WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.000 Good morning. 00:00:03.140 --> 00:00:06.280 My name is Eric. I'm one of the guys here on staff at Watermark. 00:00:06.379 --> 00:00:07.919 It's great to be here with you today. 00:00:09.820 --> 00:00:14.200 I have never met someone in my entire life who is most content 00:00:14.200 --> 00:00:17.320 when they don't know where their next meal is going to come from. 00:00:18.879 --> 00:00:20.500 Random, maybe, but true. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:26.519 As humanity, we have this craving for stability and security. 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:30.000 It comes in different quantities. 00:00:30.419 --> 00:00:33.420 Some people want to know every part of their life, how structured it will be. 00:00:33.719 --> 00:00:38.719 But even the most bohemian, hippie person you've ever met in your life 00:00:38.719 --> 00:00:40.640 wants some level of security. 00:00:40.799 --> 00:00:44.299 They want to know at least where their next meal is coming from. 00:00:45.700 --> 00:00:49.560 It's a common condition that goes back to the earliest days of humanity. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:51.820 If you look back in the book of Genesis in the Bible, 00:00:52.539 --> 00:00:54.280 you have Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, 00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:56.299 and then their sons, Cain and Abel. 00:00:56.920 --> 00:00:59.320 Cain kills his brother, and God says, 00:00:59.440 --> 00:01:01.720 Okay, Cain, as a punishment for your sin, 00:01:02.040 --> 00:01:06.320 you're going to be a restless wanderer and a fugitive on the earth. 00:01:06.620 --> 00:01:10.040 And the first thing Cain does after God tells this to him 00:01:10.040 --> 00:01:13.120 is he goes out, he has a kid, and he builds a city. 00:01:13.879 --> 00:01:17.640 Because family and city mean security and stability. 00:01:17.859 --> 00:01:20.540 It's built into our nature as human beings. 00:01:21.100 --> 00:01:23.180 You fast forward a couple chapters later, 00:01:23.180 --> 00:01:25.520 you're at the city of Babel. 00:01:25.980 --> 00:01:28.040 And the people come together and they say, 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:31.060 We need to build a tower into the heavens, 00:01:31.280 --> 00:01:32.860 to reach to the heavens, 00:01:33.580 --> 00:01:37.660 so that we will not be scattered across the earth. 00:01:37.900 --> 00:01:38.880 We want stability. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:40.100 We want security. 00:01:40.380 --> 00:01:41.940 We want to make sure our friends don't leave. 00:01:42.180 --> 00:01:43.020 We like them around. 00:01:43.980 --> 00:01:46.560 So we need to do what we can to keep them here. 00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:51.219 And this craving for security and stability comes down to today. 00:01:51.920 --> 00:01:55.140 I messaged a number of people from the church this week 00:01:55.140 --> 00:01:56.280 and asked them, 00:01:56.879 --> 00:01:58.840 If you think about you and the people you know, 00:01:59.600 --> 00:02:04.359 what are the greatest causes of stress in your lives or their lives? 00:02:04.579 --> 00:02:07.020 What are the things that keep you awake at night? 00:02:07.019 --> 00:02:09.099 And if you listen to their responses, 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:14.079 it shows that we still struggle with these issues today. 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:14.979 One person said, 00:02:15.120 --> 00:02:20.240 We lose sleep because we don't feel we're in control of the situation before us. 00:02:20.439 --> 00:02:22.680 And we always think the worst will happen, 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:25.960 and any immediate misstep will lead to dire outcomes. 00:02:25.960 --> 00:02:29.000 A lot of people said things like, 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:30.099 Providing for your family. 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:33.480 The future, your next job, 00:02:33.939 --> 00:02:35.780 contract renewal at your current job, 00:02:36.319 --> 00:02:37.980 lack of job security in general, 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:42.159 the thought of losing someone or something that I love, 00:02:43.300 --> 00:02:44.960 finding that special someone, 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:46.879 or if you've already found them, 00:02:47.100 --> 00:02:48.500 are you on the same page with them? 00:02:49.560 --> 00:02:50.879 You listen to this list, 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:54.800 and it comes down to security and stability. 00:02:54.800 --> 00:02:57.260 One person said, 00:02:57.360 --> 00:02:58.880 You know, the definition of stress 00:02:58.880 --> 00:03:02.080 is sitting in a room, 00:03:02.219 --> 00:03:03.880 listening to a talk, 00:03:04.740 --> 00:03:05.960 knowing that you can't leave, 00:03:06.040 --> 00:03:07.840 but there are four Pokemon right outside the door. 00:03:11.220 --> 00:03:12.660 Another person said, 00:03:13.640 --> 00:03:16.820 You know, everyone at work must have sleepless nights too, 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:18.720 but a big part is just not to show it. 00:03:19.640 --> 00:03:20.960 Even when we know 00:03:20.960 --> 00:03:23.260 that the world is going crazy 00:03:23.260 --> 00:03:24.439 and we can't sleep at night, 00:03:24.800 --> 00:03:26.460 we want to put on this show 00:03:26.460 --> 00:03:28.060 that we are stable and secure 00:03:28.060 --> 00:03:29.480 for everyone else to see 00:03:29.480 --> 00:03:32.480 because we crave stability and security. 00:03:32.860 --> 00:03:34.660 And it's not just a watermark issue either. 00:03:34.740 --> 00:03:35.700 It's going on worldwide. 00:03:35.920 --> 00:03:37.840 How do you explain world events like Brexit, 00:03:38.640 --> 00:03:40.660 the election of Duterte in the Philippines, 00:03:40.820 --> 00:03:42.060 and the rise of Trump in America? 00:03:42.740 --> 00:03:44.860 People want stability and security. 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:47.860 They know that the current political system, 00:03:47.860 --> 00:03:49.900 or they think the current political system 00:03:49.900 --> 00:03:52.980 will not give them the stability and security they want, 00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:57.320 and so they feel this need to take drastic measures to get it. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:04:01.340 It's a common human condition. 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:04.239 Everyone wants stability and security, 00:04:04.239 --> 00:04:05.919 and when we feel like we don't have it, 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:08.180 our natural human response is stress. 00:04:09.639 --> 00:04:11.959 And today we're going to continue in our series 00:04:11.959 --> 00:04:13.299 looking at the Psalms 00:04:13.299 --> 00:04:14.939 and worship for all seasons 00:04:14.939 --> 00:04:18.339 and talk about a psalm for when we are stressed. 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:20.180 And what we're going to see 00:04:20.180 --> 00:04:21.779 is that God gives his people 00:04:21.779 --> 00:04:24.199 all the things we are tempted to stress over 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:25.560 and become anxious about. 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:27.680 We're going to have three steps 00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:28.879 that are going to help us see this. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:30.099 First, our effort. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:32.060 Second, our sleep. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:34.139 And third, our hope. 00:04:35.180 --> 00:04:36.399 First, our effort. 00:04:37.620 --> 00:04:40.159 Psalm 127, verse 1, 00:04:40.639 --> 00:04:40.899 says, 00:04:40.899 --> 00:04:42.779 Unless the Lord builds the house, 00:04:43.159 --> 00:04:45.599 those who build it labor in vain. 00:04:46.459 --> 00:04:48.099 Now if you look throughout the Bible, 00:04:48.419 --> 00:04:50.959 it's very clear that God expects us to be working. 00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:53.099 You go back to the Garden of Eve, 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:54.840 and what does God tell Adam and Eve? 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:55.200 He says, 00:04:55.360 --> 00:04:55.840 Rule the earth. 00:04:55.960 --> 00:04:56.700 Have dominion. 00:04:57.439 --> 00:04:58.360 Do work. 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:01.439 If you look at the Ten Commandments, 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:02.820 God comes and he says, 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:05.260 You need a day of rest 00:05:05.260 --> 00:05:08.180 because all the other days you're going to be working. 00:05:09.260 --> 00:05:10.900 He expects us to do work. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:12.820 He expects us to go to our jobs, 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:14.240 to do our school. 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:15.280 In the church, 00:05:15.340 --> 00:05:17.360 he expects us to be making disciples. 00:05:18.300 --> 00:05:19.540 But this verse is clear 00:05:19.540 --> 00:05:21.980 that unless God is behind our work, 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:23.620 it is in vain. 00:05:25.220 --> 00:05:27.379 If you look at the title of this psalm, 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:29.040 it says that it's written by Solomon. 00:05:30.819 --> 00:05:31.600 And it says, 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:33.540 Unless the Lord builds the house. 00:05:34.580 --> 00:05:36.620 Solomon built a very famous house. 00:05:37.200 --> 00:05:38.040 It's called the temple. 00:05:38.180 --> 00:05:38.860 It was the place, 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:41.580 the dwelling place of God on earth. 00:05:41.920 --> 00:05:43.160 Solomon did lots of work 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:44.200 to take this temple, 00:05:44.560 --> 00:05:47.100 make it a beautiful, beautiful building. 00:05:47.220 --> 00:05:48.700 They put a lot of time into it, 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:50.000 a lot of money into it. 00:05:50.000 --> 00:05:51.360 And that's quite possibly 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:53.379 what he is referring to in this verse. 00:05:54.379 --> 00:05:55.939 But what he is saying is, 00:05:56.300 --> 00:05:57.560 we built this elaborate, 00:05:58.120 --> 00:05:59.379 beautiful, intricate, 00:05:59.860 --> 00:06:01.220 expensive building. 00:06:03.180 --> 00:06:04.740 We put in our time 00:06:04.740 --> 00:06:05.420 and our effort 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.120 and our energy, 00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:07.480 but if God's not in it, 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:09.300 it's wasted. 00:06:09.540 --> 00:06:10.139 It's useless. 00:06:10.139 --> 00:06:13.240 This word labor in this verse 00:06:13.240 --> 00:06:14.579 isn't just the word 00:06:14.579 --> 00:06:15.659 that we would typically think of 00:06:15.659 --> 00:06:16.459 when we think of work. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:19.219 It can actually be translated 00:06:19.219 --> 00:06:21.039 more along the lines of toil, 00:06:21.719 --> 00:06:22.079 trouble, 00:06:22.759 --> 00:06:23.639 work that leaves us 00:06:23.639 --> 00:06:24.680 just feeling empty 00:06:24.680 --> 00:06:25.620 and exhausted 00:06:25.620 --> 00:06:26.620 at the end of the day. 00:06:28.199 --> 00:06:29.279 And he's saying that 00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:31.879 if we don't have God in our work, 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:33.699 all of our work 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:34.560 is going to be 00:06:34.560 --> 00:06:35.620 that kind of work, 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:36.680 the kind of work 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:37.639 that leaves us empty, 00:06:37.639 --> 00:06:38.500 the kind of work 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:40.419 that leaves us stressed. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:43.719 Unless the Lord 00:06:43.719 --> 00:06:44.740 builds the house, 00:06:45.039 --> 00:06:46.139 those who build it 00:06:46.139 --> 00:06:47.599 labor in vain. 00:06:48.719 --> 00:06:49.740 What does it mean 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:50.419 for a house 00:06:50.419 --> 00:06:51.819 to be built in vain? 00:06:53.219 --> 00:06:54.039 There's a pastor 00:06:54.039 --> 00:06:54.560 in the States 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:55.459 named John Piper 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:56.899 and he lists four ways 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:57.379 that a house 00:06:57.379 --> 00:06:58.519 can be built in vain. 00:06:59.439 --> 00:06:59.740 He says, 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:00.339 first off, 00:07:00.800 --> 00:07:01.639 you can build the house 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:02.339 and you just never 00:07:02.339 --> 00:07:03.240 complete the construction. 00:07:03.819 --> 00:07:04.500 Sort of like 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:05.339 the Tower of Babel 00:07:05.339 --> 00:07:05.860 in the Bible. 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:07.000 You start building, 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:08.400 you never actually 00:07:08.400 --> 00:07:09.180 complete the house. 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:10.160 It's built in vain. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:11.139 It can't be used 00:07:11.139 --> 00:07:11.960 like it's meant to be. 00:07:12.900 --> 00:07:13.560 Second off, 00:07:13.600 --> 00:07:14.520 you build the house, 00:07:14.900 --> 00:07:15.460 you get it, 00:07:15.520 --> 00:07:16.439 it's beautiful. 00:07:17.120 --> 00:07:17.980 You move in, 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:18.699 you live there 00:07:18.699 --> 00:07:19.460 for a couple years 00:07:19.460 --> 00:07:20.360 and then all of a sudden 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:21.060 the house collapses. 00:07:23.020 --> 00:07:23.819 Sort of like 00:07:23.819 --> 00:07:24.699 the foolish man 00:07:24.699 --> 00:07:25.680 that Jesus talked about 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:26.500 who built his house 00:07:26.500 --> 00:07:27.080 on the sand. 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:28.040 The storms came, 00:07:28.340 --> 00:07:29.480 they knocked out the house. 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:31.240 If you build your house 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.120 and two years later 00:07:32.120 --> 00:07:32.740 it collapses, 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:34.180 the house has been built 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:34.800 in vain. 00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:36.960 The third way 00:07:36.960 --> 00:07:37.520 that the house 00:07:37.520 --> 00:07:38.520 can be built in vain 00:07:38.520 --> 00:07:39.800 is that you build the house, 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:40.819 it's beautiful, 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:41.920 you oversee it, 00:07:41.960 --> 00:07:43.020 the construction finishes 00:07:43.020 --> 00:07:44.199 and the day that you're 00:07:44.199 --> 00:07:45.040 meant to move in, 00:07:45.340 --> 00:07:46.000 you dropped out 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:46.699 of a heart attack 00:07:46.699 --> 00:07:48.800 and you never get to enjoy 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:49.800 the fruit of your labor. 00:07:51.060 --> 00:07:52.500 The writer of Ecclesiastes 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:53.000 in the Bible 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:53.980 talks about this, 00:07:54.080 --> 00:07:54.740 the man who 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:55.960 does all this work 00:07:55.960 --> 00:07:56.920 and prepares everything 00:07:56.920 --> 00:07:58.379 just for someone else 00:07:58.379 --> 00:07:59.100 to enjoy it. 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:01.319 And then finally, 00:08:01.580 --> 00:08:02.439 the fourth way 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:02.920 that the house 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:03.800 can be built in vain 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:04.819 and I think this one 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:06.259 is one that is all too 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:07.300 common in our culture. 00:08:08.020 --> 00:08:09.319 You build the house, 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:10.800 it's beautiful, 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:12.740 you get everything ready, 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:13.540 you move in 00:08:13.540 --> 00:08:14.639 and the house, 00:08:14.759 --> 00:08:15.860 once you move into it, 00:08:16.020 --> 00:08:17.220 becomes a house 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:18.620 of pain and mourning 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:20.620 filled with broken marriages, 00:08:21.580 --> 00:08:22.519 rebellious children, 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:24.340 marble shelves 00:08:24.340 --> 00:08:25.800 that hold meaningless trinkets. 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:31.400 and why? 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:31.520 Why? 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:34.159 Why is this type 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:35.360 of building vanity? 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:38.159 Because when we build 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:38.820 a house 00:08:38.820 --> 00:08:40.460 or really do any 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:41.120 venture in life, 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:42.000 start a business, 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:43.860 start a church, 00:08:44.399 --> 00:08:45.259 start a family, 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:46.419 and we do it 00:08:46.419 --> 00:08:47.879 without God in it, 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:50.100 everything involved 00:08:50.100 --> 00:08:50.980 in the process 00:08:50.980 --> 00:08:52.639 starts and ends 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:53.600 with us. 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:55.600 we toil, 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:56.220 we labor, 00:08:56.379 --> 00:08:57.480 we work with power 00:08:57.480 --> 00:08:58.720 that comes from us. 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:00.259 We complete a project 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:01.800 and the glory goes to us. 00:09:01.899 --> 00:09:02.360 We celebrate 00:09:02.360 --> 00:09:03.659 what we have accomplished. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:05.340 We get consumed 00:09:05.340 --> 00:09:06.379 with ourselves 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:09.399 and that's that. 00:09:10.820 --> 00:09:12.560 And if we can't enjoy it, 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:13.960 it's over. 00:09:14.580 --> 00:09:15.800 We never get to be 00:09:15.800 --> 00:09:16.680 a part of something 00:09:16.680 --> 00:09:18.200 bigger than ourselves. 00:09:18.200 --> 00:09:21.080 But what does it look like 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:22.120 on the flip side 00:09:22.120 --> 00:09:23.780 if God is the one 00:09:23.780 --> 00:09:24.879 building the house? 00:09:26.520 --> 00:09:27.000 Well, 00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:27.960 when God is the one 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:28.879 building the house, 00:09:28.980 --> 00:09:30.140 the power and energy 00:09:30.140 --> 00:09:30.780 to build it 00:09:30.780 --> 00:09:31.680 comes from him 00:09:31.680 --> 00:09:33.240 and the glory for it 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:34.100 goes to him. 00:09:34.680 --> 00:09:35.879 A historical example 00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:36.740 of this would be 00:09:36.740 --> 00:09:37.520 the temple, 00:09:37.640 --> 00:09:38.780 this house that Solomon built. 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:40.020 If you think about 00:09:40.020 --> 00:09:40.440 the temple, 00:09:40.560 --> 00:09:41.160 they brought in 00:09:41.160 --> 00:09:42.520 this team of people 00:09:42.520 --> 00:09:44.520 with incredible skills 00:09:44.520 --> 00:09:45.620 who contributed 00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:46.420 to the work. 00:09:46.419 --> 00:09:48.439 They did 00:09:48.439 --> 00:09:49.759 incredible, 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.099 intricate artwork, 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:53.000 carvings, 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:53.539 sculptures, 00:09:54.439 --> 00:09:54.939 architecture 00:09:54.939 --> 00:09:56.199 to build 00:09:56.199 --> 00:09:57.259 this incredible building 00:09:57.259 --> 00:10:00.559 and many of them 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:01.299 never even actually 00:10:01.299 --> 00:10:01.839 got to see 00:10:01.839 --> 00:10:02.579 the completed fruit 00:10:02.579 --> 00:10:03.059 of their labor. 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:05.740 There were rooms 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:06.360 in the temple 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:07.699 that certain people, 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:08.719 only certain people 00:10:08.719 --> 00:10:09.379 could go into. 00:10:09.620 --> 00:10:09.979 In fact, 00:10:10.099 --> 00:10:11.779 in the Holy of Holies, 00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:13.419 the most sacred place 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:13.919 in the temple, 00:10:14.299 --> 00:10:15.120 only one person 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:15.839 could go in there 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:16.860 one time per year. 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:18.460 Which means 00:10:18.460 --> 00:10:19.580 anyone involved 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:20.560 in building that room 00:10:20.560 --> 00:10:21.980 never got to take 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:23.040 their wife and their friends 00:10:23.040 --> 00:10:23.660 to go say, 00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:24.800 check out this work 00:10:24.800 --> 00:10:25.460 that I did here. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:26.800 Isn't this a great carving? 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.100 Isn't this a cool sculpture? 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:29.379 No, none of that. 00:10:30.560 --> 00:10:31.960 You can never show them 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:32.820 what you had done, 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.160 but everyone did it. 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:36.259 Everyone joined in 00:10:36.259 --> 00:10:38.040 because they knew 00:10:38.040 --> 00:10:38.700 that their work 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:39.759 was going towards 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:40.759 the worship of God. 00:10:41.940 --> 00:10:43.400 Their work was not in vain. 00:10:43.540 --> 00:10:44.400 Their work was part 00:10:44.399 --> 00:10:45.319 of something bigger. 00:10:45.699 --> 00:10:46.639 Their work was part 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:48.259 of glorifying 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:49.860 and worshiping God. 00:10:51.319 --> 00:10:52.159 And now most of us 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:53.079 won't be involved 00:10:53.079 --> 00:10:53.799 in something like 00:10:53.799 --> 00:10:54.699 building the temple 00:10:54.699 --> 00:10:55.360 in our lifetime. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:56.500 So what does this look like 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:58.059 in a modern context? 00:10:59.919 --> 00:11:01.120 When I was a little kid, 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:03.480 my dad actually built 00:11:03.480 --> 00:11:04.539 our house in the States. 00:11:04.840 --> 00:11:05.759 He went out to the woods, 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:06.759 chopped down trees, 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:07.959 milled, like literally 00:11:07.959 --> 00:11:09.279 milled the wood himself, 00:11:09.980 --> 00:11:10.840 brought it back 00:11:10.840 --> 00:11:11.960 and built it, 00:11:12.039 --> 00:11:12.899 had some friends come over 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:14.240 to help him stand up the walls. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:16.659 He built it from the ground up 00:11:16.659 --> 00:11:17.480 and we moved in there 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:18.919 when I was two years old. 00:11:20.699 --> 00:11:21.459 And over the years, 00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:22.079 in that house, 00:11:22.139 --> 00:11:22.980 my parents have raised 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:23.759 four boys, 00:11:24.620 --> 00:11:25.600 constantly pointing us 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:26.159 towards Jesus, 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:27.459 constantly teaching us 00:11:27.459 --> 00:11:28.139 to love him 00:11:28.139 --> 00:11:28.899 and worship him. 00:11:30.199 --> 00:11:31.100 In that house, 00:11:31.179 --> 00:11:31.740 over the years, 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:33.439 numerous people 00:11:33.439 --> 00:11:34.220 have come over 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:35.679 and talked to my parents 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:37.039 during difficult times 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:37.559 in their life 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:38.679 and found encouragement, 00:11:38.679 --> 00:11:41.299 found encouragement 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:42.659 to go back to Christ 00:11:42.659 --> 00:11:43.879 in those difficult times. 00:11:44.719 --> 00:11:45.659 In that house, 00:11:45.739 --> 00:11:46.859 the kitchen has been used 00:11:46.859 --> 00:11:47.319 to cook, 00:11:47.439 --> 00:11:48.679 I can't even guess 00:11:48.679 --> 00:11:49.419 how many meals 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:50.839 for people who are sick, 00:11:50.939 --> 00:11:51.559 for people who have 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:52.299 just had babies, 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:53.359 for people who are mourning. 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:56.019 In that house, 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.099 when I was about 12, 00:11:57.359 --> 00:11:58.620 we had a homeless family 00:11:58.620 --> 00:11:59.819 come live with us 00:11:59.819 --> 00:12:00.599 for six months. 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:01.919 Literally, 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:03.399 out of the homeless shelter, 00:12:03.579 --> 00:12:05.039 they came and took my bedroom 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:06.019 and I had to go stay 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:06.599 with my brothers 00:12:06.599 --> 00:12:07.439 in their bedroom. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:10.260 In that house, 00:12:10.920 --> 00:12:11.980 amazing ministry 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:13.080 has happened for God 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:13.900 over the years. 00:12:14.880 --> 00:12:16.200 Yes, my dad built the house, 00:12:16.300 --> 00:12:17.200 but I believe that God 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:18.520 also built that house 00:12:18.520 --> 00:12:19.420 and has used it 00:12:19.420 --> 00:12:21.120 to make an impact 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:21.900 that will last 00:12:21.900 --> 00:12:22.820 for eternity 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:23.720 for him. 00:12:24.920 --> 00:12:25.500 But again, 00:12:25.600 --> 00:12:26.220 most of us 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:26.920 aren't actually 00:12:26.920 --> 00:12:27.600 going to literally 00:12:27.600 --> 00:12:28.920 build our houses 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:29.700 in Hong Kong, 00:12:29.800 --> 00:12:30.100 you know? 00:12:30.400 --> 00:12:31.740 It just doesn't happen here. 00:12:32.700 --> 00:12:34.400 But everyone has a place 00:12:34.400 --> 00:12:35.020 that we live. 00:12:35.019 --> 00:12:38.139 And what does it look like 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.299 for us to use 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:39.799 the places 00:12:39.799 --> 00:12:41.319 that God has given us 00:12:41.319 --> 00:12:42.059 for this season 00:12:42.059 --> 00:12:42.639 in our life 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.500 to make 00:12:43.500 --> 00:12:45.399 an eternal impact 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:46.059 for him? 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:48.399 You know, 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.259 I had some friends, 00:12:49.600 --> 00:12:51.159 they used to go out 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:52.379 every Saturday night. 00:12:52.939 --> 00:12:54.100 They had a couple kids 00:12:54.100 --> 00:12:54.779 from the streets 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:55.740 that they would bring in 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:56.539 and these kids 00:12:56.539 --> 00:12:57.159 would spend the night 00:12:57.159 --> 00:12:57.740 at their house. 00:12:58.579 --> 00:12:59.559 My friends would give them 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:00.639 a healthy meal to eat. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:02.659 My friends would hang out 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:03.199 with these kids, 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:04.279 teach them life skills 00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:04.919 and discipline. 00:13:05.759 --> 00:13:06.679 My friends would teach 00:13:06.679 --> 00:13:07.639 these kids about Jesus, 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:09.519 give them a safe place 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:10.199 to spend the night. 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:11.059 In the morning, 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:11.759 they would eat breakfast 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:12.179 together, 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:13.279 and then they would bring 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:14.059 the kids to church. 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:18.360 I think God built 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:19.199 that household. 00:13:19.559 --> 00:13:20.419 God used it. 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:21.740 Even though they were 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.480 only in that apartment 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:23.220 for a couple years, 00:13:23.339 --> 00:13:24.539 God used their time 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:25.259 in that household. 00:13:25.419 --> 00:13:26.379 He built that house 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:27.759 to make a difference 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:29.179 for eternity. 00:13:29.179 --> 00:13:33.099 And the fact is 00:13:33.099 --> 00:13:34.259 that if God is not 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:35.259 building our house, 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:37.719 whether it's in our homes, 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:38.639 in our businesses, 00:13:39.019 --> 00:13:39.859 in our church, 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:43.019 those who build it 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:44.120 labor in vain. 00:13:45.859 --> 00:13:46.559 Like I said, 00:13:46.599 --> 00:13:47.519 it's true even in the church. 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:47.939 We can have, 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:49.599 we could save up 00:13:49.599 --> 00:13:50.539 lots of money, 00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:51.759 build this great building, 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:52.759 have a great speaker, 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:54.679 and gather together 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:56.000 to hear talks 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:57.599 all about how great we are, 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:59.100 and just get focused 00:13:59.100 --> 00:13:59.779 on ourselves, 00:14:00.600 --> 00:14:02.060 lose our sight 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:03.379 for the gospel, 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:05.379 for helping the world 00:14:05.379 --> 00:14:06.080 around us, 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:07.540 and all the work 00:14:07.540 --> 00:14:08.220 that's gone into 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.200 making this incredible, 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:10.060 beautiful church 00:14:10.060 --> 00:14:11.139 is in vain. 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:13.519 I don't think we're there 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:14.519 right now at Watermark, 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.920 but it very easily 00:14:15.920 --> 00:14:17.019 could happen in the future 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:20.040 if God is not in it. 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:22.340 And it's true 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:23.200 not only in the church, 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.019 but in our jobs. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:25.759 We can go to work, 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:26.420 we can stay up 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:27.040 all night long 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:28.179 trying to get 00:14:28.179 --> 00:14:28.839 this deal done, 00:14:28.959 --> 00:14:29.699 trying to get 00:14:29.699 --> 00:14:30.419 the work done, 00:14:30.839 --> 00:14:31.159 anxious. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.459 It can be true 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:34.259 what's said of us 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:34.919 in verse 2, 00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.599 it's in vain 00:14:35.599 --> 00:14:36.639 that you rise up early 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.959 and go late to rest 00:14:37.959 --> 00:14:38.819 eating the bread 00:14:38.819 --> 00:14:39.799 of anxious toil. 00:14:41.299 --> 00:14:42.199 How many of us 00:14:42.199 --> 00:14:43.079 does that describe 00:14:43.079 --> 00:14:44.799 staying up late 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:45.679 because we're stressed 00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:46.219 about work 00:14:46.219 --> 00:14:46.939 and then waking up 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:48.000 as early as we can 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:48.459 in the morning 00:14:48.459 --> 00:14:49.899 because we feel 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:50.599 like everything 00:14:50.599 --> 00:14:51.819 is dependent on us, 00:14:51.879 --> 00:14:52.740 the power comes 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:53.319 from us, 00:14:53.819 --> 00:14:54.839 and the glory 00:14:54.839 --> 00:14:55.719 goes to us 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:57.060 for a job 00:14:57.060 --> 00:14:57.879 that we're doing 00:14:57.879 --> 00:14:58.500 in vain. 00:15:02.080 --> 00:15:02.680 It says, 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:03.460 not only unless 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:04.080 the Lord builds 00:15:04.080 --> 00:15:04.440 the house, 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.279 but unless the Lord 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:06.600 watches over the city, 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:07.899 the watchman 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.759 stays awake 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.220 in vain. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:10.580 We're dependent 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:11.100 on God 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:11.879 for getting things 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:12.620 started and built, 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.360 but we're dependent 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:13.899 on God 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:15.200 for them maintaining 00:15:15.200 --> 00:15:15.840 and sustaining 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:16.600 into the future 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:17.040 as well. 00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:18.660 You can get 00:15:18.660 --> 00:15:19.360 your house built, 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:20.759 but if God's not 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.540 watching over the city, 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.320 then an entire 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.019 city worth 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:23.659 of houses 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.740 can be destroyed 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:25.639 in one night. 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:26.939 Again, 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:27.559 that's true 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:28.120 for the church. 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:28.639 We can have 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.379 a healthy church 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:29.759 today, 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:30.659 but if God's 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:31.100 not watching 00:15:31.100 --> 00:15:31.699 over it, 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:35.340 giving can stop, 00:15:35.460 --> 00:15:36.259 attendance can stop, 00:15:36.699 --> 00:15:37.000 the church 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.919 no longer exists. 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.259 Or, 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:40.319 giving can go up, 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:41.360 attendance can go up, 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:43.399 and we lose sight 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:43.919 of the gospel, 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.500 and the church 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.519 continues on 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:49.259 years and years 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:49.720 to come, 00:15:50.079 --> 00:15:51.079 and no one's life 00:15:51.080 --> 00:15:52.139 is impacted by it. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:55.080 Unless the Lord 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.620 watches over the city, 00:15:56.900 --> 00:15:57.600 the watchman 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:58.680 stays awake 00:15:58.680 --> 00:15:59.440 in vain. 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:01.860 So God expects us 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:02.720 to work, 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:04.060 but ultimately, 00:16:04.300 --> 00:16:05.120 every endeavor 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:05.820 in our lives 00:16:05.820 --> 00:16:06.420 is dependent 00:16:06.420 --> 00:16:07.700 on God's work 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:09.120 for its success 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:10.100 or its failure. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:10.980 That is, 00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.040 our effort. 00:16:13.100 --> 00:16:13.740 Next up, 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:14.520 our sleep. 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:17.560 It says, 00:16:18.080 --> 00:16:18.480 in the end 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:19.160 of verse 2, 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:19.960 he gives 00:16:19.960 --> 00:16:20.740 to his beloved 00:16:20.740 --> 00:16:21.680 sleep. 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:24.180 Sleep comes 00:16:24.180 --> 00:16:26.019 from our trust 00:16:26.019 --> 00:16:26.860 in God's provision. 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:27.780 If we believe 00:16:27.780 --> 00:16:29.019 that God is a good 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.200 father who loves us 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:31.180 and takes care of us, 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:31.900 then we will sleep. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:34.160 And if we don't believe 00:16:34.160 --> 00:16:35.120 that God is a good 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.060 father who loves us 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:36.900 and takes care of us, 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:38.000 we're going to stay up 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:38.600 all night long 00:16:38.600 --> 00:16:39.519 trying to provide 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.080 for ourselves 00:16:40.080 --> 00:16:40.900 because obviously 00:16:40.900 --> 00:16:41.540 God's not going to 00:16:41.540 --> 00:16:42.160 provide for us 00:16:42.160 --> 00:16:42.620 and everything's 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:43.100 going to go wrong 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.519 if I don't. 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:49.139 But God gives 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:49.939 to his beloved 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:50.740 sleep. 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:52.139 I love the movie 00:16:52.139 --> 00:16:52.639 Gladiator. 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:53.659 Anyone here love 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:54.439 the movie Gladiator? 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:55.240 Yes? 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:55.899 Thank you. 00:16:56.199 --> 00:16:56.939 It's a great movie. 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.139 If you haven't seen it, 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:58.679 you should. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:01.500 In Gladiator, 00:17:01.579 --> 00:17:02.319 there's this scene. 00:17:02.439 --> 00:17:02.939 It's great. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:05.559 Commodus is ruling 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.680 over the Roman Empire, 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:08.619 but he's stressed. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.519 He's afraid 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:11.859 that all of his work 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:13.239 to take over the country 00:17:13.239 --> 00:17:14.899 is going to be in vain, 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.039 that it's going to fall apart, 00:17:16.119 --> 00:17:16.739 that he's going to lose 00:17:16.739 --> 00:17:17.239 his power. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.219 It's late at night. 00:17:20.019 --> 00:17:20.919 He's wide awake, 00:17:21.459 --> 00:17:22.339 and he's standing 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:22.859 in the doorway 00:17:22.859 --> 00:17:24.239 to his nephew's bedroom 00:17:24.239 --> 00:17:25.919 watching his nephew sleep. 00:17:27.959 --> 00:17:28.919 And his sister 00:17:28.919 --> 00:17:29.979 walks up behind him, 00:17:30.199 --> 00:17:31.239 and he turns to her, 00:17:31.359 --> 00:17:32.059 and he says, 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.799 he sleeps so well 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.979 because he knows 00:17:34.979 --> 00:17:35.919 that he is loved. 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:39.360 He sleeps so well 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:40.680 because he knows 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:41.980 that he is loved. 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:44.920 If we are Christians, 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.220 and we have a God 00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:47.279 who takes care of us 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:48.420 and provides for us, 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:50.000 that's what the world 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:51.180 should be saying about us. 00:17:51.680 --> 00:17:52.360 Those Christians, 00:17:52.560 --> 00:17:53.620 they sleep so well 00:17:53.620 --> 00:17:55.180 because they know 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:56.720 that they're loved. 00:18:00.279 --> 00:18:02.860 If we look at this passage again, 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.700 this part that says, 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:05.180 he gives to his beloved sleep, 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:07.259 there's actually 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:09.460 a possible alternate translation 00:18:09.460 --> 00:18:10.300 for this line. 00:18:11.100 --> 00:18:11.460 It can, 00:18:11.600 --> 00:18:12.120 if you look at 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:13.019 the original language, 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.440 it could also be translated, 00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:15.720 he gives to his beloved 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.700 in their sleep. 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:19.420 Slight change, 00:18:20.220 --> 00:18:21.220 but a slightly different 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:22.300 meaning as well. 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:23.759 It's not just that 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:24.860 God gives us sleep, 00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:26.320 but that as we sleep, 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:27.720 God gives us all the things 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:28.380 that we would have been 00:18:28.380 --> 00:18:29.060 stressing over 00:18:29.060 --> 00:18:30.320 if we had stayed awake. 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:33.500 We could stay up all night 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.220 stressing about 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.139 whether the business deal 00:18:35.139 --> 00:18:35.980 is going to go through, 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.819 or we can go to sleep. 00:18:38.899 --> 00:18:40.139 And God is capable 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:41.539 of making that happen 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.619 while we are asleep. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:43.939 Now, it's not going to happen 00:18:43.939 --> 00:18:44.980 every single night 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:46.579 that amazing things happen, 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:48.759 but God provides for us 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.379 in our sleep, 00:18:49.460 --> 00:18:50.579 which is why we are able 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.039 to sleep. 00:18:51.939 --> 00:18:52.839 A picture of this 00:18:52.839 --> 00:18:53.700 happens in the Bible 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.619 in the book of Acts. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.259 The apostle Peter, 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:57.279 he's arrested. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:59.139 He's in prison, 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.539 and he's going to be executed 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.319 the next day. 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:03.539 I don't know about you, 00:19:04.139 --> 00:19:04.879 but I feel like 00:19:04.879 --> 00:19:05.759 if I was in prison 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.700 about to be executed 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:07.379 the next day, 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.500 I would be awake, 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.259 plotting, 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:11.039 hey, maybe I could get 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:12.180 this guard's key off of him 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:12.960 while he sleeps 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:13.920 and unlock everything. 00:19:14.339 --> 00:19:14.879 Do you think that 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:15.539 would wake them up? 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:15.980 Maybe. 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:17.299 I'm not really sure, 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.319 but then there's the other guard 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:19.440 I also have to get past. 00:19:19.639 --> 00:19:20.420 What can I do? 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.079 What can I do? 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:22.619 Maybe my friends will jump me 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:23.740 while I'm being transported 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:25.359 tomorrow to the execution place. 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.680 I'm not really sure. 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:29.440 But Peter sleeps. 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:31.839 The night before his execution, 00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.920 he is asleep. 00:19:34.399 --> 00:19:35.559 And in the middle of the night, 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.579 an angel appears, 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:39.019 his chains fall off, 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.559 the prison door breaks open, 00:19:42.139 --> 00:19:44.119 and he's able to walk right out, 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:45.660 free. 00:19:47.660 --> 00:19:49.139 Peter was able to sleep 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:52.039 because in his sleep, 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:54.200 God provided his rescue. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:57.759 God gives to his beloved 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.460 in their sleep. 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:02.160 We can sleep at night 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:03.500 because while we sleep, 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:04.880 God still cares for us, 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:06.539 God still provides for us, 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:08.840 God still takes care of us. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:11.519 We can stay up, 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:12.779 anxious, 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:14.420 stressed, 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:15.600 worried, 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:17.759 or we can rest, 00:20:18.219 --> 00:20:18.579 sleep, 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:20.619 because we have a God 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.679 who loves us. 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:25.059 Looking down at verse 3, 00:20:25.179 --> 00:20:25.579 behold, 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:27.379 children are a heritage 00:20:27.379 --> 00:20:28.199 from the Lord, 00:20:28.559 --> 00:20:29.679 the fruit of the womb, 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:30.599 a reward. 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.439 If we think about 00:20:32.439 --> 00:20:33.719 what we stress about in life, 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.939 so much of it relates 00:20:34.939 --> 00:20:36.299 to kids and the future. 00:20:37.939 --> 00:20:38.959 How are their grades? 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:41.000 Where are they going to go to school? 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:43.219 Can we afford to have kids? 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:45.100 Can we even have kids? 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:47.519 But then, 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:49.079 in the midst of all our stress, 00:20:49.180 --> 00:20:49.759 all our worry, 00:20:49.900 --> 00:20:51.180 comes the statement 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:54.039 that God gives us kids. 00:20:56.120 --> 00:20:57.700 This happens on a physical level, 00:20:57.860 --> 00:20:59.940 that God physically gives children, 00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.680 and it says here 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.740 that he gives them as a gift, 00:21:01.900 --> 00:21:02.480 not a burden, 00:21:02.620 --> 00:21:03.120 by the way. 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:05.019 I think our culture often 00:21:05.019 --> 00:21:06.680 sees them as more of a burden, 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:07.480 but it says here 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:08.440 that they are a gift. 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:09.980 And really, 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:10.940 if God's big enough 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.720 to give us children, 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.700 then surely he's going 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.339 to be big enough 00:21:13.339 --> 00:21:15.100 to provide for those children 00:21:15.100 --> 00:21:16.360 throughout their life. 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.579 God gives children 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:21.660 as a blessing for his people. 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:23.740 If you think about the context 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.519 that this was written in, 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.319 this is written during 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:26.360 the Old Testament, 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.180 which means that it's, 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.440 God's promises 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:30.559 at this point in time 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.180 were made to the nation of Israel 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:34.140 through Abraham. 00:21:35.120 --> 00:21:37.960 Abraham was the founding father 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:39.000 of the nation of Israel, 00:21:39.120 --> 00:21:39.680 if you go way, 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.519 way back in time. 00:21:40.620 --> 00:21:41.660 And God made a promise 00:21:41.660 --> 00:21:42.140 to Abraham. 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:43.240 He said that he would 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:44.299 give him three things. 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.480 He said that he would 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.060 bless him, 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.799 said that he would give him 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.440 a land for his descendants 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:49.940 to live in, 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.799 and he said that he would 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.100 give him descendants, 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.320 that he would multiply him 00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:54.400 and make him into 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.460 a great nation. 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.720 And this promise 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.960 followed the descendants 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:58.720 down the line. 00:21:59.600 --> 00:22:00.799 If you were an Israelite 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.980 and you had kids, 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:03.259 that meant God 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:04.340 was blessing you. 00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:06.240 God loves you. 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:07.220 God has provided you 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:07.660 with children. 00:22:07.660 --> 00:22:08.980 God has kept his promise 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:10.300 to Abraham through you. 00:22:11.500 --> 00:22:12.920 If you don't have kids, 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:15.040 maybe there's something wrong. 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:17.259 If you don't have kids, 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.880 maybe God's withholding 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.820 his blessing from you. 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:21.880 And so, 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:23.340 what he's saying here 00:22:23.340 --> 00:22:25.980 is that kids were a sign 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.259 that God was keeping 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.740 his promise. 00:22:27.940 --> 00:22:28.700 Kids were a sign 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:30.000 that God was giving 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.800 his blessing. 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.279 That is why kids 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.940 are a heritage 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:34.820 or an inheritance 00:22:34.819 --> 00:22:35.839 from the Lord. 00:22:37.139 --> 00:22:38.000 But what about people 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:38.960 who can't have kids? 00:22:39.919 --> 00:22:41.179 Whether it's a married couple 00:22:41.179 --> 00:22:42.139 who's just physically 00:22:42.139 --> 00:22:42.980 unable to, 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:45.039 or a single person 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:46.139 who can't have kids 00:22:46.139 --> 00:22:47.039 because in obedience 00:22:47.039 --> 00:22:47.480 to God, 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:49.099 they're living a celibate life 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:50.319 and they can't have kids. 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:51.659 In the New Testament, 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:52.919 Paul talks about 00:22:52.919 --> 00:22:53.919 the advantages 00:22:53.919 --> 00:22:55.359 of a single life 00:22:55.359 --> 00:22:55.939 for a Christian. 00:22:57.619 --> 00:22:59.460 And how can it be 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.119 that if children 00:23:00.119 --> 00:23:00.700 are a blessing 00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:01.599 and single people 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:02.779 living in obedience 00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:03.899 God can't have kids, 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:04.879 that that's a good thing? 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:06.980 Well, if you look 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.759 at these promises 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.720 that God gave 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.839 to Old Testament Israel, 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.579 what you see 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:13.180 is that in the New Testament, 00:23:13.379 --> 00:23:14.000 these promises 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:15.839 are fulfilled in Christ. 00:23:16.940 --> 00:23:18.079 That through Christ, 00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:18.980 God is forming 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:20.059 a people for himself. 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.160 That through Christ, 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:22.460 God has established 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.160 a kingdom 00:23:23.160 --> 00:23:24.619 that will last forever. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.599 That through Christ, 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:26.519 God has given 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.160 his blessing 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:29.099 to the entire world. 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.259 Which means 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:31.079 that these promises 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.899 that God gave 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.400 to Abraham 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.680 actually still apply 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:34.660 to Christians today, 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:35.660 but we interpret 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.300 them differently 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:37.340 through the lens 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:38.100 of Christ. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:40.100 Which means 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:41.680 that the family of God 00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.280 is now 00:23:42.280 --> 00:23:43.720 a spiritual family. 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:45.080 Yes, there's a people 00:23:45.080 --> 00:23:45.560 of God, 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:46.060 but the thing 00:23:46.060 --> 00:23:46.759 that unites us 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.780 is not our literal 00:23:47.780 --> 00:23:49.440 physical bloodlines, 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:51.420 but the blood of Christ, 00:23:52.080 --> 00:23:53.040 our common faith 00:23:53.040 --> 00:23:53.519 in him. 00:23:54.320 --> 00:23:55.060 And so the Bible 00:23:55.060 --> 00:23:55.680 tells us 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.820 that if we are Christians, 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:58.200 we are all brothers 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:58.800 and sisters 00:23:58.800 --> 00:23:59.540 with one another. 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:02.119 in the book 00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:02.819 of Corinthians, 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.859 Paul talks about 00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:04.980 how he became 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:06.319 their father 00:24:06.319 --> 00:24:07.099 in Christ 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:08.779 when he shared 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.700 with them about Jesus 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.680 and they trusted 00:24:10.680 --> 00:24:11.240 in him. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:13.180 And what the Bible 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:13.819 tells us 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.639 is that God, 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:16.099 whether we have 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:16.819 physical children 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.259 or not, 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:17.980 whether we're married 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.539 or single, 00:24:18.720 --> 00:24:19.539 young or old, 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.159 that God wants us 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.440 and expects us 00:24:22.440 --> 00:24:25.039 to be spiritual parents, 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:25.899 to be people 00:24:25.899 --> 00:24:27.079 who share his word 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:28.179 with others 00:24:28.179 --> 00:24:29.379 so that they can 00:24:29.379 --> 00:24:30.240 come to know him, 00:24:30.339 --> 00:24:31.079 so that they can be 00:24:31.079 --> 00:24:32.220 brought into the family 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:33.539 through us. 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:36.559 And God gives us 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.500 children today, 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:38.839 physically and spiritually, 00:24:39.699 --> 00:24:40.740 as a blessing, 00:24:41.619 --> 00:24:42.980 as a way of 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:44.159 building his family, 00:24:44.699 --> 00:24:45.980 that physical children, 00:24:46.139 --> 00:24:46.339 yes, 00:24:46.439 --> 00:24:47.799 but also spiritual children 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.500 are a heritage 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.119 from the Lord 00:24:49.119 --> 00:24:50.960 because God uses us 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:52.579 to impact 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:54.099 their eternity. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:57.319 and if you look at it, 00:24:57.359 --> 00:24:58.199 it says that children 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:59.659 are supposed to be 00:24:59.659 --> 00:25:00.019 arrows. 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.379 I don't know if you've 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:03.099 ever thought much 00:25:03.099 --> 00:25:03.779 about arrows 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.379 and the life 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:04.959 of an arrow. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:08.480 Arrows are made 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:09.659 to be sent out. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.199 I know a lot of parents 00:25:12.199 --> 00:25:13.859 who really want 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:14.339 their kids 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:15.859 to have a perfectly 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:16.619 safe life, 00:25:17.099 --> 00:25:18.299 to stay close to home, 00:25:18.379 --> 00:25:19.000 to be comfortable, 00:25:20.459 --> 00:25:21.480 but God says 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.659 children are meant 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:23.899 to be arrows. 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.159 Arrows are weapons 00:25:26.159 --> 00:25:26.980 used in war 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.639 and hunting. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.839 The life of an arrow 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:30.339 is not a safe life. 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:34.879 If your goal 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.639 for your kids 00:25:35.639 --> 00:25:36.480 is nothing more 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:38.279 for them to stay safe, 00:25:39.379 --> 00:25:40.399 then I want to ask you today, 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.619 do you have the same plans 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.159 for your kids 00:25:42.159 --> 00:25:42.879 as God does? 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.480 God wants us 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:48.759 to raise up children, 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:50.159 physically and spiritually, 00:25:50.439 --> 00:25:51.899 who will make an impact 00:25:51.899 --> 00:25:53.059 for him in the world. 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:55.559 Children who will go out 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.980 and serve in their communities, 00:25:57.119 --> 00:25:58.299 maybe even go overseas 00:25:58.299 --> 00:25:59.199 as missionaries. 00:25:59.699 --> 00:26:00.699 Children who will be 00:26:00.699 --> 00:26:01.919 lights for him, 00:26:03.219 --> 00:26:05.099 who will be arrows 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:06.559 that pierce the darkness 00:26:06.559 --> 00:26:08.059 of the world. 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:11.720 So if you have kids 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:12.179 here today, 00:26:12.259 --> 00:26:13.339 how are you preparing 00:26:13.339 --> 00:26:14.599 your arrows 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.419 to be released? 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:16.919 You know, 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:17.859 the amazing thing 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.399 about an arrow 00:26:18.399 --> 00:26:19.819 is that if it's aimed 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.299 properly, 00:26:20.419 --> 00:26:21.500 it can do great damage 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.019 to the enemy. 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.779 If it's aimed poorly, 00:26:23.879 --> 00:26:24.859 it can do great damage 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:25.899 to your own side. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.679 If you're an arrow, 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.879 or if you're a parent 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:32.440 here today, 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:34.799 and you put the same 00:26:34.799 --> 00:26:35.480 amount of effort 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:36.360 into your job 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:36.920 as you do 00:26:36.920 --> 00:26:37.600 into your parenting, 00:26:38.600 --> 00:26:39.400 would you still 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.220 have a job tomorrow? 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.779 If your friends 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.480 were to watch 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:48.299 the way that you 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:49.320 interact with your family 00:26:49.320 --> 00:26:49.860 and the way that 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.480 you lead them, 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.100 would they think 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:53.000 that you're more concerned 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:53.799 about where your kids 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:54.360 go to college 00:26:54.360 --> 00:26:55.360 or where they spend 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:55.940 eternity? 00:26:58.400 --> 00:26:59.380 God has given us 00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:00.360 children as a blessing, 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.759 but he's also given us 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:03.459 to them as an incredible 00:27:03.459 --> 00:27:04.539 tool to be used 00:27:04.539 --> 00:27:05.219 for his kingdom. 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.579 And are we using 00:27:06.579 --> 00:27:07.919 them responsibly? 00:27:09.699 --> 00:27:10.259 And again, 00:27:10.459 --> 00:27:11.259 just as with everything 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.819 else in life, 00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:13.059 how our kids turn out 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:14.719 ultimately is dependent 00:27:14.719 --> 00:27:15.379 on God. 00:27:16.419 --> 00:27:18.359 But he expects us 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:19.139 to be working 00:27:19.139 --> 00:27:20.339 alongside of him 00:27:20.339 --> 00:27:22.139 to raise them up 00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:22.899 towards him. 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:24.779 There's a pastor 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.339 in the States 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:26.299 named Matt Chandler, 00:27:26.699 --> 00:27:28.279 and I love his description 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.099 of their parenting. 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:31.259 He says, 00:27:31.419 --> 00:27:31.639 you know, 00:27:31.719 --> 00:27:32.399 my wife and I, 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.139 we constantly 00:27:33.139 --> 00:27:34.159 talk to our kids 00:27:34.159 --> 00:27:34.679 about Jesus. 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:36.319 We bring them 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:37.240 to church every week, 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:37.939 we pray with them, 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.619 we read the Bible 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.219 with them, 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:40.759 but we also try 00:27:40.759 --> 00:27:41.539 to do things 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.899 to remind them 00:27:42.899 --> 00:27:43.919 that God is good 00:27:43.919 --> 00:27:44.759 and that he loves them. 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.799 So when I ask my daughter 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.799 what's her favorite color 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.819 and she says pink, 00:27:47.919 --> 00:27:48.299 I say, 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:48.839 do you know where 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.679 pink comes from? 00:27:51.419 --> 00:27:52.240 And I tell her, 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:53.459 God made the color pink 00:27:53.459 --> 00:27:55.399 because he loves 00:27:55.399 --> 00:27:56.159 beautiful things 00:27:56.159 --> 00:27:57.059 and he wants to create 00:27:57.059 --> 00:27:57.799 a beautiful world 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.579 for you to enjoy. 00:27:58.579 --> 00:28:01.699 Or he tells stories 00:28:01.699 --> 00:28:03.439 about how they'd put 00:28:03.439 --> 00:28:04.500 their kids to bed at night, 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:06.539 get them all settled down, 00:28:07.079 --> 00:28:08.679 and then 10 minutes later 00:28:08.679 --> 00:28:09.859 go back and wake the kids up 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.359 and take them out 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:11.419 for a late night donut run 00:28:11.419 --> 00:28:13.139 to remind their kids 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:14.480 that it's not all about rules, 00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:15.720 that we as parents love you 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.639 and even more, 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:18.099 God as your heavenly father 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:18.960 loves you. 00:28:20.839 --> 00:28:21.919 But then he says, 00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:22.919 after having done 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:24.859 everything that I possibly can 00:28:24.859 --> 00:28:26.779 to raise my kids properly 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:27.980 and point them towards God, 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:29.240 I put them to bed 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.079 at the end of the night 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.440 and I walk around 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:32.440 to each of their rooms 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:33.920 and I beg for God 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:35.119 to save their souls. 00:28:37.160 --> 00:28:38.539 He mixes his metaphors 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:39.339 and talks a little bit 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:40.480 about it like a bonfire. 00:28:41.379 --> 00:28:41.899 He says, 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.579 what I do 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:44.839 is I take all this kindling 00:28:44.839 --> 00:28:45.660 and I wood 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:47.559 and I pile it up 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:49.079 and then I douse it 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:49.920 with gasoline 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:53.920 and I pray for God 00:28:53.920 --> 00:28:54.759 to send a spark 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.660 that will light it 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.340 so that, 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.680 but in the meantime 00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:58.320 while I wait, 00:28:58.700 --> 00:29:00.400 I build that pile 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.500 as big as I can 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.800 so that when the spark comes, 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:03.940 it will burn 00:29:03.940 --> 00:29:04.560 as bright 00:29:04.560 --> 00:29:05.220 and as long 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:05.880 as possible. 00:29:09.080 --> 00:29:10.200 Children are a heritage 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:10.940 from the Lord, 00:29:11.220 --> 00:29:12.080 a great blessing 00:29:12.080 --> 00:29:13.560 but a great responsibility. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:15.539 And again, 00:29:15.620 --> 00:29:16.700 just like anything else, 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:19.019 our parenting is dependent 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.160 on God's work 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:21.720 but 00:29:21.720 --> 00:29:24.299 when we've done 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:25.100 all that we can 00:29:25.100 --> 00:29:26.340 to raise our kids 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:26.799 and point them 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:27.519 towards Christ, 00:29:28.580 --> 00:29:29.500 we can go to bed 00:29:29.500 --> 00:29:30.120 at the end of the night 00:29:30.120 --> 00:29:30.720 and sleep 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.360 because we have 00:29:31.360 --> 00:29:32.019 a good Father 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.180 who loves us 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:34.340 and cares for us 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:35.620 and provides for us. 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.559 So we've seen our effort, 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.980 we've seen our sleep, 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:40.920 finally, 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:41.779 our hope. 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.240 You know, 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:44.259 this idea of 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.440 being able to sleep 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.039 and not needing 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.559 to be anxious 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:47.220 and not needing 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:47.879 to be stressed, 00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:49.259 it's a great idea 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.940 in theory 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:50.940 but is it practical? 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:52.879 Can we live it 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:54.220 in the real world? 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:56.319 Ultimately, 00:29:56.519 --> 00:29:57.059 that comes down 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:57.960 to one question. 00:29:59.279 --> 00:30:00.899 Is God for us 00:30:00.899 --> 00:30:02.619 or against us? 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:05.460 Because if God is for us, 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:06.119 then we can. 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:06.819 We can sleep, 00:30:07.059 --> 00:30:07.759 we can rest 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:08.599 because we know 00:30:08.599 --> 00:30:09.679 that he's going to provide 00:30:09.679 --> 00:30:10.740 and take care of us. 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:13.480 And if God's against us, 00:30:13.480 --> 00:30:16.579 then we're probably 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:17.360 not going to succeed, 00:30:17.500 --> 00:30:18.440 definitely won't succeed, 00:30:18.519 --> 00:30:19.279 but we still need 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:20.079 to try everything 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:21.299 we anxiously can, 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:22.680 give up sleep, 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:24.519 to try, 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:27.160 try to make it work 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:29.799 because we don't have 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.500 a Heavenly Father 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:32.000 who's going to take care of us. 00:30:33.640 --> 00:30:35.319 Is God for us 00:30:35.319 --> 00:30:36.279 or against us? 00:30:36.279 --> 00:30:39.779 And how can we know? 00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:42.299 How can we know for sure 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:44.160 whether he is for us 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:45.379 or against us? 00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:48.139 The answer comes 00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:48.839 from the cross. 00:30:50.619 --> 00:30:51.920 See, at the cross, 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.059 Jesus, 00:30:53.899 --> 00:30:54.539 fully God 00:30:54.539 --> 00:30:55.420 and fully man, 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:56.619 came to earth 00:30:56.619 --> 00:31:00.119 when we were in 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:01.639 rebellion against God, 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:04.860 when we had said to God, 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:06.440 we hate you, 00:31:06.820 --> 00:31:07.480 we want nothing 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:08.259 to do with you, 00:31:08.620 --> 00:31:09.700 stay away from us, 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:10.840 let us live our lives 00:31:10.840 --> 00:31:11.580 the way that we want, 00:31:11.860 --> 00:31:13.320 we had declared ourselves 00:31:13.320 --> 00:31:14.900 as enemies against God 00:31:14.900 --> 00:31:15.780 and we were deserving 00:31:15.780 --> 00:31:17.740 of his destruction. 00:31:20.140 --> 00:31:21.860 Jesus came down 00:31:21.860 --> 00:31:22.640 to the earth 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:24.500 as fully God 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.320 and fully man 00:31:25.320 --> 00:31:27.700 and he bore 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:29.040 all of the punishment 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:29.860 that we deserve 00:31:29.860 --> 00:31:30.860 for our rebellion 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:32.000 at the cost 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:33.439 of his own life. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:36.219 At the cross, 00:31:36.559 --> 00:31:37.439 God provided 00:31:37.439 --> 00:31:38.799 for our greatest need 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:40.419 at the greatest cost 00:31:40.419 --> 00:31:41.039 possible 00:31:41.039 --> 00:31:41.939 to himself. 00:31:44.500 --> 00:31:45.719 And if God 00:31:45.719 --> 00:31:46.279 is going 00:31:46.279 --> 00:31:47.059 to provide 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:48.379 for our greatest need 00:31:48.379 --> 00:31:49.719 at the greatest cost 00:31:49.719 --> 00:31:50.899 possible to himself, 00:31:51.159 --> 00:31:52.019 then surely 00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:53.799 he's going to provide 00:31:53.799 --> 00:31:55.619 for all of our other needs 00:31:55.619 --> 00:31:56.079 as well. 00:31:58.339 --> 00:31:59.819 Romans chapter 8 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:01.379 verses 31 00:32:01.379 --> 00:32:02.099 and 32 00:32:02.099 --> 00:32:02.700 says, 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:04.159 if God is for us, 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:04.819 who can be 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.700 against us? 00:32:06.700 --> 00:32:07.859 He who did not 00:32:07.859 --> 00:32:09.200 spare his own son 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.579 but gave him up 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.319 for us all, 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.859 how will he not 00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:13.919 also with him 00:32:13.919 --> 00:32:15.359 graciously give us 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:16.200 all things? 00:32:17.139 --> 00:32:18.119 Modern translation, 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:19.200 if God loved us 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:19.960 enough to give up 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.679 his son for us, 00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.700 he's going to love us 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.740 enough to give up 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:24.159 anything else for us 00:32:24.159 --> 00:32:24.939 that we possibly 00:32:24.939 --> 00:32:25.759 could need. 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:27.079 If you have kids, 00:32:27.179 --> 00:32:27.720 think about this 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:28.180 for a second. 00:32:29.740 --> 00:32:30.799 How many people 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.860 on earth are there 00:32:31.860 --> 00:32:33.500 that you would 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:34.519 sacrifice your 00:32:34.519 --> 00:32:35.339 child's life 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:35.920 to save? 00:32:37.740 --> 00:32:38.380 I'm guessing 00:32:38.380 --> 00:32:39.100 for most of you 00:32:39.100 --> 00:32:39.940 that list is like 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:40.360 zero, 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:42.259 maybe one. 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.860 But you think 00:32:44.860 --> 00:32:45.640 about whoever 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:47.279 possibly made 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:47.960 that list 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:48.480 of people 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:48.900 that you would 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:49.720 sacrifice your 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:50.460 child's life 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:50.960 to save. 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.600 If that person 00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:53.240 came up to you 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:53.740 and asked you 00:32:53.740 --> 00:32:54.319 for a meal, 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:55.720 would you say 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.180 no to them? 00:32:57.339 --> 00:32:58.200 Of course not. 00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:59.079 You love them 00:32:59.079 --> 00:32:59.880 enough to give up 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:00.900 the most valuable 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:01.579 thing in the world 00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:01.980 to you, 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:02.559 you're going to 00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:03.140 give them a meal, 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:03.559 you're going to 00:33:03.559 --> 00:33:04.160 give them a place 00:33:04.160 --> 00:33:04.620 to stay, 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:06.400 because you love 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:06.720 them, 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:08.579 because you care 00:33:08.579 --> 00:33:09.019 for them. 00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:11.160 God gave up 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:12.360 his son 00:33:12.360 --> 00:33:13.420 for us. 00:33:15.860 --> 00:33:16.759 He's going to 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:18.160 provide everything 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:19.500 else that we 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:19.860 need. 00:33:19.859 --> 00:33:25.339 And, 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.219 you know, 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:26.879 I talked earlier 00:33:26.879 --> 00:33:27.559 about if God 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.099 doesn't build 00:33:28.099 --> 00:33:28.639 the church, 00:33:29.819 --> 00:33:30.079 you know, 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:30.559 in addition, 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:31.959 God has promised 00:33:31.959 --> 00:33:32.719 to build the 00:33:32.719 --> 00:33:33.559 church as well. 00:33:34.419 --> 00:33:34.639 Now, 00:33:34.659 --> 00:33:35.199 it's not a 00:33:35.199 --> 00:33:36.019 categorical promise 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:36.779 that watermark's 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.819 just going to 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.619 exist forever, 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:39.779 but it means 00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:40.279 that while we're 00:33:40.279 --> 00:33:40.659 here, 00:33:41.439 --> 00:33:41.979 the things that 00:33:41.979 --> 00:33:42.500 we're doing 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.139 for God's 00:33:43.139 --> 00:33:43.599 kingdom are 00:33:43.599 --> 00:33:44.279 going to have 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.659 an eternal 00:33:44.659 --> 00:33:45.059 impact, 00:33:45.159 --> 00:33:45.500 that God's 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.379 going to use 00:33:46.379 --> 00:33:47.079 the preaching 00:33:47.079 --> 00:33:47.719 of his word 00:33:47.719 --> 00:33:48.319 and the lives 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:48.960 that we live, 00:33:49.579 --> 00:33:50.299 to spread 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:51.059 his kingdom 00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:52.339 in the earth. 00:33:53.939 --> 00:33:54.559 So what 00:33:54.559 --> 00:33:55.139 difference does 00:33:55.139 --> 00:33:55.480 this make 00:33:55.480 --> 00:33:56.059 in our lives? 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:58.019 If you're not 00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:58.519 a Christian, 00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:00.980 trust in Jesus. 00:34:02.779 --> 00:34:03.299 You know, 00:34:03.339 --> 00:34:03.839 these things that 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.339 I've been saying 00:34:04.339 --> 00:34:04.960 about how God 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.439 loves us, 00:34:05.519 --> 00:34:06.099 how God gave 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:06.659 up his son 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:07.240 for us, 00:34:07.819 --> 00:34:08.599 how God is 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.400 on our side 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:10.079 and not against 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:10.500 us, 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:13.039 if we are 00:34:13.039 --> 00:34:13.880 still declaring 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:14.719 ourselves as 00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.579 enemies against 00:34:15.579 --> 00:34:16.980 God by refusing 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:17.659 to trust in 00:34:17.659 --> 00:34:17.900 Jesus, 00:34:18.320 --> 00:34:21.380 then God 00:34:21.380 --> 00:34:21.600 says, 00:34:21.720 --> 00:34:21.900 okay, 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.460 you're still 00:34:22.460 --> 00:34:22.960 enemies. 00:34:24.140 --> 00:34:25.220 But he still 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:26.000 wants us 00:34:26.000 --> 00:34:27.080 to be his 00:34:27.080 --> 00:34:28.000 children and 00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:28.460 his friends 00:34:28.460 --> 00:34:29.200 and he offers 00:34:29.200 --> 00:34:29.940 us today 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:32.360 that if you 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:33.100 have never 00:34:33.100 --> 00:34:33.820 trusted in 00:34:33.820 --> 00:34:34.940 Jesus to 00:34:34.940 --> 00:34:35.600 forgive you 00:34:35.600 --> 00:34:36.080 for your 00:34:36.080 --> 00:34:36.760 rebellion against 00:34:36.760 --> 00:34:37.100 God, 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.720 that you can 00:34:38.720 --> 00:34:39.539 have forgiveness, 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:40.420 you can have 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:41.360 new life, 00:34:42.100 --> 00:34:42.820 all you have 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:43.180 to do is 00:34:43.180 --> 00:34:43.580 ask. 00:34:44.180 --> 00:34:44.660 So if you 00:34:44.660 --> 00:34:44.960 have never 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:45.320 done that 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:45.559 before, 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.200 I encourage 00:34:46.200 --> 00:34:46.700 you to do 00:34:46.700 --> 00:34:47.220 that today. 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:48.559 And if 00:34:48.559 --> 00:34:49.059 you're here 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:50.319 and you 00:34:50.319 --> 00:34:50.699 are a 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:50.959 Christian, 00:34:51.079 --> 00:34:51.480 if you 00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.579 trust in 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:53.039 this God 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:53.519 who is so 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:53.819 big, 00:34:53.899 --> 00:34:54.359 so loving, 00:34:54.459 --> 00:34:55.259 so powerful, 00:34:56.219 --> 00:34:58.819 what difference 00:34:58.819 --> 00:34:59.319 does this make 00:34:59.319 --> 00:34:59.939 in our lives? 00:35:00.899 --> 00:35:01.599 Let's sleep 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.079 this week. 00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:04.000 You know, 00:35:04.039 --> 00:35:04.539 we say we 00:35:04.539 --> 00:35:05.099 worship a God 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.519 who's all 00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:06.019 powerful, 00:35:06.279 --> 00:35:06.959 who loves 00:35:06.959 --> 00:35:07.299 us, 00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.099 who provides 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:08.559 for us, 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:09.099 even when 00:35:09.099 --> 00:35:09.659 we sleep, 00:35:10.379 --> 00:35:11.239 and yet for 00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:11.759 so many of 00:35:11.759 --> 00:35:11.899 us, 00:35:11.959 --> 00:35:12.419 we stay up 00:35:12.419 --> 00:35:12.739 late, 00:35:13.179 --> 00:35:13.679 we stay up 00:35:13.679 --> 00:35:14.739 anxious and 00:35:14.739 --> 00:35:15.399 stressed. 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:16.900 but this 00:35:16.900 --> 00:35:17.119 week, 00:35:17.180 --> 00:35:17.619 let's view 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:18.420 climbing into 00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:19.079 bed as an 00:35:19.079 --> 00:35:19.680 act of 00:35:19.680 --> 00:35:19.960 worship. 00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:22.019 Probably never 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:22.440 thought of it 00:35:22.440 --> 00:35:23.079 that way before, 00:35:23.660 --> 00:35:24.380 but let's view 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:25.340 climbing into 00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:25.980 bed as an 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:26.460 act of 00:35:26.460 --> 00:35:26.740 worship. 00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:27.559 It's an 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:28.119 intentional 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.099 step where 00:35:29.099 --> 00:35:29.680 we can say, 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:30.059 God, 00:35:30.740 --> 00:35:31.840 I know there's 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:32.280 more I can 00:35:32.280 --> 00:35:32.480 do. 00:35:33.280 --> 00:35:34.300 I know there's 00:35:34.300 --> 00:35:34.860 more I could 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:35.619 stress out about 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.460 and be anxious 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:36.800 about. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.639 I know I could 00:35:37.639 --> 00:35:38.220 stay up later 00:35:38.220 --> 00:35:38.860 and do more 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:39.180 work, 00:35:39.300 --> 00:35:39.700 but I'm 00:35:39.700 --> 00:35:40.460 trusting in 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:40.700 you, 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:41.720 and I'm 00:35:41.720 --> 00:35:42.320 climbing into 00:35:42.320 --> 00:35:42.579 bed. 00:35:42.579 --> 00:35:44.819 I'm going 00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:45.380 to get a 00:35:45.380 --> 00:35:45.880 good night's 00:35:45.880 --> 00:35:46.960 sleep because 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.380 I know, 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:47.699 God, 00:35:47.779 --> 00:35:48.699 that you are 00:35:48.699 --> 00:35:49.360 a good 00:35:49.360 --> 00:35:50.259 father who 00:35:50.259 --> 00:35:50.819 loves me, 00:35:51.579 --> 00:35:52.159 who cares 00:35:52.159 --> 00:35:52.480 for me, 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.019 who's on 00:35:53.019 --> 00:35:53.719 my side, 00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:54.420 and who 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:55.159 provides for 00:35:55.159 --> 00:35:55.360 me. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:57.460 Let's pray. 00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.099 Father, 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:00.699 we thank you 00:36:00.699 --> 00:36:01.500 that you are 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:02.739 a good 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.079 father. 00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:05.980 We thank you 00:36:05.980 --> 00:36:06.539 that in the 00:36:06.539 --> 00:36:07.259 times where 00:36:07.259 --> 00:36:08.759 we turn to 00:36:08.759 --> 00:36:09.259 stress, 00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:10.239 when we turn 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:11.079 to anxiety, 00:36:11.079 --> 00:36:12.940 that you're 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:13.299 there, 00:36:14.039 --> 00:36:14.440 and you're 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:14.980 aware of 00:36:14.980 --> 00:36:15.559 everything that's 00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:16.159 going on in 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:16.719 our hearts, 00:36:17.059 --> 00:36:17.739 in our minds, 00:36:18.059 --> 00:36:18.579 and in the 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:19.119 world around 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.500 us, 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.159 and that you 00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:20.539 care. 00:36:21.799 --> 00:36:22.279 We thank you 00:36:22.279 --> 00:36:22.799 that you have 00:36:22.799 --> 00:36:23.920 provided for our 00:36:23.920 --> 00:36:25.319 greatest need at 00:36:25.319 --> 00:36:25.759 the greatest 00:36:25.759 --> 00:36:26.960 possible cost to 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:27.779 yourself that there 00:36:27.779 --> 00:36:28.139 is, 00:36:29.259 --> 00:36:30.139 and that you've 00:36:30.139 --> 00:36:30.719 promised to 00:36:30.719 --> 00:36:31.920 provide for all 00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:32.340 of our other 00:36:32.340 --> 00:36:32.980 needs as well. 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:34.579 We pray that we 00:36:34.579 --> 00:36:35.340 be a church that 00:36:35.340 --> 00:36:36.079 trusts that, 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:38.539 that is able to 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:38.980 sleep, 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:41.380 sleeping so well 00:36:41.380 --> 00:36:42.199 because we know 00:36:42.199 --> 00:36:43.460 that we are 00:36:43.460 --> 00:36:43.900 loved. 00:36:47.039 --> 00:36:47.760 Thank you that 00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:48.199 you're good. 00:36:48.320 --> 00:36:48.679 We thank you 00:36:48.679 --> 00:36:49.139 that you love 00:36:49.139 --> 00:36:49.460 us. 00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:51.360 In Jesus' name, 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:52.059 amen.