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 Turn over to Luke chapter 12 this morning. Luke chapter 12 as we begin looking here at faith that triumphs, you know, and overcoming the challenges that we have in life.

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! And so as you're finding Luke chapter 12 there, let me ask you a question. Have you ever just had to have something? You know, when you look at something or you,

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 you just had to have it. I mean, I think all of us could be, say that that has happened in our life where we look at something or something we wanted to purchase or have.

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 It was just an absolute necessity, you know, and it's like I just have to have it thinking that it would satisfy or that that's what I need.

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 Only to find out that when you get it, it didn't fulfill what you thought.

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 You know, I think we can all come to that conclusion in our life because naturally we think if I just possess this or that, it will solve my problem.

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 You know, we have a lot of that natural mindset and understand that possessions, we think if we just possess this, life would be better.

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 But you know, the reality is this. Let me check and see if this is true.

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 The more you have doesn't relieve anxiety and worry.

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 What you possess isn't going to change your anxiety and your worry.

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 It might change what you have anxiety about and what you worry about.

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 But it's not going to change or to alleviate those things.

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 And you know, Jesus addressed what it means to trust God's provision.

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 Because trust is what relieves worry.

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 You know, trust relieves worry.

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 You know, as we look here in Luke chapter 12, let's look down at verse 22.

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 Let's read through this here this morning.

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 And it says this,

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 And Jesus said to his disciples,

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 Therefore I say unto you,

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 Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

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 For life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

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 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn.

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 And God feedeth them.

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 How much more are ye better than the fowls?

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 And which of you, with taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit?

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 If ye then be not able to do the thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

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 Consider the lilies, how they grow, and they toil not.

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 They spin not, and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

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 If then God so clothed the grass which is today and in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven,

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 how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

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 And seek not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.

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 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and the Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

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 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.

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 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

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 Sell what you have, and give alms, and provide yourself bags that wax not old,

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 a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.

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 There where no thief appropriate approaches, neither moth corrupt.

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 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

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 Let's pray.

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 Heavenly Fathers, we just take a few moments here today to talk about trusting your provision.

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 Lord, knowing that you're fully aware of what we need in this life.

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 But Lord, help us to understand the application and the principle that you bring forth here to us today.

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 Lord, that we might understand it, that we might trust you properly in our lives.

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 And Lord, we just give you all the praise in Jesus' name.

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 Amen.

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 You know, we see here, to set a little context here of Jesus as he's working through here in Luke chapter 12,

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 Jesus had a young man come to him just prior to this and wanted him to settle the dispute between him and his older brother about the inheritance.

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 You know, they had a dispute about inheritance and said,

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 Jesus, tell my brother what he ought to do.

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 You know, basically that's the context.

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 You know, that we get what we want.

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 It was an issue about what they could possess.

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 But instead of resolving the dispute,

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 Jesus tells a story about a rich man who increased in good and he built barns and he put his trust in wealth

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 and how he can now eat and drink and be merry.

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 But that very night he died.

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 You know, the point of the parable was not that our focus should be on the eternal rather than the temporary.

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 You know, because oftentimes we get caught up a lot in the temporary.

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 We get a hold of the temporary things.

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 Now we're going to see here, I want you to understand,

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 temporary things have an importance, but they're not the most important.

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 There's a practical and a practice that we need to put in here this morning.

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 And so we find that as Jesus was dealing with that,

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 he tells his disciples this dynamic.

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 He reveals to them a condition of their heart and how they think.

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 Because, you know, the one thing that gets us in trouble more than anything is how we think about something.

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 A proper perception impacts how we deal with things.

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 Notice Jesus says, take no thought.

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 You know, how you think always relays out in what you do.

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 Our thinking and our actions, it starts in the thoughts.

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 The Bible calls that our heart.

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 That's the center of feelings and emotion.

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 How we perceive the world around us.

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 And oftentimes we perceive that we have a need for a lot of things.

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 And when our focus is on our possessions, whether they be few, you know, sometimes people worry about what they don't have.

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 But you know what?

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 The reality is you can have a lot and then you just worry about what you do have.

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 What you have doesn't solve your problems.

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 If you want to do a little research, check out the richest people in the world.

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 Most of them have a lot of emotional problems.

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 They're fearful.

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 They have a lot of worry and anxiety because how do I maintain these things?

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 Their focus is on what they can possess, thinking what they possess is going to benefit them.

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 But the Lord here teaches his disciples about trusting God with all our heart for his provision.

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 So we're going to look at a couple of things.

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 First is that make sure we have a biblical perspective.

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 You know, part of the problem is, is what's the perspective that we have?

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 Because oftentimes we have a worldly perspective.

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 What's a worldly perspective when it comes to possessions?

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 What are some of the thoughts that people have about possessions today?

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 The more is the better.

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 What's that?

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 You know, get everything you can while you can, you know, that's a dynamic that they have, you know.

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 But what other thoughts influence people's perception of possessions?

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 Nancy?

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 Yeah, they try to fill a void with what they possess.

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 Possessions and power.

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 Yeah.

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 You know, they equate possessions and power.

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 Influence.

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 You know, you see a lot of ideas about that's their perception of wealth.

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 Their perspective of what they possess and how much they possess.

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 You know, Jesus is teaching his disciples they need to do what?

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 They need to change their thinking about possessions.

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 Because I want you to understand, no place in the text does Jesus say possessions are wrong.

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 What he's dealing with is our perspective about possessions.

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 Because you can be rich and be godly.

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 You can be poor and be godly.

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 What you have doesn't determine whether you're a godly individual or not.

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 What you possess doesn't determine your relationship with God.

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 When we understand the right perspective, let's look back here at verse 22 for a moment.

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 It says, notice what Jesus said unto his disciples.

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 He said this,

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 Notice here, the key phrase is what?

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 Take no what?

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 Thought.

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 You know, this really points out the importance in a Christian's life of our perspective.

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 How we think about things.

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 Because how we think always drives what we do.

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 You know, look over to 2 Corinthians chapter 10 for a moment.

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 2 Corinthians chapter 10.

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 Because part of the problem with our struggle in this life, look at verse 3.

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 It says,

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 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.

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 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,

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 casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God,

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 and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

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 You know, I want you to understand how we think is important.

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 Because our actions are determined by our thoughts.

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 It's determined by our perception.

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 Let's put this a little practically for a moment in something outside possessions.

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 Do you react differently to people based on your perception about them?

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 What's the problem there?

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 It's what the perception impacts the action.

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 The same when it comes to what we possess, how we think about it impacts how we respond to it.

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 Because we need to come from a perspective of trust.

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 You know, we could go back to Job.

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 You know, Job had a lot.

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 And then he had nothing.

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 You know, Job, when it comes to Job's faith, the one thing about Job, Job basically said,

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 Hey, I came in with nothing.

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 I can go out with nothing.

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 If I have the Lord, that's what's going to make the difference.

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 Because this life isn't what determines.

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 Because Jesus taught his disciples that in light of understanding his control over these things,

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 means that they could refrain from worry.

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 You know what happens?

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 We spend a lot of time worrying about things.

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 Sometimes we cannot directly control or trying to possess.

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 You know, trying to grab a hold of the phrase, take no thought, refers to being anxious, troubled with cares,

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 or seeking to promote one's own interests.

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 You know?

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 Take no thought.

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 That's our perception.

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 It's how does it influence me?

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 How does it impact me?

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 How do these things apply into our lives?

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 The emphasis here is, in fact, there's a choice to be made because you can choose on what you're going to think about.

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 You know, you influence and control what you think.

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 Because sometimes we allow our thoughts to lead to worry.

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 And the Bible tells us that we can put all our thoughts under Christ.

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 That we can allow our thoughts to be put in the right place.

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 To keep those things in the right order.

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 Because I want you to understand, worry is one of the things that strangles life.

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 You know, worry causes us to not do things that we ought to do.

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 You know, when we're caught up in worry, oftentimes people don't do the rest of the things they ought to do.

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 They spend all their time and energy and effort worrying.

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 You know, people fretting about the things of life.

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 You know, George Mueller said this.

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 He says, the beginning of anxiety is the end of faith.

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 And the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

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 Now, if you study out George Mueller, you'll understand his statement a little better.

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 Because he's definitely a man who learned to trust God.

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 It's important to note that this passage, Jesus never says we shouldn't have possessions.

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 Or even make a reasonable effort to secure some things.

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 In other words, it's not just a 1960s free-for-all hippie lifestyle.

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 Of, okay, somebody will take care of me.

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 Somebody will feed me.

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 It's not a, you might say, just a free-for-all wandering life.

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 It's not a life that people might think.

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 But it's a life that says possessions are a tool that God gives to me.

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 Possessions don't make me who I am or what I am.

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 And when we understand that it's what God gives us.

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 Because we ought to do those things to secure even the necessities of life.

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 You know, the Bible says if you don't work, you shouldn't eat.

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 You know, we ought to put forth the effort.

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 But we ought not to be anxious over it.

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 To say if we understand the importance of being faithful to our responsibility of it,

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 God will be faithful to his.

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 You know, rather than Jesus is saying we shouldn't worry about whether or not we have

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 or will have enough of these things.

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 We should trust in him.

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 Trust in the one that loves you.

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 Trust in the one that will take care of you.

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 Because Jesus always reminds us that our Father will make sure we have exactly what we need

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 to accomplish his purpose.

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 You know, the Bible says he'll supply all our needs according to his riches and glory.

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 Our needs, not our wants.

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 You know, there's a difference between needs and wants.

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 Wants are things that just make, we think, make life more convenient.

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 The things you need get pretty basic pretty quick.

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 You know, last week, heat was a need.

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 Without heat and you were outside last week, you weren't going to make it very long.

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 You know, there are some things we need, but we need to understand that context.

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 Because look over to Matthew chapter 6 for a moment.

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 Matthew chapter 6 and verse 34 says,

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 Take therefore no thought for the morrow.

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 For the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

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 Suffession unto the day is the evil thereof.

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 You ever notice that sometimes you catch yourself worrying and not even intend to?

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 That sometimes things in life cause us just to worry, to be concerned?

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 When we realize that worry can become a pattern.

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 We can get caught up, overly concerned for things that God says he will take care of.

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 Because we need to keep in mind that God is in control.

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 Remember God's control of a situation.

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 His ability to provide for us flows from his sovereignty.

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 Now this is the true definition of sovereignty.

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 God is sovereign.

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 He's over his creation.

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 God interacts with his creation.

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 God tells us that he owns everything.

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 And the Bible doctrine of divine sovereignty is connected with God's providence.

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 You know, when we see there that God sees and knows what we need beforehand,

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 and God knows what's going to happen before it happens,

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 God says, I've already got your needs taken care of.

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 And that's important to understand that what it's talking about is God's overarching,

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 encompassing wisdom and power over his creation.

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 You know, because consider what Romans 8 tells us.

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 It tells us what?

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 Basically that everything that happens, God says, I can work it for good.

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 You know, the one thing people get caught up in Romans is they forget that God doesn't say everything's going to be good.

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 God says he can take everything and turn it to good for those that love him.

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 He can take even the worst situations and turn them into what's profitable for you.

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 You know, who are some examples from the Bible that's happened to?

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 Job?

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 Joseph?

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 Joseph's probably one of the biggest examples that we have for a large stretch.

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 You know, but you can look at how God used those things.

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 How about David?

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 Do you see God's provision in David's life as you read through Ruth?

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 You know?

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 You see this dynamic.

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 There was evil things happening and God worked in spite of the evil to turn it to good.

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 That's God's sovereignty.

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 God says that he will take care of his own.

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 God says he will take care of us.

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 And when we understand that God's providential care for his creation extends to every part of the created order.

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 It includes us.

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 You know, consider the dynamic that he has here.

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 Look at verse 24.

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 Look what it says here in Luke chapter 12.

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 He says, what example does he give?

00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:02.000
 He says, consider what?

00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.820
 The ravens.

00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:05.260
 What's he talking about?

00:18:05.260 --> 00:18:06.460
 He's talking about his creation.

00:18:06.880 --> 00:18:08.520
 He says, the ravens.

00:18:08.600 --> 00:18:10.360
 He says, take a look at the ravens.

00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:19.340
 He says, for they neither sow nor reap, and neither have storehouses nor barns, and God feedeth them.

00:18:19.780 --> 00:18:22.980
 How much more are ye better than the fowls?

00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:25.680
 You know what Jesus said?

00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.660
 Hey guys, look around.

00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:31.079
 I wouldn't have surprised me if there wasn't some ravens off in the distance when he said this.

00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:35.460
 Because everybody would have understood exactly what he was saying.

00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:40.980
 The raven was a common bird in the area.

00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:44.039
 Think about how God used the ravens.

00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:45.039
 You know?

00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:47.460
 Where's the place God used ravens?

00:18:50.099 --> 00:18:51.339
 Yeah, he'd be Elijah.

00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.799
 I mean, brought him stuff.

00:18:52.960 --> 00:19:01.779
 You know, it's like God used them, and God still supplied for their need.

00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.500
 You know?

00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:09.920
 Jesus points out to his disciples that no one can worry his way even to a new physical height.

00:19:09.960 --> 00:19:11.180
 He talks about their stature.

00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.279
 You know?

00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:13.339
 You know?

00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:15.420
 Can you add anything to your stature?

00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:17.619
 You know?

00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:19.639
 You can try to fake it.

00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:21.699
 You know?

00:19:22.399 --> 00:19:23.739
 Ladies try to look taller.

00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:25.139
 They put long heels on.

00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:30.099
 Or you have guys who will wear platform shoes so they're taller.

00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:33.019
 But you know what?

00:19:33.079 --> 00:19:34.739
 In reality, they didn't get a bit taller.

00:19:36.079 --> 00:19:37.219
 Didn't change anything.

00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:47.419
 Jesus is using the reality of that to make his point of why should we waste our energy

00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:52.980
 trying to worry about things that are outside our control but inside God's control.

00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:56.660
 You know, oftentimes, worry is exactly that.

00:19:56.759 --> 00:20:00.200
 We're worrying about things that are in God's control and not our control.

00:20:01.340 --> 00:20:08.380
 We see and understand it's better for us to bring our cares to him.

00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:11.480
 You know, think about Philippians chapter 4 and verse 6.

00:20:11.580 --> 00:20:11.740
 It says,

00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:16.380
 Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,

00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:19.680
 let your requests be made known unto God.

00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:25.580
 You know, when it comes to trusting God, we need a renewed perspective.

00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:29.040
 You know, because our perspective is important.

00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:32.320
 Because we also have a perspective of purpose.

00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:34.560
 A perspective of purpose.

00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:35.440
 You know?

00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:38.740
 Notice what he tells us here.

00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:40.420
 Look at verse 23 of our text.

00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:40.780
 It says,

00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:46.539
 What's Jesus telling them?

00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:47.279
 Think about that.

00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:49.119
 What's Jesus' point there?

00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:49.539
 Yeah.

00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:54.119
 Life is more than just the physical things around us.

00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:58.980
 Life is not just about the accumulation of things

00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:03.019
 or even simply meeting our basic physical needs.

00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:08.639
 It's not about money, clothes, food, experiences, titles, accomplishments.

00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:13.119
 You know, when we understand, it goes beyond those things

00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:15.879
 because certain things are not going to last past this world.

00:21:16.099 --> 00:21:19.119
 The Bible makes it clear that one day this world is going to dissolve.

00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:20.220
 That's in the future.

00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:21.339
 But you know what the present is?

00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:23.579
 One day that everybody in here is going to die.

00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:28.220
 You know what you get to take with you?

00:21:28.220 --> 00:21:32.319
 Nobody has left this life with anything that they possessed here.

00:21:32.579 --> 00:21:33.640
 They might store it.

00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.799
 They might try to pile it.

00:21:34.860 --> 00:21:36.019
 They might try to hide it.

00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:40.279
 But the reality is, when their soul departed from their body,

00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:42.019
 all that was left behind.

00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:43.660
 They didn't take a bit of it with them.

00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:47.039
 Because when we understand the purpose of life is far greater,

00:21:47.160 --> 00:21:48.940
 because what is our purpose?

00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:50.059
 Our life is to what?

00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:51.759
 To know Christ.

00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.120
 To know Him.

00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:57.980
 You know, think about, turn on Philippians chapter 3 for a moment.

00:21:58.860 --> 00:22:00.880
 Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10.

00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:02.579
 Let's get a volunteer involved here.

00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:05.039
 Let's get everybody woke up a little bit.

00:22:05.120 --> 00:22:06.100
 Philippians 3.10.

00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:06.680
 Who's got that?

00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:06.900
 Lou?

00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:07.380
 Yep.

00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:08.620
 Philippians 3.10.

00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:13.220
 That I may know Him and the power of His remoreration and the fellowship of His Son.

00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:15.460
 What was Paul telling us here?

00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.259
 That I may what?

00:22:17.319 --> 00:22:18.120
 Know Him.

00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:24.100
 Paul wasn't speaking about knowing Christ in the sense of becoming a Christian

00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:27.079
 because he already had trusted Christ as his Savior.

00:22:27.079 --> 00:22:29.659
 He was speaking about knowing the things.

00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:33.139
 And he wasn't speaking about knowing things about Christ.

00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:36.819
 He was speaking about the experiential knowledge that Christ,

00:22:37.179 --> 00:22:41.659
 that comes from knowing Him in His Word and walking with Him daily.

00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:42.720
 You know?

00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:48.839
 When we understand, it means becoming familiar with the different aspects of who He is

00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:52.620
 and a personal knowledge about Christ.

00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:55.279
 Because how do we personally know something?

00:22:55.380 --> 00:23:00.180
 It comes from walking with, going through situations.

00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:06.579
 Have you ever noticed in life people that you endure situations and dynamics of life with build bonds?

00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:12.079
 You know, when you do life together, you know, when you get married,

00:23:12.199 --> 00:23:14.879
 you know, a lot of people think, you know, when I get married, everything's going to be grand.

00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:15.879
 Everything's going to be great.

00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:19.500
 And, you know, we know each other so well.

00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:23.319
 See, all the younger ones are like, huh?

00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:25.379
 And all the older ones are like, you know what?

00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:29.119
 When you're married a while, you find out you begin to know them better.

00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:31.399
 You know exactly who they are.

00:23:32.239 --> 00:23:34.399
 You learn about them through what?

00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:37.339
 Walking in life together.

00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:43.779
 Through the bad times, the good times, all the different dynamics of struggle.

00:23:45.679 --> 00:23:46.079
 You know what?

00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:48.919
 When we walk with Christ, the same thing happens.

00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:54.779
 He is there with us in the moments of the struggles and the trials and the tribulations.

00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:58.099
 In the good times and the bad times.

00:23:58.099 --> 00:24:01.399
 You know, it allows you to know him.

00:24:02.119 --> 00:24:06.179
 Because knowing Christ is what brings joy.

00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:11.139
 Because the Christian life in knowing Christ is one is to fear God.

00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:12.259
 You know?

00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:16.519
 Think about what Solomon said at the end of his life in Ecclesiastes 12.

00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:19.599
 He says, let's hear the conclusion of the whole matter.

00:24:21.659 --> 00:24:24.980
 Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:29.180
 All the things that Solomon did and experienced.

00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:31.920
 I mean, if you want to talk about possessions, you read the Bible.

00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:34.059
 What did, how many things did Solomon possess?

00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:37.660
 It says he went out to experience everything of life.

00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:47.980
 When you read through Ecclesiastes, Solomon thought experiences were going to fulfill him.

00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:50.320
 At the end of his life, he comes to a conclusion.

00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:52.100
 He says, let me sum it up for you.

00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:54.880
 Fear God.

00:24:56.380 --> 00:25:00.560
 Keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:06.839
 A life that's focused on accumulating wealth or chasing pleasure is often not lived in the fear of God.

00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:10.779
 Because we're not thinking, it's what can I have?

00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:13.240
 You know, the world asks, what does a man own?

00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:17.000
 But the reality is we ought to ask, what do we do with what we own?

00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:21.619
 What's our responsibility to Christ with what we possess?

00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:24.179
 Because that responsibility is what?

00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.220
 To glorify God.

00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:29.860
 We're to glorify God in all that we do.

00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:36.480
 You know, God created us with a purpose larger than just satisfying ourselves.

00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:39.019
 We're made to glorify him.

00:25:39.819 --> 00:25:41.079
 You know, in all that we do.

00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:43.180
 Take a look over to 1 Corinthians chapter 10.

00:25:43.860 --> 00:25:45.299
 1 Corinthians 10.31.

00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.680
 Who's my volunteer for that one?

00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.920
 1 Corinthians 10.31.

00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:49.940
 Got that one, Darren?

00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:54.299
 Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all the glory of God.

00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:54.940
 Amen.

00:25:55.860 --> 00:26:03.640
 Paul says, hey, no matter what you do, those basic even functions of life do it all to the glory of God.

00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:11.180
 Because fulfillment in life comes when the emphasis of our lives is to glorify God.

00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:14.000
 You know, that perspective is important.

00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:18.960
 To have the right perspective about the things that we possess.

00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:26.559
 Because if you have a wrong perspective of your possessions, you have a wrong perspective about God.

00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:33.340
 Because we see not only a biblical perspective, but also a bountiful provision.

00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:36.220
 You know, I want you to understand.

00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:40.559
 Because we have two problems when it comes to our thinking about God's provision.

00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:48.759
 Sometimes we have a temptation to think that our problems aren't significant enough for God to be bothered with.

00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:50.759
 And sometimes we think our situation.

00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:56.539
 And sometimes we think our situation is so overwhelming that God can't handle it.

00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:59.900
 You know, we love to be people of extremes.

00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:05.460
 You know, we get this extreme mindset and thought.

00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:13.360
 But in the passage that we look at here, we see that Jesus assures us that God knows about our cares.

00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:16.419
 Look at verse 30, back in Luke chapter 12.

00:27:16.939 --> 00:27:17.979
 Notice what he says here.

00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:21.219
 For all these things to the nations of the world seek after.

00:27:21.979 --> 00:27:23.259
 And your father, what?

00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:28.439
 Knoweth that ye have need of all these.

00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:33.539
 You know, God delights in taking care of his children.

00:27:34.679 --> 00:27:38.899
 You know, he does so with his power and in his abundance.

00:27:38.899 --> 00:27:42.240
 Because we need to realize he will provide.

00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:44.660
 God will provide.

00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:48.160
 How do you know that God provides for us?

00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:55.120
 Jesus draws our attention to what he cares for in the other parts of his creation.

00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:57.460
 You know, he says we can learn from the ravens.

00:27:58.519 --> 00:28:00.599
 You know, what can we learn from the ravens?

00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.240
 You know, he tells us here, he says,

00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:05.039
 Consider the ravens, verse 24.

00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:10.759
 For they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feedeth them.

00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:13.359
 How much more are ye better than the fowls?

00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:16.019
 There's a lot of theology in that statement for today.

00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:20.480
 But I want you to understand, Jesus is reminding him, he says,

00:28:20.599 --> 00:28:22.859
 If God takes care of this part of his creation,

00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:29.200
 why would he not take care of the pinnacle of his creation, mankind?

00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:33.240
 Especially those that have called upon him.

00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:35.500
 Why would God not take care of him?

00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:39.039
 If he takes care of the smallest of his creation,

00:28:39.380 --> 00:28:42.080
 why would he not take care of the pinnacle of his creation?

00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:46.079
 And we see him pointing that out,

00:28:46.179 --> 00:28:54.039
 that when we understand that it means the dynamic here needs to observe and to understand,

00:28:54.179 --> 00:28:57.240
 to consider, to fix our mind upon, you know,

00:28:57.319 --> 00:29:00.359
 when we understand, consider the ravens.

00:29:00.879 --> 00:29:01.659
 You know, that's what he's telling us.

00:29:01.659 --> 00:29:06.799
 He tells us to think about that in context of who and the priority that God gives.

00:29:06.799 --> 00:29:10.159
 You know, when we observe the things around us,

00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:16.779
 Jesus tells us that we can gain wisdom and insight to who God is and how God provides.

00:29:17.940 --> 00:29:22.339
 You know, oftentimes, I think we lose sight of just being able to understand how does the world operate.

00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:28.899
 Because the whole world, the operation of the world reminds us that God is over this world.

00:29:28.900 --> 00:29:33.560
 The Bible tells us by him all things consist.

00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:36.800
 There wouldn't be anything made that was made if it wasn't for him.

00:29:37.060 --> 00:29:40.240
 He is integral into his creation.

00:29:41.100 --> 00:29:47.100
 You know, it's not just any bird, though, that Jesus points our attention to, but a raven.

00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:49.400
 You know, think about that.

00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.600
 How many have been around ravens?

00:29:53.040 --> 00:29:56.160
 Now, ravens are akin to a blackbird, but they're a little different.

00:29:56.160 --> 00:30:01.120
 Ravens are very loud, obnoxious birds.

00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:06.160
 You know, if you're around ravens, they'll let you know.

00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:09.100
 They are loud.

00:30:09.320 --> 00:30:10.279
 They're obnoxious.

00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:11.800
 They're not good looking.

00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:16.160
 You know, matter of fact, they love just tearing up trash.

00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:19.300
 Yeah, they're messy.

00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.580
 They're nuisances.

00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:21.460
 You know what?

00:30:21.620 --> 00:30:24.340
 Ravens today act just like ravens did in Jesus' day.

00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:26.980
 And yet God feeds and takes care of them.

00:30:28.699 --> 00:30:32.199
 He says, here's what many consider to be a nuisance animal.

00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:37.720
 They're part of God's cleanup crew, you know, because they take care of things in nature that

00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:39.759
 other things animals won't take care of.

00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:44.359
 God has a purpose for them, but they're not the most attractive or animal you want to have

00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:44.720
 around.

00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:46.379
 And God says, hey, I still take care of them.

00:30:48.000 --> 00:30:49.579
 They're part of my creation.

00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:52.740
 You know, Psalm 147 in verse 9 says this,

00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:57.139
 He give it to the beast of his food and to the young ravens which cry.

00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:07.399
 You know, if God feeds the ravens, Jesus is asking how much more is he able and willing

00:31:07.399 --> 00:31:08.460
 to take care of you?

00:31:08.720 --> 00:31:14.359
 God assumes responsibility for the ravens and he takes responsibility for taking care of us.

00:31:14.359 --> 00:31:17.819
 Our job is to trust him, you know.

00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:22.659
 We need to learn also, the next example he gives is the lilies.

00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:24.579
 To learn from the lilies.

00:31:24.699 --> 00:31:26.899
 Look here in verse 27, it says,

00:31:26.900 --> 00:31:30.500
 Consider the lilies, how they grow.

00:31:31.120 --> 00:31:33.060
 They toil not, they spin not.

00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:38.120
 And yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

00:31:38.780 --> 00:31:43.960
 If then God so clothed the grass which is a day in the field and the morrow is cast into

00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:48.300
 the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

00:31:49.120 --> 00:31:49.360
 You know?

00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:55.019
 He's saying the lilies grow, they increase in number and become greater in splendor and

00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:57.199
 beauty than King Solomon.

00:31:57.719 --> 00:32:01.459
 And yet all they do this without expending any effort on their own part.

00:32:02.719 --> 00:32:02.899
 You know?

00:32:04.099 --> 00:32:10.099
 Lilies don't spend a whole lot of time trying to possess things or grab things or needful

00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.379
 things.

00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:12.399
 God provides for it.

00:32:12.419 --> 00:32:17.519
 But God will provide for us and provide what is needed.

00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:22.180
 He attends to each part of his creation, even the grass and the field.

00:32:23.940 --> 00:32:25.519
 Notice what he says, the grass and the field.

00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:28.200
 He basically says it's here today and gone tomorrow.

00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:30.660
 And God says, I still take care of it.

00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:33.139
 But God will provide for us bountifully.

00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:39.619
 The point Jesus here is providing to us, that if God provides food for the birds and beauty

00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:44.940
 for the flowers, he cares for these seemingly insignificant things.

00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:49.900
 How much more is he going to care for the needs of those that are his children?

00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:54.160
 You know, what father doesn't care for the needs of their children?

00:32:54.539 --> 00:32:57.279
 God cares for us.

00:32:58.140 --> 00:33:02.220
 You know, we serve a God who's willing and able to meet our need.

00:33:03.140 --> 00:33:03.340
 You know?

00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:05.860
 Matter of fact, Ephesians 3 tells us,

00:33:05.859 --> 00:33:16.359
 Philippians 4.19 tells us,

00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:21.740
 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus.

00:33:22.659 --> 00:33:30.519
 You know, that perspective is to trust God, to focus on what God has, to live out his purpose

00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:32.160
 in our lives.

00:33:33.240 --> 00:33:38.379
 You know, God provides for us, but we need to have a biblical perspective,

00:33:40.119 --> 00:33:45.220
 understand his bountiful provision, but also a biblical promise.

00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:48.599
 Because God doesn't ask us to trust in the abstract.

00:33:49.920 --> 00:33:53.000
 God gives us promises that we can hold on to.

00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:58.720
 He gives us those things because when we seek the eternal rather than the temporary,

00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:02.559
 God takes care of both the temporary and the eternal.

00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:05.920
 You know, when we focus on the right things,

00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:16.539
 the idea of the mind being focused on useless thoughts causes us to be anxious.

00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:17.800
 You know?

00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:19.780
 Look over here in Luke chapter 12.

00:34:19.860 --> 00:34:20.920
 Look down at verse 29.

00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:23.059
 It says,

00:34:23.240 --> 00:34:28.280
 And seek not ye what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink.

00:34:28.840 --> 00:34:29.519
 And then notice this.

00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:31.119
 Neither be ye what?

00:34:31.220 --> 00:34:34.019
 Of a doubtful mind.

00:34:34.300 --> 00:34:35.700
 In other words, don't be anxious.

00:34:37.380 --> 00:34:39.900
 Don't be doubtful that God will take care of it.

00:34:40.139 --> 00:34:46.500
 Our responsibility to do our part, trusting God, is going to do his.

00:34:47.400 --> 00:34:50.059
 You know, Vance Havner said this.

00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:51.820
 He says, worry is like a rocking chair.

00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:54.000
 It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.

00:34:54.380 --> 00:34:55.779
 You know, worry is kind of the same thing.

00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:57.599
 It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.

00:34:58.699 --> 00:34:59.820
 Doesn't take care of anything.

00:35:00.019 --> 00:35:06.000
 Ultimately, worry is useless unless it accomplishes nothing.

00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.039
 You know?

00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:12.340
 But when we rest in the Lord, God will take care of us.

00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:14.179
 Look over to Psalm 37 for a moment.

00:35:14.679 --> 00:35:16.539
 Think about God's promise to us here.

00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:20.539
 Psalm 37 in verse 7.

00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.320
 Who's got that one?

00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.119
 You got that, Lou?

00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:26.000
 Psalm 37 said, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.

00:35:26.299 --> 00:35:29.900
 Write not thyself because of him who's promised to be praying,

00:35:30.339 --> 00:35:32.480
 but the commandment of Christ is a license.

00:35:33.679 --> 00:35:34.259
 You know?

00:35:34.980 --> 00:35:35.779
 What's it tell us?

00:35:35.799 --> 00:35:39.420
 To rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.

00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:43.739
 You know, we can trust God's plan because he knows what we need.

00:35:44.400 --> 00:35:44.719
 You know?

00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:49.079
 Think about verse 30 back in our passage in Luke 12.

00:35:49.079 --> 00:35:52.299
 It says, for all these things do the nations of the world seek after,

00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:55.079
 and your Father knoweth that you have need of these.

00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:56.099
 You know?

00:35:56.719 --> 00:36:02.860
 People who don't know the Lord spend their lives trying to acquire the things of this life.

00:36:03.779 --> 00:36:06.599
 You know, they spend a lot of time and effort and energy,

00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:10.059
 and they're focused on the things trying to manipulate

00:36:10.059 --> 00:36:12.900
 and to bring about what they can possess.

00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:18.500
 We need to keep in mind the right perspective of that.

00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:20.860
 To understand God's provision.

00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.320
 To trust in his provision.

00:36:23.260 --> 00:36:23.460
 You know?

00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:27.159
 But also trust his plan, but trust his priority.

00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:31.940
 You know, instead of making the pursuit of the temporal our priority,

00:36:32.099 --> 00:36:33.739
 God calls us to seek him.

00:36:34.300 --> 00:36:36.920
 You know, look at verse 31 in Luke chapter 12 there.

00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:37.659
 It tells us this,

00:36:37.980 --> 00:36:41.699
 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be what?

00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:43.960
 Added unto you.

00:36:44.159 --> 00:36:45.719
 You know, added's a good math term.

00:36:45.719 --> 00:36:48.539
 It means you get more.

00:36:49.419 --> 00:36:50.639
 It means he gets taken care of.

00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:55.859
 When we understand he promises to do that, you know,

00:36:56.259 --> 00:36:58.759
 notice the sequence here.

00:36:58.859 --> 00:37:03.079
 We're instructed to first seek God and trust him to provide.

00:37:03.219 --> 00:37:05.739
 We trust he provides.

00:37:05.739 --> 00:37:12.219
 But one tangible way we seek God and trust God is to give of our temporal resources.

00:37:13.439 --> 00:37:13.659
 You know?

00:37:14.759 --> 00:37:16.779
 Turn over to Proverbs chapter 3 for a moment.

00:37:16.899 --> 00:37:18.799
 You know, Proverbs chapter 3 and verse 9.

00:37:19.339 --> 00:37:20.719
 Notice what it tells us here.

00:37:20.819 --> 00:37:21.000
 It says,

00:37:21.159 --> 00:37:22.739
 Honor the Lord with thy substance.

00:37:23.439 --> 00:37:24.679
 What's he talking about?

00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:26.899
 Your substance is what?

00:37:27.000 --> 00:37:30.379
 The temporary things of this life.

00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:33.259
 The things we possess, our money, our resources.

00:37:33.260 --> 00:37:34.400
 And he says,

00:37:34.520 --> 00:37:37.020
 And with the firstfruits of all thine increased.

00:37:37.580 --> 00:37:42.420
 When we honor God by giving him the first and the best of our time, our talent, and our treasure,

00:37:42.920 --> 00:37:51.760
 we put into practice our trust in his commitment to his children to care for them by meeting their needs.

00:37:51.820 --> 00:37:54.300
 We need to trust him in our needs.

00:37:54.360 --> 00:37:58.400
 And we find ourselves an increased capacity for generosity.

00:37:58.400 --> 00:38:03.119
 You know, we're able to give more back to God when we trust God.

00:38:04.099 --> 00:38:08.639
 You know, oftentimes people don't give because it's really a lack of faith in God.

00:38:09.619 --> 00:38:13.460
 They say, if I give this, I'll do without.

00:38:14.940 --> 00:38:15.960
 What are they saying?

00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:19.280
 I can't trust God to accomplish what he said he's going to do.

00:38:19.539 --> 00:38:21.420
 To honor the Lord with your substance.

00:38:23.300 --> 00:38:24.680
 To give to the Lord.

00:38:24.679 --> 00:38:25.159
 You know what?

00:38:25.759 --> 00:38:32.759
 Oftentimes, we forget that God promises that if we give, if we trust him, God says,

00:38:32.859 --> 00:38:33.859
 I'll take care of the rest.

00:38:34.019 --> 00:38:35.659
 Matter of fact, God says he'll even multiply.

00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:39.039
 Look over to Luke chapter 6 for a moment.

00:38:39.159 --> 00:38:40.719
 Luke chapter 6 and verse 38.

00:38:40.879 --> 00:38:41.059
 He says,

00:38:41.059 --> 00:38:46.159
 Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:48.359
 Shall men give into your bosom.

00:38:48.659 --> 00:38:52.399
 For with the same measure that you meet with all shall be measured to you again.

00:38:52.400 --> 00:38:56.500
 You know, let me put this in simple terms for you.

00:38:58.119 --> 00:39:03.579
 The size of the shovel you use to give to God is the same size shovel God uses to give back to you.

00:39:03.720 --> 00:39:05.079
 You know, we often forget that.

00:39:06.340 --> 00:39:10.579
 We want, but we're not willing to trust God and give.

00:39:12.320 --> 00:39:13.300
 To trust him.

00:39:13.760 --> 00:39:16.559
 To understand how do we put things in God's order.

00:39:16.660 --> 00:39:17.599
 To trust his plan.

00:39:17.700 --> 00:39:18.800
 To trust his priority.

00:39:18.800 --> 00:39:21.039
 But also trust his eternity.

00:39:21.820 --> 00:39:24.460
 You know, look here at verse 32 in our text.

00:39:24.580 --> 00:39:24.740
 It says,

00:39:24.860 --> 00:39:30.000
 Fear not, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

00:39:30.820 --> 00:39:35.200
 Sell that you have, and give alms, and provide yourself bags which wax not old,

00:39:35.280 --> 00:39:39.700
 and treasures in heaven faileth not, and no thief approaches, neither moth corrupteth.

00:39:39.699 --> 00:39:47.299
 You know, I want you to see here it's God's good pleasure to do these things if we seek after him.

00:39:47.779 --> 00:39:49.059
 You know, to do those things.

00:39:49.179 --> 00:39:54.559
 We find eternal rewards that outlast anything this world can offer.

00:39:55.159 --> 00:40:00.099
 You know, we need to invest in what God is doing with our resources.

00:40:00.239 --> 00:40:02.819
 What God has given to us is important.

00:40:02.919 --> 00:40:05.460
 It says to sell what you have and give alms.

00:40:06.599 --> 00:40:07.619
 What are alms?

00:40:07.759 --> 00:40:08.980
 That's an important question.

00:40:09.740 --> 00:40:10.940
 That's not a term we use.

00:40:12.440 --> 00:40:12.920
 Offerings.

00:40:15.119 --> 00:40:15.599
 Offerings.

00:40:15.740 --> 00:40:17.960
 That would be the term we would use today.

00:40:19.440 --> 00:40:21.519
 To give an offering unto the Lord.

00:40:22.260 --> 00:40:24.000
 You know, offerings are important.

00:40:24.320 --> 00:40:26.119
 Tithes are important.

00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:27.860
 To give of those things.

00:40:27.960 --> 00:40:31.559
 You know, Christian giving is really in the scriptures divided into two portions.

00:40:31.719 --> 00:40:33.380
 One is a tithe and one is an offering.

00:40:33.820 --> 00:40:36.980
 Malachi tells us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse.

00:40:36.980 --> 00:40:40.920
 Now, we don't have time this morning to develop all that because I'm already out of time.

00:40:41.599 --> 00:40:49.800
 But I want you to understand that if you're not willing to give of your substance, you're really saying, I don't trust God to provide for my needs.

00:40:49.800 --> 00:40:54.720
 It's really not a question of money as much as it is a question of trust.

00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:58.019
 Oftentimes, we think it's a money question, thinking problem.

00:40:59.900 --> 00:41:03.100
 Instead of understanding, it's a trusting problem that we do that.

00:41:03.099 --> 00:41:08.019
 But offerings are gifts to the Lord above and beyond the tithe.

00:41:08.099 --> 00:41:12.000
 And we see, we have some great examples of those things.

00:41:12.079 --> 00:41:13.759
 But to give alms is to do that.

00:41:13.819 --> 00:41:15.960
 To give unto the Lord.

00:41:16.059 --> 00:41:17.480
 To offer unto Him.

00:41:17.539 --> 00:41:20.519
 You'll see that principle throughout the Old Testament.

00:41:21.259 --> 00:41:22.960
 You know, because notice what it says.

00:41:23.039 --> 00:41:23.779
 We'll conclude here.

00:41:23.839 --> 00:41:24.759
 Look at verse 34.

00:41:25.480 --> 00:41:26.739
 It tells us this.

00:41:26.739 --> 00:41:31.859
 It says, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

00:41:32.179 --> 00:41:36.199
 You know, what you invest in and what you prioritize is where it's going to attach your heart.

00:41:36.459 --> 00:41:40.239
 Are you trusting in the Lord in our daily walk with Him?

00:41:41.899 --> 00:41:44.519
 Especially when it comes to what we possess.

00:41:45.799 --> 00:41:48.699
 Because your life is much more than what you own.

00:41:48.699 --> 00:41:53.960
 You can own the whole world and still be in trouble when you stand before the Lord.

00:41:54.119 --> 00:41:58.279
 Because we need to put our affections in the right place.

00:41:59.139 --> 00:42:00.599
 Colossians 3, 2 says this.

00:42:00.779 --> 00:42:05.339
 Set your affection on the things above, not on the things on the earth.

00:42:05.500 --> 00:42:10.559
 Your heart and your resources are always tied together.

00:42:11.219 --> 00:42:11.759
 Let's pray.

00:42:11.759 --> 00:42:11.759