Because he's done this. 00:17:21.179 --> 00:17:22.079 But we can also say. 00:17:22.139 --> 00:17:22.539 Praise God. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:23.899 Because he's the kind of God. 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:25.220 Who has done this. 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:26.759 And who can do this. 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:27.839 And who will do this. 00:17:29.759 --> 00:17:30.940 We haven't yet seen. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:31.919 The end of the story. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:33.639 And we sing this song of praise. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.419 In anticipation. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:36.379 Of the day when we will. 00:17:37.419 --> 00:17:38.720 But as we begin this new year. 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:39.559 We praise. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:41.339 The God who's more than equal. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:42.700 To our problems. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.359 And our needs. 00:17:43.359 --> 00:17:43.959 Right. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:45.979 Nothing is too big. 00:17:46.639 --> 00:17:47.839 For the one who determines. 00:17:47.959 --> 00:17:48.899 The number of the stars. 00:17:50.439 --> 00:17:51.959 And as we begin this new year. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.479 We rejoice. 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:53.899 That we are not too small. 00:17:54.199 --> 00:17:55.240 For God to notice. 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:58.740 If he knows the stars by name. 00:17:59.879 --> 00:18:01.139 Surely he knows. 00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:03.019 You by name. 00:18:03.199 --> 00:18:03.719 As well. 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:06.419 So praise God. 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:07.939 Who sees both the big picture. 00:18:08.459 --> 00:18:09.379 And the small details. 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.819 That's the first point. 00:18:11.959 --> 00:18:13.179 But the second section. 00:18:13.180 --> 00:18:14.140 Gives us another reason. 00:18:14.140 --> 00:18:14.960 To praise God. 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:16.039 Praise God. 00:18:16.120 --> 00:18:17.440 Who delights to provide. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:19.360 For those who depend. 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.279 On him. 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:21.340 This is verses 7. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:22.200 To 11. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.140 Now. 00:18:23.460 --> 00:18:23.799 Again. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:25.039 We see this characteristic. 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:26.560 Expressed toward God's creation. 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:27.980 And toward his people. 00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:29.279 Verse 8 through 9. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:31.880 We see God provides food. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:32.680 For his creatures. 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:33.640 Who depend on him. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.680 He's not just concerned. 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.900 About the stars in the heavens. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.880 He cares for the beasts. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.519 And the birds. 00:18:39.840 --> 00:18:40.440 On earth. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:40.519 Earth. 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:42.519 And so he orders his creation. 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.960 So that his creatures. 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:45.360 Will be adequately nourished. 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:47.519 He covers the heavens with clouds. 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:49.000 Prepares rain for the earth. 00:18:49.080 --> 00:18:50.080 Makes grass grow. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:51.180 On the hills. 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.500 Now. 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.220 Verse 9. 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:54.559 mentions beasts. 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:56.579 Which is just a general term for animals. 00:18:57.620 --> 00:18:59.620 And as well as ravens. 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:00.759 Now. 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:02.160 Many animals eat grass. 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:02.920 Right. 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:03.640 Sheep. 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.160 Cows. 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.819 They all eat the grass on the hills. 00:19:07.100 --> 00:19:08.019 Ravens don't. 00:19:08.920 --> 00:19:09.140 Right. 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:11.019 Ravens are scavengers. 00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:12.839 And they eat rodents. 00:19:13.360 --> 00:19:13.779 Eggs. 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:14.700 Garbage. 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:16.319 And carcasses of dead animals. 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:17.940 Right. 00:19:18.140 --> 00:19:19.100 In the Old Testament. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:20.940 Ravens were considered unclean. 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:22.900 And it was forbidden to eat them. 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:24.700 But the. 00:19:24.860 --> 00:19:25.220 Interestingly. 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:26.039 The psalmist. 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.980 Sees God's hand of provision. 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.779 Not just. 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:30.259 For the sheep and cows. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:32.160 Sort of grazing quietly on the hills. 00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:33.880 But also for. 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:35.460 Squawking ravens. 00:19:36.140 --> 00:19:37.400 Circling the garbage dump. 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:38.640 Right. 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:40.259 It may not look pretty to us. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:43.000 But God feeds them too. 00:19:44.100 --> 00:19:45.920 Now stepping back from those details. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:47.759 Verses 8 and 9. 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:49.839 Give us a picture of a God who is diligent. 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:51.160 Productive. 00:19:51.420 --> 00:19:52.200 And generous. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.180 To provide. 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:55.259 For all of his earthly creatures. 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.400 So you might say. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:04.480 How does this characteristic of God apply. 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:06.559 To his relationship with his people. 00:20:07.879 --> 00:20:08.339 Right. 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.180 And we might. 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:11.180 Be inclined to think. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:11.819 That. 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:14.160 God delights in us. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.860 If we are. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:16.900 Diligent. 00:20:17.140 --> 00:20:17.680 Productive. 00:20:17.820 --> 00:20:18.259 And generous. 00:20:18.380 --> 00:20:19.040 Like he is. 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:22.040 But verse 10 says. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:23.820 That is not the conclusion. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.600 That we should draw. 00:20:25.840 --> 00:20:27.480 God's delight is not in. 00:20:27.820 --> 00:20:28.460 The strength. 00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:29.440 Or prowess. 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.040 Of a horse. 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:31.360 Nor in the legs of a man. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:31.580 That. 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:33.060 Could be a reference. 00:20:33.220 --> 00:20:34.400 To military might. 00:20:35.640 --> 00:20:36.180 Cavalry. 00:20:36.620 --> 00:20:37.340 And foot soldiers. 00:20:38.100 --> 00:20:38.420 Right. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:40.360 Or it could be a more general image. 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:41.040 Of strength. 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:41.880 Agility. 00:20:41.880 --> 00:20:42.759 And beauty. 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:44.500 But regardless. 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.259 Here is the point. 00:20:46.440 --> 00:20:47.279 God delights. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.859 Not in. 00:20:49.119 --> 00:20:50.440 How productive we are. 00:20:51.339 --> 00:20:52.799 Not in our prowess. 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:54.339 Not in our performance. 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:56.000 Not in our physical fitness. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:57.799 Or our outward appearance. 00:20:58.819 --> 00:21:00.579 Those are not the primary things. 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:02.299 That bring God joy and delight. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.960 Verse 11 says. 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:06.799 God delights above all. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.980 In people who fear him. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:13.440 That just means people who recognize God for who he really is. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:15.940 Who stand in awe of him. 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:17.740 And. 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:20.460 Not just people who recognize for him for who he is. 00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:21.500 But who trust him. 00:21:21.839 --> 00:21:26.640 Who personally put their hope in his unfailing love. 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.740 In other words. 00:21:28.819 --> 00:21:29.920 We could simply say. 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:31.559 God delights in us. 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:33.039 As we depend on him. 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:35.420 As we trust. 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:37.379 That just as he provides. 00:21:37.659 --> 00:21:38.799 For the cows. 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.740 And the sheep. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:40.859 And the ravens. 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:43.759 He will provide for us. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.619 And you know. 00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:47.720 This same principle is taught throughout the Bible. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:50.119 In a variety of different ways. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:52.480 So in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:54.339 Jesus said. 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:56.240 If your heavenly father. 00:21:56.679 --> 00:21:57.159 Clothes. 00:21:57.639 --> 00:21:58.679 The birds of the air. 00:21:59.679 --> 00:22:01.119 And the grass of the field. 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:03.619 Won't he look after you as well. 00:22:04.959 --> 00:22:07.000 Aren't you more valuable than they. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:10.079 God delights in us. 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:11.199 As we depend on him. 00:22:11.240 --> 00:22:12.839 As we entrust our past. 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:13.639 And present. 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:14.419 And future. 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.779 Into his hands. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:18.819 The apostle Paul taught the same principle. 00:22:18.939 --> 00:22:20.119 In his own words. 00:22:20.199 --> 00:22:21.399 He put it this way. 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:23.759 We are justified purely by grace. 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:25.579 Through faith. 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:26.699 In God's son. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:27.399 Jesus Christ. 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:29.079 Apart from any works. 00:22:29.639 --> 00:22:30.359 Of our own. 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:32.039 Now what does that mean? 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:33.279 God delights in us. 00:22:33.459 --> 00:22:34.519 As we depend. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:35.379 Completely. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:36.359 On Jesus. 00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:38.500 You know. 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.980 Our status before God. 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:42.359 Our place in God's family. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.279 Is not determined. 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:45.379 By what we can bring to the table. 00:22:46.539 --> 00:22:48.079 Our moral efforts. 00:22:48.459 --> 00:22:50.179 Or our religious performance. 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.720 Or our family connections. 00:22:51.959 --> 00:22:53.240 Or our financial position. 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:55.039 Or our athletic achievements. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:56.420 Or our artistic flair. 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:58.000 Or our physical attractiveness. 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:59.299 Or anything else. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:04.460 The only way that sinful. 00:23:04.900 --> 00:23:05.480 Flawed. 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:07.359 And unworthy people like us. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:09.839 Can have a right status before God. 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:12.839 Is through the person and work. 00:23:12.920 --> 00:23:13.880 Of God's son. 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:14.480 Jesus. 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:14.700 Jesus. 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:17.759 Jesus is the eternal son. 00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:18.779 Of God the father. 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:22.240 And Jesus lived a life of total trust. 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:24.139 And perfect obedience. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.279 To God. 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:28.399 So when we who are sinful. 00:23:28.619 --> 00:23:29.119 And flawed. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:29.940 And unworthy. 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:32.160 When we entrust ourselves to Jesus. 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:36.299 He promises to become our brother. 00:23:37.160 --> 00:23:38.440 And so through him. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:40.539 God becomes our heavenly father. 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.700 Jesus says. 00:23:42.819 --> 00:23:44.660 Everything that is ours. 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:46.099 Will become his. 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:48.199 And everything that is his. 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.719 Will be ours. 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:51.859 If we simply. 00:23:52.179 --> 00:23:53.179 Entrust ourselves. 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:54.599 And give ourselves to him. 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:58.019 Now it's certainly true. 00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:59.399 That as we fear God. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.339 As we put our hope in his steadfast love. 00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:02.859 That God's spirit works within us. 00:24:02.899 --> 00:24:04.019 So that we become people. 00:24:04.139 --> 00:24:05.000 Who are increasingly. 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:06.039 Diligent. 00:24:06.179 --> 00:24:06.559 Productive. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:06.959 And generous. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:09.359 But the psalmist is telling us. 00:24:09.659 --> 00:24:11.719 Don't put the cart before the horse. 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:16.019 If you've entrusted yourself to Jesus. 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.180 God delights in you. 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.259 As his child. 00:24:18.680 --> 00:24:20.100 Not because of your achievements. 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.319 Not because of your performance. 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:23.120 Not because of all those other things. 00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:24.220 Think about it this way. 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:26.519 Why does a parent. 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.640 Delight. 00:24:27.860 --> 00:24:29.120 In a newborn baby. 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:32.900 Not because of the baby's productivity. 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.319 Babies produce one thing. 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:39.480 When they produce. 00:24:40.179 --> 00:24:42.079 Mom or dad needs to clean up the mess. 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:47.099 Not because of the baby's moral performance. 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:52.720 Not because of the baby's physical ability or strength. 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:56.319 Not even because of the baby's future potential. 00:24:57.399 --> 00:24:58.679 Because that's unknown. 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:02.179 There's so many unknowns as a parent. 00:25:03.179 --> 00:25:03.740 Right? 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:07.599 But a good parent does not withhold love and approval. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:09.180 Until the child grows up. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:11.980 And independently proves himself or herself. 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:12.880 No. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:16.700 A good parent delights in their child. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:18.839 And lavishes love upon them. 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.120 And completely. 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.900 And without reservation. 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:24.099 From day one. 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:26.599 Now that love. 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:29.079 Will take different forms over time. 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.160 Including direction. 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:32.000 And correction. 00:25:32.180 --> 00:25:32.960 And even discipline. 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:34.960 But that love is steadfast. 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:36.660 And enduring. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.279 Because you see. 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:41.279 A parent's love for a child. 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:42.799 Is only a small picture. 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:46.220 Of God's love for his children. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:47.860 You see. 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:49.940 God takes pleasure in us. 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:52.059 He lavishes love upon us. 00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:53.019 From day one. 00:25:53.120 --> 00:25:54.579 When we first turn to Jesus. 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.000 And say. 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.660 Lord. 00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:56.500 Take me. 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:57.860 I'm yours. 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.700 I'm a mess. 00:25:59.059 --> 00:26:00.079 And I need you. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:02.140 To do what I can't do for myself. 00:26:02.140 --> 00:26:05.680 God delights in us. 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:08.960 From the moment that we begin to depend. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.800 And rest. 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:11.720 On him. 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:13.600 And you know. 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:16.080 That's not just true at the beginning of the Christian life. 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:17.680 That's true all the way. 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:18.860 To the end. 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:20.080 Of the Christian life. 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.759 Some of you. 00:26:21.300 --> 00:26:23.680 Have been following Jesus for a long time. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:26.000 And maybe you've been. 00:26:26.500 --> 00:26:27.759 Maybe you've worked very hard. 00:26:27.840 --> 00:26:28.600 To be diligent. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.840 And productive. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.140 And generous. 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:33.380 With the resources God has given you. 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:35.160 And in doing the work of God's kingdom. 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:37.460 Maybe you've been doing that work for decades. 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:41.580 But rejoice in this glorious truth. 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:43.420 Your heavenly father. 00:26:43.840 --> 00:26:45.580 Still delights in you. 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:48.839 Not because of all the work you've accomplished for him. 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:51.259 But because you're with him. 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:54.000 Because you belong to him. 00:26:54.599 --> 00:26:56.019 Because you're his child. 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:58.639 And he's adopted you into his family. 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.619 Through his son Jesus. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:03.699 And so you can rest in that truth. 00:27:04.319 --> 00:27:06.319 And you can be energized by that truth. 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:08.480 To do the work God's given you to do. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:10.220 But remember. 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.640 From beginning to end. 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:13.440 God delights in us. 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:15.700 As we depend on him. 00:27:17.360 --> 00:27:20.099 So praise God who sees the big picture. 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.620 And the small details. 00:27:22.880 --> 00:27:24.759 And praise God who delights to provide. 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.420 For those who depend on him. 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:27.880 Finally. 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:29.039 The last section. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:30.180 Verses 12 to 20. 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:32.180 Praise God. 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:33.420 Who rules. 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.420 And transforms us. 00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.839 By his word. 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:39.019 And now again. 00:27:39.139 --> 00:27:40.759 We see this characteristic of God. 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:42.019 Expressed toward his creation. 00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:44.099 Verses 15 to 18. 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:45.559 And toward his people. 00:27:46.059 --> 00:27:47.599 In the other verses in this section. 00:27:48.299 --> 00:27:49.599 So verses 15 to 18. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.879 The psalmist paints a picture. 00:27:51.819 --> 00:27:52.539 Of God. 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:53.939 Ordering the seasons. 00:27:54.919 --> 00:27:56.539 Bringing snow and frost. 00:27:56.659 --> 00:27:58.119 And ice and cold in winter. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.699 And then. 00:27:59.139 --> 00:28:00.539 Causing the ice to melt. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:02.099 And the rivers to flow. 00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:03.199 In the spring. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:06.519 Now the psalmist sees a lot of things. 00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:07.139 In the seasons. 00:28:07.139 --> 00:28:08.319 He sees God's beauty. 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:10.339 When the earth is covered. 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:11.559 With a blanket of snow. 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.319 Like wool. 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:15.460 He also sees God's overwhelming. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:17.400 And even terrifying majesty. 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:20.420 Who can stand before his cold. 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:24.119 Sometimes the weather can be. 00:28:24.819 --> 00:28:25.799 A dangerous thing. 00:28:25.879 --> 00:28:26.519 A fearsome thing. 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:29.160 But he also sees God's mercy. 00:28:29.879 --> 00:28:31.099 When the ice melts. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:32.519 And the wind blows. 00:28:32.980 --> 00:28:34.200 And the waters flow. 00:28:34.200 --> 00:28:36.100 And things begin to grow again. 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:37.799 And above all. 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:38.860 He sees God's sovereignty. 00:28:39.600 --> 00:28:40.720 Ruling and shaping. 00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:42.440 And transforming his creation. 00:28:43.180 --> 00:28:44.039 Through his word. 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:48.700 But God's word not only commands. 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:51.039 The inanimate creation. 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:53.740 God's word also communicates. 00:28:54.160 --> 00:28:55.080 To his people. 00:28:55.640 --> 00:28:56.400 Whom he loves. 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:57.960 Verse 19. 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:59.079 We see God's word. 00:28:59.079 --> 00:29:00.100 The same word. 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:00.120 The same word. 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.559 That orders the seasons. 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.779 Ruling. 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.819 And transforming. 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:06.100 His people. 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:08.920 He declares his word. 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:09.500 To Jacob. 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.860 His rules. 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:11.960 And statutes. 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.980 To Israel. 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:15.100 The same God. 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.640 Who numbers the stars. 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.220 In the heavens. 00:29:17.700 --> 00:29:19.299 And feeds the beasts. 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:19.960 And birds. 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:21.240 And orders the seasons. 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:21.779 Of the year. 00:29:21.840 --> 00:29:22.480 Has spoken. 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:23.740 To us. 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:26.339 And the psalmist says. 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:28.200 What an amazing privilege. 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:31.440 God has given us his word. 00:29:31.599 --> 00:29:31.940 Truth. 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:33.980 From his very own mouth. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:34.880 His statutes. 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:35.859 That's a word that means. 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:37.140 Something that's engraved. 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.140 In the rock. 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:40.299 Pointing to the permanence. 00:29:40.359 --> 00:29:41.859 Of God's word. 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:43.160 His judgments. 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:44.500 His authoritative. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:46.460 And wise decisions. 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:49.259 Now verse 20 says. 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:50.559 He hasn't done that. 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:51.759 For any other nation. 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:52.960 Now that might initially. 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.840 Strike us. 00:29:54.340 --> 00:29:56.400 As an arrogant statement. 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.500 But in the context. 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.480 Of the Old Testament. 00:29:59.900 --> 00:30:00.440 Verse 20. 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:02.279 Is not an arrogant boast. 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.200 But it's rather. 00:30:04.340 --> 00:30:05.680 An expression of amazement. 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.440 And gratitude. 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:08.000 Who in the world. 00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.880 Are we. 00:30:09.380 --> 00:30:10.440 That the God. 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:11.180 Of the universe. 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:12.900 Would speak to us. 00:30:14.039 --> 00:30:15.059 What a privilege. 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:17.220 And what a responsibility. 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:18.819 Right. 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:19.720 In the Old Testament. 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:20.779 The people of Israel. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:22.420 Were called to be a light. 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:23.800 To the other nations. 00:30:24.140 --> 00:30:25.019 Reflecting God's. 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:26.000 Distinct character. 00:30:26.580 --> 00:30:26.860 So that. 00:30:27.080 --> 00:30:27.759 The other nations. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.320 Of the world. 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.279 Might see. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:29.860 And know. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:30.840 The one true God. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:32.720 Now. 00:30:32.800 --> 00:30:33.840 As a Christian church. 00:30:34.700 --> 00:30:35.480 We too. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:35.940 Are called. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:36.779 To be distinct. 00:30:37.860 --> 00:30:38.279 Right. 00:30:38.360 --> 00:30:39.700 We're not a political nation. 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:40.680 Right. 00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:41.340 The Christian church. 00:30:41.340 --> 00:30:42.019 Is in all. 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.200 Nations of the world. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:44.100 Throughout all nations. 00:30:44.100 --> 00:30:44.740 Of the world. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:46.140 But the Christian church. 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:46.820 Is supposed to be. 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:47.720 Distinctly. 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:48.400 Shaped. 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:49.600 And visibly. 00:30:49.600 --> 00:30:50.400 Transformed. 00:30:50.400 --> 00:30:51.220 By the word. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.079 Of God. 00:30:52.180 --> 00:30:53.220 Just as God's word. 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:54.880 Has visible effect. 00:30:54.880 --> 00:30:55.960 Upon his creation. 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.799 Verses 15 through 18. 00:30:58.180 --> 00:30:58.740 God's word. 00:30:58.740 --> 00:30:59.680 Is to have a visible. 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:00.799 And transforming. 00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:01.660 Effect. 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:02.720 Upon us. 00:31:04.180 --> 00:31:04.700 And. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.819 And what is God's word? 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:06.059 Well. 00:31:06.120 --> 00:31:07.480 It's the written word of God. 00:31:07.559 --> 00:31:08.200 In the scriptures. 00:31:08.559 --> 00:31:10.059 That ultimately point us. 00:31:10.120 --> 00:31:11.400 To the living word of God. 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.480 Jesus Christ. 00:31:13.380 --> 00:31:14.579 So in the scriptures. 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:16.799 And in the person of Jesus. 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:18.339 We can see. 00:31:19.019 --> 00:31:19.799 The beauty. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.639 And the power. 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:23.119 And the mercy. 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:25.099 And the sovereignty of God. 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:28.139 So as we begin this new year. 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:29.220 This psalm invites us. 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:29.819 To be a people. 00:31:29.960 --> 00:31:31.099 Who are ruled. 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.379 And transformed. 00:31:33.139 --> 00:31:34.339 By the word of God. 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:37.200 Now what might that look like. 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:38.500 For us practically. 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.359 You know. 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:41.379 Maybe you're just beginning. 00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:42.819 To explore Christianity. 00:31:44.700 --> 00:31:45.139 Well. 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.900 This is a great place. 00:31:46.900 --> 00:31:47.620 That you've come to. 00:31:48.640 --> 00:31:49.780 And beginning next week. 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:51.480 We're starting a sermon series. 00:31:51.480 --> 00:31:52.660 In the gospel of Luke. 00:31:53.420 --> 00:31:54.440 The gospel of Luke. 00:31:54.560 --> 00:31:55.980 Is one of the biographies. 00:31:55.980 --> 00:31:56.440 Of Jesus. 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:58.320 That tells about his teachings. 00:31:58.580 --> 00:31:59.480 And his life. 00:31:59.680 --> 00:32:00.840 And why he died. 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:03.020 And how he rose again. 00:32:03.080 --> 00:32:04.140 So we'll be looking directly. 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:05.480 At who Jesus was. 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:07.620 And why he came to earth. 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:09.440 And what it means. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.000 To believe. 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:11.000 And follow him. 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:12.200 So let me encourage you. 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:12.940 Come back. 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.339 And keep listening. 00:32:14.500 --> 00:32:15.680 And read along with us. 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:17.140 And ask your questions. 00:32:18.099 --> 00:32:19.319 If you have questions. 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:20.119 Talk to. 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:21.240 Come and talk to a friend. 00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:22.759 If you were invited by a friend. 00:32:22.859 --> 00:32:23.779 You can come and talk to me. 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.799 Or one of the other pastors. 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:28.519 And if it's helpful to you. 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:31.019 If you don't have a bible to read. 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:32.539 Just take one of the bibles. 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:33.180 That's in the pew. 00:32:33.299 --> 00:32:34.059 And take it home with you. 00:32:34.099 --> 00:32:34.940 It's our gift to you. 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:38.080 Or you can take one of the journal. 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:39.000 The scripture journals. 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:40.000 From the back table. 00:32:40.220 --> 00:32:42.259 That have the text of the gospel of Luke. 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:43.320 The gospel of Luke. 00:32:43.320 --> 00:32:44.880 Is a great book to begin with. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.840 We'll be looking at the end of it. 00:32:47.340 --> 00:32:49.259 But you can read through the whole thing. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.000 And it'll. 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:51.840 It's the account of Jesus life. 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:55.180 And so you'll see what the bible teaches. 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:56.620 About who Jesus is. 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:59.340 And there's plenty of space. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:00.779 In that scripture journal. 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:02.779 To write down your questions. 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.920 And thoughts and reflections. 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:06.100 Maybe discuss them with a friend. 00:33:07.300 --> 00:33:08.539 So let me encourage you. 00:33:09.080 --> 00:33:09.640 You know whatever. 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:12.500 Those are a few different options. 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:15.360 But to take a next step. 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:18.180 To get to know this Jesus better. 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:20.500 And get to know the God of the bible better. 00:33:21.060 --> 00:33:22.380 Now maybe you are a Christian. 00:33:23.560 --> 00:33:27.259 But maybe the bible isn't really a regular part of your life. 00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:30.660 Apart from hearing it at church on Sundays. 00:33:31.340 --> 00:33:32.880 Well let me encourage you. 00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:34.280 To take a step. 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:36.420 To dig deeper into the bible. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:37.640 In this coming year. 00:33:38.220 --> 00:33:40.440 Again there are lots of different ways you can do this. 00:33:40.840 --> 00:33:41.380 You can. 00:33:41.540 --> 00:33:42.840 If you like plans. 00:33:43.300 --> 00:33:45.220 And structure is helpful to you. 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:47.720 You can read through the entire bible. 00:33:47.720 --> 00:33:49.980 If you read about three to four chapters a day. 00:33:50.160 --> 00:33:52.220 You can read through it in one year. 00:33:52.220 --> 00:33:54.559 So that's a great thing to do. 00:33:54.720 --> 00:33:55.759 It's worthwhile. 00:33:57.120 --> 00:33:57.759 If you've. 00:33:57.880 --> 00:33:58.680 If you're very. 00:33:58.819 --> 00:34:00.039 If you're unfamiliar with the bible. 00:34:00.160 --> 00:34:01.440 Start by reading the new testament. 00:34:01.880 --> 00:34:04.400 If you read just one chapter every day of the year. 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:07.059 You can read through the entire new testament in the year. 00:34:07.640 --> 00:34:09.800 That's another great plan to follow. 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:13.600 You can also listen online. 00:34:13.600 --> 00:34:13.820 Right. 00:34:13.860 --> 00:34:14.800 If you have trouble reading. 00:34:15.620 --> 00:34:16.140 You know. 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:18.820 Or you're just not the reader kind of person. 00:34:19.140 --> 00:34:19.560 Guess what. 00:34:19.800 --> 00:34:20.920 You can go on your phone. 00:34:21.140 --> 00:34:22.860 And go to biblegateway.com. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:24.360 And press audio bible. 00:34:24.519 --> 00:34:26.019 And listen to the bible for free. 00:34:26.140 --> 00:34:27.460 You can listen to it all day. 00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:27.820 No. 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:30.460 You don't even have to download the app. 00:34:30.699 --> 00:34:30.740 Like. 00:34:31.059 --> 00:34:31.179 Well. 00:34:31.260 --> 00:34:31.440 No. 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:32.240 You might need the app. 00:34:32.320 --> 00:34:32.800 But anyway. 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:33.300 It's free. 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:35.519 It's a free app. 00:34:35.599 --> 00:34:35.800 No. 00:34:36.039 --> 00:34:36.260 No. 00:34:36.720 --> 00:34:37.019 Anyway. 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:37.880 Okay. 00:34:38.240 --> 00:34:38.559 So. 00:34:38.740 --> 00:34:40.039 There's all kinds of ways. 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:42.139 That you can be engaging with the bible. 00:34:42.280 --> 00:34:43.840 Join a small group bible study. 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:44.659 Right. 00:34:44.720 --> 00:34:46.559 That's part of what we do. 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:48.599 When we gather together during the week. 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:50.619 They're listed on the back of the bulletin. 00:34:51.179 --> 00:34:52.340 You can visit one. 00:34:52.780 --> 00:34:53.059 You know. 00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:54.139 If you have questions. 00:34:54.360 --> 00:34:55.079 Call the number. 00:34:55.260 --> 00:34:56.099 Or email the person. 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:57.019 And. 00:34:57.460 --> 00:34:57.799 Or. 00:34:58.019 --> 00:34:58.199 You know. 00:34:58.299 --> 00:34:58.519 Talk. 00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:58.860 Again. 00:34:58.940 --> 00:34:59.339 Talk to me. 00:34:59.400 --> 00:35:01.139 If you're not sure what would be helpful to you. 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:02.880 But. 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:05.519 Dig deeper into God's word. 00:35:06.360 --> 00:35:09.360 Let it shape and transform you. 00:35:10.079 --> 00:35:10.400 Right. 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:11.599 Read it. 00:35:11.920 --> 00:35:12.739 Meditate on it. 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.559 Study it. 00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:15.319 Write in a journal about it. 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:17.420 Pray in response to it. 00:35:17.980 --> 00:35:20.579 Take a step in this year to dig deeper into the bible. 00:35:21.839 --> 00:35:22.279 Finally. 00:35:22.639 --> 00:35:24.559 Maybe you've been a Christian for a long time. 00:35:24.659 --> 00:35:25.920 And you spent a lot of time. 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:26.759 In the bible. 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:27.339 Right. 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:28.299 You've heard hundreds. 00:35:28.440 --> 00:35:30.119 Maybe even thousands of sermons. 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.860 Maybe you've read through the bible. 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:32.900 20. 00:35:33.059 --> 00:35:33.920 50 times. 00:35:34.819 --> 00:35:36.039 Let me challenge you. 00:35:36.739 --> 00:35:38.199 One of the best ways. 00:35:38.500 --> 00:35:39.559 To grow deeper. 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:41.259 In your knowledge of God's word. 00:35:41.619 --> 00:35:42.619 Is to share it. 00:35:42.880 --> 00:35:43.839 With somebody else. 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:45.639 Right. 00:35:45.799 --> 00:35:47.460 Almost every sermon that I prepare. 00:35:47.659 --> 00:35:49.420 I find that I learn something new. 00:35:49.960 --> 00:35:51.480 In the process of studying. 00:35:51.819 --> 00:35:52.539 And preparing. 00:35:53.019 --> 00:35:53.519 And praying. 00:35:53.519 --> 00:35:55.940 And thinking about how to teach it to others. 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:57.440 One of the. 00:35:57.659 --> 00:35:59.000 One great way to do this. 00:35:59.280 --> 00:36:01.699 Is to volunteer to teach in children's ministry. 00:36:02.639 --> 00:36:06.039 Because if you have to teach the bible to five year olds. 00:36:06.519 --> 00:36:08.659 That will be a great exercise. 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.139 Like seriously. 00:36:10.139 --> 00:36:11.759 It will really help you. 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:13.300 Think about. 00:36:13.519 --> 00:36:15.059 What is this actually saying? 00:36:15.639 --> 00:36:17.320 And how do I communicate this. 00:36:17.440 --> 00:36:18.059 In a way. 00:36:18.219 --> 00:36:19.179 That makes sense. 00:36:19.759 --> 00:36:20.059 Right. 00:36:20.199 --> 00:36:21.199 And that's simple. 00:36:21.299 --> 00:36:22.639 And not just spouting a bunch of words. 00:36:22.679 --> 00:36:24.000 That I've heard somebody else say before. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.320 Right. 00:36:25.320 --> 00:36:25.619 So. 00:36:26.179 --> 00:36:27.759 Volunteer to sign up for children's ministry. 00:36:28.079 --> 00:36:28.860 We can use you. 00:36:29.840 --> 00:36:31.099 And if you don't want to teach. 00:36:31.199 --> 00:36:31.940 You can be an assistant. 00:36:32.179 --> 00:36:33.360 And watch somebody else do it. 00:36:33.880 --> 00:36:34.880 And you can learn from them. 00:36:34.880 --> 00:36:35.880 But. 00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.099 You know. 00:36:39.220 --> 00:36:39.460 Maybe. 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:39.840 Maybe. 00:36:39.960 --> 00:36:40.039 Maybe. 00:36:40.039 --> 00:36:40.360 Maybe. 00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:40.400 Maybe. 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:40.920 Find. 00:36:41.539 --> 00:36:42.400 Another Christian. 00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:43.579 Or somebody who is. 00:36:44.039 --> 00:36:45.380 Who's newer to the faith. 00:36:45.700 --> 00:36:46.000 And just. 00:36:46.380 --> 00:36:46.660 Say. 00:36:46.800 --> 00:36:47.000 Hey. 00:36:47.140 --> 00:36:47.539 Would you. 00:36:47.660 --> 00:36:47.860 You know. 00:36:47.940 --> 00:36:49.519 I'd be happy to meet together. 00:36:49.780 --> 00:36:50.559 And pray with you. 00:36:50.700 --> 00:36:51.960 And maybe we could read through. 00:36:52.119 --> 00:36:52.960 Luke together. 00:36:53.200 --> 00:36:54.940 As we go through that in the sermon series. 00:36:55.079 --> 00:36:55.460 You know. 00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:55.880 Do whatever. 00:36:56.200 --> 00:36:56.640 Whatever. 00:36:56.720 --> 00:36:57.740 Whatever is helpful. 00:36:58.220 --> 00:37:00.079 But find a way to share. 00:37:01.300 --> 00:37:01.559 You know. 00:37:01.619 --> 00:37:03.519 If you have been blessed with knowledge of the bible. 00:37:03.519 --> 00:37:04.940 Find a way to share it. 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:06.539 Somehow or other. 00:37:09.500 --> 00:37:11.980 God's word has wonderful and transforming effects. 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:12.199 You know. 00:37:12.219 --> 00:37:14.199 I didn't look at verses 13 and 14. 00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:15.119 Yet. 00:37:16.000 --> 00:37:16.599 And those verses. 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:18.360 But those verses really talk about. 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:20.039 Some of the blessings. 00:37:20.500 --> 00:37:23.219 When God's word is living and abiding in us. 00:37:24.300 --> 00:37:24.400 So. 00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:26.219 So those words describe protection. 00:37:26.559 --> 00:37:27.980 From hostile enemies. 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:29.300 Spiritual enemies. 00:37:29.559 --> 00:37:30.559 They talk about blessing. 00:37:30.820 --> 00:37:32.360 For little ones and children. 00:37:32.360 --> 00:37:35.079 And talk about peace among God's people. 00:37:35.640 --> 00:37:36.680 And fullness of joy. 00:37:36.780 --> 00:37:37.460 And satisfaction. 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:39.820 We don't want all those things. 00:37:40.960 --> 00:37:42.019 And the point of those verses. 00:37:42.220 --> 00:37:43.440 Is those things come. 00:37:43.640 --> 00:37:44.640 As we. 00:37:45.500 --> 00:37:46.620 Immerse ourselves. 00:37:47.079 --> 00:37:47.960 And are shaped. 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:48.700 By. 00:37:49.220 --> 00:37:50.960 The authoritative word of God. 00:37:51.599 --> 00:37:52.000 Right. 00:37:52.079 --> 00:37:53.760 Those are some of the good effects. 00:37:53.960 --> 00:37:54.960 Of the word of God. 00:37:55.140 --> 00:37:56.539 In our own lives individually. 00:37:56.940 --> 00:37:57.380 And. 00:37:57.640 --> 00:37:58.980 As a congregation together. 00:37:58.980 --> 00:37:59.059 Father. 00:38:00.260 --> 00:38:02.760 So may God's word abide within us. 00:38:02.760 --> 00:38:04.079 And among us richly. 00:38:04.079 --> 00:38:05.059 In this new year. 00:38:05.860 --> 00:38:06.360 So again. 00:38:06.420 --> 00:38:07.719 The psalm gives us three reasons. 00:38:07.800 --> 00:38:08.519 To praise God. 00:38:08.579 --> 00:38:09.460 As we begin this new year. 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:10.240 Praise God. 00:38:10.340 --> 00:38:12.059 Because he sees the big picture. 00:38:12.260 --> 00:38:13.519 And the small details. 00:38:14.260 --> 00:38:14.940 Praise God. 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.000 Because he delights. 00:38:16.260 --> 00:38:17.179 To provide. 00:38:17.400 --> 00:38:19.240 For those who depend on him. 00:38:19.760 --> 00:38:20.800 And praise God. 00:38:20.860 --> 00:38:21.539 Who rules. 00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:22.840 And transforms us. 00:38:22.900 --> 00:38:23.480 By his word. 00:38:24.139 --> 00:38:24.659 Let's pray. 00:38:24.659 --> 00:38:25.659 Lord. 00:38:35.259 --> 00:38:35.799 We thank you. 00:38:35.799 --> 00:38:36.679 For this psalm. 00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:38.899 This song to sing. 00:38:39.619 --> 00:38:40.759 As we look forward. 00:38:40.759 --> 00:38:41.440 To the day. 00:38:41.960 --> 00:38:43.139 When we will stand. 00:38:43.219 --> 00:38:44.239 In your presence forever. 00:38:45.159 --> 00:38:46.239 And where we will. 00:38:46.639 --> 00:38:48.019 Have all eternity. 00:38:48.019 --> 00:38:48.899 To praise. 00:38:49.219 --> 00:38:50.000 And delight. 00:38:50.460 --> 00:38:50.960 In you. 00:38:52.199 --> 00:38:52.539 Lord. 00:38:52.599 --> 00:38:53.159 Help us to. 00:38:53.759 --> 00:38:54.960 Start doing that now. 00:38:55.900 --> 00:38:56.179 Lord. 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:56.519 As we. 00:38:56.880 --> 00:38:57.699 Come to. 00:38:58.119 --> 00:38:58.719 The Lord's Supper. 00:38:58.840 --> 00:38:59.840 May this be a table. 00:39:00.019 --> 00:39:01.079 Of thanksgiving. 00:39:01.300 --> 00:39:01.940 And praise. 00:39:02.059 --> 00:39:02.420 To you. 00:39:03.539 --> 00:39:04.420 In Jesus name. 00:39:04.460 --> 00:39:04.800 We pray. 00:39:05.380 --> 00:39:05.679 Amen. 00:39:05.679 --> 00:39:05.840 Amen.