WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.339 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:15.599 ! Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. Amen. Thank you, Danita. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:24.900 ! I want you to stay right there in that place where your heart's at while you're listening 00:00:24.900 --> 00:00:26.000 to that song for a minute. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:40.100 The way you're feeling as you think about God watching the sparrow and watching you, what 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:47.060 I want you to know this morning is that you can live with God like that and be constantly 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:55.280 experiencing peace and appreciating the beauty and wonder of God in every moment, serving 00:00:55.280 --> 00:01:00.800 the people God puts in your life rather than serving yourself. You can. You can live right 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:08.939 there. In fact, Jesus wants you there, constantly experiencing peace, appreciating God's beauty 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:21.420 and wonder and serving other people. In fact, you can live like that calm place and taking everything in and 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:30.459 slowly moving through life and living sacrificially and you can still have a joyful, fulfilling, 00:01:30.459 --> 00:01:43.179 successful year. Would you sign up for that? Would you sign up for that if you could have that sense of peace and that fulfilled of a life? 00:01:43.180 --> 00:01:56.180 My guess is you might have enjoyed it during the song. But when I tell you you can live like that all the time, it probably seems a bit far-fetched to most of us. 00:01:56.180 --> 00:02:11.060 As you consider your world, as you consider your own life. Probably a lot of reasons, a lot of things going on in your life that might make you wonder and think, 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:16.040 yeah, well, that was nice for that song, but I'm going to leave here in a little bit and it's not going to feel like that anymore. 00:02:16.039 --> 00:02:23.180 Some of you probably, like me, have been enjoying the last few days of summer vacation. 00:02:24.319 --> 00:02:27.340 You don't really like me calling them the last few days 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:33.079 of summer vacation. I've been in the mountains this week celebrating my parents' 00:02:33.439 --> 00:02:37.659 50th anniversary. As I was driving home last night, 00:02:38.719 --> 00:02:40.060 I started to think, 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:43.280 for the first time, 00:02:43.719 --> 00:02:46.319 I've got a kid who's not coming home with us. 00:02:47.560 --> 00:02:50.400 How do I stay in touch with her, love her, support her? 00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:53.640 Well, but school starts this week. 00:02:53.800 --> 00:02:56.140 There's new teachers to meet, supplies to purchase, 00:02:56.300 --> 00:02:57.780 emotions to manage. 00:02:58.439 --> 00:03:00.960 We still haven't fixed those sinks in our bathroom, 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:03.319 says what I'm writing down as we're driving back. 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:07.039 I've fallen behind on that work project during vacation, right? 00:03:07.039 --> 00:03:09.379 Better get ready for Revelation next week. 00:03:11.060 --> 00:03:13.099 What about that new grace group we're starting? 00:03:14.020 --> 00:03:16.439 Probably we should have the neighbors over first. 00:03:16.520 --> 00:03:18.560 We need to get them in our home sometime. 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:22.000 But no way can all that happen in just seven days a week, right? 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:23.140 Are we adding some? 00:03:24.479 --> 00:03:25.819 But we have kids. 00:03:26.620 --> 00:03:27.580 Some of our kids live at home. 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:30.180 Grandkids, maybe you have activities. 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:32.860 Swim, soccer, band. 00:03:33.300 --> 00:03:36.060 Maybe they need a sport, an academic group, 00:03:36.520 --> 00:03:39.939 an art, and a service project for their resume, right? 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:42.419 Better be well-rounded by the time they finish high school. 00:03:44.740 --> 00:03:46.560 She's going to need a ride to all of those things. 00:03:46.699 --> 00:03:48.379 Oh, no, one of them still doesn't drive. 00:03:50.359 --> 00:03:52.520 Oh, honey, yes, also date night. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:53.439 Yeah, I'm sorry. 00:03:53.840 --> 00:03:54.560 That's important. 00:03:54.639 --> 00:03:55.659 Let's make that a priority. 00:03:55.819 --> 00:03:57.159 And let's see, October? 00:03:57.400 --> 00:03:59.199 Is that our next open night on the calendar? 00:03:59.740 --> 00:04:01.340 Put that on there for then. 00:04:01.340 --> 00:04:07.460 I don't know what your last few days have been like. 00:04:07.580 --> 00:04:08.879 That's where I was last night. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:11.980 Everybody has different things and different seasons. 00:04:11.979 --> 00:04:15.459 But I want to ask you this morning, 00:04:15.619 --> 00:04:17.339 have the things on your calendar 00:04:17.339 --> 00:04:22.279 or in your heart or on your list, 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:26.180 have they been making your heart rate rise at all lately? 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:31.920 Would you say you're more anxious or calm recently 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:33.699 if you had to pick one? 00:04:33.699 --> 00:04:37.439 Do you ever get to a place where you wonder 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:39.019 if you can really handle it all? 00:04:41.099 --> 00:04:43.819 Or where to start if you were going to try? 00:04:43.979 --> 00:04:45.479 Where would you start? 00:04:48.060 --> 00:04:51.699 I thought before we jump into Revelation next Sunday, 00:04:52.180 --> 00:04:55.839 not just to delay a week for my own sake, 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:57.279 although partially, 00:04:57.279 --> 00:05:02.979 before we jump into a busy fall, 00:05:03.299 --> 00:05:05.000 school year, ministry year, 00:05:05.559 --> 00:05:07.659 I want us to listen to the words of Jesus 00:05:07.659 --> 00:05:12.479 as He orients our hearts, our lives. 00:05:12.619 --> 00:05:14.699 Turn with me to Matthew 6 this morning. 00:05:15.919 --> 00:05:17.639 I'm going to read some words of Jesus 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:21.299 where He's speaking in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:05:23.159 --> 00:05:26.639 He sat down with people gathered around Him 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:30.719 to tell them and us how to live 00:05:30.719 --> 00:05:35.079 with God's values and priorities. 00:05:36.699 --> 00:05:38.560 Here, in these verses, 00:05:38.740 --> 00:05:42.039 He tells us where to start, right? 00:05:42.339 --> 00:05:43.199 What's first? 00:05:44.419 --> 00:05:46.459 I want to ask you to listen really carefully 00:05:46.459 --> 00:05:48.500 to the words that I'm about to read. 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:51.560 They are the most important of the whole sermon. 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:54.860 See, this is God's Word. 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:58.199 It is, in a rapidly changing world, 00:05:58.400 --> 00:06:00.819 something eternally unchanging. 00:06:02.080 --> 00:06:06.540 In a world of disappointing people and promises, 00:06:06.960 --> 00:06:10.300 something you can completely count on. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:14.500 In a world of confusion and chaos, 00:06:14.580 --> 00:06:18.420 it's something that is absolutely true. 00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:23.040 Matthew 6 and verse 25, 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:24.660 Jesus says, 00:06:25.699 --> 00:06:27.259 Therefore, I tell you, 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:29.740 do not be anxious about your life, 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:31.939 what you will eat or what you will drink, 00:06:32.379 --> 00:06:33.560 nor about your body, 00:06:33.660 --> 00:06:34.660 what you will put on. 00:06:35.280 --> 00:06:36.960 Is not life more than food 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:38.960 and the body more than clothing? 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:41.780 Look at the birds of the air. 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:46.019 They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, 00:06:46.119 --> 00:06:49.319 and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:52.919 Are you not of more value than they? 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:55.219 And which of you, by being anxious, 00:06:55.319 --> 00:06:58.119 can add a single hour to his span of life? 00:06:59.539 --> 00:07:01.159 And why are you anxious about clothing? 00:07:01.639 --> 00:07:03.359 Consider the lilies of the field, 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:04.339 how they grow. 00:07:04.559 --> 00:07:06.379 They neither toil nor spin. 00:07:06.379 --> 00:07:07.500 Yet I tell you, 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:09.939 even Solomon in all his glory 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:12.180 was not arrayed like one of these. 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:15.839 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, 00:07:16.360 --> 00:07:17.459 which today is alive 00:07:17.459 --> 00:07:19.000 and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, 00:07:19.459 --> 00:07:21.379 will he not much more clothe you, 00:07:21.620 --> 00:07:23.040 O you of little faith? 00:07:23.899 --> 00:07:25.360 Therefore, do not be anxious, 00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:25.860 saying, 00:07:26.219 --> 00:07:27.879 what shall we eat or what shall we drink 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:28.860 or what shall we wear? 00:07:29.139 --> 00:07:31.480 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, 00:07:31.719 --> 00:07:33.379 and your heavenly Father 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:35.620 knows that you need them all. 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:39.560 But seek first the kingdom of God 00:07:39.560 --> 00:07:41.120 and his righteousness, 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:44.480 and all these things will be added to you. 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:47.719 Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, 00:07:48.339 --> 00:07:50.800 for tomorrow will be anxious for itself, 00:07:51.219 --> 00:07:52.399 sufficient for the day 00:07:52.399 --> 00:07:54.259 is its own trouble. 00:07:55.540 --> 00:07:56.459 Let's pray. 00:07:58.819 --> 00:08:00.560 Father, thank you for your word. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:04.540 Jesus, you know what we need to hear. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:05.180 Father, 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:08.680 and you've spoken clearly. 00:08:09.700 --> 00:08:10.580 Holy Spirit, 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:12.860 you know how each of us this morning 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:16.160 needs to have this truth applied 00:08:16.160 --> 00:08:17.820 to our hearts and lives, 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:19.939 and so help us. 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:22.280 Give us ears to hear. 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.800 Give us hearts 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:26.320 to respond 00:08:26.320 --> 00:08:28.560 joyfully, 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:29.160 even. 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:33.480 To have your priorities, 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:36.000 to live with your values, 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:38.740 to know and love you, 00:08:39.059 --> 00:08:39.279 Jesus. 00:08:39.440 --> 00:08:40.340 Help us with that, 00:08:40.440 --> 00:08:41.419 we ask even now, 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:42.179 in your name. 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:43.200 Amen. 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:43.320 Amen. 00:08:47.520 --> 00:08:48.580 The main thing 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:51.900 is to keep the main thing 00:08:51.900 --> 00:08:53.600 the main thing. 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:55.620 Most of you 00:08:55.620 --> 00:08:57.180 have heard me say that before, 00:08:57.759 --> 00:08:59.660 often around this time of year. 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:03.079 But I need to hear it. 00:09:03.639 --> 00:09:05.139 In the midst of an array 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:05.939 of activities, 00:09:06.199 --> 00:09:07.819 of potential priorities, 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:09.759 how do we know 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:11.500 where to start? 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:13.519 Well, 00:09:14.459 --> 00:09:15.539 Jesus tells us 00:09:15.539 --> 00:09:16.519 in this passage 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:17.639 about the life 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:19.679 that he's made us for, 00:09:20.179 --> 00:09:21.559 where we keep our eye 00:09:21.559 --> 00:09:22.120 on the ball, 00:09:22.219 --> 00:09:23.199 this is what he wants for us, 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:24.079 where we don't miss 00:09:24.079 --> 00:09:25.339 the important things, 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:26.980 the main thing. 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:28.580 And so that's my heart 00:09:28.580 --> 00:09:29.620 for us this morning 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:30.879 is to slow down. 00:09:32.500 --> 00:09:33.300 It's the beginning 00:09:33.300 --> 00:09:34.019 of a new year, 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:34.840 so to speak. 00:09:35.820 --> 00:09:37.220 Whatever season 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:38.100 you're in 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:39.240 and walking into, 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.340 slow down 00:09:41.340 --> 00:09:42.800 and see clearly. 00:09:45.220 --> 00:09:46.820 That seems simple. 00:09:46.920 --> 00:09:47.820 That would be neat 00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:48.460 and easy. 00:09:48.700 --> 00:09:49.500 Get our priorities 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.519 in line quickly 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:51.539 if it weren't 00:09:51.539 --> 00:09:53.899 for our universal problem. 00:09:55.340 --> 00:09:56.279 Jesus knows 00:09:56.279 --> 00:09:58.179 that we are all 00:09:58.179 --> 00:09:58.959 prone 00:09:58.959 --> 00:10:00.360 to anxious 00:10:00.360 --> 00:10:01.579 distraction. 00:10:03.179 --> 00:10:04.720 He has to tell us 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.639 this over 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:06.459 and over, 00:10:06.579 --> 00:10:06.799 right? 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:08.019 Verse 25, 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:10.000 don't be anxious. 00:10:10.439 --> 00:10:11.259 Verse 28, 00:10:11.500 --> 00:10:13.159 why are you anxious? 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:14.279 Verse 31, 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:15.559 don't be anxious. 00:10:15.939 --> 00:10:16.839 Verse 34, 00:10:17.159 --> 00:10:18.240 don't be anxious. 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:19.519 You getting the idea? 00:10:19.939 --> 00:10:20.620 Your Bible 00:10:20.620 --> 00:10:21.519 may say 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:22.620 don't worry 00:10:22.620 --> 00:10:24.000 or something 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.459 similar to that. 00:10:25.460 --> 00:10:26.820 but the word 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:27.980 that's being used 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:28.320 there, 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:30.460 it refers to being 00:10:30.460 --> 00:10:31.759 distracted 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:33.460 or divided, 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:34.600 right? 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:36.960 Pulled in two 00:10:36.960 --> 00:10:37.820 directions. 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:39.780 Like Martha 00:10:39.780 --> 00:10:41.360 in Luke 10, 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:43.080 she was distracted 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:44.620 with much 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:45.820 serving. 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:47.460 Many good 00:10:47.460 --> 00:10:48.080 things, 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:48.920 so many 00:10:48.920 --> 00:10:49.680 important 00:10:49.680 --> 00:10:51.180 things to do 00:10:51.179 --> 00:10:52.139 when Mary 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:52.819 is sitting 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:53.179 where? 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:55.239 At Jesus' 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:56.259 feet. 00:10:58.099 --> 00:10:58.719 Maybe you feel 00:10:58.719 --> 00:11:00.259 multiple relationships, 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:02.039 multiple screens 00:11:02.039 --> 00:11:02.719 that you're 00:11:02.719 --> 00:11:03.819 watching at one 00:11:03.819 --> 00:11:04.099 time, 00:11:04.359 --> 00:11:05.459 multiple problems, 00:11:05.819 --> 00:11:06.359 multiple 00:11:06.359 --> 00:11:07.719 distractions. 00:11:08.779 --> 00:11:09.819 I'm anxious. 00:11:12.459 --> 00:11:13.059 Some of us 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:13.679 are distracted 00:11:13.679 --> 00:11:14.879 with the stressors 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:15.819 of the present 00:11:15.819 --> 00:11:16.339 moment. 00:11:16.679 --> 00:11:17.099 Always, 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:18.159 that's where we are. 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:19.000 Others of us 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:19.699 tend to spin 00:11:19.699 --> 00:11:20.860 up our anxiety 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:22.179 worrying about 00:11:22.179 --> 00:11:23.839 future possibilities, 00:11:24.279 --> 00:11:24.879 how things 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:25.919 might go, 00:11:26.039 --> 00:11:26.980 what might 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:27.919 happen, 00:11:28.279 --> 00:11:29.039 how it could 00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:29.779 go wrong 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:30.379 if we don't 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:31.079 get things 00:11:31.079 --> 00:11:32.439 under control, 00:11:32.719 --> 00:11:32.959 right? 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:35.699 But regardless 00:11:35.699 --> 00:11:36.620 of how that 00:11:36.620 --> 00:11:37.419 works in 00:11:37.419 --> 00:11:38.399 your heart, 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:39.379 we're all 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:39.980 easily 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:40.860 distracted 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:42.079 from the 00:11:42.079 --> 00:11:43.100 main thing. 00:11:43.100 --> 00:11:45.120 we may 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:45.659 be anxious 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:46.759 about food 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:48.120 or clothing. 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:50.460 Just 00:11:50.460 --> 00:11:51.259 based on 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.259 what I 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:52.720 know of 00:11:52.720 --> 00:11:53.279 sermons, 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:54.259 someone has 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.000 already started 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:55.560 making a 00:11:55.560 --> 00:11:56.360 grocery list 00:11:56.360 --> 00:11:56.899 since I 00:11:56.899 --> 00:11:57.500 started a 00:11:57.500 --> 00:11:57.980 few minutes 00:11:57.980 --> 00:11:58.440 ago. 00:12:00.519 --> 00:12:01.080 That's 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:01.740 the truth. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:03.240 Somebody 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:03.620 else is 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:04.040 worried about 00:12:04.040 --> 00:12:04.480 what to wear 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:04.860 the first 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:05.180 day of 00:12:05.180 --> 00:12:05.540 school. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:06.920 That's 00:12:06.920 --> 00:12:07.200 what you've 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:07.639 been thinking 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:08.060 about. 00:12:10.060 --> 00:12:11.019 Verse 25 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:11.399 says, 00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:11.700 don't be 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:12.340 anxious about 00:12:12.340 --> 00:12:12.759 that. 00:12:13.659 --> 00:12:14.460 The length 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:14.759 of your 00:12:14.759 --> 00:12:15.279 life, 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:16.440 verse 27, 00:12:16.620 --> 00:12:17.100 somebody's 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:17.879 probably been 00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:19.120 wondering about 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:19.659 your health 00:12:19.659 --> 00:12:21.740 already. 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:24.940 Or what 00:12:24.940 --> 00:12:25.240 I'm doing 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:25.800 tomorrow, 00:12:26.540 --> 00:12:27.540 verse 34, 00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:28.860 somebody's 00:12:28.860 --> 00:12:29.259 been planning 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:29.820 your schedule 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:30.279 for the 00:12:30.279 --> 00:12:30.519 week. 00:12:30.659 --> 00:12:31.019 I know, 00:12:31.180 --> 00:12:31.540 I've done 00:12:31.540 --> 00:12:31.899 that. 00:12:32.420 --> 00:12:32.720 What's 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.139 next? 00:12:36.700 --> 00:12:37.100 Listen, 00:12:37.279 --> 00:12:37.940 we're doing 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:38.660 all of those 00:12:38.660 --> 00:12:39.279 things just 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:40.259 right now and 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:41.639 God is 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:42.759 speaking to 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:43.240 you. 00:12:44.120 --> 00:12:45.819 And yet 00:12:45.819 --> 00:12:45.980 we're 00:12:45.980 --> 00:12:46.519 distracted. 00:12:47.379 --> 00:12:47.840 There's so 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:48.480 much we feel 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:49.039 like we have 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:49.399 to worry 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:49.620 about. 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:50.439 And Jesus 00:12:50.439 --> 00:12:51.059 says that's 00:12:51.059 --> 00:12:52.039 a problem. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.379 Not that we 00:12:53.379 --> 00:12:54.340 care about 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:55.059 those things, 00:12:55.059 --> 00:12:55.879 of course, 00:12:56.700 --> 00:12:58.000 but that we're 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:59.100 relying on 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:00.700 ourselves to 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:01.639 take care of 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.399 them to the 00:13:02.399 --> 00:13:03.559 point that they 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:05.159 distract us from 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:06.039 what is most 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:06.659 important. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:08.659 see, there's 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:10.039 a problem 00:13:10.039 --> 00:13:10.819 beneath the 00:13:10.819 --> 00:13:11.319 problem. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:13.519 When we 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.100 realize we're 00:13:14.100 --> 00:13:14.740 anxiously 00:13:14.740 --> 00:13:15.559 distracted, 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:16.919 it's not that 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:17.620 you get bored 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.059 by this 00:13:18.059 --> 00:13:18.419 preacher, 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.019 that's not 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.679 the problem. 00:13:20.819 --> 00:13:21.519 We can see 00:13:21.519 --> 00:13:22.000 the problem 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.980 in verse 30. 00:13:24.339 --> 00:13:24.959 But if God 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:25.759 so clothes the 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.399 grass of the 00:13:26.399 --> 00:13:26.919 field which 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.839 today is alive 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:28.419 and tomorrow 00:13:28.419 --> 00:13:28.939 is thrown 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:29.360 into the 00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:29.600 oven, 00:13:30.019 --> 00:13:30.799 will he not 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:31.480 much more 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:32.419 clothe you, 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:34.399 O you of 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:36.500 little faith? 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:38.799 That Jesus 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:39.419 is talking 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:39.839 here to 00:13:39.839 --> 00:13:40.319 people who 00:13:40.319 --> 00:13:41.079 are expressing 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:42.360 some faith 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:42.959 in him. 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.000 These are 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:45.360 warnings for 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.219 the people of 00:13:46.219 --> 00:13:47.439 God, for 00:13:47.439 --> 00:13:48.479 us, people 00:13:48.479 --> 00:13:49.339 who do have 00:13:49.339 --> 00:13:50.039 faith. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:51.740 But like 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:52.059 Jesus' 00:13:52.319 --> 00:13:53.639 disciples, we 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.519 often have 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:57.279 little faith. 00:13:58.399 --> 00:13:59.079 We have 00:13:59.079 --> 00:14:00.439 perhaps believed 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:01.299 in Jesus to 00:14:01.299 --> 00:14:02.019 save us from 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:03.319 our sins one 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:04.379 day, someday, 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.500 but we are 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:06.960 not believing 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:09.240 Jesus for 00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:09.899 today. 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:12.460 In other 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:12.939 words, the 00:14:12.939 --> 00:14:14.019 problem beneath 00:14:14.019 --> 00:14:15.100 the problem 00:14:15.100 --> 00:14:16.639 is a neglected 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:17.759 relationship 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:20.000 with God. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.679 Isn't that at 00:14:21.679 --> 00:14:22.559 the root of 00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:23.379 our problems 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:23.679 here? 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:25.360 Let me tease 00:14:25.360 --> 00:14:25.919 it out for 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:26.100 you. 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.899 See, I'm 00:14:26.899 --> 00:14:27.639 anxiously 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:29.319 distracted by 00:14:29.319 --> 00:14:30.379 obsessing over 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:31.460 my health and 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:32.100 my weight 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:32.940 because I've 00:14:32.940 --> 00:14:33.639 not been 00:14:33.639 --> 00:14:34.540 nurturing a 00:14:34.540 --> 00:14:35.600 relationship with 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:36.060 the great 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:37.160 physician who 00:14:37.160 --> 00:14:37.720 made me 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.860 fearfully and 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:39.600 wonderfully and 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:40.660 promises no 00:14:40.660 --> 00:14:42.120 hair falls from 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:43.200 my head without 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:44.420 his good care. 00:14:44.660 --> 00:14:46.759 I've decided I 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:48.100 like controlling 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.720 my life better. 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:53.660 Or I'm anxiously 00:14:53.660 --> 00:14:54.560 distracted by 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:55.660 obsessing over my 00:14:55.660 --> 00:14:57.080 kids and their 00:14:57.080 --> 00:14:58.759 current and future 00:14:58.759 --> 00:14:59.980 success in life 00:14:59.980 --> 00:15:00.840 life because I've 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:01.860 not been talking 00:15:01.860 --> 00:15:03.320 about them to 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:03.940 the God who 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:05.080 promises to be a 00:15:05.080 --> 00:15:06.279 God to me and 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:06.920 to my children 00:15:06.920 --> 00:15:08.139 after me and 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.019 has been faithful 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:10.620 generation after 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:11.519 generation. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:14.019 I've decided I 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:15.560 like controlling 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:17.080 my kids' lives 00:15:17.080 --> 00:15:18.259 better. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.259 money. 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:22.340 Or I'm 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:23.580 anxiously distracted 00:15:23.580 --> 00:15:25.240 by obsessing over 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:26.319 my bank account 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:27.980 and my budget 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:29.080 because I've not 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.019 been remembering 00:15:30.019 --> 00:15:31.340 and thanking God 00:15:31.340 --> 00:15:31.980 who owns the 00:15:31.980 --> 00:15:32.779 cattle on a 00:15:32.779 --> 00:15:33.879 thousand hills for 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.919 entrusting some of 00:15:34.919 --> 00:15:36.039 his resources to 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:37.399 me to steward. 00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:38.360 Even though he 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:39.399 promises to meet 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:40.439 all my needs 00:15:40.439 --> 00:15:41.259 according to his 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:42.480 glorious riches in 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:43.939 Christ Jesus, I've 00:15:43.939 --> 00:15:45.819 decided I like 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:47.180 controlling my 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:48.620 financial security 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:50.000 better. 00:15:54.260 --> 00:15:55.580 Just confessing. 00:15:57.640 --> 00:15:58.640 Do you see how 00:15:58.640 --> 00:16:00.140 that's little faith? 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:04.000 God, I believe you 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:04.960 exist but I don't 00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:05.840 believe it's best to 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:06.760 trust you in this 00:16:06.760 --> 00:16:07.140 area. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.940 God, I believe you 00:16:08.940 --> 00:16:10.840 created the world but 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:11.540 I don't believe you 00:16:11.540 --> 00:16:12.360 know better than I do 00:16:12.360 --> 00:16:12.980 how it works. 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:16.440 God, I believe you 00:16:16.440 --> 00:16:17.740 sent your son to 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:19.120 rescue me forever 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.379 and I'll sing about 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.500 it but I don't 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:22.379 believe you will care 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:23.420 for me when I'm 00:16:23.420 --> 00:16:25.700 alone or hungry or 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:25.980 hurting. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.740 Little faith. 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:30.600 Jesus is telling us 00:16:30.600 --> 00:16:31.600 over and over here 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:33.639 don't live like that. 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.300 Don't have small 00:16:36.300 --> 00:16:37.700 thoughts of me. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.420 Don't neglect your 00:16:39.420 --> 00:16:41.720 relationship with God. 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:43.060 Now, yes, be a 00:16:43.060 --> 00:16:44.519 faithful planner like 00:16:44.519 --> 00:16:45.019 the ant. 00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:47.180 Yes, work hard as 00:16:47.180 --> 00:16:48.960 God tells you to but 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:50.279 don't leave God 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:51.759 behind to make a 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.860 run at life on your 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:54.720 own for even one 00:16:54.720 --> 00:16:55.500 busy season. 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.519 Don't do it. 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:58.399 Don't make a run at a 00:16:58.399 --> 00:16:59.300 season when I'm just 00:16:59.300 --> 00:17:00.100 going to live by the 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:01.540 things I see for now 00:17:01.540 --> 00:17:02.720 rather than by faith. 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:04.940 For so many reasons 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:06.680 Jesus says don't be 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:07.460 anxious. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.660 Don't be distracted. 00:17:09.660 --> 00:17:11.200 Don't miss what's 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.320 most important. 00:17:14.040 --> 00:17:15.580 That's so easy to do. 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.840 I want us to hear 00:17:18.840 --> 00:17:20.380 Jesus' solution to 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:23.500 these problems and 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.279 then talk about how 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.820 his solution transforms 00:17:25.820 --> 00:17:27.660 our lives to be the 00:17:27.660 --> 00:17:30.660 peaceful, marveling 00:17:30.660 --> 00:17:32.940 servants that I talked 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:33.759 about a minute ago. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:36.759 You know how Jesus 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:38.240 often teaches. 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:39.900 He's making a point 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:40.940 and he looks around 00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:42.980 for examples that 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:45.019 are right there in 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:46.059 front of the people 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:46.759 he's teaching. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.940 And what he's wanting 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:49.119 to teach right here, 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.920 he wants to show 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:51.160 these anxiously 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:53.660 distracted followers a 00:17:53.660 --> 00:17:55.960 focus on God, who he 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:58.259 is, his character, in 00:17:58.259 --> 00:17:59.579 particular God's 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.759 commitment to provide. 00:18:00.759 --> 00:18:01.440 Provide. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:03.980 So he makes two 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:05.740 arguments from lesser 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:08.599 things to greater 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:09.539 things. 00:18:09.640 --> 00:18:11.140 Verse 26, birds. 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:14.099 Look at the birds of 00:18:14.099 --> 00:18:14.559 the air. 00:18:16.259 --> 00:18:17.059 Open your eyes, he 00:18:17.059 --> 00:18:17.400 says. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:19.559 They neither sow nor 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.079 reap nor gather into 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.420 barns, yet your heavenly 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:23.599 Father feeds them. 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:25.379 Are you not of more 00:18:25.379 --> 00:18:27.160 value than they? 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:29.879 Look, if God feeds the 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:31.540 bird, his eye is on 00:18:31.540 --> 00:18:32.980 the sparrow, right? 00:18:34.100 --> 00:18:36.780 Then can't you trust 00:18:36.780 --> 00:18:38.180 him to feed you? 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:40.100 How much more is he 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:41.720 going to feed you, 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:42.080 right? 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:44.060 And by the way, birds 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:46.140 don't have Costco to 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:46.980 buy food. 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.940 They don't have freezers 00:18:49.940 --> 00:18:51.500 to stockpile food. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:53.120 They don't have a garden 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:55.100 to grow food, except the 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:56.160 one in your backyard they 00:18:56.160 --> 00:18:57.200 think is theirs. 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:59.519 They don't rely on 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.940 themselves, do they? 00:19:01.580 --> 00:19:02.340 That's not how it 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:02.799 works. 00:19:03.200 --> 00:19:04.160 They rely on their 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:05.980 creator to provide, and 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:07.080 how well does he do? 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.460 Marvelously well. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.960 Imagine how much more 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.920 he will do for you. 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.880 Then Jesus says, another 00:19:16.880 --> 00:19:18.180 example, verse 28, 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:21.039 flowers, the lilies of 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:21.759 the field. 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:23.680 Verse 28, why are you 00:19:23.680 --> 00:19:24.779 anxious about clothing? 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:26.359 Consider the lilies of the 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:27.420 field, how they grow. 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:29.700 They neither toil nor 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.299 spin. 00:19:30.879 --> 00:19:32.180 They're not working hard. 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:33.399 Yet I tell you, even 00:19:33.399 --> 00:19:34.819 Solomon in all his glory 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:36.500 was not arrayed like one 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:36.859 of these. 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:38.180 Look at how beautiful 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:39.259 these flowers are. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.619 Picture a beautiful flower 00:19:40.619 --> 00:19:41.379 in your mind. 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.339 God really put some 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.660 unique design into 00:19:44.660 --> 00:19:46.099 gorgeous plants all 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:46.799 around us. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:49.039 And did you know, not a 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:50.759 single flower woke up 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:52.099 this morning and thought, 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.519 I better put on a nicer 00:19:53.519 --> 00:19:55.759 dress, or get to a 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.799 tanning bed before 00:19:56.799 --> 00:19:58.039 anyone sees me. 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:00.319 Or if I don't improve 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:01.779 my skin care routine, 00:20:01.940 --> 00:20:02.940 or start hitting the 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:04.559 gym harder, I won't 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.839 look beautiful in ten 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.180 years. 00:20:06.379 --> 00:20:08.639 Not one flower bought 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:08.920 that. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.839 And yet they're so 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:13.440 beautiful that we stop 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.779 to take pictures of 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:15.000 them. 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:21.460 If God so clothes the 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:23.259 grass of the field, which 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:24.400 today is alive and 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:25.500 tomorrow is thrown into 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:27.480 the oven, will he not 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:29.279 much more clothe you? 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:32.200 Oh, you of little faith, 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:34.220 you're an eternal soul. 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:36.920 Will not your creator 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:39.359 make you beautiful? 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:41.579 Forever beautiful? 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:41.779 Beautiful? 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:44.099 Deep beauty from the 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:46.599 inside out in every 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:47.139 way? 00:20:47.399 --> 00:20:48.699 Won't he do that for 00:20:48.699 --> 00:20:48.980 you? 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:53.039 That's what Romans 8.32 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.159 reminds us of. 00:20:54.579 --> 00:20:55.839 That if God did not 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:57.339 withhold his own son, 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:59.179 but loved us so much 00:20:59.179 --> 00:21:00.919 that he gave us that 00:21:00.919 --> 00:21:02.379 greatest of all gifts, 00:21:02.599 --> 00:21:03.879 how will he not also 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.779 along with him 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:06.419 graciously give us 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:07.720 all things? 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:09.519 He saved you from your 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:10.099 sins. 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:11.459 He's not leaving you 00:21:11.459 --> 00:21:12.480 consistently without 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.240 lunch. 00:21:14.459 --> 00:21:15.559 He's given you his 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:16.899 most precious gift. 00:21:17.179 --> 00:21:18.219 He's not withholding 00:21:18.219 --> 00:21:19.419 the good life that 00:21:19.419 --> 00:21:20.539 you're chasing somewhere 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.179 else, right? 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:23.559 He's brought you into 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:25.019 relationship with him 00:21:25.019 --> 00:21:25.899 forever. 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.240 He's not leaving you 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.619 alone right now, is 00:21:28.619 --> 00:21:28.879 he? 00:21:29.199 --> 00:21:30.039 No way. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.339 See, if there's a 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:35.000 problem beneath the 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:37.219 problem, there's a 00:21:37.219 --> 00:21:38.539 solution beneath the 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.039 solution. 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:40.299 It's the relationship, 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.259 right? 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:44.259 We must focus on our 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.180 relationship with God. 00:21:46.279 --> 00:21:46.779 Now, we've been 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:48.119 talking about that a 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:48.980 lot this year. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:51.500 You've heard me use the 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.579 phrase, a faith 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:53.680 priority. 00:21:54.399 --> 00:21:55.539 Owning your own 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:56.539 faith, not just 00:21:56.539 --> 00:21:58.079 coasting spiritually 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.379 while investing all 00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:00.539 your time and energy 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.259 elsewhere. 00:22:01.259 --> 00:22:04.500 where, but even 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.339 though we hear that, 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:06.220 there are a lot of 00:22:06.220 --> 00:22:07.400 things competing for 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:08.279 our time and 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:08.980 attention, aren't 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:09.180 there? 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.599 Notice how Jesus 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:12.519 points out this 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.599 underlying solution 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.079 here. 00:22:14.640 --> 00:22:17.559 Verse 26, your 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:19.480 heavenly father 00:22:19.480 --> 00:22:21.519 feeds the birds. 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:23.180 father, not their 00:22:23.180 --> 00:22:26.740 father, but yours. 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:29.519 You have a special 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:31.379 relationship with him. 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:33.900 Verse 32, your 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:35.740 heavenly father knows 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:38.220 that you need them all, 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.200 everything you need. 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:41.639 So you focus on your 00:22:41.639 --> 00:22:43.000 relationship with God. 00:22:43.200 --> 00:22:43.839 You want to know where 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:44.599 to start? 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:48.119 first, seek first the 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:51.399 kingdom of God and his 00:22:51.399 --> 00:22:52.759 righteousness. 00:22:54.759 --> 00:22:56.519 That relationship. 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.579 Seek that first. 00:22:58.939 --> 00:22:59.879 And he is such a 00:22:59.879 --> 00:23:01.599 generous provider, such 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:04.079 a gracious father, that 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:06.579 as long as you have him, 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:08.139 you'll have all those 00:23:08.139 --> 00:23:09.039 other things that you 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:10.559 obsess over and get 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:12.019 anxiously distracted by. 00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:13.199 You'll have all of them 00:23:13.199 --> 00:23:14.439 except perhaps the ones 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.420 that he knows you don't 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:15.759 need. 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.980 There's one thing, the 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.980 main thing, it's your 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.900 relationship with God, 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:27.019 your faith priority. 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.299 Jesus says you don't 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:30.480 have to rush around 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.620 wondering where to 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:31.880 start. 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.600 You don't even have to 00:23:32.600 --> 00:23:33.779 find a new book that 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:35.240 tells you how to do it 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:37.039 better, which activity 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:38.320 is most important, what 00:23:38.320 --> 00:23:39.360 needs to land on your 00:23:39.360 --> 00:23:40.500 calendar first to make 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.480 you successful this 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:41.720 year. 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:43.740 He says seek first 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:46.000 God's kingdom, his 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.059 righteousness. 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.700 These are words for 00:23:48.700 --> 00:23:50.819 life in relationship with 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:52.160 the one who made you, 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:55.140 remember, for himself. 00:23:57.140 --> 00:23:59.019 That's why he made you. 00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:01.259 That's why you exist. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:03.539 See, Jesus is heading to 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:05.720 the cross to secure not 00:24:05.720 --> 00:24:07.259 merely the forgiveness of 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:08.859 our sins, but ultimately 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:10.599 our adoption into the 00:24:10.599 --> 00:24:11.599 family of God. 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:13.819 We have a father who 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:15.519 cares for us as his 00:24:15.519 --> 00:24:17.359 children even more than 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:18.819 he does for birds and 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.859 grass and flowers and he 00:24:20.859 --> 00:24:22.679 cares for them really well. 00:24:23.439 --> 00:24:25.159 And he is calling us to 00:24:25.159 --> 00:24:28.959 enjoy him, to obey him, 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:30.659 to get to know him more, 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:32.319 to live with him in every 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:35.439 moment and to trust him 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:37.699 with the many things that 00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:39.419 might otherwise distract us 00:24:39.420 --> 00:24:40.960 from the best thing. 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:44.279 Jesus says you can slow 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.880 down, you can breathe, 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:48.779 because you have a good 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:51.060 and gracious father. 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:55.200 A pastor friend of mine 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.980 tells the story of a young 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:59.740 boy who was adopted into a 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:01.640 family after spending his 00:25:01.640 --> 00:25:02.779 early years as an orphan, 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:05.240 where he was mistreated, 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:08.460 malnourished, often went 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:10.279 extended periods of time 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:11.680 without getting any food. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.839 Not long after being 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:16.019 adopted into his new 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:17.480 family, the parents began 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.940 to notice that food was 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:20.440 missing from the pantry 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:23.700 and the fridge more and 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.059 more. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.740 And one day the father 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:27.039 went into his son's room 00:25:27.039 --> 00:25:28.299 and he found him 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:30.019 underneath his bed with a 00:25:30.019 --> 00:25:31.940 stockpile of food. 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:34.559 The boy explained, of 00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:36.240 course, that he was 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:38.220 afraid that the food would 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.700 run out, that he wouldn't 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.680 be given anymore. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:42.840 So in his anxiety over 00:25:42.840 --> 00:25:44.580 those possibilities, he had 00:25:44.580 --> 00:25:45.940 attempted to provide for 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:48.600 himself by stashing food 00:25:48.600 --> 00:25:49.600 under his bed. 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:52.039 You can understand that. 00:25:53.640 --> 00:25:55.460 The father understood, but it 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:57.580 broke his heart, right? 00:25:57.579 --> 00:26:00.839 And it gave him the chance 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:02.939 to reassure his son, 00:26:03.439 --> 00:26:04.639 you're my son. 00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:07.179 All the food in this house 00:26:07.179 --> 00:26:09.199 belongs to me and it is 00:26:09.199 --> 00:26:12.359 yours because you're my son. 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:15.599 I will always make sure that 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:17.339 you get fed. 00:26:17.679 --> 00:26:20.079 You don't have to provide for 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:20.659 yourself. 00:26:21.199 --> 00:26:23.539 You don't have to be anxious. 00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:28.019 I hope you can hear your 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.259 father saying that to you 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:31.099 this morning because there's 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:33.539 more of us than we'd like to 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:35.159 admit approaching this next 00:26:35.159 --> 00:26:36.740 season like the boy under the 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.119 bed. 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.980 Have you been neglecting your 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:42.579 relationship with your father 00:26:42.579 --> 00:26:45.639 and trying in any number of 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:47.740 ways to provide for yourself? 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:51.319 Is it leading to anxiety, to 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:54.339 frantic attempts at self-reliance, 00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:56.460 desperate efforts to provide 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:58.220 what you need and maybe what 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.599 you're feeling is very little 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:01.799 peace and very little rest? 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:06.480 Slow down, Jesus says. 00:27:07.339 --> 00:27:10.259 One thing, just one thing, 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:12.899 seek ye first. 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:16.599 Focus on your relationship with 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:16.819 God. 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:19.079 I know it may seem like you 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:21.220 won't get cared for, but 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:23.579 trust me, he says, all these 00:27:23.579 --> 00:27:25.539 things will be added to you as 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:25.919 well. 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:28.059 You just focus on the one 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.339 thing first. 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:31.539 Actually live like you have a 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.960 good father. 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:36.359 Make it your ambition to lead a 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:39.939 quiet life at peace with God, 00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:42.659 learning more about how good and 00:27:42.659 --> 00:27:44.699 gracious your father is, 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:47.980 rejoicing more in his kindness 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:50.980 to you, simple gifts. 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:54.860 Now you may hear me describe a 00:27:54.860 --> 00:27:55.839 life like that and you think, 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:57.700 oh, that's some super spiritual 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:59.839 kind of life. 00:28:00.360 --> 00:28:02.500 I want to suggest it's super 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.400 practical. 00:28:04.059 --> 00:28:05.980 It doesn't need to feel weird. 00:28:08.120 --> 00:28:10.940 See, the result of God's solution 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:12.960 to the problem we all struggle 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:16.019 with is that because he has 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:17.940 solved your biggest problems, 00:28:18.140 --> 00:28:20.640 he has met your deepest needs, 00:28:20.840 --> 00:28:23.100 you can live that kind of 00:28:23.100 --> 00:28:27.079 focused life and find that it's 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:29.299 still a fulfilled life at the 00:28:29.299 --> 00:28:32.180 same time that all these things 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:33.840 are added unto you. 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:37.019 And his kingdom, when we talk 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:38.980 about seeking first his kingdom, 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:40.319 that's huge. 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:42.319 That touches every area of life. 00:28:42.399 --> 00:28:44.700 That's not merely some churchy 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:47.619 thing that's confined to this 00:28:47.619 --> 00:28:50.139 building or this day of the week 00:28:50.139 --> 00:28:52.220 or this hour of the day. 00:28:52.679 --> 00:28:54.240 I want to give you some suggestions 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:56.339 of what it can look like to seek 00:28:56.339 --> 00:28:59.720 first his kingdom and righteousness. 00:29:00.159 --> 00:29:02.500 Your relationship with him focused 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:07.159 on his rule everywhere and his way 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.360 in everything. 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.779 That's what that means. 00:29:10.080 --> 00:29:11.300 His rule everywhere, 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:13.080 his way in everything. 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:16.320 These, to be clear, are just 00:29:16.320 --> 00:29:17.980 suggestions, okay? 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:19.820 Not biblical directives. 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:22.140 You can think of your own. 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:26.360 Perhaps just to be merciful to 00:29:26.360 --> 00:29:28.759 yourself, just pick one or two 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:31.180 areas that you want to focus on for 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:31.360 now. 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:34.539 How could your life change as you 00:29:34.539 --> 00:29:37.259 focus on the main thing? 00:29:39.719 --> 00:29:45.459 Perhaps start family worship or 00:29:45.459 --> 00:29:48.139 devotionals, discussions again this 00:29:48.139 --> 00:29:48.459 week. 00:29:48.959 --> 00:29:51.740 I cannot count how many times I've 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:53.339 stopped and started. 00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:55.539 There's no limit. 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:59.420 But spend time together focusing on 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:00.180 God. 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.940 Not just so you can feel more 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:04.940 spiritual, but so your kids get to 00:30:04.940 --> 00:30:07.339 know their heavenly father more and 00:30:07.339 --> 00:30:09.779 actually know that he's more 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:11.240 important to you than algebra. 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:14.579 They'll be delighted to know that. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.480 Maybe even more delighted to know 00:30:16.480 --> 00:30:17.420 that you know that. 00:30:20.519 --> 00:30:22.899 Seek first God's kingdom at work. 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:26.820 I say that specifically because it's 00:30:26.820 --> 00:30:28.620 a place where we're really tempted 00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:32.019 to build our own kingdoms rather 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:33.780 than God's kingdom. 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:37.420 Perhaps by prioritizing Sabbath rest 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:40.160 for yourself or your company. 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:44.140 Perhaps by pursuing prophets in God 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:46.100 honoring ways that care for the 00:30:46.100 --> 00:30:46.460 needy. 00:30:46.900 --> 00:30:48.980 Perhaps by carving out time in your 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:51.340 calendar to meet with God on your 00:30:51.340 --> 00:30:52.740 busiest days. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:54.579 Just block it off before you get 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:54.980 there. 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:58.120 Another idea. 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:03.700 Do something sacrificial with your 00:31:03.700 --> 00:31:05.579 time or your money. 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:09.980 Like perhaps instead of committing to 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:13.839 the gym every night, commit one or 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:16.299 two nights a week to partnering with a 00:31:16.299 --> 00:31:18.539 neighbor in a faith and finances 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:19.480 class. 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:23.259 Like using your discretionary money to 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.319 bless someone else. 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:26.700 Start looking at your life through the 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:29.039 lens of abundance because, listen, 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:32.019 you have a father who has given you the 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:35.539 kingdom and he's given you eternity to 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.240 enjoy it. 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:37.160 Can you believe that? 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:39.640 Everything you need and all the time you 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:41.420 could imagine to enjoy it. 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:45.660 So you are freed up to sacrifice and find 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:49.840 yourself not empty but full again and 00:31:49.840 --> 00:31:50.259 again. 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:55.660 Consider your grace group intentionally as you 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:57.100 reconnect this fall. 00:31:57.580 --> 00:32:00.480 If you're not in one, maybe that makes the 00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:02.840 calendar before some other things you're about 00:32:02.840 --> 00:32:03.600 to fill in. 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:08.339 But when you are in one, prioritize engaging in 00:32:08.339 --> 00:32:11.459 those relationships beyond just meetings. 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:14.099 Ask others in the group, how are they doing 00:32:14.099 --> 00:32:14.659 with Jesus? 00:32:15.699 --> 00:32:18.980 How God's growing or teaching them lately? 00:32:19.159 --> 00:32:21.500 How you can pray for their spiritual good? 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:23.519 If it feels weird to you and awkward, just 00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:24.359 blame it on me. 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:28.819 Pastor Will told me to ask, how can I pray for 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:30.039 your spiritual good? 00:32:31.639 --> 00:32:32.159 Fine. 00:32:32.939 --> 00:32:34.659 But do it and pray. 00:32:35.919 --> 00:32:39.460 And watch God deepen those relationships. 00:32:41.159 --> 00:32:43.039 How could you seek first God's kingdom with 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:43.639 your words? 00:32:43.939 --> 00:32:47.119 The tongue has so much power to build up, to 00:32:47.119 --> 00:32:50.159 tear down, but a heart seeking first God's 00:32:50.159 --> 00:32:53.059 kingdom is looking for fellow travelers on that 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:55.720 road to encourage with a note, with a word, 00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:58.759 evaluating how my social media comments are 00:32:58.759 --> 00:33:01.819 pointing to Jesus or may need to be left unsaid. 00:33:02.879 --> 00:33:05.099 Maybe starting to pray every Sunday afternoon 00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:07.480 about someone I saw this morning or someone I 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.859 missed this morning. 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:12.019 Someone who would benefit from hearing from me. 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:16.240 One last thought. 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:19.319 This one probably more of a biblical directive 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:20.079 than the others. 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:25.259 Commit to praying daily, to talking with God. 00:33:25.259 --> 00:33:31.019 If that's what he made you for, it's a great place to 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:34.359 start this exploration of what it means in your life to 00:33:34.359 --> 00:33:35.559 seek first his kingdom. 00:33:35.819 --> 00:33:38.480 Because if you use the Lord's prayer we prayed together 00:33:38.480 --> 00:33:42.599 earlier, you're going to pray, thy kingdom come. 00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:45.180 And you could say, God, I'm not even sure what that means, 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:49.019 but would you show me what that means in my life today? 00:33:49.180 --> 00:33:50.779 You could ask him that every morning. 00:33:50.779 --> 00:33:54.200 You could pray for people who don't yet know the king and for 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:56.500 boldness to share the good news with them. 00:33:56.639 --> 00:34:01.619 Just slow down and talk with your father. 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:06.359 I'm not trying to tell you exactly how to live your life. 00:34:06.660 --> 00:34:10.119 I certainly am not trying to have you leave here with a longer 00:34:10.119 --> 00:34:12.500 list of to-dos heaped on you. 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:14.179 That's not my goal. 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:20.159 I don't know what seek ye first God's kingdom needs to look like 00:34:20.159 --> 00:34:22.500 in each of our lives specifically. 00:34:24.359 --> 00:34:30.279 I do know that Jesus is telling us where to start. 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:37.719 And unless we are so pridefully self-confident that we think we know 00:34:37.719 --> 00:34:43.500 better than he does how to run our lives, then we start with him. 00:34:43.500 --> 00:34:45.719 I'm listening in relationship. 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:50.679 We ought to receive his direction to us today from his word as a gift 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:54.840 because we don't have to guess the organizing principle of life 00:34:54.840 --> 00:34:59.400 or the top priority we should have this fall or any other time. 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:02.820 He doesn't leave us there wondering. 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:07.780 Do you ever feel like you're trying to hold about a dozen different things at once? 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:10.400 Do you ever not feel that way? 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:15.200 Do you ever feel like you just keep dropping more and more of them? 00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:20.720 God is saying to you this morning, just you hold one. 00:35:21.320 --> 00:35:22.300 Can you hold one? 00:35:23.720 --> 00:35:28.900 And he has big and strong, capable arms to hold all the rest. 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:30.720 He's saying, hand them off. 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:33.139 Bring them with you. 00:35:33.240 --> 00:35:34.119 Give them to me. 00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:40.420 If we're willing to start there, to slow down, to avoid all the potential distractions 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:44.900 and be with him and follow his path, Jesus is saying, 00:35:45.339 --> 00:35:48.900 there, right there is true abundant life. 00:35:49.859 --> 00:35:55.000 There really is a peace that your heavenly father knows what you need 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:57.179 and delights to provide. 00:35:57.179 --> 00:36:02.419 There's a wonder, a love living with wonder 00:36:02.419 --> 00:36:05.919 that God has placed you in a glorious creation 00:36:05.919 --> 00:36:08.719 to enjoy more of his glory 00:36:08.719 --> 00:36:11.339 and he doesn't want you to miss the small things this week. 00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:13.719 There's a purpose. 00:36:14.559 --> 00:36:17.519 There's a driving purpose that you can live for 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:18.619 and you can love others 00:36:18.619 --> 00:36:20.399 and you can find as you do 00:36:20.399 --> 00:36:22.839 that someone is looking out for your needs 00:36:22.839 --> 00:36:24.199 while you're focused elsewhere. 00:36:24.199 --> 00:36:30.779 Jesus says, don't worry, you of little faith. 00:36:31.839 --> 00:36:36.399 Watch your faith grow big in your big God 00:36:36.399 --> 00:36:38.759 who cares for you, his child. 00:36:38.939 --> 00:36:40.480 He says, this is going to be great. 00:36:40.619 --> 00:36:41.379 Trust me. 00:36:42.379 --> 00:36:43.679 Keep your eye on the ball. 00:36:44.879 --> 00:36:48.779 Seek first his kingdom and righteousness. 00:36:49.119 --> 00:36:50.139 Let's ask for his help. 00:36:50.139 --> 00:36:58.639 Jesus, you know how much we struggle with this. 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:02.619 You tell us over and over because you love us 00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:05.139 and you want what's best for us 00:37:05.139 --> 00:37:09.719 and forgive us for not listening, 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:14.019 for not listening in a way that intends to have our lives 00:37:14.019 --> 00:37:15.219 be any different 00:37:15.219 --> 00:37:18.759 because we're pretty sure we already know 00:37:18.759 --> 00:37:20.459 what our priorities should be. 00:37:21.139 --> 00:37:22.819 Father, forgive me for that. 00:37:25.899 --> 00:37:27.339 You do know best. 00:37:28.799 --> 00:37:30.179 You are trustworthy. 00:37:32.619 --> 00:37:35.259 You care for a lot of sparrows 00:37:35.259 --> 00:37:37.759 really well. 00:37:37.760 --> 00:37:42.180 How much do you love us? 00:37:42.720 --> 00:37:45.840 How much more have you invited us 00:37:45.840 --> 00:37:47.040 into your family 00:37:47.040 --> 00:37:52.320 to be the objects of your great provision, 00:37:52.680 --> 00:37:54.480 your divine affection, 00:37:54.920 --> 00:37:57.300 your tender mercy? 00:37:57.540 --> 00:37:58.640 We need it. 00:37:59.220 --> 00:38:02.480 And help us not to go somewhere else 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:03.740 looking for it this week. 00:38:03.739 --> 00:38:07.959 Might we live with you 00:38:07.959 --> 00:38:11.379 and for you because we trust you. 00:38:12.619 --> 00:38:14.159 We ask in your name, Jesus. 00:38:14.779 --> 00:38:15.059 Amen. 00:38:17.019 --> 00:38:18.239 For more information, 00:38:18.639 --> 00:38:20.559 visit us online at southwood.org.