WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.019 171. So we'll read from verse 25 of chapter 6. 00:00:12.980 --> 00:00:21.280 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. 00:00:22.359 --> 00:00:27.140 Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 00:00:27.140 --> 00:00:36.859 Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 00:00:38.140 --> 00:00:46.859 Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? 00:00:48.299 --> 00:00:54.560 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the fields grow. They do not labour or spin. 00:00:54.560 --> 00:01:01.100 Yet I tell you, that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 00:01:02.420 --> 00:01:08.659 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:13.560 will he not much more clothes you, you of little faith? 00:01:13.560 --> 00:01:21.340 So do not worry, saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear? 00:01:22.540 --> 00:01:27.820 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 00:01:27.819 --> 00:01:36.179 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 00:01:37.119 --> 00:01:42.119 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 00:01:42.819 --> 00:01:45.719 Each day has enough trouble of its own. 00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:47.399 Thank you, Tim. 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:56.880 Thank you, Jonathan. 00:01:59.380 --> 00:02:01.180 Let's just pray as we start. 00:02:05.320 --> 00:02:11.719 Father, we need your help this morning to clearly understand your commands to us in this passage. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:18.659 And not only that, but to put them into practice in our lives in this coming year. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:23.400 Holy Spirit, be our helper now, we pray. 00:02:24.719 --> 00:02:25.280 Amen. 00:02:27.199 --> 00:02:31.039 Don't worry about your life, Jesus commands. 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:37.079 Now, if ever there was an impossible command to obey from Jesus. 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:41.700 What if I don't get the grades that I need in my exams? 00:02:41.960 --> 00:02:43.320 What if I choose the wrong career? 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:46.320 Will there be enough money to pay the bills? 00:02:47.740 --> 00:02:49.260 Will my kids stay healthy? 00:02:49.540 --> 00:02:50.880 Will I ever get well again? 00:02:51.520 --> 00:02:53.500 Will that relationship ever heal? 00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:59.540 What do you worry about most when you consider the year ahead? 00:02:59.539 --> 00:03:06.819 Well, I think one of the biggest challenges facing us in the coming year is this. 00:03:08.299 --> 00:03:16.019 How can I not be consumed by the worries of life when I am surrounded by so many pressures? 00:03:18.199 --> 00:03:22.979 And well, the big thing in this passage is that Jesus understands. 00:03:23.979 --> 00:03:27.859 He sympathizes with us in our struggles against worry. 00:03:27.860 --> 00:03:33.600 After all, he's experienced the pressures of everyday life as a human being. 00:03:34.160 --> 00:03:39.240 And as we heard in the last verse there, Jesus acknowledges each day has enough trouble of its own. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:45.260 He knows there are things in every day that we could and do worry about. 00:03:45.920 --> 00:03:51.620 But in this text, he also shows us that we don't have to be consumed by worry. 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:56.140 In fact, he commands us not to worry. 00:03:56.139 --> 00:03:58.739 And he gives us lots of reasons why. 00:03:59.719 --> 00:04:05.179 Let's dive right in with two of the most basic ones that we see in this passage. 00:04:05.919 --> 00:04:13.739 Jesus says, don't worry about your life because worrying distracts us from what really matters. 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:16.099 Look there in verse 25. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:23.160 He says, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. 00:04:23.640 --> 00:04:29.140 Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? 00:04:30.840 --> 00:04:36.120 Jesus is reminding us here that if we are trusting in him, we are eternal beings. 00:04:36.120 --> 00:04:39.360 This life here on earth is temporary. 00:04:39.959 --> 00:04:45.759 Our unending life with resurrected eternal bodies is still to come. 00:04:45.759 --> 00:04:55.939 So, don't spend all your time worrying about how to preserve this life and this body as if it's all you have. 00:04:55.939 --> 00:04:57.660 It's not. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:01.620 You have infinitely more, Jesus says. 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:10.500 And don't let the worries of this temporary life distract you from seeing the glory of your best life to come in the new heavens and earth. 00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:11.660 That's the first reason. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:13.959 Here's the second reason not to worry. 00:05:14.920 --> 00:05:16.659 Jesus says worrying is a waste of time. 00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:18.879 Look in verse 27. 00:05:18.879 --> 00:05:25.199 He asks, can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:28.279 Well, of course we can't. 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:32.439 Worrying doesn't change anything about your situation. 00:05:32.839 --> 00:05:34.980 In fact, it only worsens your ability to handle it. 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:38.920 Modern psychologists have also discovered this, funnily enough. 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:44.139 And they tell us that constant worrying leads to a buildup of the stress hormone cortisol, 00:05:44.139 --> 00:05:50.659 which leads to more stress, bad health, bad digestion, inflammation, and so on. 00:05:51.060 --> 00:05:56.060 Jesus, as the maker of the human body, knew this before any psychologist. 00:05:57.240 --> 00:06:01.219 And he tells us we can do something much better with our time, 00:06:01.699 --> 00:06:05.279 which we're going to see later in this passage. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:08.139 But before he tells us what to do instead of worrying, 00:06:09.539 --> 00:06:13.459 Jesus wants us to understand where worrying comes from. 00:06:14.139 --> 00:06:17.759 What's the heart issue that actually produces worry? 00:06:18.399 --> 00:06:22.180 We're going to read from verse 28, and we're going to find the answer. 00:06:23.579 --> 00:06:24.240 So verse 28. 00:06:24.519 --> 00:06:26.120 And why do you worry about clothes? 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:28.860 See how the flowers of the field grow. 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:30.500 They do not labor or spin. 00:06:31.319 --> 00:06:36.680 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.819 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:43.560 which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:46.780 will he not much more clothes you? 00:06:47.780 --> 00:06:50.780 You of little faith. 00:06:51.060 --> 00:06:52.300 Did you hear that last part? 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:58.840 The base problem lurking underneath the symptom of worry in our lives is 00:06:58.840 --> 00:07:03.779 we have little faith in our father's care. 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:10.179 We don't trust our father enough to provide for our needs. 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:16.219 Now, a couple of summers ago, we had a big problem in our utility room. 00:07:17.119 --> 00:07:18.000 It stunk. 00:07:18.719 --> 00:07:21.079 And I mean it stunk like a sewer. 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:24.439 Now, for a day or two, we tried to ignore it. 00:07:24.619 --> 00:07:25.959 Now, that was the denial phase. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:26.939 It's not really a problem. 00:07:26.939 --> 00:07:30.240 But it didn't go away. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:34.620 So then what we did next to us, we started spraying Febreze, air freshener all over us. 00:07:34.660 --> 00:07:36.040 You know, like this. 00:07:36.540 --> 00:07:39.240 But obviously that did nothing. 00:07:39.360 --> 00:07:41.019 About 20 minutes later, the smell was back. 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:45.019 So we were eventually driven to investigate further and discovered 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:50.259 the smell was coming from this unused pipe behind our big massive fridge. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:55.479 And that pipe led to the foul drain underneath the path outside. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:57.180 That's where the smell was coming from. 00:07:58.519 --> 00:08:00.180 The smell in the room was a problem. 00:08:00.299 --> 00:08:02.819 But actually there was a much bigger problem underground 00:08:02.819 --> 00:08:07.139 which we needed to deal with first to solve the bigger problem, 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:08.379 the small problem inside. 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:14.259 Now, how does this world tell us how to deal with worry? 00:08:14.259 --> 00:08:20.740 Well, I think the main option is to spray Febreze all over it, right? 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.579 A relaxing spa day. 00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:26.099 A wild night out in the town. 00:08:26.219 --> 00:08:28.060 Or maybe some mindfulness coloring. 00:08:28.959 --> 00:08:32.919 Now, all these things may make you forget about your worries for a few hours. 00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:35.960 But it's not dealing with the real problem, is it? 00:08:36.559 --> 00:08:37.700 It's going to come back. 00:08:38.939 --> 00:08:43.580 Now, Jesus says the only way to not be consumed by the worries of this life 00:08:43.580 --> 00:08:48.259 is to place your faith over and over again 00:08:48.259 --> 00:08:52.259 in your heavenly Father's promise to provide. 00:08:53.780 --> 00:08:57.820 Now, the opposite of faith is unbelief in God's promises, 00:08:58.259 --> 00:09:02.680 which leads to dependence on yourself for all of life, right? 00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:07.419 And that's interesting because the context of this chapter here, 00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:12.799 Jesus has just spent it warning us not to build up treasure on earth. 00:09:14.079 --> 00:09:16.959 And in the verse just preceding this passage, he says, 00:09:17.319 --> 00:09:20.000 don't make money your master. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:23.399 You know what? 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:25.340 He knows us very well, doesn't he? 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:29.440 Because we all want to build up more and more money. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:34.240 That's an innate thing inside of us because we never want to be without anything that we need. 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:37.399 And money can get us all the things that we need. 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:41.519 Now, having money is a wonderful gift from God. 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:47.120 And yet, we can so easily fall into the trap of trusting our money 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:50.899 and trusting our own resources to provide our needs 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:52.759 and not trusting in God. 00:09:54.000 --> 00:09:56.259 Which in turn leads to all sorts of worry 00:09:56.259 --> 00:09:59.079 whenever those resources and that money starts to run low 00:09:59.079 --> 00:10:00.639 or is threatened in some way. 00:10:01.139 --> 00:10:04.220 So, Jesus' second command in this passage is this. 00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:07.759 Rather than placing your faith in your own resources, 00:10:08.720 --> 00:10:12.519 have faith in your Father's care. 00:10:13.060 --> 00:10:15.860 He will never let you down. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:17.840 And now, Jesus knows, he knows, 00:10:18.420 --> 00:10:20.379 we are not going to buy it first time. 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:23.060 We would much rather to be independent, 00:10:24.440 --> 00:10:27.000 self-sufficient, trusting our own resources 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:29.180 rather than in his provision. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.740 We doubt that he really can provide. 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:35.159 So, Jesus gives us two examples from nature 00:10:35.159 --> 00:10:38.720 to try and show us that God has both the desire and ability 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:41.060 to meet all of our needs. 00:10:41.139 --> 00:10:42.600 So, let's have a look at those in turn. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:44.799 First example there is in verse 26. 00:10:46.700 --> 00:10:48.700 Look at the birds of the air. 00:10:49.779 --> 00:10:53.100 They do not sow or reap or store away in barns. 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:57.340 And yet, your Heavenly Father feeds them. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:11:00.840 And the second example in verse 28, 00:11:00.940 --> 00:11:01.800 which we already read, 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:03.280 is about the flowers of the field 00:11:03.280 --> 00:11:05.259 who can't make their own clothes, 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:07.960 and yet, God clothes them. 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:09.800 Now, in both of these examples, 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:11.600 there's a constant. 00:11:12.820 --> 00:11:16.060 God delights to provide for those 00:11:16.060 --> 00:11:19.060 who cannot provide for themselves. 00:11:19.059 --> 00:11:24.199 And so, Jesus asks the very same question 00:11:24.199 --> 00:11:25.319 after each example. 00:11:25.699 --> 00:11:26.099 He says, 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:30.039 Are you not much more valuable than they? 00:11:31.619 --> 00:11:34.199 If God cares for the little robins 00:11:34.199 --> 00:11:35.579 and the daisies like this, 00:11:36.579 --> 00:11:40.179 how much more will he provide your every need? 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:42.279 You are not a bird or a flower. 00:11:42.419 --> 00:11:46.199 You are a precious son or daughter. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:49.660 How much more does your father desire 00:11:49.660 --> 00:11:50.980 to provide your needs 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:55.420 over those of a plant or a flower? 00:11:56.160 --> 00:11:56.820 And listen, 00:11:57.360 --> 00:11:58.379 when you think about it, 00:11:58.420 --> 00:12:00.440 what good father would see his child 00:12:00.440 --> 00:12:02.580 in need of food or clothing or money 00:12:02.580 --> 00:12:04.879 and not delight to give it to them? 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:07.420 Think about that. 00:12:07.720 --> 00:12:08.980 Now, we can struggle 00:12:08.980 --> 00:12:11.440 to actually accept that, I think, 00:12:11.680 --> 00:12:13.720 because part of us always thinks 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:16.220 that God is distant from us. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:18.879 He's way up there somewhere in the clouds 00:12:18.879 --> 00:12:21.879 and he begrudgingly gives us 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:23.840 what we need when we ask 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:24.700 and nothing more. 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:27.899 And like fearful children 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:29.820 trembling as they approach 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:32.000 the door of their father's study, 00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:33.160 not wanting to disturb 00:12:33.160 --> 00:12:35.420 and incur their father's wrath, 00:12:35.680 --> 00:12:38.379 we sometimes have that perspective 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:40.399 on God our Father. 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:43.659 But I can't find anything in this passage 00:12:43.659 --> 00:12:45.779 to suggest a father like that, can you? 00:12:47.199 --> 00:12:48.699 Jesus wants us to know 00:12:48.699 --> 00:12:51.139 that the Father is near 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:54.980 and is compassionate towards us 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:57.059 and delights to provide 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:59.459 our every need. 00:13:00.459 --> 00:13:04.100 He promises to provide each need. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:07.840 But what about when it looks like he doesn't? 00:13:07.840 --> 00:13:12.259 Maybe you've been asking 00:13:12.259 --> 00:13:13.720 and asking 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:16.920 and your needs are not being met 00:13:16.920 --> 00:13:18.700 as you think best. 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:21.660 Maybe you've had times of wanting 00:13:21.660 --> 00:13:22.280 in your life. 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:26.480 Ibrahim, like thousands of others, 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:27.800 has a family in Gaza 00:13:27.800 --> 00:13:30.660 this morning who can't get food. 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:34.519 The aid is not getting there fast enough. 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:36.879 Their house is a pile of rubble. 00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:38.419 They've moved south 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:39.419 and they've been sheltering 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:40.200 in a church 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:41.639 for two months now. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:42.419 They're Christians. 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:44.980 Most waking moments 00:13:44.980 --> 00:13:46.639 are spent in desperate prayer. 00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:48.620 And yet, 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:50.840 as he looks down 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:51.960 at his starving child, 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:52.639 he wonders, 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:55.620 has God broken his promise 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:59.120 to provide for me? 00:13:59.120 --> 00:14:03.860 Has God broken his promise 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.840 to provide for us 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:07.259 whenever our daily needs 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:07.879 are not met? 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:09.700 What about when God chooses 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:11.620 not to give the house 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.840 or heal the sickness 00:14:12.840 --> 00:14:15.220 or provide the job in time? 00:14:15.460 --> 00:14:16.179 What then? 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:20.440 Well, if we keep following this text, 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:23.360 we will see Jesus' answer 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:24.960 to one of the toughest questions 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:26.600 that we have 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:28.040 as Christians. 00:14:28.040 --> 00:14:29.540 So let's keep going 00:14:29.540 --> 00:14:30.680 and see. 00:14:31.780 --> 00:14:33.100 In verse 31, 00:14:33.480 --> 00:14:36.120 Jesus gives his third command. 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:37.860 So, follow with me 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:38.500 from verse 31. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:39.139 verse 31. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.940 And this is the climax 00:14:40.940 --> 00:14:41.820 and summary of Jesus' 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:42.759 whole argument 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.379 in this passage. 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:44.539 So we need to listen up here. 00:14:46.779 --> 00:14:47.519 It says this, 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:48.539 So do not worry, 00:14:48.679 --> 00:14:49.000 saying, 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.340 what shall we eat? 00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:51.679 What shall we drink? 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.100 Or what shall we wear? 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:55.080 For the pagans 00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:56.399 run after all these things. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:58.759 And your heavenly Father 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.639 knows that you need them. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:04.360 But seek first 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:05.279 his kingdom 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:07.460 and his righteousness 00:15:07.460 --> 00:15:10.000 and all these things 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:11.759 will be given to you 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:13.059 as well. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:16.120 Jesus tells us 00:15:16.120 --> 00:15:18.360 not to spend our time 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:20.500 worrying about our daily needs 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:21.659 in 2024. 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.460 But instead, 00:15:24.379 --> 00:15:25.600 to spend our time 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.840 seeking first 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:27.840 his kingdom 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.879 and his righteousness. 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:33.539 First, 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:34.319 what does it mean 00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:35.120 to seek first 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:36.100 God's kingdom? 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:37.559 Well, 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.179 if you look back 00:15:38.179 --> 00:15:38.980 in chapter 6, 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.659 verse 9, 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:40.879 Jesus is teaching 00:15:40.879 --> 00:15:41.419 his disciples 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:42.080 how to pray 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:43.559 and we all know this. 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:44.019 It says this, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.439 Our Father in heaven, 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:47.480 hallowed be your name. 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:50.460 Your kingdom come. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:52.279 Your will be done 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:53.799 on earth 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:54.799 as it is in heaven. 00:15:56.340 --> 00:15:56.860 So, 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.259 to seek first 00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:58.960 God's kingdom 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:00.620 means to seek first 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.560 to say to God 00:16:01.560 --> 00:16:02.860 each day 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:03.840 in the coming year, 00:16:04.539 --> 00:16:05.539 not my will, 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:07.320 but your will be done. 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:08.799 It's about 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.639 his good, 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:10.600 loving rule 00:16:10.600 --> 00:16:11.700 being worked out 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:12.840 in our lives. 00:16:13.320 --> 00:16:13.799 And there are 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.740 big implications 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:15.679 of that prayer 00:16:15.679 --> 00:16:16.840 every day 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:17.580 in our lives. 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:18.600 Because, 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:20.360 I'm going to be honest, 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:22.000 a lot of the time, 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:23.779 my first concern 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:24.720 is how to build up 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:25.680 my kingdom. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:25.759 kingdom. 00:16:27.859 --> 00:16:28.899 And I'm not focused 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.559 on how to build 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.699 God's kingdom. 00:16:33.319 --> 00:16:33.799 Often, 00:16:33.939 --> 00:16:34.799 my top priority 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.139 in life 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:35.539 is getting 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:37.099 better financial stability 00:16:37.099 --> 00:16:38.259 for myself, 00:16:38.339 --> 00:16:38.919 for my family. 00:16:39.620 --> 00:16:40.779 Not a bad thing. 00:16:42.059 --> 00:16:42.419 But, 00:16:42.599 --> 00:16:43.559 Jesus says, 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:45.139 make God's kingdom 00:16:45.139 --> 00:16:46.579 your first priority. 00:16:46.580 --> 00:16:48.240 even if being 00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:48.780 generous 00:16:48.780 --> 00:16:49.960 towards church 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:50.440 and mission 00:16:50.440 --> 00:16:51.879 is not the most 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:53.020 financially beneficial 00:16:53.020 --> 00:16:54.120 option for you. 00:16:55.400 --> 00:16:56.720 Maybe your top priority 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:57.360 is being 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:58.200 accepted 00:16:58.200 --> 00:16:59.560 among your peers 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:00.320 or your friend group, 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:01.680 blending in 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:02.520 as much as possible. 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:03.600 Well, 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:04.240 Jesus says, 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.100 make God's kingdom 00:17:06.100 --> 00:17:07.240 your first priority 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:07.819 this year, 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:10.019 even if you lose 00:17:10.019 --> 00:17:10.579 the respect 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.740 of your peers 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:13.539 because you're 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:14.680 open about your faith. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:17.019 Maybe for you 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:17.759 the top priority 00:17:17.759 --> 00:17:18.799 is having good health. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:20.480 Not a bad thing 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:21.200 by any means. 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:22.359 A gift from God. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.180 But, 00:17:23.240 --> 00:17:23.880 Jesus says, 00:17:25.079 --> 00:17:25.900 make God's kingdom 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:26.980 your first priority, 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.359 even if serving 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:29.519 leaves you exhausted 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.559 on a Sunday afternoon 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:31.440 or a Friday night. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:34.799 I challenge you, 00:17:35.880 --> 00:17:36.779 be honest 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.940 with yourself 00:17:37.940 --> 00:17:39.039 and write out 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.900 a list of your 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:40.859 top priorities 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:42.359 for 2024. 00:17:43.479 --> 00:17:44.179 Things that 00:17:44.179 --> 00:17:45.719 you spend your time 00:17:45.719 --> 00:17:46.799 worrying about happening 00:17:46.799 --> 00:17:47.679 in your life. 00:17:48.219 --> 00:17:48.599 Genuinely, 00:17:48.899 --> 00:17:49.939 do this when you get home. 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:52.219 I've done one for myself 00:17:52.219 --> 00:17:53.199 and it was very revealing. 00:17:54.379 --> 00:17:55.419 And once you've made out 00:17:55.419 --> 00:17:55.939 your list, 00:17:56.159 --> 00:17:56.859 bring it to God, 00:17:56.939 --> 00:17:57.619 present it to Him 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:59.059 and say, 00:17:59.599 --> 00:18:00.979 Father, 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.819 these are the things 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:04.399 I'm anxious for 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:05.219 to happen this year, 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:07.259 but how can I seek first 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.099 your kingdom 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:10.819 in 2022? 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:12.099 Maybe you could write 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:12.639 down the names 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.319 of two people 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:13.740 that you're going 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.579 to invest time 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.359 in praying for 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:15.779 and meeting. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:16.699 Or, 00:18:16.899 --> 00:18:18.199 one way that you'd like 00:18:18.199 --> 00:18:19.059 to serve in church 00:18:19.059 --> 00:18:19.539 where you see 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:20.079 there's a need. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:21.299 Or, 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.119 one missionary 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:22.919 you'd like to support 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:23.339 this year, 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:24.079 even if it means 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:25.399 going without something 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.539 yourself. 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.879 Jesus promises us 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:31.159 that if we invest 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:31.819 our lives 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.339 in building 00:18:32.339 --> 00:18:32.939 His kingdom, 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:34.899 then He will 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.519 provide 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:37.139 our daily needs. 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:38.479 But there's also 00:18:38.479 --> 00:18:39.199 a second part 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:39.680 to this command, 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.000 isn't there? 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.940 It's to seek first 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:42.420 His righteousness. 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:44.259 And earlier 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.460 in the Sermon 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:45.880 on the Mount, 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:46.600 Jesus said 00:18:46.600 --> 00:18:47.299 in chapter 5, 00:18:47.360 --> 00:18:47.720 verse 6, 00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:48.000 He said, 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.680 Blessed are those 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.779 who hunger 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:52.160 and thirst 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:53.259 for righteousness, 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:54.920 for they 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:56.220 will be filled. 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.819 So rather than 00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.940 spending all our time 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:00.799 running after 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:02.319 our daily needs, 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:02.920 Jesus says, 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:03.920 hunger and thirst 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.700 after righteousness. 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:07.220 Which means, 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.880 invest your time 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:11.539 in becoming 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.400 more like Jesus. 00:19:14.440 --> 00:19:16.240 Long for growth 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.460 in godliness. 00:19:17.660 --> 00:19:18.220 Is that a top 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.320 priority for you 00:19:19.320 --> 00:19:20.420 in 2024? 00:19:21.080 --> 00:19:22.519 I cannot honestly 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.640 say it was on 00:19:23.640 --> 00:19:24.480 my initial list 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.160 that I wrote out. 00:19:25.880 --> 00:19:26.860 But Jesus says, 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:28.980 make it a priority. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:31.339 So how is it 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:31.839 going to happen 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:33.039 for you? 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:33.440 Well, 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.559 some suggestions. 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:37.460 Set a daily 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.360 time with the Lord 00:19:38.360 --> 00:19:40.000 where you will 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:40.880 meet with Him 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:41.900 to hear from 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:42.339 His Word 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.480 and spend time 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.299 in personal 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:45.680 worship of Him. 00:19:47.360 --> 00:19:48.059 Or you can set 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:48.799 a target for 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.860 three or four 00:19:49.860 --> 00:19:51.079 good Christian books 00:19:51.079 --> 00:19:52.299 that you could read 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:52.819 this year. 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.799 And if you don't 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:54.360 know which ones 00:19:54.360 --> 00:19:54.680 to read, 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.279 maybe have a chat 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:55.660 with the elders 00:19:55.660 --> 00:19:56.000 and they could 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:56.500 give you some 00:19:56.500 --> 00:19:57.360 recommendations. 00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:59.500 Or maybe you 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.119 could ask a 00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:00.819 brother or sister 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:01.419 in the body 00:20:01.419 --> 00:20:02.919 to meet with 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:03.539 you regularly 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.579 for encouragement 00:20:04.579 --> 00:20:05.639 and prayer. 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.799 Seek first 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:11.359 His kingdom 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:13.159 and His 00:20:13.159 --> 00:20:13.659 righteousness. 00:20:15.439 --> 00:20:16.819 And all 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.799 these things 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:18.699 will be given 00:20:18.699 --> 00:20:19.559 to you as well. 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:20.399 Yes, 00:20:21.439 --> 00:20:23.000 Jesus promises 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.079 to provide 00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:26.079 all of our 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:26.559 needs 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:27.399 whenever we 00:20:27.399 --> 00:20:27.919 are seeking 00:20:27.919 --> 00:20:28.539 first His 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:28.839 kingdom 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:29.559 and His 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:29.980 righteousness. 00:20:31.159 --> 00:20:31.700 And this 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:32.299 does bring us 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:32.700 back to the 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:33.119 question, 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:33.599 the big 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:33.980 question, 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:34.960 that we raised 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.339 earlier, 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:35.740 doesn't it? 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.220 What about 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:38.619 when our 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:39.419 daily needs 00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:40.179 for food, 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:40.980 health, 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:41.879 shelter, 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.399 money, 00:20:43.519 --> 00:20:44.240 are not met? 00:20:45.339 --> 00:20:46.119 Does that mean 00:20:46.119 --> 00:20:46.519 the Father 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:47.099 has broken 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:48.019 His promise 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:48.500 to provide? 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.500 God 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:51.759 will 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.440 have to 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:53.019 need to 00:20:53.019 --> 00:20:53.539 ask here 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:53.779 is, 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.299 what do we 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.839 really most 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.400 need? 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.099 Think about it. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.000 Because of our 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:02.000 fallen nature, 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.319 our bodies 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.299 naturally decay 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:06.220 and die. 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:08.220 And there's 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:08.680 nothing we can 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.160 do to stop 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:09.299 it. 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:12.720 So what we 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.720 ultimately need 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.359 is something 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:15.259 more than 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:15.839 food, 00:21:16.180 --> 00:21:16.720 good health, 00:21:17.000 --> 00:21:17.539 a good house, 00:21:17.619 --> 00:21:17.980 a comfortable 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.500 wage, 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.539 while we're 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:19.960 here on 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.240 earth, 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.559 right? 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:22.019 These are 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.559 good things 00:21:22.559 --> 00:21:23.480 which God 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:23.899 may well 00:21:23.899 --> 00:21:24.639 graciously 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:25.419 provide us 00:21:25.419 --> 00:21:26.440 for a time, 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:28.180 but they're 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:28.639 not what we 00:21:28.639 --> 00:21:29.419 ultimately need 00:21:29.419 --> 00:21:30.059 for eternity. 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:32.240 What we 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:33.059 actually need 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:34.139 is Jesus, 00:21:35.139 --> 00:21:36.180 His presence 00:21:36.180 --> 00:21:37.759 and His 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.299 provision 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.960 forever. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.560 Turn with me 00:21:42.560 --> 00:21:43.100 please to 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:43.600 Revelation 00:21:43.600 --> 00:21:44.360 chapter 7 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:44.860 and you'll 00:21:44.860 --> 00:21:45.500 see what I 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:45.820 mean. 00:21:48.140 --> 00:21:48.640 Revelation, 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.039 the last 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:49.320 book in the 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:49.519 Bible, 00:21:51.799 --> 00:21:53.039 chapter 7, 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:53.720 it's on page 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:56.779 1,238. 00:21:59.320 --> 00:21:59.980 And in 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:00.360 John's 00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:00.980 vision here, 00:22:02.060 --> 00:22:03.259 we're going 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.640 to get a 00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:04.220 glimpse of 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:05.080 what God's 00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:05.880 kingdom looks 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:06.940 like in 00:22:06.940 --> 00:22:07.800 its fully 00:22:07.800 --> 00:22:09.460 realized sense 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:10.000 at the end 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.360 of time. 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:11.300 If we are 00:22:11.300 --> 00:22:11.980 trusting in 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:12.240 Christ, 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:12.980 we are a 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.380 part of 00:22:13.380 --> 00:22:13.720 God's 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:14.200 kingdom right 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:14.480 now. 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:15.300 It is 00:22:15.300 --> 00:22:15.560 here, 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.260 and yet 00:22:16.260 --> 00:22:18.540 Jesus also 00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:19.220 says it's 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:19.780 still to 00:22:19.780 --> 00:22:20.380 come in 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:20.880 its fullest 00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:21.740 sense in 00:22:21.740 --> 00:22:22.200 the new 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:22.900 heavens and 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:23.120 earth. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:23.800 And that's 00:22:23.800 --> 00:22:24.220 what John 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:24.680 sees in 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.080 his vision, 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:25.400 which we're 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:25.600 going to 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:26.020 read now. 00:22:26.280 --> 00:22:26.500 We're going 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:26.700 to read 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.080 from verse 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:27.600 13. 00:22:29.800 --> 00:22:30.380 Then one 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:30.600 of the 00:22:30.600 --> 00:22:31.240 elders asked 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.460 me, 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.520 these in 00:22:32.520 --> 00:22:33.060 white robes, 00:22:33.100 --> 00:22:33.400 who are 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:33.560 they? 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:33.840 Where do 00:22:33.840 --> 00:22:34.160 they come 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.460 from? 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:35.440 I 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:35.780 answered, 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:36.340 sir, 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:36.900 you know. 00:22:37.560 --> 00:22:37.860 And he 00:22:37.860 --> 00:22:38.100 said, 00:22:38.920 --> 00:22:39.660 these are 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:40.300 they who 00:22:40.300 --> 00:22:40.660 have come 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:41.040 out of 00:22:41.040 --> 00:22:41.440 the great 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.020 tribulation. 00:22:42.760 --> 00:22:43.160 They have 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:43.760 washed their 00:22:43.760 --> 00:22:44.300 robes and 00:22:44.300 --> 00:22:44.600 made them 00:22:44.600 --> 00:22:45.040 white in 00:22:45.040 --> 00:22:45.400 the blood 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:45.640 of the 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:45.900 lamb. 00:22:46.560 --> 00:22:46.860 Therefore 00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:47.220 they are 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:47.800 before the 00:22:47.800 --> 00:22:48.240 throne of 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:48.680 God and 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.220 serve him 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:49.920 day and 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:50.320 night in 00:22:50.320 --> 00:22:50.820 his temple, 00:22:51.160 --> 00:22:51.700 and he 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:52.200 who sits 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:52.440 on the 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.040 throne will 00:22:53.040 --> 00:22:53.740 shelter 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.780 them with 00:22:54.780 --> 00:22:55.660 his presence. 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:57.060 Never 00:22:57.060 --> 00:22:57.660 again will 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:58.080 they hunger, 00:22:58.880 --> 00:22:59.720 never again 00:22:59.720 --> 00:23:00.000 will they 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.380 thirst. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.020 The sun 00:23:02.020 --> 00:23:02.520 will not 00:23:02.520 --> 00:23:03.080 beat down 00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:03.420 on them, 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.260 nor any 00:23:04.260 --> 00:23:05.020 scorching heat, 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.980 for the 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:06.639 lamb at 00:23:06.639 --> 00:23:07.259 the center 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:07.619 of the 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.639 throne will 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:09.420 be their 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:09.900 shepherd. 00:23:11.039 --> 00:23:11.720 He will 00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.559 lead them to 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:13.720 springs of 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:14.440 living water, 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.779 and God 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.960 will wipe 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:18.420 away every 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.839 tear from 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:20.900 their eyes. 00:23:20.900 --> 00:23:22.240 How amazing 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:23.500 is that? 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:27.500 Jesus can 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:29.799 promise all 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:30.359 our needs 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:30.680 will be 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.019 met, 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:33.019 because 00:23:33.019 --> 00:23:33.640 ultimately 00:23:33.640 --> 00:23:35.440 he himself 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:37.200 will meet 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:38.000 them in 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.400 heaven. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.599 And that's 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:41.180 a promise 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:41.779 that we can 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.680 build our 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:43.740 lives on. 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:46.099 And that's 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:46.799 as true for 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:47.980 Ibrahim and 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.660 his family in 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.319 Gaza this 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:49.880 morning as 00:23:49.880 --> 00:23:50.440 it's true 00:23:50.440 --> 00:23:51.799 for us 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.180 in 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:52.900 Carragaline. 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:54.120 And that 00:23:54.120 --> 00:23:55.340 releases us 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.519 from the 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:57.059 need to 00:23:57.059 --> 00:23:57.940 spend our 00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:58.880 lives worrying 00:23:58.880 --> 00:23:59.580 about our 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:00.680 present needs 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:02.340 not being 00:24:02.340 --> 00:24:02.700 met. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.080 Because 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:06.519 we are 00:24:06.519 --> 00:24:07.820 guaranteed 00:24:07.820 --> 00:24:09.480 unending 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.420 years of 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:10.779 Jesus' 00:24:11.400 --> 00:24:12.059 total 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:13.220 provision 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.160 in heaven. 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:16.559 You know 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:16.759 what? 00:24:16.860 --> 00:24:17.140 In this 00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:17.539 coming year 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:18.879 we can 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:19.619 ask our 00:24:19.619 --> 00:24:20.139 good and 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.480 gracious 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.139 father to 00:24:21.139 --> 00:24:22.119 provide our 00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:23.379 every need 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.139 day to 00:24:24.139 --> 00:24:24.460 day. 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:26.279 But 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:26.680 remember 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:28.740 when he 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.639 chooses not 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.579 to provide 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:31.440 for a 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.099 certain need 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:32.480 that we've 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.180 asked for 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:36.259 he has 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.059 already 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:38.119 prepared a 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:39.379 place for 00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:39.799 you in 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.759 heaven where 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.139 you will 00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:42.599 want and 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:43.539 hunger no 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.339 more or 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:44.839 your body 00:24:44.839 --> 00:24:45.279 will not 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:45.839 get sick 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.700 or tired. 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:49.599 that is 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:50.980 your future 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:52.099 in Christ. 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:54.079 So in 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:54.539 conclusion 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:57.379 our dearly 00:24:57.379 --> 00:24:57.899 beloved 00:24:57.899 --> 00:24:59.279 children of 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.759 the king 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:02.659 don't be 00:25:02.659 --> 00:25:03.879 consumed by 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:05.259 worry this 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:05.759 year. 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:07.799 Jesus has 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:08.599 commanded us 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.319 not to worry 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:11.379 and he has 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:13.319 promised to 00:25:13.319 --> 00:25:15.059 provide our 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:16.200 every need 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.519 and he 00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.179 has instructed 00:25:18.179 --> 00:25:19.279 us to 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.220 seek first 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:21.220 his kingdom 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:23.079 and his 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.679 righteousness 00:25:23.679 --> 00:25:25.799 above every 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.659 other 00:25:26.659 --> 00:25:27.759 priority. 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:29.839 So have 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:30.759 faith in 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.559 your father's 00:25:31.559 --> 00:25:32.179 care for 00:25:32.179 --> 00:25:33.179 you in 00:25:33.179 --> 00:25:33.919 2024 00:25:33.919 --> 00:25:36.079 and spend 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:36.500 it well 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:38.779 seeking first 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.980 his kingdom 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.940 and his 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.379 righteousness 00:25:41.380 --> 00:25:42.560 knowing 00:25:42.560 --> 00:25:43.900 that he 00:25:43.900 --> 00:25:44.400 will 00:25:44.400 --> 00:25:44.900 provide. 00:25:46.260 --> 00:25:46.940 Let's 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:47.180 pray. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.120 Jesus 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:58.460 we thank 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:58.960 you for 00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.520 your words 00:25:59.520 --> 00:26:00.320 of comfort 00:26:00.320 --> 00:26:01.400 to us 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:01.760 in our 00:26:01.760 --> 00:26:02.160 worries. 00:26:04.040 --> 00:26:05.180 We trust 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:05.860 you father 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:06.660 with our 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:07.760 every need 00:26:07.760 --> 00:26:08.280 in this 00:26:08.280 --> 00:26:08.940 coming year. 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:10.900 you know 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:11.340 each one. 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:13.380 Save us 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:14.259 from being 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:14.900 consumed 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:15.720 by worry 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:17.480 and help 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:17.880 us to 00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:19.039 trust in 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.940 your care 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.480 instead. 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.080 Holy Spirit 00:26:22.080 --> 00:26:22.940 bring to 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.460 our minds 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:24.380 these precious 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:25.299 promises 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.840 time and 00:26:26.840 --> 00:26:27.460 time again 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:29.080 so that we 00:26:29.080 --> 00:26:29.620 can live 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:30.620 with confidence 00:26:30.620 --> 00:26:31.200 in our 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:31.799 father's 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:32.279 care 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:34.180 and seek 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.820 first 00:26:34.820 --> 00:26:35.920 his kingdom 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.840 and his 00:26:36.840 --> 00:26:37.420 righteousness. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:39.200 it's in 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.779 Jesus name 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.000 that we 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.460 ask it. 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:41.600 Amen. 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.100 Well we 00:26:45.100 --> 00:26:45.440 are going to 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:45.940 sing our 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:46.380 last song 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:46.580 now.