WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.480 Those are some mighty truths that we just sang. 00:00:17.980 --> 00:00:19.039 ! We need to pray. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:29.160 God, we are so grateful this morning that you are faithful. 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:29.980 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.640 Over us. 00:00:31.920 --> 00:00:38.320 That even what has been planned for evil, you can redeem and turn it for our good. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:40.859 Oh God, we praise you. 00:00:42.000 --> 00:00:44.880 That you can turn the bad things into good. 00:00:45.880 --> 00:00:49.460 You can work all things out for our benefit, for our good. 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:55.500 To those who love you, to those who are called according to your goodness. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:00:56.620 We praise you. 00:00:56.619 --> 00:01:02.640 We praise you, Lord, for the fact that you intervene in our lives. 00:01:03.579 --> 00:01:05.640 You intersect with your sovereignty. 00:01:05.640 --> 00:01:08.439 You make good plans for us. 00:01:08.439 --> 00:01:11.079 You have a good future in store. 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:13.879 We know that you're able. 00:01:13.879 --> 00:01:15.939 We know that you're strong. 00:01:15.939 --> 00:01:23.439 We know that you love us and are watching us and are interested in the very details of our lives. 00:01:23.439 --> 00:01:24.439 God, we know that you're going to do that. 00:01:24.439 --> 00:01:38.299 Help us, Lord, to trust in your absolute supremacy and authority and sovereignty over all things. 00:01:38.299 --> 00:01:39.959 God, you're happy with you. 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:39.959 00:01:39.959 --> 00:01:42.299 God, you're happy with you. 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:42.299 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:43.739 God, you're happy with you. 00:01:43.739 --> 00:01:43.739 00:01:43.739 --> 00:01:44.879 God, you're happy with you. 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:46.599 God's happy with you. 00:01:46.599 --> 00:01:51.640 of the truth of God's word can not only penetrate our own hearts and lives, 00:01:52.140 --> 00:01:57.479 but can make its way into the hearts and lives of the people around us. 00:01:59.079 --> 00:02:02.419 So there can be some fruitfulness. 00:02:03.419 --> 00:02:10.419 There can be some effectiveness because of the power of God working in and through us 00:02:10.419 --> 00:02:14.900 to impact and to change the lives of those around us. 00:02:14.900 --> 00:02:17.580 God, that's our desire this morning. 00:02:18.379 --> 00:02:19.879 Please make it happen. 00:02:20.280 --> 00:02:21.360 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:02:22.040 --> 00:02:22.280 Amen. 00:02:24.420 --> 00:02:28.840 Well, last week we began our study through Isaiah chapter 40, 00:02:29.040 --> 00:02:32.840 and hopefully this morning we're going to finish that chapter 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:36.960 as we're thinking about and looking at the God of comfort. 00:02:38.599 --> 00:02:43.879 And as we think about the God of comfort, how does the God of comfort show up in our lives? 00:02:43.879 --> 00:02:45.900 What does the God of comfort do? 00:02:47.019 --> 00:02:55.379 How does it intersect with the day-to-day living in our lives? 00:02:55.460 --> 00:02:57.560 How does it change us? 00:02:57.599 --> 00:02:58.659 How does it help us? 00:02:59.919 --> 00:03:02.979 How does it make a difference in our day-to-day? 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:11.839 As we talked about comfort, we got to see that we're not talking about the world's concept of comfort. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:19.819 We're not talking about this superficial idea of things that are pleasing in life necessarily, 00:03:20.399 --> 00:03:22.819 things that are comfortable in life, 00:03:23.539 --> 00:03:27.659 this feeling of acceptance and peace in your life. 00:03:27.659 --> 00:03:30.460 That's our world's view of comfort. 00:03:30.680 --> 00:03:32.780 But when God is talking about comfort, 00:03:32.859 --> 00:03:37.359 He is talking about the things that run to the very core of who you are. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:44.060 He's talking about the things that change everything about the person that you are. 00:03:44.800 --> 00:03:49.120 They affect the heart in life that you live. 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:55.159 They're not just dealing with the externals of life, 00:03:55.259 --> 00:03:56.780 but they will change you entirely. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:03.560 That's what God is about doing for you in ministering comfort to your life. 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:07.300 God's desire is transformation. 00:04:07.300 --> 00:04:14.240 To produce within us this lasting and enduring peace. 00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:21.720 This ability to look fear in the face and to move forward in courage, 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:24.720 recognizing that God is in control. 00:04:25.600 --> 00:04:31.879 There is a fearlessness about those who have been ministered to in terms of comfort. 00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:39.759 We understand that fear is one of those things that tends to grip our lives. 00:04:40.980 --> 00:04:47.439 The Apostle Paul even had to commend or correct his young disciple Timothy. 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:49.959 The young man in the faith, he says, 00:04:50.519 --> 00:04:51.939 Don't have a spirit of fear. 00:04:52.040 --> 00:04:54.159 God has not given you that kind of spirit, Timothy. 00:04:54.719 --> 00:04:59.079 But He's given you the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:02.379 And then in Isaiah chapter 41, 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:06.159 God is calling this people of Israel to, 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:08.639 Fear not, for I am with you. 00:05:09.479 --> 00:05:11.740 Be not dismayed, for I am your God. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:13.240 Trust me. 00:05:14.339 --> 00:05:15.099 Believe in me. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:19.680 And then the beloved apostle in 1 John says, 00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:22.659 Perfect love casts out fear. 00:05:27.060 --> 00:05:28.860 One commentator puts it this way. 00:05:29.079 --> 00:05:30.439 He says, 00:05:30.939 --> 00:05:35.959 Fear expresses the opposite of all that Christianity is to be. 00:05:36.979 --> 00:05:39.939 Fear is the contradiction of faith. 00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:45.360 Fear is the complete state of anti-God. 00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:49.419 That's a penetrating statement. 00:05:49.420 --> 00:05:55.580 And God has to move us through steps of maturity, 00:05:55.840 --> 00:05:58.939 To grow us in this fearlessness, 00:05:59.400 --> 00:06:02.879 As we're confronted with the God of all comfort, 00:06:03.700 --> 00:06:06.819 And He ministers to us graciously, 00:06:07.340 --> 00:06:10.520 Moving us into fuller peace, 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:12.200 Fuller dependence, 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:16.620 Fuller confidence in His ability to intervene in life. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:21.879 There are two times of my life in particular, 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:28.379 I can remember that God has made dramatic shifts in my thinking, 00:06:28.519 --> 00:06:30.639 In relationship to trusting in Him. 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:37.240 Of course, He intends to move us all in baby steps at times, 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:40.500 In moving in the direction of trusting Him more. 00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:43.240 But two that stand out in my mind. 00:06:43.240 --> 00:06:47.120 One, it was a dark morning. 00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:49.699 The sun had not yet risen in California. 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:53.120 I was sitting in my family room on the couch. 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:57.680 I was giving my heart to the Lord, 00:06:57.939 --> 00:07:02.300 And I felt this tap on my shoulder. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:06.980 God was speaking to my heart and saying, 00:07:07.240 --> 00:07:08.819 Andrew, do you really trust me? 00:07:09.959 --> 00:07:14.259 I know that life is sometimes out of control, 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:17.980 But do you trust me with the things that are most important to you? 00:07:18.800 --> 00:07:20.420 Do you trust me with your future? 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:22.660 Do you trust me with your health? 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.400 Do you trust me with your family? 00:07:25.900 --> 00:07:27.080 With your finances? 00:07:27.800 --> 00:07:30.020 Do you trust me with your occupation? 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:35.080 Am I good enough to be trusted in that way? 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:41.000 And I can remember this wrestling that took place in my heart, 00:07:41.139 --> 00:07:43.139 And finally yielding to say, 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:44.340 God, you are trustworthy. 00:07:45.780 --> 00:07:47.860 So I give you my family, 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:50.060 To do with them as you will. 00:07:51.220 --> 00:07:52.759 God, I give you my future, 00:07:52.879 --> 00:07:54.560 To do with it as you will. 00:07:55.600 --> 00:07:57.980 God, I give you my finances, 00:07:58.240 --> 00:07:59.060 And my health, 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:01.800 Every part of my life. 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:03.980 God, I recommit to you again, 00:08:04.100 --> 00:08:06.840 Because I know that you are faithful, 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:08.200 And good, 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:08.939 And able. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:11.660 It belongs to you anyway. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:15.240 But God, I give it to you, 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:16.939 To do with as you will. 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:19.560 That was a big step. 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:23.740 Of course, our families belong to God in the first place. 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:26.160 But to go through the motions, 00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:29.519 And to reaffirm the things that we know, 00:08:30.279 --> 00:08:31.819 Because of confidence, 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:33.779 In a God who is able, 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:35.440 A God who is good, 00:08:35.759 --> 00:08:36.940 A God who is faithful, 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:38.379 A God who cares. 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:43.340 It's one more step towards maturity. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.980 It's one more step, 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:46.600 In terms of yielding and trusting, 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:47.600 In him. 00:08:49.299 --> 00:08:50.600 And then several years ago, 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.679 We were standing at a crossroads, 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:55.360 In our life as a family. 00:08:55.360 --> 00:08:58.500 And we believed that God was calling us, 00:08:58.580 --> 00:08:59.680 To make a big decision, 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:02.320 To step out of where we were, 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.159 And to step really into the unknown. 00:09:05.779 --> 00:09:06.779 I'm the kind of guy, 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:08.620 I like to plan ahead, 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:10.019 I like to know what's coming, 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:13.840 I like to have things well in hand, 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:15.659 At least I can anticipate, 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:17.399 What the future holds. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:21.080 And this was one of those crossroads in our life, 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:22.960 Where I was stepping into the unknown. 00:09:22.960 --> 00:09:26.740 I didn't have a job to step into, 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:28.920 I didn't know necessarily, 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:30.120 What the future would hold, 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:33.080 I just knew that God was faithful, 00:09:33.460 --> 00:09:35.040 I knew that God would provide. 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:37.379 And again, 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:39.160 I felt God tapping me on the shoulder, 00:09:40.540 --> 00:09:40.940 Saying, 00:09:41.680 --> 00:09:42.019 Andrew, 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:45.259 Do you have to step into your plans? 00:09:46.400 --> 00:09:49.280 Are your plans really that secure for you? 00:09:50.379 --> 00:09:52.340 Step onto me, 00:09:52.960 --> 00:09:55.379 Because I am, 00:09:55.900 --> 00:09:56.840 The foundation, 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:57.860 I am the bedrock, 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:59.139 On Christ, 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:01.180 The solid rock I stand, 00:10:01.420 --> 00:10:03.240 All other ground is sinking sand, 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:05.580 Do you trust me enough, 00:10:05.860 --> 00:10:08.240 To stand on me for your future? 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:13.040 So another step, 00:10:13.560 --> 00:10:15.600 Took place in my life that day, 00:10:16.420 --> 00:10:18.780 As I committed my heart to trust in God, 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:22.159 In another way that was different from the past. 00:10:23.199 --> 00:10:24.679 And God does that for us, 00:10:24.699 --> 00:10:27.100 As he is progressively moving us, 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:29.959 Into deeper dependence upon him. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:33.259 And then he's ministering to us, 00:10:33.319 --> 00:10:34.519 In the process to say, 00:10:35.059 --> 00:10:37.480 I am the God of comfort, 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:40.879 I will come and intervene in your life, 00:10:40.879 --> 00:10:42.580 I will rescue, 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:43.559 I will help, 00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:44.620 I will provide, 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:47.019 I am enough for you. 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:49.460 And when we do that, 00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:52.860 The testimony of the great comforter, 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:55.539 Comes and fills our life, 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.320 And shows the world, 00:10:57.439 --> 00:10:59.299 That we serve a God, 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:01.659 Who is distinct from any other God. 00:11:01.659 --> 00:11:06.100 Who moves us from fear into faith, 00:11:06.959 --> 00:11:09.299 That moves us from the struggles, 00:11:09.699 --> 00:11:12.819 And the anxiety into peace and joy, 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:17.259 That surpasses any of the struggles, 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:19.480 That we are currently experiencing. 00:11:21.159 --> 00:11:23.199 And I can tell you by experience, 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:24.879 And I can tell you on the authority, 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:26.120 Of the word of God, 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:27.519 And as we look there this morning, 00:11:27.600 --> 00:11:28.419 We'll see it together. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:30.899 We'll see, 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:34.000 That when we make room in our hearts, 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:34.799 And lives, 00:11:34.839 --> 00:11:36.019 For the God of comfort, 00:11:36.339 --> 00:11:37.899 To come in, 00:11:38.219 --> 00:11:40.959 He will run to you. 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:44.759 He will rush into the vacuum of your life, 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.639 And fill it up with his comfort, 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.159 And with his help. 00:11:49.839 --> 00:11:50.620 You see, 00:11:51.699 --> 00:11:55.759 As we seek to minister to our co-workers, 00:11:56.459 --> 00:11:57.319 And our neighbors, 00:11:57.320 --> 00:11:59.040 In our family, 00:12:00.280 --> 00:12:01.900 About the greatness, 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:03.420 Of the gospel, 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:04.340 In Christianity, 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:08.440 The one thing that will not stand out to them, 00:12:08.520 --> 00:12:09.160 Necessarily, 00:12:09.240 --> 00:12:10.100 Is our devotion. 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:13.220 There's a lot of religious people, 00:12:13.420 --> 00:12:14.980 In this world. 00:12:15.580 --> 00:12:16.800 Many are far more religious, 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:17.760 Than we will ever be. 00:12:18.140 --> 00:12:20.040 But what will stand out to them, 00:12:20.680 --> 00:12:22.520 Is that the God of comfort, 00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:25.060 Has rescued you, 00:12:25.260 --> 00:12:26.480 From your circumstances, 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:28.139 Has rushed in, 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:28.960 To help. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:31.019 And the God of comfort, 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:32.659 Will beckon them, 00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:33.860 In their anxiety, 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:34.460 To come, 00:12:34.860 --> 00:12:36.060 And to feast, 00:12:36.220 --> 00:12:37.300 At the table of comfort, 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:38.440 To drink in, 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.220 The well, 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:40.139 Of comfort, 00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:41.320 And living water, 00:12:41.320 --> 00:12:42.039 That God has, 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:42.740 To give to them. 00:12:43.860 --> 00:12:44.759 And that happens, 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.180 As we herald, 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:47.440 The good news, 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.399 Of the great comforter, 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:50.340 Who has ministered, 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:51.000 To our hearts, 00:12:51.080 --> 00:12:51.600 And lives, 00:12:51.680 --> 00:12:53.639 In the greatest difficulties, 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.539 And circumstances, 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:55.379 That you might face. 00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:58.379 Are we resting, 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:00.279 In the great comforter, 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:01.059 This morning? 00:13:02.340 --> 00:13:02.980 Turn with me, 00:13:03.039 --> 00:13:03.360 If you would, 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:04.580 To Isaiah chapter 40. 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:06.259 As we continue, 00:13:06.379 --> 00:13:07.419 This great study, 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:09.639 Of the great comforter, 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:11.659 What we notice, 00:13:11.799 --> 00:13:13.139 Through this passage, 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:14.919 Beginning in verse 1, 00:13:14.919 --> 00:13:16.219 That there are really, 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:16.839 Three, 00:13:17.179 --> 00:13:19.639 There are three spokesmen, 00:13:19.839 --> 00:13:20.819 That stand out, 00:13:20.919 --> 00:13:22.000 Throughout this chapter. 00:13:23.059 --> 00:13:24.740 The first spokesman, 00:13:24.839 --> 00:13:26.139 Is God, 00:13:26.699 --> 00:13:27.860 Who is initiating, 00:13:28.019 --> 00:13:29.000 Comfort with his people. 00:13:29.559 --> 00:13:31.019 He is the first speaker, 00:13:31.019 --> 00:13:32.159 And he is the one, 00:13:32.339 --> 00:13:33.879 Who sends his message, 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:34.459 Out, 00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:36.240 To the world. 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:38.759 The second speaker, 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:39.839 Is in verse 3, 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:41.759 And that's our next stage. 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:44.080 And this is the voice, 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:44.960 Of one crying, 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:45.460 In the wilderness. 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.939 And this voice, 00:13:47.340 --> 00:13:48.960 Is hearkening, 00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:49.620 Or beckoning, 00:13:49.779 --> 00:13:51.019 To his audience, 00:13:51.819 --> 00:13:52.639 To make a way, 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:53.159 For the Lord, 00:13:53.220 --> 00:13:54.460 To have his work, 00:13:54.740 --> 00:13:55.379 In their life. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:58.279 The final speaker, 00:13:58.419 --> 00:13:59.879 Or the final speakers, 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:00.779 I should say, 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:02.819 Is in verse 8, 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:03.779 Verse 9. 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:05.720 These are the, 00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:06.700 The heralds, 00:14:06.700 --> 00:14:07.580 Of Jerusalem. 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.000 This, 00:14:08.439 --> 00:14:09.860 This chorus, 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:11.000 Of voices, 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:12.039 Who are speaking, 00:14:12.039 --> 00:14:13.019 About the greatness, 00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:13.700 Of God, 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.559 As they have experienced, 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.480 Him for himself. 00:14:17.700 --> 00:14:18.240 And that those, 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:19.419 Who hear the message, 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:20.320 Can participate, 00:14:21.379 --> 00:14:22.340 In the experience, 00:14:22.419 --> 00:14:23.200 Of knowing God, 00:14:23.320 --> 00:14:23.519 By, 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:25.440 By following the same process, 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.039 That they have, 00:14:26.559 --> 00:14:28.000 They have also gone through, 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:28.759 In their lives. 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.379 Just by way of recap, 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:31.679 I, 00:14:31.799 --> 00:14:32.740 I want to just take us, 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:33.519 Briefly through, 00:14:33.659 --> 00:14:34.100 Some of the, 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:34.919 Some of the things, 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:35.539 We learned, 00:14:35.679 --> 00:14:36.440 Last week, 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:37.960 About the God of comfort. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:39.100 First, 00:14:39.179 --> 00:14:39.360 We, 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:40.480 We ask the question, 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:41.120 Why, 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:42.639 Does comfort come? 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.159 And we saw that comfort comes, 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:46.440 In three different ways. 00:14:47.259 --> 00:14:48.100 In verse 1, 00:14:48.180 --> 00:14:48.300 We, 00:14:48.420 --> 00:14:49.159 We recognize, 00:14:49.500 --> 00:14:50.340 That comfort comes, 00:14:50.420 --> 00:14:52.019 Because it is God, 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:53.139 Who desires comfort, 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:53.800 For his people. 00:14:54.800 --> 00:14:55.580 Look at that, 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:56.259 With me there, 00:14:56.340 --> 00:14:56.800 In verse 1, 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:57.159 It says, 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:57.960 Comfort, 00:14:58.460 --> 00:14:59.840 Comfort my people, 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:00.560 Says, 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:02.120 Your God. 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:04.639 It is God's, 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.159 Earnest, 00:15:05.720 --> 00:15:06.340 Desire, 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:07.440 For everyone, 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:08.560 In this room today, 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:09.679 To know, 00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:09.679 00:15:10.219 --> 00:15:10.979 And enjoy, 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.219 And experience, 00:15:12.339 --> 00:15:13.099 The comfort of God. 00:15:14.439 --> 00:15:16.559 He is the initiator, 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:17.419 Of comfort. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:19.359 You cannot have comfort, 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:20.419 Without him, 00:15:20.579 --> 00:15:21.679 And if it were not, 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:22.239 For the fact, 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:23.839 That he is initiating, 00:15:23.839 --> 00:15:24.719 Comfort for you, 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:27.339 You have no experience, 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:28.539 Of lasting comfort, 00:15:28.619 --> 00:15:29.059 In your life. 00:15:30.339 --> 00:15:31.239 It is, 00:15:31.619 --> 00:15:32.739 Amazing, 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:34.799 That God wants us, 00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:35.680 To know comfort today. 00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.779 That God initiates, 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:38.759 Comfort with us, 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:39.200 Today. 00:15:39.340 --> 00:15:40.100 When he knows, 00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:40.680 Our hearts, 00:15:42.080 --> 00:15:43.000 He knows our, 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:43.600 Wickedness, 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.180 He knows our, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:44.919 Tendencies, 00:15:45.519 --> 00:15:46.700 He knows our history, 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:47.399 And our baggage, 00:15:47.519 --> 00:15:49.159 He knows it all, 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:50.759 But he is still, 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:51.879 A God who pursues, 00:15:51.980 --> 00:15:52.960 Comfort with us. 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:54.299 He is still, 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.480 A God who desires it, 00:15:55.539 --> 00:15:55.940 For you, 00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:57.159 To know it, 00:15:57.220 --> 00:15:58.100 And experience it. 00:15:58.100 --> 00:16:01.420 It comes, 00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.019 Also, 00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:03.200 Through, 00:16:03.800 --> 00:16:04.399 The forgiveness, 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:05.420 That God provides. 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:07.340 We see that in verse 2, 00:16:07.420 --> 00:16:08.379 The very first part. 00:16:08.460 --> 00:16:08.700 It says, 00:16:09.040 --> 00:16:10.560 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, 00:16:10.899 --> 00:16:12.019 And cry to her, 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:13.659 That her warfare is ended, 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:15.340 That her iniquity, 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.740 Is pardoned. 00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:19.420 And as we look at this word, 00:16:19.519 --> 00:16:20.100 Last week, 00:16:20.180 --> 00:16:21.899 We came to understand, 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:24.160 That whenever this word is used, 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:25.320 In this way, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:26.980 In the Old Testament, 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:28.539 It's used to refer to, 00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:29.500 Blood sacrifice. 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:32.379 We also have understood, 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.279 Through our study, 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:34.519 In the book of Isaiah, 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:35.879 That, 00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.680 God didn't really delight, 00:16:37.860 --> 00:16:39.600 In the actual blood sacrifices, 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:40.820 Of this group of people. 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:42.759 Because he understood, 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:43.779 What was really going on. 00:16:44.019 --> 00:16:45.500 They weren't pulling over, 00:16:45.620 --> 00:16:47.039 Anything over God's eyes. 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:48.659 They weren't pulling the wool, 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:49.240 Over his eyes. 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:50.200 He knew, 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:51.320 Their hearts. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:53.120 He knew the veneer, 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:53.680 Of religion. 00:16:53.800 --> 00:16:54.139 He knew, 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:55.240 The hypocrisy. 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:56.759 He knew that, 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.460 They were just going, 00:16:57.460 --> 00:16:58.200 Through the motions. 00:16:59.059 --> 00:16:59.740 He says that, 00:16:59.819 --> 00:17:00.480 In chapter one. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:00.679 He said, 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:01.559 I don't delight, 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:03.240 In your offerings, 00:17:03.379 --> 00:17:04.279 In your sacrifices. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.779 They're nothing to me. 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.819 In a few chapters, 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:11.039 From chapter 40, 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:12.240 We'll see, 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:13.220 What sacrifice, 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:14.819 Really matters to him. 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.039 The only sacrifice, 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.099 That ever matters, 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:19.400 Is the once, 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:20.960 For all sacrifice, 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:22.119 Of Jesus on the cross. 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:24.200 He was wounded, 00:17:24.559 --> 00:17:25.539 For our transgressions. 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.539 He was bruised, 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:27.680 For our iniquities. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.039 The chastisement, 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:29.539 Of our peace, 00:17:29.659 --> 00:17:31.099 Was placed on him, 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:32.639 And by his stripes, 00:17:32.720 --> 00:17:33.139 We are healed. 00:17:34.240 --> 00:17:35.920 It is his sacrifice, 00:17:36.319 --> 00:17:37.619 In his sacrifice, 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:38.240 Alone, 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:40.619 That brings comfort, 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.420 That makes way, 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:42.059 For comfort, 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:43.500 Between us and God. 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:44.980 Because, 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.159 The God of comfort, 00:17:46.299 --> 00:17:47.319 Cannot be, 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:48.879 Cannot be in the presence, 00:17:48.879 --> 00:17:49.460 Of those, 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.659 Who have not been pardoned. 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:53.019 So God not only, 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:53.740 Offers, 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:55.620 The comfort to us, 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:57.160 He initiates comfort to us, 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.240 But he makes a way, 00:17:58.380 --> 00:17:59.120 Through his son, 00:17:59.480 --> 00:17:59.759 Jesus, 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:01.160 To experience that comfort, 00:18:01.300 --> 00:18:01.800 Through pardon, 00:18:02.140 --> 00:18:02.660 Of sin. 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:05.100 We also talked about, 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.180 The God who chooses, 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.360 To discipline. 00:18:09.300 --> 00:18:10.320 Do you realize, 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:11.460 That God introduces, 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.620 Discipline in your life, 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:15.699 Because he wants, 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:16.579 To call you back, 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:17.839 To what's really important. 00:18:18.579 --> 00:18:19.399 He wants to, 00:18:19.419 --> 00:18:20.699 To remove the things, 00:18:20.899 --> 00:18:21.459 From your life, 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:22.819 That you have filled up, 00:18:22.899 --> 00:18:23.639 Your life with, 00:18:23.699 --> 00:18:25.039 That will never give you, 00:18:25.219 --> 00:18:26.279 The kind of comfort, 00:18:26.419 --> 00:18:27.479 That only God can give. 00:18:28.719 --> 00:18:29.539 He does it, 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:30.339 To get your attention. 00:18:31.239 --> 00:18:32.000 He does it, 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:33.139 Because of his grace. 00:18:34.459 --> 00:18:35.079 He does it, 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:36.179 Because he wants you, 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:37.459 To really experience, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.219 True, 00:18:38.699 --> 00:18:39.519 Lasting comfort, 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:40.779 That only comes from him. 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:42.799 And if you're, 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:44.039 Filling up your life, 00:18:44.159 --> 00:18:45.200 With all of these, 00:18:45.279 --> 00:18:46.000 Other things, 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:46.619 You're not going to have, 00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:47.519 Any room for God. 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.799 So God has to, 00:18:49.859 --> 00:18:51.019 To take you through, 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:52.879 This disciplining process, 00:18:53.139 --> 00:18:54.859 This weaning process, 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:56.619 To help call your attention, 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.000 To him. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.039 To help expose, 00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:01.180 The emptiness of those things, 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.980 And help to direct, 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:04.180 Your attention to the things, 00:19:04.919 --> 00:19:05.619 To the one thing, 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:06.319 That really matters. 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:07.079 And that is, 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:08.000 A relationship, 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:09.319 With God. 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:11.099 We come to, 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:12.659 To see in the book of Romans, 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.259 In particular, 00:19:13.460 --> 00:19:15.440 That judgment of God, 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:17.000 Is to ignore our sin, 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:19.440 To give us up, 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.060 To our sin, 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:20.980 To let it just, 00:19:21.060 --> 00:19:22.560 Have its way in our life, 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.160 God just says, 00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:24.560 Fine, 00:19:24.779 --> 00:19:25.900 I will give you, 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:27.460 The things that you're asking for, 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.240 Go ahead. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.900 But for those, 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:31.840 Whom God loves, 00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.400 He disciplines. 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:34.200 He disciplines, 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:34.940 For our best, 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:35.700 He disciplines, 00:19:36.100 --> 00:19:36.960 So that he, 00:19:37.140 --> 00:19:38.160 Can be part, 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:39.440 Of our life. 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:42.539 Why does comfort come? 00:19:43.080 --> 00:19:43.880 It comes because, 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:44.779 God shows up. 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:46.059 God, 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.660 Desires to intervene, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.259 In your life. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.120 God wants to give us, 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:50.860 The comfort that we, 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:51.980 So long for. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:54.700 But just because, 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:55.759 Comfort is offered, 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:56.460 Doesn't mean, 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.900 That comfort will be received. 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.559 So the next question, 00:19:59.640 --> 00:20:00.200 We ask ourselves, 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.980 Is how does comfort come? 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.660 How does it, 00:20:03.840 --> 00:20:04.539 How do we get it, 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:05.460 In the first place? 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:06.660 And we see that, 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:08.000 In the next several verses, 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.579 It says in verse 3, 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.259 A voice cries, 00:20:13.340 --> 00:20:13.740 In the wilderness, 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:15.559 Prepare the way of the Lord, 00:20:15.779 --> 00:20:17.220 Make straight in the desert, 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.860 A highway for our God, 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:20.819 Every valley shall be lifted up, 00:20:20.840 --> 00:20:21.620 And every mountain, 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.519 Shall be made low, 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:24.140 The uneven ground, 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:25.200 Shall become level, 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:27.100 And the rough places plain, 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:28.579 And the glory of the Lord, 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:29.380 Shall be revealed, 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:30.759 And all flesh, 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:32.079 Shall see it together, 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:33.240 For the mouth, 00:20:33.360 --> 00:20:34.019 Of the Lord, 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:35.000 Has spoken. 00:20:36.420 --> 00:20:37.120 And as we, 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:37.900 As we, 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:39.840 Read this verse, 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:40.880 And we understood, 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:41.700 The correlation, 00:20:41.880 --> 00:20:43.340 Between this verse, 00:20:43.440 --> 00:20:44.000 And the ministry, 00:20:44.120 --> 00:20:44.819 Of John the Baptist, 00:20:45.840 --> 00:20:47.299 We came to appreciate, 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:47.940 The fact that, 00:20:48.100 --> 00:20:48.640 That what, 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:50.900 Isaiah is talking about, 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.900 What God is, 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:53.000 Is communicating, 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:54.539 To his prophet Isaiah, 00:20:55.019 --> 00:20:56.220 Is that, 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:58.039 Comfort will come, 00:20:58.100 --> 00:20:59.539 Through the preparation, 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:00.039 Of the heart. 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.940 Is your heart ready, 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:05.640 For comfort to come, 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:05.640 For comfort to come? 00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:09.299 The ministry of John the Baptist, 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:10.420 Was the ministry of repentance, 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:13.320 The ministry of John the Baptist, 00:21:13.320 --> 00:21:15.220 Was to help bring, 00:21:15.580 --> 00:21:16.900 Humility to the people of Israel, 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:18.700 You see, 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:19.980 When he was baptizing, 00:21:19.980 --> 00:21:20.700 These Jews, 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.680 Out by the Jordan River, 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:24.160 What was actually taking place, 00:21:24.539 --> 00:21:25.039 Was this, 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:25.880 Ceremony, 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:27.140 That was set aside, 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:28.180 Really for Gentiles, 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:30.220 It was set aside, 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:30.900 For Gentiles, 00:21:31.120 --> 00:21:32.700 To usher them into, 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:33.779 This, 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.880 This new, 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:37.000 Identity, 00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:37.600 As being, 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:38.500 Jewish, 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:41.120 As, 00:21:41.580 --> 00:21:42.160 John the Baptist, 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.240 Was trying to help them understand, 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.120 There was, 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:45.200 A need for rebirth, 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:46.360 To take place in their life, 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:47.779 That they could not rely, 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:49.160 On their ancestry, 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.380 On their heritage, 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.580 On their ethnicity, 00:21:52.420 --> 00:21:53.240 They couldn't rely, 00:21:53.320 --> 00:21:54.000 On the fact that they, 00:21:54.120 --> 00:21:55.000 That they were connected, 00:21:55.100 --> 00:21:55.640 To Abraham, 00:21:55.640 --> 00:21:57.200 Something more significant, 00:21:57.320 --> 00:21:57.840 Had to happen, 00:21:58.020 --> 00:21:59.240 At the deepest levels, 00:21:59.320 --> 00:21:59.940 Of their life, 00:22:00.940 --> 00:22:01.960 It could only come, 00:22:02.060 --> 00:22:03.160 Through repentance, 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:04.720 And brokenness, 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:06.020 And receptivity, 00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:06.880 Of the word of God, 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:07.380 In their life, 00:22:07.560 --> 00:22:08.780 The ministry of Jesus, 00:22:08.780 --> 00:22:10.580 Could only have its way, 00:22:11.060 --> 00:22:11.520 As they were, 00:22:11.620 --> 00:22:12.980 As they were humbled, 00:22:13.400 --> 00:22:14.560 And willing to receive, 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:15.300 The message, 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:16.120 That he had to bring, 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:19.280 There was a need, 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:20.300 For preparation, 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:21.980 For, 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:23.360 Raising up, 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.340 The low places, 00:22:24.540 --> 00:22:25.480 And bringing down, 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.099 In the high places, 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:27.360 This is all about, 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.200 Accessibility, 00:22:29.400 --> 00:22:29.860 Does God, 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:31.240 God's word have its way, 00:22:31.299 --> 00:22:31.900 In your life, 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.799 Does it have free course, 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.160 In your life, 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:36.900 Is there a sense, 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:38.279 Of receiving the message, 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.440 That he intends to give, 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.880 And when, 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:42.980 The heart is prepared, 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.079 Then this next, 00:22:44.079 --> 00:22:45.160 Thing happens, 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:46.559 It comes through, 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.839 The presence, 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:48.700 Of the Lord, 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:50.120 Notice, 00:22:51.559 --> 00:22:53.319 The glory of the Lord, 00:22:53.440 --> 00:22:54.259 Shall be revealed, 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:56.039 And all flesh, 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.440 Shall see it together, 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.640 For the mouth, 00:22:58.799 --> 00:22:59.500 Of the Lord, 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.680 Has spoken, 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:03.480 When Luke, 00:23:03.619 --> 00:23:04.619 Is referring to, 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.220 Isaiah, 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:06.640 This is the one phrase, 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.200 He kind of, 00:23:07.379 --> 00:23:08.480 Makes an adjustment to, 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:09.960 To help us understand, 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.619 The correlation, 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:11.140 Between, 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:12.579 The glory of God, 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.140 In Isaiah, 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:14.519 And the salvation, 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.220 Of God, 00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:16.759 That was going to be, 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.319 Ushered in, 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:18.019 Through Jesus, 00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:20.139 You see, 00:23:21.139 --> 00:23:22.599 The glory of God, 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:25.180 And the salvation of God, 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:27.420 Merge together, 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.379 In, 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.879 They converge, 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:30.619 At the cross, 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:32.099 This is where, 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:32.619 Glory, 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.819 And salvation, 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:35.779 Culminate together, 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:37.180 To help us, 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.160 Participate, 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.240 And enjoy, 00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:40.059 And experience, 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:40.879 The glory of God, 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:41.619 In a whole new way, 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:44.279 It is through the cross, 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.799 That we come to understand, 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:47.559 The perfect standard of God, 00:23:48.500 --> 00:23:49.919 It is through the cross, 00:23:49.919 --> 00:23:50.700 We understand, 00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.659 His holiness, 00:23:52.399 --> 00:23:53.279 His justice, 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:55.460 It is through the cross, 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.859 We come to recognize, 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.859 His mercy, 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.659 And grace, 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.839 It's through the cross, 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:02.440 We come to appreciate, 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.220 The significance, 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:04.339 Of obedience, 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:05.919 And redemption, 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:07.519 And authority, 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:08.839 And sovereignty of God, 00:24:09.639 --> 00:24:11.240 All the glory, 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.079 And salvation, 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.299 Converged there, 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:13.899 At the cross, 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.480 That was the work of Christ, 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.700 That's what He came to do, 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:18.839 To make the glory of God known, 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:20.380 And to welcome us, 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.579 Into that experience, 00:24:21.700 --> 00:24:23.019 Through salvation, 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:25.980 So the presence of God, 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:26.480 Can come, 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:27.980 And show up, 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:28.900 In your life, 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.180 That leads us to, 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:32.700 The final question, 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.420 This morning, 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:37.240 What, 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:39.400 Does comfort accomplish? 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:42.380 What does comfort accomplish? 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:44.220 When we look there, 00:24:44.300 --> 00:24:44.920 In verse 6, 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.620 And we saw that, 00:24:45.820 --> 00:24:46.380 The comfort, 00:24:46.520 --> 00:24:46.940 First of all, 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:47.920 Leads me to confidence, 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:50.100 It helps me to understand, 00:24:50.260 --> 00:24:51.240 That the difference between, 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:53.740 Fleshly trust, 00:24:53.860 --> 00:24:54.900 And trust in Him, 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:57.580 In verse 7, 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:57.940 It says, 00:24:58.020 --> 00:24:58.840 The grass withers, 00:24:58.960 --> 00:25:00.200 The flower fades, 00:25:00.460 --> 00:25:01.600 When the breath of the Lord, 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:02.460 Blows on it, 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:04.160 Surely the people are grass, 00:25:04.600 --> 00:25:05.740 The grass withers, 00:25:05.820 --> 00:25:06.640 The flower fades, 00:25:06.680 --> 00:25:07.760 But the word of our God, 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:09.200 Will stand forever, 00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:11.759 If you want to experience, 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:12.620 Lasting comfort, 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.279 Put your hope, 00:25:13.539 --> 00:25:14.580 In the things that last, 00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:16.019 The word of God, 00:25:16.240 --> 00:25:17.480 Is the only thing, 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:18.220 That will last, 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:20.559 It leads us to confidence, 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.080 In Him, 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:23.840 It also, 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:25.000 Leads us to, 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.480 A continual commitment, 00:25:27.480 --> 00:25:28.340 A commitment of, 00:25:28.380 --> 00:25:29.380 Of proclaiming, 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.120 The good news, 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:30.660 To others, 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:32.559 We see that in verse 9, 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:34.860 Go up to a mountain, 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.900 Herald the good news, 00:25:37.400 --> 00:25:38.600 Lift up your voice, 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:39.359 With strength, 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:40.139 O Jerusalem, 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.899 Herald of good news, 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.899 Lift it up, 00:25:43.659 --> 00:25:44.439 And fear not, 00:25:45.159 --> 00:25:48.299 This comes to us, 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.019 Loud and clear, 00:25:49.099 --> 00:25:50.079 On the day of Pentecost, 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:52.919 This group of individuals, 00:25:52.919 --> 00:25:54.279 Who had gathered together, 00:25:54.579 --> 00:25:55.899 120 in all, 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:58.659 They had been praying together, 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:00.299 And worshiping together, 00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:02.740 And going to the temple together, 00:26:03.379 --> 00:26:04.339 They had been ministering, 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:04.899 To one another, 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.679 Through the word, 00:26:06.639 --> 00:26:08.439 And then the Holy Spirit comes, 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:10.719 And then there is this, 00:26:10.719 --> 00:26:12.299 Bold proclamation, 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.079 In Jerusalem, 00:26:13.980 --> 00:26:16.119 So that we find in Acts chapter 2, 00:26:16.199 --> 00:26:16.679 It says, 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:17.819 Of these people, 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:19.899 Who are listening to, 00:26:20.659 --> 00:26:20.819 The, 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:21.480 The, 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:22.139 The, 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:23.819 The semblance of individuals, 00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:25.399 Preaching the good news to them, 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.019 Says, 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.959 We keep hearing them say, 00:26:28.159 --> 00:26:29.819 The mighty works of God, 00:26:29.819 --> 00:26:32.980 That's the gospel, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:32.980 That's the gospel, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.859 The gospel is, 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:38.579 That God's word, 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.119 And God's power, 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:42.559 Will change everything in my life, 00:26:42.939 --> 00:26:44.679 It's not that it just, 00:26:44.879 --> 00:26:45.779 Changes me, 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:47.159 Or saves me for a moment, 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:47.960 And then I, 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:49.720 I eventually look forward to heaven, 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:52.039 But that the gospel, 00:26:52.419 --> 00:26:54.740 Intersects with every moment of my day, 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:54.899 And, 00:26:55.000 --> 00:26:55.759 And changes, 00:26:55.759 --> 00:26:56.000 It changes, 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:57.000 My parenting, 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.720 It changes, 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.680 My working, 00:26:58.680 --> 00:26:59.619 It changes, 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.079 My, 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:02.019 My relationships, 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.339 In my community, 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.940 It changes the way I relate to, 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.799 To suffering, 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:08.220 It changes, 00:27:08.640 --> 00:27:10.240 The crises that I face, 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:10.400 And, 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:12.740 It helps me to experience rescue, 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:14.400 In difficulty, 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:19.460 That's what a herald of good news does, 00:27:19.820 --> 00:27:21.360 Not only proclaiming, 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.080 The good news, 00:27:22.180 --> 00:27:23.460 But demonstrating it through, 00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:25.080 A changed life, 00:27:26.019 --> 00:27:27.100 And finally, 00:27:27.920 --> 00:27:29.220 It leads us to a commitment, 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:30.000 Of waiting on him, 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:33.220 We've been talking about waiting, 00:27:33.780 --> 00:27:34.900 For the last several weeks, 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.320 Interestingly, 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.500 The book of Isaiah, 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:41.380 Mentions the significance of waiting, 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.480 Almost, 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:46.360 It's only second to the book of Psalms, 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:47.099 In terms of, 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:49.200 Of using this word waiting, 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:50.819 In all of the Old Testament, 00:27:51.660 --> 00:27:53.700 And if you compare the number of words, 00:27:54.220 --> 00:27:54.740 Psalms, 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:55.660 And Isaiah, 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.660 And, 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:59.440 And the concentration of the use, 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:01.579 Then Isaiah wins hands down, 00:28:02.319 --> 00:28:04.660 In terms of referring to this concept of waiting, 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:06.839 Waiting on the Lord, 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:08.240 Trusting in him, 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:10.680 Putting your confidence in him, 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:13.000 Knowing that he is able to help, 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:16.380 Those that wait on the Lord, 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.819 Will renew their strength, 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:19.480 We see in verse 31, 00:28:19.940 --> 00:28:22.779 But this theme of waiting, 00:28:22.940 --> 00:28:23.360 And hoping, 00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:25.299 And looking forward with confidence, 00:28:25.599 --> 00:28:26.720 How does it happen? 00:28:27.579 --> 00:28:29.000 How are we able to, 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:30.740 To wait in this way? 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:32.620 And that's what I want to come to this morning, 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:35.139 I want to spend the rest of our time, 00:28:35.139 --> 00:28:37.819 Just talking about five essential truths, 00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:40.799 That will help us to wait in a way, 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.539 That pleases the Lord, 00:28:43.419 --> 00:28:45.339 You have those five essential truths, 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:46.639 In your outline this morning, 00:28:46.959 --> 00:28:49.179 I want to begin with the first one, 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:49.879 And that is, 00:28:50.719 --> 00:28:53.679 This truth that God cares about you, 00:28:54.359 --> 00:28:56.459 God cares about you, 00:28:57.459 --> 00:28:58.799 We find that in verse 10, 00:28:58.799 --> 00:29:01.700 Let me read that for us, 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:03.639 It says, 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.139 Behold, 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:06.259 The Lord God comes with might, 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:09.099 And his arm rules for him, 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.659 Behold, 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:12.220 His reward is with him, 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:15.319 And his recompense before him, 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:18.759 He will tend his flock like a shepherd, 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:22.079 He will gather the lambs in his arms, 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:24.879 He will carry them in his bosom, 00:29:24.880 --> 00:29:26.800 And gently lead those, 00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:28.720 That are with young, 00:29:29.860 --> 00:29:33.440 He will tend his flock like a shepherd, 00:29:34.960 --> 00:29:37.580 As I was thinking about sheep, 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:42.480 And this portrait of God being our shepherd, 00:29:43.620 --> 00:29:46.940 I'm sure we've heard a lot of messages about sheep, 00:29:47.080 --> 00:29:47.920 And shepherding, 00:29:48.040 --> 00:29:50.720 But do you know how high maintenance sheep are? 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:54.280 Like they can't do anything for themselves, 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:57.320 They can't really feed themselves, 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:59.840 They can't find nourishment, 00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:01.660 They can't protect themselves, 00:30:02.220 --> 00:30:05.920 They're so subject to disease and parasites, 00:30:06.300 --> 00:30:08.060 And they can't groom themselves, 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:11.380 They always wander off, 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:14.320 Sheep are high maintenance, 00:30:15.100 --> 00:30:16.800 So high maintenance in fact, 00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:18.120 That as I was thinking about it, 00:30:18.540 --> 00:30:22.540 From the very beginnings of creation, 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:24.500 Just after the fall, 00:30:25.319 --> 00:30:26.859 From that point until now, 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:28.599 Sheep have had to be cared for, 00:30:29.099 --> 00:30:29.920 Like Abel, 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:32.059 He was a shepherd, 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.279 Right? 00:30:33.659 --> 00:30:34.259 And so, 00:30:34.500 --> 00:30:34.839 Somehow, 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:36.460 Right after the fall, 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.000 From that point until now, 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:39.920 Sheep have not been able to take care of themselves, 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.579 They've always needed somebody else, 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:43.899 To step in and make sure that they survive, 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.139 Otherwise, 00:30:45.359 --> 00:30:46.440 We wouldn't have sheep anymore, 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:50.460 And that's the picture that God uses for us, 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.779 This gentle, 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.460 Caring, 00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:55.759 Continual, 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:58.660 Interest of God in your life, 00:30:59.180 --> 00:31:02.620 He cares for you like a sheep, 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:05.360 Like a shepherd cares for a sheep, 00:31:06.360 --> 00:31:08.500 He knows your needs, 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.519 He cares for you deeply, 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:12.879 He knows you intimately, 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:15.500 He knows what you need, 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:17.379 And is able to deliver, 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:19.980 And as we find here in verse 10, 00:31:20.059 --> 00:31:20.480 It says, 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:21.799 Behold, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:23.700 The Lord comes with His might, 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:26.139 And with His arm, 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:27.920 He rules for Him, 00:31:28.920 --> 00:31:30.500 Now when you read that phrase, 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.599 With His arm, 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.859 He rules for Him, 00:31:33.240 --> 00:31:34.519 I kind of get this picture, 00:31:34.660 --> 00:31:36.839 I can help you with one arm tied behind my back, 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:39.959 The sense of God's power, 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:41.159 And showing up to help, 00:31:42.159 --> 00:31:42.659 With the, 00:31:42.819 --> 00:31:45.899 With the most intimate details of your life, 00:31:46.319 --> 00:31:47.799 Because He cares for you, 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.139 It says, 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:50.699 Behold, 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:53.839 His reward is with Him, 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.579 Behold, 00:31:55.679 --> 00:31:57.139 His reward is with Him, 00:31:59.199 --> 00:32:01.459 I like what God says to Abraham, 00:32:01.639 --> 00:32:02.359 He says this, 00:32:03.079 --> 00:32:05.039 The word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision, 00:32:05.139 --> 00:32:05.399 He says, 00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:07.240 Do not be afraid, Abraham, 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:09.280 I am your shield, 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:12.380 Your very great reward, 00:32:13.380 --> 00:32:16.600 God is your reward, 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:21.660 Maybe the reason why we don't feel, 00:32:22.300 --> 00:32:23.940 Like God cares about us, 00:32:24.800 --> 00:32:26.660 Is because we're not getting the things, 00:32:26.780 --> 00:32:28.540 That we think we deserve, 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:32.580 When in actuality, 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:34.740 God is giving us the very best, 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:36.420 Because He's giving us Himself, 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:39.220 In Romans chapter 8, 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:39.519 He says, 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:41.000 If God is for us, 00:32:41.120 --> 00:32:42.620 Who can be against us? 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:45.259 He who did not spare His own Son, 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:47.120 But gave Him up for us all, 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:49.240 How will He not also with Him, 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.779 Freely give us all things? 00:32:51.579 --> 00:32:53.559 God is your reward, 00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:55.960 And if we feel like, 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:57.539 Like God doesn't care, 00:32:57.680 --> 00:32:58.900 Maybe it's because, 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:00.700 We are not looking to Him, 00:33:00.700 --> 00:33:02.360 For satisfaction, 00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:04.200 Maybe it's because, 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:05.620 We're looking to other things, 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:07.180 To help fill those, 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:09.240 Those deeper parts of our life, 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:10.539 When they can never satisfy, 00:33:11.539 --> 00:33:14.279 God is our reward, 00:33:14.819 --> 00:33:16.900 He cares about your needs, 00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:17.799 He is good, 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:19.460 As the psalmist says, 00:33:19.840 --> 00:33:20.840 Taste and see, 00:33:21.140 --> 00:33:22.299 The Lord is good, 00:33:22.299 --> 00:33:24.779 Not the good things, 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:26.460 That God gives is good, 00:33:26.539 --> 00:33:28.500 But the Lord Himself is good, 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:31.159 The challenge for us, 00:33:32.119 --> 00:33:33.220 In being ministered to, 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:34.200 By the God of comfort, 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:35.299 Is embracing, 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.680 And loving the giver, 00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:40.639 More than the gift itself, 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.519 Do you love the giver? 00:33:43.579 --> 00:33:44.740 Do you love the shepherd? 00:33:46.419 --> 00:33:48.480 Are you being ministered to, 00:33:48.639 --> 00:33:49.159 This morning, 00:33:49.319 --> 00:33:50.279 By the God of comfort, 00:33:50.279 --> 00:33:51.819 Because you are learning, 00:33:52.099 --> 00:33:54.019 To enjoy Him, 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:55.740 For who He is, 00:33:55.879 --> 00:33:57.519 As the great reward, 00:33:57.799 --> 00:33:58.599 He is, 00:33:58.980 --> 00:33:59.799 Your great reward, 00:34:01.139 --> 00:34:02.960 Does your life reflect, 00:34:03.660 --> 00:34:05.339 Unwavering joy, 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:07.099 In the provision of God, 00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:09.440 If it does, 00:34:10.300 --> 00:34:11.279 Then you will enjoy, 00:34:11.279 --> 00:34:13.639 The pleasure of comfort from God, 00:34:14.300 --> 00:34:15.599 And you will lead others, 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:17.779 To experience the same comfort, 00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:20.920 As the herald, 00:34:21.500 --> 00:34:22.500 Of good news, 00:34:23.360 --> 00:34:24.580 Your words, 00:34:24.660 --> 00:34:26.000 Not only express, 00:34:26.460 --> 00:34:27.980 The wonder of the God of comfort, 00:34:28.080 --> 00:34:28.740 Your life, 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:29.960 Demonstrates, 00:34:30.220 --> 00:34:31.280 That He is comfort, 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:33.340 That He is good, 00:34:33.860 --> 00:34:35.019 That He is the treasure, 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:38.040 Does your life show that this morning? 00:34:38.660 --> 00:34:39.519 If it does, 00:34:39.600 --> 00:34:40.940 It will herald, 00:34:41.120 --> 00:34:41.960 The good news, 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:43.060 Of the great comforter, 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:45.060 The God of all comfort, 00:34:45.260 --> 00:34:46.660 Who is good, 00:34:46.659 --> 00:34:48.719 God cares, 00:34:48.839 --> 00:34:49.579 About you, 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:51.359 He has given Himself, 00:34:51.899 --> 00:34:52.819 As your reward, 00:34:53.960 --> 00:34:54.839 The second truth, 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:55.839 Is that God knows, 00:34:55.899 --> 00:34:57.059 What's best for you, 00:34:57.179 --> 00:34:58.859 We find that in verses 12 to 14, 00:34:59.779 --> 00:35:00.559 God knows, 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:01.460 What's best for you, 00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:02.219 Look at this with me, 00:35:03.179 --> 00:35:04.440 Who has measured, 00:35:04.599 --> 00:35:05.179 The waters, 00:35:05.299 --> 00:35:06.480 In the hollow of His hand, 00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:08.539 And marked off the heavens, 00:35:08.539 --> 00:35:09.460 With a span, 00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:11.539 Enclosed the dust, 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.159 Of the earth, 00:35:12.219 --> 00:35:12.739 In a measure, 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:14.259 And weighed the mountains, 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.099 And the scales, 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:16.039 And the hills, 00:35:16.119 --> 00:35:16.799 In its balance, 00:35:17.880 --> 00:35:18.960 Who has measured, 00:35:19.079 --> 00:35:19.839 The spirit of the Lord, 00:35:19.900 --> 00:35:21.420 Or what man shows, 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:22.339 His counsel, 00:35:23.119 --> 00:35:24.279 Whom did He consult, 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.360 And who made Him understand, 00:35:27.119 --> 00:35:28.119 Who taught Him, 00:35:28.179 --> 00:35:29.279 The path of justice, 00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.659 And taught Him knowledge, 00:35:30.779 --> 00:35:31.739 And showed Him, 00:35:31.860 --> 00:35:32.860 The way of understanding, 00:35:34.319 --> 00:35:34.739 This, 00:35:35.279 --> 00:35:36.319 These verses are pointing, 00:35:36.319 --> 00:35:38.099 To the wisdom, 00:35:38.099 --> 00:35:39.159 Of God, 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:41.299 Not just His authority, 00:35:41.440 --> 00:35:42.159 And supremacy, 00:35:42.159 --> 00:35:43.399 Over creation, 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.279 But notice, 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:45.599 The key words, 00:35:45.799 --> 00:35:47.739 That Isaiah is pointing to here, 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.339 This key word, 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.339 Of measuring, 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:51.779 And marking, 00:35:52.679 --> 00:35:53.619 And enclosing, 00:35:53.819 --> 00:35:54.339 And weighing, 00:35:56.279 --> 00:35:57.379 These are words, 00:35:57.500 --> 00:35:58.079 For wisdom, 00:35:58.519 --> 00:35:59.139 These are words, 00:35:59.259 --> 00:36:00.659 For knowledge, 00:36:00.899 --> 00:36:01.500 And knowing, 00:36:01.819 --> 00:36:02.799 How to make, 00:36:02.799 --> 00:36:03.799 The best things, 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.519 Work together, 00:36:06.039 --> 00:36:06.779 The balance, 00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:07.819 Of creation, 00:36:08.199 --> 00:36:09.500 All working intricately, 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:12.139 To His master plan, 00:36:12.179 --> 00:36:12.679 And design, 00:36:13.579 --> 00:36:15.280 For me, 00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:15.559 I, 00:36:15.880 --> 00:36:18.059 I had a grandma, 00:36:18.199 --> 00:36:20.179 Who was a master baker, 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.539 And, 00:36:22.579 --> 00:36:23.300 And there were, 00:36:23.400 --> 00:36:23.960 There have been times, 00:36:24.039 --> 00:36:24.380 Where we've said, 00:36:24.739 --> 00:36:25.099 Grandma, 00:36:25.219 --> 00:36:26.179 Can you help us, 00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:28.280 Know how to make this bread, 00:36:28.340 --> 00:36:29.300 And how to make this pie, 00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:31.280 And what do, 00:36:31.280 --> 00:36:33.039 All good grandmas do, 00:36:33.139 --> 00:36:34.780 All good bakers do, 00:36:35.820 --> 00:36:36.280 They say, 00:36:36.360 --> 00:36:36.480 Well, 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.519 Take a little bit of this, 00:36:37.659 --> 00:36:38.739 And feel it out, 00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:40.219 And then you put it here, 00:36:40.419 --> 00:36:41.379 And then they're taking, 00:36:41.639 --> 00:36:43.419 They're taking each of these, 00:36:43.419 --> 00:36:44.419 Ingredients, 00:36:44.519 --> 00:36:45.779 They're not going off a recipe, 00:36:46.339 --> 00:36:48.059 They just know the feel, 00:36:48.179 --> 00:36:48.799 And the weight, 00:36:48.919 --> 00:36:49.859 And consistency, 00:36:50.319 --> 00:36:51.399 And when that dough, 00:36:51.599 --> 00:36:52.439 Is put together, 00:36:52.559 --> 00:36:52.699 Oh, 00:36:52.779 --> 00:36:53.479 We need a little bit more, 00:36:53.719 --> 00:36:54.099 Of this, 00:36:54.139 --> 00:36:54.919 Or a little bit more of that, 00:36:54.959 --> 00:36:55.159 And you're like, 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:55.479 Ah, 00:36:56.179 --> 00:36:57.759 I can never duplicate that, 00:36:59.199 --> 00:37:00.459 And that's the point, 00:37:01.839 --> 00:37:03.159 Certainly my grandma, 00:37:03.339 --> 00:37:03.679 Is no, 00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:05.339 No comparison to God, 00:37:05.419 --> 00:37:05.500 But, 00:37:05.559 --> 00:37:06.899 But the point is made, 00:37:07.179 --> 00:37:08.639 God has measured it all, 00:37:08.739 --> 00:37:09.939 He knows it all, 00:37:10.059 --> 00:37:11.339 From the beginning, 00:37:11.519 --> 00:37:12.079 And the end, 00:37:12.159 --> 00:37:14.299 He knows from start to finish, 00:37:15.819 --> 00:37:17.599 He has good plans for your life, 00:37:18.419 --> 00:37:20.739 Perfect plans for your life, 00:37:20.859 --> 00:37:21.899 Do you trust Him, 00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:22.899 With those plans, 00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:25.199 God has plans, 00:37:25.319 --> 00:37:27.359 He knows what's best, 00:37:27.639 --> 00:37:28.239 For you, 00:37:29.579 --> 00:37:32.079 He knows what's in your heart, 00:37:33.019 --> 00:37:34.139 He knows what's in your future, 00:37:34.839 --> 00:37:36.359 And He knows how to get you there, 00:37:36.360 --> 00:37:37.820 Do you trust Him, 00:37:38.140 --> 00:37:38.920 With His plans, 00:37:40.320 --> 00:37:42.000 Does your life reflect, 00:37:42.079 --> 00:37:43.780 An unwavering trust, 00:37:44.280 --> 00:37:45.180 In the wisdom, 00:37:45.920 --> 00:37:46.460 Of God, 00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:47.820 This morning, 00:37:48.079 --> 00:37:49.760 If it does, 00:37:50.480 --> 00:37:52.140 If you are depending, 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:53.420 In resting, 00:37:53.579 --> 00:37:54.579 In the wisdom of God, 00:37:54.780 --> 00:37:55.860 You will be, 00:37:55.980 --> 00:37:56.620 An agent, 00:37:57.200 --> 00:37:57.940 Of comfort, 00:37:58.220 --> 00:37:58.960 An ambassador, 00:37:59.340 --> 00:38:00.079 Of comfort, 00:38:00.320 --> 00:38:01.700 To the world around you, 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:03.079 Who says, 00:38:03.200 --> 00:38:03.460 I don't, 00:38:03.460 --> 00:38:05.139 I've not figured things out, 00:38:05.320 --> 00:38:06.240 How do you have, 00:38:06.240 --> 00:38:07.579 So much peace in your life, 00:38:07.780 --> 00:38:08.720 So much settledness, 00:38:08.740 --> 00:38:09.500 About the future, 00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:11.340 Say, 00:38:11.420 --> 00:38:11.539 Well, 00:38:11.880 --> 00:38:12.920 I don't know what's happening either, 00:38:13.000 --> 00:38:14.400 But one thing I know, 00:38:14.599 --> 00:38:16.240 Is that God is all wise, 00:38:16.820 --> 00:38:18.119 And God will work it out, 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:19.820 The way He decides to work it out, 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:21.099 I can trust Him, 00:38:21.240 --> 00:38:22.619 And I can remain settled, 00:38:22.860 --> 00:38:23.539 In that truth, 00:38:24.440 --> 00:38:25.940 Is God wise, 00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:28.099 Or is your life, 00:38:28.199 --> 00:38:29.460 Demonstrating a commitment, 00:38:29.860 --> 00:38:31.119 To trusting Him in that way, 00:38:31.119 --> 00:38:32.000 If it is, 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:33.119 You will be, 00:38:33.199 --> 00:38:34.219 An ambassador of comfort, 00:38:35.259 --> 00:38:36.019 Third truth, 00:38:37.239 --> 00:38:38.400 God is able, 00:38:38.699 --> 00:38:39.500 To help you, 00:38:40.199 --> 00:38:41.139 God is able, 00:38:41.279 --> 00:38:41.920 To help you, 00:38:42.199 --> 00:38:43.119 We find that in verses, 00:38:43.400 --> 00:38:44.559 15 to 26, 00:38:45.599 --> 00:38:47.139 Maybe you ask yourself, 00:38:47.199 --> 00:38:47.480 The question, 00:38:47.579 --> 00:38:48.719 I know that God loves me, 00:38:49.639 --> 00:38:50.980 I know that God, 00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:52.679 Cares about my life, 00:38:53.119 --> 00:38:54.319 I know that He's wise, 00:38:54.319 --> 00:38:55.199 About the future, 00:38:55.779 --> 00:38:56.980 But is He able, 00:38:57.059 --> 00:38:58.739 To actually work it out, 00:38:58.739 --> 00:39:01.099 And Isaiah, 00:39:01.219 --> 00:39:01.879 In this herald, 00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:03.559 In these verses says, 00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:04.059 Yes, 00:39:04.659 --> 00:39:05.679 God is able, 00:39:06.519 --> 00:39:07.539 He is strong, 00:39:08.419 --> 00:39:09.599 Nothing can thwart, 00:39:09.819 --> 00:39:10.779 His plans, 00:39:12.239 --> 00:39:13.539 It begins, 00:39:13.799 --> 00:39:14.839 There in verse 15, 00:39:15.719 --> 00:39:17.399 We see that God is supreme, 00:39:17.559 --> 00:39:19.500 Over human powers, 00:39:20.759 --> 00:39:21.479 Behold, 00:39:21.979 --> 00:39:23.539 The nations are like a drop, 00:39:23.639 --> 00:39:24.019 In the bucket, 00:39:25.019 --> 00:39:25.959 And are accounted, 00:39:25.959 --> 00:39:28.019 As dust on the scales, 00:39:28.019 --> 00:39:28.940 Behold, 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:30.559 He takes up the coastlands, 00:39:30.699 --> 00:39:32.340 Like fine dust, 00:39:33.340 --> 00:39:35.280 All the culmination, 00:39:35.400 --> 00:39:37.400 Of all the worldly powers, 00:39:37.639 --> 00:39:38.739 Joined together, 00:39:39.019 --> 00:39:39.920 Against God, 00:39:40.119 --> 00:39:41.320 Is just like a drop, 00:39:41.380 --> 00:39:41.759 In the bucket, 00:39:42.900 --> 00:39:44.380 No earthly power, 00:39:44.500 --> 00:39:45.780 Can stand against, 00:39:46.159 --> 00:39:47.000 The might, 00:39:47.420 --> 00:39:47.980 And supremacy, 00:39:47.980 --> 00:39:48.699 Of our God, 00:39:50.000 --> 00:39:50.320 Well, 00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:51.000 Okay, 00:39:51.059 --> 00:39:51.880 That's human powers, 00:39:52.000 --> 00:39:52.119 Well, 00:39:52.280 --> 00:39:53.519 What about divine powers, 00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:55.500 What about supernatural powers, 00:39:55.500 --> 00:39:56.199 Well, 00:39:56.460 --> 00:39:57.260 The answer there, 00:39:57.340 --> 00:39:58.099 Is in verse 18, 00:39:59.179 --> 00:39:59.900 To whom then, 00:39:59.960 --> 00:40:00.920 Will you liken God, 00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:02.780 Or what likeness, 00:40:02.940 --> 00:40:03.699 Compare with him, 00:40:04.179 --> 00:40:04.579 An idol, 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:06.099 A craftsman, 00:40:06.159 --> 00:40:06.659 Cast it, 00:40:06.760 --> 00:40:07.880 And a goldsmith, 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.719 Overlays it, 00:40:08.920 --> 00:40:09.619 With gold, 00:40:09.739 --> 00:40:10.880 And cast it, 00:40:10.940 --> 00:40:12.500 For silver chains, 00:40:12.500 --> 00:40:14.960 Is this, 00:40:14.960 --> 00:40:16.980 Is this what you're going to look to, 00:40:17.059 --> 00:40:17.780 An idol, 00:40:18.000 --> 00:40:19.099 A representation, 00:40:19.679 --> 00:40:21.139 Of the supernatural, 00:40:21.139 --> 00:40:23.219 God is higher, 00:40:23.400 --> 00:40:23.920 And greater, 00:40:24.119 --> 00:40:25.440 Than any of these things, 00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:27.400 You can trust him, 00:40:27.440 --> 00:40:28.440 Because he is able, 00:40:28.779 --> 00:40:29.619 He is supreme, 00:40:30.819 --> 00:40:32.639 Then dropping down, 00:40:32.679 --> 00:40:33.460 To verse 25, 00:40:33.579 --> 00:40:34.039 It says, 00:40:34.480 --> 00:40:36.099 To whom will you compare me, 00:40:36.559 --> 00:40:38.039 That I should be like him, 00:40:38.940 --> 00:40:40.920 I'm greater than all these things, 00:40:41.019 --> 00:40:41.799 I am God, 00:40:42.359 --> 00:40:43.219 And I am able, 00:40:44.779 --> 00:40:45.460 Well, 00:40:45.519 --> 00:40:46.119 He's greater than, 00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:48.299 Natural powers, 00:40:48.619 --> 00:40:49.579 Than human powers, 00:40:49.579 --> 00:40:50.480 He's greater than, 00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:52.019 Super natural powers, 00:40:52.179 --> 00:40:53.860 We find in verse 21 to 23, 00:40:54.179 --> 00:40:54.920 That he's greater than, 00:40:55.059 --> 00:40:56.179 Earthly powers, 00:40:56.940 --> 00:40:57.940 They're nothing to him, 00:40:59.099 --> 00:41:00.860 It says in verse 21, 00:41:01.659 --> 00:41:02.360 Do you not know, 00:41:03.380 --> 00:41:04.380 Do you not hear, 00:41:04.519 --> 00:41:05.819 Has it not been told you, 00:41:05.900 --> 00:41:06.440 From the beginning, 00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:08.380 Have you not understood, 00:41:08.679 --> 00:41:09.960 From the foundations of the earth, 00:41:10.799 --> 00:41:11.900 It is he who sits, 00:41:11.920 --> 00:41:13.279 Above the circle of the earth, 00:41:13.619 --> 00:41:14.699 And it's his, 00:41:14.799 --> 00:41:15.400 Its inhabitants, 00:41:15.619 --> 00:41:16.699 Are like grasshoppers, 00:41:17.380 --> 00:41:19.139 Who stretches out the heavens, 00:41:19.139 --> 00:41:20.199 Like a curtain, 00:41:20.719 --> 00:41:21.819 And spreads them, 00:41:21.900 --> 00:41:23.119 Like tents to dwell in, 00:41:23.359 --> 00:41:24.539 Who brings princes, 00:41:24.539 --> 00:41:25.239 To nothing, 00:41:25.480 --> 00:41:26.519 And makes the rulers, 00:41:26.639 --> 00:41:27.299 Of the earth, 00:41:27.779 --> 00:41:28.379 As emptiness, 00:41:29.659 --> 00:41:30.179 Everything, 00:41:30.659 --> 00:41:31.940 In this world, 00:41:32.039 --> 00:41:32.679 Is nothing, 00:41:32.839 --> 00:41:33.219 Compared, 00:41:33.480 --> 00:41:34.519 To the power of God, 00:41:34.619 --> 00:41:34.980 Nothing, 00:41:35.420 --> 00:41:36.179 Can stand, 00:41:36.299 --> 00:41:37.179 In his way, 00:41:38.460 --> 00:41:39.460 He is supreme, 00:41:40.019 --> 00:41:42.019 He will do it, 00:41:42.819 --> 00:41:43.639 There's nothing, 00:41:43.739 --> 00:41:44.079 That's going to, 00:41:44.079 --> 00:41:44.920 Be able to, 00:41:44.920 --> 00:41:45.739 To thwart his, 00:41:45.739 --> 00:41:46.420 His purposes, 00:41:46.840 --> 00:41:47.759 For your life, 00:41:48.659 --> 00:41:48.960 For his, 00:41:49.079 --> 00:41:50.059 His purposes, 00:41:50.219 --> 00:41:50.739 For your life, 00:41:51.500 --> 00:41:53.480 God, 00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:54.360 Actually, 00:41:54.500 --> 00:41:55.119 Delights, 00:41:55.619 --> 00:41:56.860 In our weaknesses, 00:41:57.099 --> 00:41:57.659 So that his, 00:41:57.659 --> 00:41:58.279 Strength, 00:41:58.420 --> 00:41:59.019 Can show up, 00:41:59.559 --> 00:42:01.299 We don't like to be, 00:42:01.659 --> 00:42:01.360 We don't like to be, 00:42:01.619 --> 00:42:03.259 We don't like to be, 00:42:03.259 --> 00:42:03.699 Helpless, 00:42:03.840 --> 00:42:03.920 But, 00:42:04.059 --> 00:42:05.059 But God actually, 00:42:05.059 --> 00:42:06.739 Delights to show up, 00:42:06.799 --> 00:42:07.599 In our weakness, 00:42:07.759 --> 00:42:09.099 So that he can magnify, 00:42:09.400 --> 00:42:10.360 His strength, 00:42:10.360 --> 00:42:13.680 What is standing, 00:42:13.800 --> 00:42:14.180 In our way, 00:42:14.320 --> 00:42:14.800 Is not, 00:42:15.780 --> 00:42:16.620 Earthly powers, 00:42:17.960 --> 00:42:18.240 Or, 00:42:18.400 --> 00:42:19.599 Limited resources, 00:42:20.300 --> 00:42:20.500 Or, 00:42:20.620 --> 00:42:21.519 Limited giftedness, 00:42:21.559 --> 00:42:22.200 What often, 00:42:22.559 --> 00:42:23.480 Stands in our way, 00:42:23.579 --> 00:42:24.500 Is an unwillingness, 00:42:24.820 --> 00:42:25.460 To trust, 00:42:25.940 --> 00:42:26.559 His power, 00:42:26.700 --> 00:42:27.120 And wisdom, 00:42:29.240 --> 00:42:30.260 But by trusting, 00:42:30.420 --> 00:42:31.019 And yielding, 00:42:31.300 --> 00:42:32.260 To the power of God, 00:42:32.460 --> 00:42:33.280 I herald, 00:42:33.460 --> 00:42:33.880 The goodness, 00:42:35.000 --> 00:42:36.240 I don't have to strive, 00:42:36.400 --> 00:42:37.160 I don't have to fret, 00:42:37.400 --> 00:42:38.780 I don't have to strategize, 00:42:38.780 --> 00:42:41.420 I just have to wait, 00:42:42.019 --> 00:42:42.680 And yield, 00:42:43.680 --> 00:42:45.860 Does our life, 00:42:46.200 --> 00:42:46.880 Demonstrate, 00:42:47.400 --> 00:42:48.120 An unwavering, 00:42:48.380 --> 00:42:49.760 Trust in the power of God, 00:42:51.280 --> 00:42:52.560 If it does, 00:42:53.180 --> 00:42:53.780 Then we will be, 00:42:53.860 --> 00:42:54.940 Ambassadors of comfort, 00:42:55.640 --> 00:42:56.860 Heralds of good news, 00:42:57.680 --> 00:42:58.019 Saying, 00:42:58.140 --> 00:42:58.720 Behold, 00:42:58.840 --> 00:42:59.680 Our God, 00:43:00.260 --> 00:43:01.019 He is able, 00:43:01.360 --> 00:43:02.280 He is strong, 00:43:03.440 --> 00:43:04.240 He can be trusted, 00:43:05.980 --> 00:43:06.500 Fourth, 00:43:07.180 --> 00:43:08.519 God is watching, 00:43:08.780 --> 00:43:09.380 Over you, 00:43:09.820 --> 00:43:11.060 God is watching, 00:43:11.519 --> 00:43:11.980 Over you, 00:43:12.860 --> 00:43:13.660 We find that in verses, 00:43:13.800 --> 00:43:14.700 27 and 28, 00:43:16.340 --> 00:43:17.760 To whom, 00:43:18.280 --> 00:43:19.380 Then will you compare me? 00:43:20.500 --> 00:43:21.060 Excuse me, 00:43:21.600 --> 00:43:22.200 Verse 27, 00:43:22.580 --> 00:43:23.640 Why do you say, 00:43:23.820 --> 00:43:24.100 O Jacob, 00:43:24.280 --> 00:43:24.820 And speak, 00:43:24.980 --> 00:43:25.460 O Israel, 00:43:25.900 --> 00:43:27.200 My way is hidden, 00:43:27.200 --> 00:43:27.920 From the Lord, 00:43:28.600 --> 00:43:29.800 And my right, 00:43:30.160 --> 00:43:31.360 Is disregarded, 00:43:31.519 --> 00:43:32.420 By my God, 00:43:33.120 --> 00:43:34.200 That's the question, 00:43:34.960 --> 00:43:35.720 Does God see, 00:43:35.820 --> 00:43:36.760 What's going on in my life? 00:43:37.120 --> 00:43:37.840 Now the answer, 00:43:37.940 --> 00:43:38.700 May surprise you, 00:43:38.780 --> 00:43:40.019 Look at it with me, 00:43:40.860 --> 00:43:41.680 In verse 29, 00:43:42.800 --> 00:43:44.620 He gives power to the faint, 00:43:45.060 --> 00:43:46.600 And to him who has no might, 00:43:46.660 --> 00:43:47.820 He increases strength, 00:43:47.820 --> 00:43:51.800 Even the youth shall faint, 00:43:51.860 --> 00:43:52.300 And be weary, 00:43:52.620 --> 00:43:55.260 And young men shall fall exhausted, 00:43:55.900 --> 00:43:57.560 But those who wait for the Lord, 00:43:57.660 --> 00:43:59.600 Shall renew their strength, 00:43:59.600 --> 00:44:04.580 Verse 28, 00:44:04.579 --> 00:44:05.000 I'm sorry, 00:44:05.639 --> 00:44:06.460 Have you not known, 00:44:07.599 --> 00:44:08.440 Have you not heard, 00:44:08.500 --> 00:44:11.019 That the Lord is the everlasting God, 00:44:11.360 --> 00:44:13.860 The creator of the ends of the earth, 00:44:14.000 --> 00:44:15.599 He does not faint, 00:44:15.719 --> 00:44:16.420 Or grow weary, 00:44:16.759 --> 00:44:17.900 His understanding, 00:44:18.900 --> 00:44:19.819 Is unsearchable, 00:44:20.860 --> 00:44:22.599 Now remember the question, 00:44:23.599 --> 00:44:23.880 God, 00:44:23.960 --> 00:44:25.099 Are you watching me? 00:44:25.860 --> 00:44:26.360 Answer, 00:44:26.360 --> 00:44:26.500 Answer, 00:44:26.500 --> 00:44:26.599 Answer, 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:26.599 00:44:26.599 --> 00:44:32.920 I'm the everlasting God, 00:44:32.920 --> 00:44:35.779 I don't faint, 00:44:35.839 --> 00:44:36.279 Or grow weary, 00:44:36.279 --> 00:44:39.059 I have, 00:44:39.059 --> 00:44:40.599 Untappable, 00:44:40.719 --> 00:44:41.860 And unsearchable wisdom, 00:44:41.860 --> 00:44:45.480 What kind of answer is that? 00:44:47.280 --> 00:44:48.440 Well it's the answer, 00:44:49.240 --> 00:44:51.240 That answers the deeper question, 00:44:52.120 --> 00:44:52.420 Not, 00:44:53.140 --> 00:44:53.700 The question, 00:44:53.820 --> 00:44:54.820 God are you watching me? 00:44:55.420 --> 00:44:56.920 But the reason why we often, 00:44:57.120 --> 00:44:58.900 Feel like God isn't watching, 00:44:59.800 --> 00:45:01.460 Why we feel so alone, 00:45:02.200 --> 00:45:03.920 Why we feel so isolated, 00:45:05.000 --> 00:45:07.480 Is not because God is not watching, 00:45:08.340 --> 00:45:09.240 But because, 00:45:09.579 --> 00:45:10.880 God is not doing, 00:45:10.880 --> 00:45:12.760 What we expect Him to do, 00:45:13.599 --> 00:45:15.780 God says, 00:45:16.740 --> 00:45:17.460 Know me, 00:45:18.320 --> 00:45:19.519 And see me, 00:45:20.119 --> 00:45:21.240 I'm the all wise, 00:45:21.380 --> 00:45:22.780 All powerful God, 00:45:23.800 --> 00:45:25.760 I'm doing what I do, 00:45:26.200 --> 00:45:26.780 For you, 00:45:26.960 --> 00:45:28.240 But we are blinded, 00:45:28.260 --> 00:45:29.420 By our own expectation, 00:45:30.200 --> 00:45:32.039 We're blinded by our own, 00:45:32.980 --> 00:45:33.460 Selfishness, 00:45:33.579 --> 00:45:35.920 And self oriented perspective, 00:45:36.680 --> 00:45:37.400 God says, 00:45:37.500 --> 00:45:38.760 Of course I'm watching, 00:45:39.460 --> 00:45:40.180 I'm faithful, 00:45:40.179 --> 00:45:41.659 I never grow tired, 00:45:41.899 --> 00:45:43.079 I never grow weary, 00:45:43.079 --> 00:45:50.759 But we miss it, 00:45:51.359 --> 00:45:52.619 We're blinded, 00:45:52.899 --> 00:45:54.500 Because God doesn't meet, 00:45:54.619 --> 00:45:55.319 Our expectations, 00:45:56.460 --> 00:45:57.440 He's not doing, 00:45:57.579 --> 00:45:58.579 What we think, 00:45:58.899 --> 00:45:59.559 We deserve, 00:45:59.759 --> 00:46:00.379 For Him to do, 00:46:01.419 --> 00:46:02.579 And so we miss, 00:46:02.639 --> 00:46:04.000 His activity in our life, 00:46:04.000 --> 00:46:07.699 Our problem, 00:46:07.900 --> 00:46:09.519 Is not that God doesn't see us, 00:46:09.980 --> 00:46:11.239 The problem is, 00:46:11.420 --> 00:46:12.559 That we don't see God, 00:46:13.500 --> 00:46:14.780 We're not looking, 00:46:15.139 --> 00:46:16.940 For what He is actually doing, 00:46:17.019 --> 00:46:17.579 In this life, 00:46:18.679 --> 00:46:18.940 We're, 00:46:19.059 --> 00:46:19.900 We're only, 00:46:20.059 --> 00:46:21.079 We're only, 00:46:21.900 --> 00:46:23.039 Concentrating on, 00:46:23.179 --> 00:46:23.880 What He's doing, 00:46:24.059 --> 00:46:24.659 For me, 00:46:24.719 --> 00:46:25.219 And to help, 00:46:25.460 --> 00:46:27.219 My particular crisis, 00:46:28.320 --> 00:46:29.820 We don't see the end game, 00:46:29.820 --> 00:46:31.780 We don't recognize, 00:46:31.780 --> 00:46:32.280 That God has, 00:46:32.280 --> 00:46:34.019 Higher and greater plans, 00:46:34.140 --> 00:46:34.820 For our lives, 00:46:35.460 --> 00:46:36.920 I think, 00:46:37.100 --> 00:46:37.440 Particularly, 00:46:37.660 --> 00:46:37.960 About, 00:46:38.200 --> 00:46:39.700 The wisdom of God, 00:46:39.800 --> 00:46:40.059 In the, 00:46:40.140 --> 00:46:41.220 The work of God, 00:46:41.300 --> 00:46:42.059 In the life of, 00:46:42.100 --> 00:46:42.720 Johnny Erickson, 00:46:42.800 --> 00:46:43.000 Tata, 00:46:43.000 --> 00:46:45.760 Who could have imagined, 00:46:45.760 --> 00:46:47.260 That at 16, 00:46:48.340 --> 00:46:49.719 In this freak accident, 00:46:49.940 --> 00:46:51.679 Of diving into this, 00:46:51.780 --> 00:46:52.800 This lake, 00:46:53.239 --> 00:46:54.559 Breaking her neck, 00:46:54.619 --> 00:46:56.219 And becoming a quadriplegic, 00:46:56.440 --> 00:46:57.699 That God would actually, 00:46:57.699 --> 00:46:58.559 Use that, 00:46:58.780 --> 00:47:00.619 To make her a world changer, 00:47:01.679 --> 00:47:04.199 That is our God, 00:47:04.300 --> 00:47:04.820 Showing up, 00:47:04.920 --> 00:47:06.099 That is His wisdom, 00:47:06.420 --> 00:47:07.260 His watching, 00:47:07.559 --> 00:47:08.260 His caring, 00:47:08.559 --> 00:47:09.199 To make, 00:47:09.400 --> 00:47:11.039 Someone like Johnny, 00:47:11.639 --> 00:47:12.099 Erickson, 00:47:12.179 --> 00:47:12.440 Tata, 00:47:12.440 --> 00:47:13.700 An international, 00:47:14.240 --> 00:47:15.940 World changer, 00:47:17.500 --> 00:47:18.780 A paraplegic, 00:47:19.460 --> 00:47:20.159 Who the world, 00:47:20.280 --> 00:47:20.980 Would write off, 00:47:21.019 --> 00:47:21.559 As being, 00:47:21.800 --> 00:47:23.119 Unworthy, 00:47:24.960 --> 00:47:26.059 God says, 00:47:26.400 --> 00:47:26.760 No, 00:47:27.599 --> 00:47:28.639 I delight, 00:47:28.900 --> 00:47:29.780 In showing up, 00:47:29.980 --> 00:47:30.720 In her life, 00:47:31.099 --> 00:47:32.460 To show my strength, 00:47:33.639 --> 00:47:34.720 And as a result, 00:47:37.079 --> 00:47:37.480 Johnny, 00:47:37.659 --> 00:47:37.940 Tata, 00:47:38.280 --> 00:47:38.320 Is, 00:47:38.460 --> 00:47:39.139 Her program, 00:47:39.240 --> 00:47:39.960 Is being listened to, 00:47:40.019 --> 00:47:41.139 By over a million people, 00:47:41.139 --> 00:47:41.500 A week, 00:47:41.500 --> 00:47:45.260 She serves, 00:47:45.380 --> 00:47:45.860 800, 00:47:45.860 --> 00:47:47.219 Special needs, 00:47:47.219 --> 00:47:48.159 Families a year, 00:47:48.519 --> 00:47:49.760 She supplied, 00:47:49.760 --> 00:47:51.239 Over 34,000, 00:47:51.300 --> 00:47:51.800 Wheelchairs, 00:47:51.880 --> 00:47:52.480 Worldwide, 00:47:52.980 --> 00:47:53.960 Written 35, 00:47:53.960 --> 00:47:54.739 Books, 00:47:55.179 --> 00:47:56.320 Visited over 41, 00:47:56.320 --> 00:47:57.039 Countries, 00:47:57.539 --> 00:47:58.599 She's a highly sought, 00:47:58.679 --> 00:47:59.840 After conference speaker, 00:47:59.840 --> 00:48:01.780 Does God care, 00:48:01.780 --> 00:48:01.940 Does God care, 00:48:01.940 --> 00:48:02.760 About Johnny, 00:48:02.760 --> 00:48:03.300 Yes, 00:48:03.300 --> 00:48:05.720 But God has greater, 00:48:05.720 --> 00:48:07.380 Objectives for her, 00:48:07.680 --> 00:48:08.400 Than her comfort, 00:48:08.620 --> 00:48:10.000 He intends to use, 00:48:10.120 --> 00:48:10.960 Difficulty, 00:48:11.220 --> 00:48:12.800 In showing his strength, 00:48:12.940 --> 00:48:13.360 Through her, 00:48:13.600 --> 00:48:14.860 So that he can make, 00:48:14.940 --> 00:48:16.300 Her effective, 00:48:16.500 --> 00:48:16.960 And fruitful, 00:48:16.960 --> 00:48:19.280 God wants to do that for you, 00:48:19.480 --> 00:48:21.059 But he will only do that for you, 00:48:21.119 --> 00:48:22.900 As you allow the God of comfort, 00:48:23.720 --> 00:48:26.039 To come and intersect your life, 00:48:27.039 --> 00:48:28.380 To change you, 00:48:28.440 --> 00:48:29.260 And to shape you, 00:48:29.340 --> 00:48:31.360 And to make you a herald of good news, 00:48:31.840 --> 00:48:33.039 And finally, 00:48:34.320 --> 00:48:36.240 God will strengthen you, 00:48:36.840 --> 00:48:38.260 God will strengthen you, 00:48:38.980 --> 00:48:40.780 Says he gives power to the faint, 00:48:41.139 --> 00:48:42.440 To him who has no might, 00:48:42.539 --> 00:48:43.619 He increases strength, 00:48:43.619 --> 00:48:46.299 Even youths shall faint and be weary, 00:48:46.440 --> 00:48:48.719 And young men shall fall exhausted, 00:48:48.719 --> 00:48:51.500 But those who wait for the Lord, 00:48:51.659 --> 00:48:52.719 Shall renew their strength, 00:48:54.039 --> 00:48:56.099 They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 00:48:56.179 --> 00:48:58.000 They shall run and not be weary, 00:48:58.119 --> 00:49:00.460 They shall walk and not faint, 00:49:01.819 --> 00:49:02.519 Say, okay, 00:49:02.599 --> 00:49:03.799 I understand that God is good, 00:49:04.019 --> 00:49:04.799 That he's watching, 00:49:04.940 --> 00:49:06.000 That he's powerful, 00:49:06.920 --> 00:49:08.839 He's got good plans for my life, 00:49:08.940 --> 00:49:11.440 But I don't think I can do it, 00:49:11.599 --> 00:49:12.259 And God says, 00:49:12.339 --> 00:49:13.279 You don't have to, 00:49:13.619 --> 00:49:15.739 I will do it for you, 00:49:15.920 --> 00:49:17.000 I will empower you, 00:49:17.119 --> 00:49:18.259 I will strengthen you, 00:49:18.359 --> 00:49:19.359 I will help you, 00:49:19.359 --> 00:49:22.559 But our problem is this, 00:49:23.759 --> 00:49:25.420 Our problem is, 00:49:25.940 --> 00:49:29.099 That God doesn't give tomorrow's strength today, 00:49:29.659 --> 00:49:33.139 He doesn't give tomorrow's strength today, 00:49:33.279 --> 00:49:35.500 He only gives today's strength today, 00:49:36.559 --> 00:49:38.139 You find it fascinating, 00:49:38.319 --> 00:49:39.179 That in the Lord's prayer, 00:49:39.279 --> 00:49:39.519 He says, 00:49:39.719 --> 00:49:40.380 Give us this day, 00:49:40.639 --> 00:49:41.859 Our daily bread, 00:49:41.860 --> 00:49:47.480 The reason is because God wants us to continue this process of leaning, 00:49:47.599 --> 00:49:48.500 And resting, 00:49:48.720 --> 00:49:50.200 And trusting in him, 00:49:51.360 --> 00:49:55.180 But he'll only do that as we are depending on his strength, 00:49:55.400 --> 00:49:56.280 Moment by moment, 00:49:56.860 --> 00:49:59.039 And he will supply, 00:49:59.039 --> 00:50:01.360 He will supply, 00:50:01.360 --> 00:50:03.559 More than you could ever know, 00:50:04.500 --> 00:50:06.300 And when we depend, 00:50:06.840 --> 00:50:10.119 On the unwavering power of God, 00:50:10.920 --> 00:50:12.659 To fill us up, 00:50:12.719 --> 00:50:15.159 And to strengthen us for the moments, 00:50:15.380 --> 00:50:16.519 Where we feel so weak, 00:50:17.420 --> 00:50:18.440 Then we become, 00:50:18.880 --> 00:50:20.619 The herald of the good news, 00:50:21.400 --> 00:50:22.360 The God of comfort, 00:50:22.599 --> 00:50:24.279 Has intersected our own lives, 00:50:24.380 --> 00:50:25.940 And we have something to give, 00:50:25.940 --> 00:50:27.840 To this world around us, 00:50:28.260 --> 00:50:31.119 The comfort that they so desperately long for, 00:50:32.260 --> 00:50:36.780 May God help us to be heralds of comfort for him, 00:50:37.300 --> 00:50:38.920 As we depend on him, 00:50:39.300 --> 00:50:39.960 Wait on him, 00:50:40.159 --> 00:50:41.019 And trust in him, 00:50:41.340 --> 00:50:41.800 Let me pray, 00:50:41.800 --> 00:50:44.260 Oh Lord, 00:50:44.340 --> 00:50:45.240 Please help us, 00:50:46.760 --> 00:50:48.980 As for many of us, 00:50:49.120 --> 00:50:51.200 We are moving into uncharted waters, 00:50:52.620 --> 00:50:55.760 Uncertainty about the future, 00:50:56.260 --> 00:51:01.039 Really begins to grip our hearts, 00:51:01.920 --> 00:51:03.680 And what you're calling us to, 00:51:03.760 --> 00:51:05.580 Is not the events, 00:51:05.760 --> 00:51:07.300 Or the planning about the future, 00:51:07.440 --> 00:51:09.180 What you're calling us to, 00:51:09.179 --> 00:51:10.399 Is the confidence, 00:51:11.000 --> 00:51:13.279 In the unwavering nature of God, 00:51:14.059 --> 00:51:16.000 Regardless of what the future holds, 00:51:16.099 --> 00:51:17.039 There is certainty, 00:51:17.739 --> 00:51:20.139 Not certainty in circumstances, 00:51:20.359 --> 00:51:23.099 But certainty in the future, 00:51:23.259 --> 00:51:24.399 In the power of God, 00:51:24.619 --> 00:51:25.480 To make it happen, 00:51:26.639 --> 00:51:27.379 So help us, 00:51:27.500 --> 00:51:27.579 Lord, 00:51:27.639 --> 00:51:28.319 To rest, 00:51:29.259 --> 00:51:30.159 To be confident, 00:51:30.719 --> 00:51:31.460 To trust, 00:51:32.579 --> 00:51:33.519 In the God of comfort, 00:51:34.339 --> 00:51:36.159 Who can help us through the future, 00:51:36.159 --> 00:51:38.299 And can make us effective, 00:51:38.579 --> 00:51:39.379 And fruitful, 00:51:39.599 --> 00:51:40.579 As we yield, 00:51:40.719 --> 00:51:41.399 And surrender, 00:51:41.719 --> 00:51:42.619 Our hearts to you, 00:51:43.519 --> 00:51:44.619 Help us in that process, 00:51:44.719 --> 00:51:45.039 We pray, 00:51:45.579 --> 00:51:46.379 In Jesus name, 00:51:46.719 --> 00:51:46.940 Amen, 00:51:47.379 --> 00:51:48.339 Let's stand as we sing, 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:51:48.339 --> 00:51:48.339 00:52:06.159 --> 00:52:07.940 Sing together, 00:52:07.940 --> 00:52:11.980 My foes are many, 00:52:12.980 --> 00:52:16.319 They rise against me, 00:52:16.679 --> 00:52:21.379 But I will hold my ground, 00:52:23.379 --> 00:52:27.399 I will not fear the war, 00:52:28.039 --> 00:52:30.879 I will not fear the storm, 00:52:31.039 --> 00:52:33.599 My help is on the way, 00:52:33.599 --> 00:52:38.079 My help is on the way, 00:52:38.079 --> 00:52:41.880 Oh my God, 00:52:42.079 --> 00:52:44.279 He will not delay, 00:52:45.860 --> 00:52:50.079 My refuse and strength always, 00:52:53.139 --> 00:52:56.920 I will not fear, 00:52:57.299 --> 00:52:59.980 His promise is true, 00:52:59.980 --> 00:53:03.980 My God will come through, 00:53:03.980 --> 00:53:05.139 Always, 00:53:07.840 --> 00:53:08.900 Always, 00:53:08.900 --> 00:53:10.980 Always, 00:53:10.980 --> 00:53:12.800 Always, 00:53:12.800 --> 00:53:26.980 Trouble surrounds me, 00:53:26.980 --> 00:53:29.980 Chaos abounding, 00:53:29.980 --> 00:53:29.980 00:53:29.980 --> 00:53:30.980 Chaos abounding, 00:53:30.980 --> 00:53:35.980 My soul will rest in you, 00:53:35.980 --> 00:53:40.980 I will not fear the war, 00:53:42.039 --> 00:53:45.039 I will not fear the storm, 00:53:45.039 --> 00:53:47.980 My help is on the way, 00:53:47.980 --> 00:53:51.619 My help is on the way, 00:53:51.619 --> 00:53:54.619 Oh my God, 00:53:54.619 --> 00:53:55.619 Oh my God, 00:53:55.619 --> 00:53:58.619 He will not delay, 00:53:59.579 --> 00:54:03.839 My refuge and strength always, 00:54:03.839 --> 00:54:06.619 Always, 00:54:06.619 --> 00:54:09.619 I will not fear, 00:54:10.619 --> 00:54:12.619 His promise is true, 00:54:12.619 --> 00:54:16.619 My God will come through, 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:16.619 --> 00:54:16.619 00:54:42.619 --> 00:54:53.739 I lift my eyes up 00:54:53.739 --> 00:54:57.739 My help comes from the Lord 00:54:57.739 --> 00:55:07.880 I lift my eyes up 00:55:07.880 --> 00:55:12.059 My help comes from the Lord 00:55:12.059 --> 00:55:21.920 I lift my eyes up 00:55:21.920 --> 00:55:27.199 My help comes from the Lord 00:55:27.199 --> 00:55:35.259 Oh my God 00:55:35.259 --> 00:55:37.579 He will not delay 00:55:37.579 --> 00:55:41.579 My refuse and shame 00:55:42.219 --> 00:55:43.119 Always 00:55:43.119 --> 00:55:49.259 I will not fear 00:55:49.259 --> 00:55:52.719 His promise is true 00:55:52.719 --> 00:55:55.579 My God will come through 00:55:55.579 --> 00:55:57.440 Always 00:55:57.440 --> 00:56:00.599 Always 00:56:00.599 --> 00:56:01.440 Always 00:56:01.440 --> 00:56:19.920 The song comes from Psalm 121 00:56:19.920 --> 00:56:23.200 It says, I lift up my eyes to the hills. 00:56:23.780 --> 00:56:25.420 From where does my help come? 00:56:25.740 --> 00:56:28.980 My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. 00:56:30.480 --> 00:56:33.340 He will not let your foot be moved. 00:56:34.119 --> 00:56:37.260 He who keeps you will not slumber. 00:56:37.780 --> 00:56:41.599 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 00:56:42.800 --> 00:56:43.880 The Lord is your keeper. 00:56:44.780 --> 00:56:46.740 The Lord is your shade at your right hand. 00:56:46.739 --> 00:56:51.219 The sun will not smite you by day or the moon by night. 00:56:51.500 --> 00:56:53.959 The Lord will keep you from all evil. 00:56:54.979 --> 00:56:56.799 He will keep your life. 00:56:57.159 --> 00:57:04.799 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.