WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Thank you. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:21.420 So, Hebrews chapter 4. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.020 And before we read, I just want to check, did everybody get one of these pieces of paper? 00:00:37.619 --> 00:00:43.759 If you didn't get one, it's got practicing dependence on the top. 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:49.579 If you didn't get one, just put up your hand and I think Sarah, is that Sarah? 00:00:49.840 --> 00:00:51.120 I haven't got my glasses on. 00:00:52.659 --> 00:00:53.799 Oh, they're all gone. 00:00:54.079 --> 00:00:57.359 Okay, so just share them out if you have them anyway. 00:00:57.359 --> 00:01:05.560 Okay, no need, so having asked if you have one, just put it under your seat now, you're not to read it. 00:01:10.340 --> 00:01:15.519 So, we'll read God's word, then we'll pray, and then we'll see what it has to say. 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:17.219 So, let's read. 00:01:18.939 --> 00:01:23.340 Hebrews chapter 4, starting in verse 12. 00:01:27.359 --> 00:01:38.359 For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:45.280 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:50.180 It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:56.700 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. 00:01:57.860 --> 00:02:05.760 Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 00:02:05.760 --> 00:02:19.819 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 00:02:19.819 --> 00:02:26.979 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses. 00:02:26.979 --> 00:02:36.419 But we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin. 00:02:36.419 --> 00:02:53.479 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 00:02:55.699 --> 00:02:57.199 Let's keep our Bibles open. 00:02:57.339 --> 00:03:00.139 We're going to talk to God as we pray. 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:01.359 Let's do that now. 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:10.780 Our Father God, we come to you in dependence upon you. 00:03:12.220 --> 00:03:26.720 We ask for your help, that your word would be active in our life, and that we may experience your grace. 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:31.840 Help us now, we pray, in Jesus' name. 00:03:32.599 --> 00:03:33.080 Amen. 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:43.639 Well, last week we started a new series, and we're asking the big question, what is a Christian? 00:03:44.819 --> 00:03:53.800 So over the next few weeks, we're just taking a core theme each week and having a look at what the Bible has to say about it. 00:03:53.800 --> 00:04:01.100 Today, we're going to see that a Christian is someone who is dependent on God. 00:04:01.280 --> 00:04:03.880 Someone who is dependent on God. 00:04:04.300 --> 00:04:15.460 And I'm sure you can think of many ways in which you may describe this, but for our sakes today, and to focus on where we're going in the talk, I'm putting it like this. 00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:27.360 Dependence is saying, without God, I do not know what I need, and without God, I cannot receive all that I need. 00:04:27.900 --> 00:04:36.340 So without God, I don't know what I need, and without God, I can't receive, I can't get what I need. 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:53.139 And the way in which we express our dependence on God is what we've been doing throughout this morning, both listening to God through his word, the Bible, and speaking to God through prayer. 00:04:53.139 --> 00:05:01.039 Because through the word of God, through the Bible, our deepest needs are revealed. 00:05:02.319 --> 00:05:08.060 And through prayer to God, our deepest need is received. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:11.819 So let me say that again. 00:05:12.039 --> 00:05:15.719 Through the word of God, our deepest need is revealed. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:20.839 And through prayer to God, our deepest need is received. 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:25.139 And these two themes are at the heart of our text. 00:05:25.399 --> 00:05:31.560 So chapter 4, verse 12, says the word of God is alive and active. 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:39.120 End of verse 12, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:05:39.299 --> 00:05:45.779 So you see, God speaks to us through his word, it's active, and it reveals our deepest need. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:49.139 Then have a look at verse 16. 00:05:50.839 --> 00:06:03.179 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:11.500 You see, we speak to God in prayer and we receive from God what our deepest needs are. 00:06:11.500 --> 00:06:19.379 So what we're going to do this morning is look at these two themes of the word, the Bible, and prayer. 00:06:20.019 --> 00:06:24.959 And then we're going to see what dependence on God looks like in practice. 00:06:25.819 --> 00:06:32.019 So first, depending on God is listening to God. 00:06:32.180 --> 00:06:35.500 Depending on God is listening to God. 00:06:35.500 --> 00:06:40.379 Three things are going to help us to know what it means to listen. 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:46.600 First, let's remember that God is a speaking God. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:55.699 The writer of Hebrews, from chapter 1 onwards, has been urging his readers to listen to God's word. 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:59.500 So have a look with me, chapter 3, verse 7, just to get the context. 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:14.600 So as the Holy Spirit says, today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion. 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:16.699 Well, what's the rebellion? 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:21.899 Well, it was that time of testing in the wilderness. 00:07:21.899 --> 00:07:31.060 The writer is looking back to when God's people were rescued from slavery in Egypt and were on their way to the promised land. 00:07:31.239 --> 00:07:36.359 But not long into their journey, they sought an independence from God. 00:07:36.979 --> 00:07:43.239 They stopped listening to the voice of God and listened to their own. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:47.060 So with that background in mind, look at verse 12. 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:57.259 He says, see to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:58.939 He's challenging us. 00:07:59.019 --> 00:08:03.720 Don't have a heart that is closed to the voice of God. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:06.439 Verse 15. 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:08.579 He wants us to get it. 00:08:09.279 --> 00:08:14.560 Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. 00:08:14.560 --> 00:08:21.879 And in case we've missed the point, he reminds us again, chapter 4, end of verse 7. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:29.040 Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. 00:08:30.340 --> 00:08:36.059 You see, we need to be people who have our ears open to listen to God. 00:08:36.059 --> 00:08:46.599 And the way in which we primarily hear God speak is through the words that we have before us in our Bible that we're listening to. 00:08:47.719 --> 00:08:50.619 It's a little bit like a child's musical book. 00:08:51.439 --> 00:08:54.359 Maybe you've had some of these in your house at different times. 00:08:54.719 --> 00:08:59.379 When you open those books, you get a little tune that begins to play. 00:08:59.379 --> 00:09:03.259 And then as soon as you close it, the music stops. 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:06.360 It's not that the music has gone away. 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:10.779 You just simply need to open the book and then you hear the music again. 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:18.019 Well, in the same way as we open up the Bible and read God's word, guess what? 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:20.500 We hear God speak. 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:22.860 Close that book. 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:27.019 And we silence his voice. 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:34.740 So first, we need to be a people who are listening to the God who speaks. 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:40.440 And when God speaks, God acts. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:43.399 His words have power. 00:09:44.220 --> 00:09:45.960 Look at chapter 4, verse 12. 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:51.159 For the word of God is alive and active. 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:55.879 God's word is living and transforming. 00:09:56.539 --> 00:10:06.459 So right now as we hear the word, as we read the word, the word of God is taking effect in your life and in my life right now. 00:10:07.159 --> 00:10:11.399 Just as God spoke the universe into existence with words, 00:10:12.179 --> 00:10:17.339 so God acts in a powerful and transforming way through his words to us. 00:10:17.340 --> 00:10:22.100 Look how the way, look in which the word of God is described. 00:10:22.720 --> 00:10:23.980 Continue on in verse 12. 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:29.340 He says the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:33.060 Not a sword that you're going to use in battle, 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:38.080 but a sword that you're going to use to cut open. 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:41.040 Continue on. 00:10:41.040 --> 00:10:42.120 Verse 12. 00:10:42.900 --> 00:10:46.639 The word is sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:10:47.940 --> 00:10:55.220 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:11:00.340 You see, the point is, God's word is active. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:01.879 It's not passive. 00:11:02.920 --> 00:11:04.620 It's always at work. 00:11:04.900 --> 00:11:06.060 It takes effect. 00:11:06.059 --> 00:11:09.979 It does what God wants it to do. 00:11:10.679 --> 00:11:14.779 Read God's word and God will act in it through your life. 00:11:16.939 --> 00:11:18.939 So in what way does God act? 00:11:19.119 --> 00:11:24.039 What impact does the word of God have in our life? 00:11:25.219 --> 00:11:29.439 Well, God speaks, God acts, and God reveals. 00:11:30.539 --> 00:11:32.459 The word has many functions. 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:35.300 So if you're reading the Bible, it'll say things like, 00:11:35.879 --> 00:11:38.500 the word of God nourishes you like food, 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:41.320 or it cleans you like water, 00:11:41.460 --> 00:11:44.060 or it grows you like a seed in the ground. 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:51.080 And here the focus is primarily on showing us that God's word is a revealing word. 00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:55.200 Let's read all of verse 12 to get the point. 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:59.360 For the word of God is alive and active, 00:12:00.400 --> 00:12:02.420 sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:07.220 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.500 Here's the revealing part. 00:12:10.500 --> 00:12:15.460 It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:20.460 God's word, the sharpest of swords, 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:24.120 is like a surgeon's scalpel. 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:27.580 You go into the operating theatre, 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:30.399 and the surgeon will get out his scalpel, 00:12:30.799 --> 00:12:32.799 and it cuts right through, 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:36.059 exposing the heart. 00:12:36.059 --> 00:12:40.239 What we are really thinking right now, 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:42.379 what we really believe, 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:46.299 God's word reveals the real you. 00:12:47.719 --> 00:12:50.500 A friend of mine recently had a heart attack. 00:12:51.859 --> 00:12:53.079 No one knew it was coming, 00:12:53.219 --> 00:12:54.079 not least himself. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:55.479 He was a very active guy. 00:12:55.579 --> 00:12:56.819 He was big into cycling. 00:12:57.699 --> 00:13:00.259 And it wasn't until he had to be rushed in 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.899 for emergency surgery 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:04.439 that they opened him up 00:13:04.439 --> 00:13:08.019 and discovered all kinds of blockages 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:09.579 in his heart. 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:13.419 The surgeon's scalpel revealed 00:13:13.419 --> 00:13:15.120 the problem. 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:19.139 Well, in the same way as we read God's word, 00:13:19.240 --> 00:13:21.639 it's saying it cuts right to the heart, 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:24.799 deeper than we could ever imagine, 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:28.599 and it reveals what needs attention, 00:13:29.219 --> 00:13:32.519 what needs to be done with our heart. 00:13:34.699 --> 00:13:37.199 You see, the big message is this. 00:13:38.839 --> 00:13:40.240 Through the word, 00:13:40.979 --> 00:13:42.799 whoops, too far. 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.919 Well, you just have to listen. 00:13:45.079 --> 00:13:46.299 I've missed out a point. 00:13:46.919 --> 00:13:47.500 Listen to this. 00:13:47.579 --> 00:13:48.639 The big message is, 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:49.939 through the word, 00:13:50.719 --> 00:13:53.719 God reveals our deepest need. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:54.860 Through the word, 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.820 God reveals our deepest need. 00:13:57.420 --> 00:13:59.519 You see, without God speaking to us, 00:13:59.660 --> 00:14:01.560 we're actually incapable of knowing 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:02.620 who we truly are 00:14:02.620 --> 00:14:04.840 and what we are in need of. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.259 We're dependent on God 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:09.180 to show us our need. 00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:10.560 Look at verse 13. 00:14:11.340 --> 00:14:14.420 Nothing in all of creation 00:14:14.420 --> 00:14:15.820 is hidden from God's sight. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.320 So everything can be seen. 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:19.320 Every person. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:21.399 What they're thinking, 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:22.320 what they're doing. 00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:25.180 Everything is uncovered 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:28.660 and laid bare before the eyes of him 00:14:28.660 --> 00:14:31.200 to whom we must give an account. 00:14:33.200 --> 00:14:34.600 God uncovers 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:37.140 what is hidden in our hearts. 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.900 He exposes the sin. 00:14:41.140 --> 00:14:43.100 He shows us what really matters, 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.340 what we need to repent of, 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:48.100 the things that we need to change in our life. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:50.159 You see, reading the word 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:52.899 is like entering into the surgeon's theatre 00:14:52.899 --> 00:14:54.820 where we come humbly 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:57.800 and accept God's diagnosis 00:14:57.800 --> 00:15:00.879 of what our hearts are like. 00:15:02.040 --> 00:15:04.080 So through the word of God, 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:07.600 our deepest need is revealed. 00:15:09.560 --> 00:15:11.240 Second big idea, 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:14.139 depending on God 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:16.299 is not just listening to God, 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:18.620 but speaking to God 00:15:18.620 --> 00:15:19.820 in response. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.740 And again, three things 00:15:21.740 --> 00:15:23.519 to help us understand 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:25.500 the speaking to God 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.419 side of things. 00:15:27.080 --> 00:15:27.620 First, 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:30.500 let's notice the access 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:32.580 to God we have. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.480 Look at verse 14. 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:37.480 Therefore, 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.500 since we have 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:41.080 a great high priest 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:43.420 who has ascended into heaven, 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:44.460 Jesus, 00:15:44.759 --> 00:15:45.740 the Son of God. 00:15:47.100 --> 00:15:47.740 Now, 00:15:47.820 --> 00:15:48.580 you may remember 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:50.720 that we looked at Hebrews 00:15:50.720 --> 00:15:51.639 some time ago. 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:52.779 The high priest 00:15:52.779 --> 00:15:54.940 was that person 00:15:54.940 --> 00:15:56.639 who was chosen by God 00:15:56.639 --> 00:15:58.360 to represent the people 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:59.139 to God. 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.800 And though the high priest 00:16:01.800 --> 00:16:02.480 was great 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:04.639 great and had many 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:06.759 privileges and responsibilities, 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:09.259 their main responsibility 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:12.139 was to represent the people, 00:16:12.920 --> 00:16:15.139 to give them access to God. 00:16:15.560 --> 00:16:17.300 But the problem was 00:16:17.300 --> 00:16:18.860 every high priest 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.779 that was appointed 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.720 failed. 00:16:20.920 --> 00:16:21.700 They were sinful. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:24.600 So any access to God 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:25.920 was only partial 00:16:25.920 --> 00:16:27.360 and temporary. 00:16:28.300 --> 00:16:29.840 They could never enter 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:31.259 into God's presence 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:32.100 fully 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:33.559 and completely. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.120 But we have, 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.679 do you notice verse 14? 00:16:37.799 --> 00:16:38.720 It says we have 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:40.740 not just a high priest, 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:43.059 but a great 00:16:43.059 --> 00:16:44.740 high priest. 00:16:45.539 --> 00:16:47.000 One who is better. 00:16:48.319 --> 00:16:48.799 One, 00:16:49.059 --> 00:16:50.799 look at the end of verse 15, 00:16:51.799 --> 00:16:53.419 who did not 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:54.259 sin. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.319 Jesus, 00:16:56.580 --> 00:16:58.200 our great high priest, 00:16:58.200 --> 00:17:00.320 was perfect. 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:03.240 He never did anything wrong 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.740 or thought anything wrong. 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:06.240 In fact, 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.740 as we read through Hebrews, 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.559 we'll discover 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:10.180 that as the high priest, 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:12.420 he took upon himself 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.660 our sin. 00:17:14.660 --> 00:17:16.000 And he was judged 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.100 in our place 00:17:17.100 --> 00:17:17.880 for our sin. 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.600 So that we, 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:22.019 now through Jesus, 00:17:22.420 --> 00:17:23.519 may have full 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:25.140 and complete access 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:26.059 to God. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.099 That's what it says 00:17:27.099 --> 00:17:28.019 in verse 16, 00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:28.559 isn't it? 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:30.679 Let us then 00:17:30.679 --> 00:17:31.259 approach 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:33.019 God's throne of grace 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.879 with confidence. 00:17:36.159 --> 00:17:37.859 If we're trusting Christ, 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:39.059 we don't need to fear. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.500 We don't need to hide. 00:17:41.240 --> 00:17:41.899 We can come 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:42.960 with confidence. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.079 Isn't that incredible? 00:17:46.119 --> 00:17:46.619 The God 00:17:46.619 --> 00:17:47.779 who speaks to us 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:48.339 in his word 00:17:48.339 --> 00:17:49.519 invites us 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:49.960 and says, 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:51.460 I'm listening 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.099 to you. 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:53.740 And the fact 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.299 that God 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:55.079 would make this 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:56.139 known to us 00:17:56.139 --> 00:17:57.819 shows how much 00:17:57.819 --> 00:17:58.519 he loves us, 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.659 that he wants us 00:17:59.659 --> 00:18:01.159 to talk to him. 00:18:02.819 --> 00:18:03.819 And for the Christian, 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.980 we can speak with God 00:18:05.980 --> 00:18:06.439 anytime, 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.399 anywhere, 00:18:07.899 --> 00:18:09.039 about anything. 00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.099 So God speaks, 00:18:11.199 --> 00:18:13.099 but God listens. 00:18:14.439 --> 00:18:15.699 We have access 00:18:15.699 --> 00:18:16.500 to him. 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:18.920 not only access, 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:20.880 look at the sympathy 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:22.359 that we have 00:18:22.359 --> 00:18:23.059 from God. 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:24.700 We have a God 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:26.259 who actually 00:18:26.259 --> 00:18:27.640 understands us. 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.799 He's not so distant 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.640 and far away 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:30.819 that he doesn't know 00:18:30.819 --> 00:18:31.859 what's going on. 00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:32.400 No, 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.400 he's close. 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.480 Look at verse 15. 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:38.000 For we do not 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:38.960 have a high priest 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.500 who is unable 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.220 to feel sympathy 00:18:41.220 --> 00:18:42.220 for our weaknesses. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:42.860 Now, 00:18:43.860 --> 00:18:44.839 to feel sympathy 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:46.860 in this context 00:18:46.860 --> 00:18:47.779 does not mean, 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:48.620 oh, 00:18:48.660 --> 00:18:49.799 I'm sure it's hard 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.400 for you, 00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:51.960 but you know what, 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:53.120 if you do better 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:54.100 and, you know, 00:18:54.140 --> 00:18:55.039 if you work a little 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:55.680 bit harder, 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.920 then things will be 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:57.640 good for you. 00:18:59.380 --> 00:18:59.700 No, 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:01.200 something deeper 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:01.680 than that, 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:02.500 it's saying, 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.920 I understand you, 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:06.220 I get you, 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:07.779 I've been 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:08.880 where you've been 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:09.680 and because 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:10.680 I've been there, 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:12.580 I can help you. 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:15.039 That's what verse 15 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:15.519 is saying. 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.539 Look at verse 15 00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.080 with me. 00:19:18.920 --> 00:19:20.180 We do not have 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:20.840 a high priest 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:21.740 who is unable 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.860 to feel sympathy, 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.019 but we have one 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.700 who has been 00:19:25.700 --> 00:19:27.900 tempted in every way 00:19:27.900 --> 00:19:29.740 just as we are, 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.380 yet he didn't sin. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:33.259 Now, 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:34.259 Jesus didn't suffer 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:35.380 every temptation. 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:36.380 For example, 00:19:36.580 --> 00:19:37.720 Jesus wasn't married, 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:39.000 so he didn't struggle 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:40.000 with the temptations 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:40.980 that married folk 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:41.579 might do. 00:19:42.339 --> 00:19:43.799 He died at the age 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.440 of 33, 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:44.799 yes, 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:45.539 he rose again, 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:47.039 but he didn't suffer 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:48.319 the temptation 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:49.319 that maybe somebody 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.440 older did, 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:52.240 but he suffered 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.220 temptation 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.019 in a way 00:19:54.019 --> 00:19:55.500 that we will never do 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:57.319 because when 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.140 we're tempted 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:59.859 and the pressure 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.700 comes on, 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:02.180 we give in 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:03.079 to temptation, 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:04.059 we break, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:05.799 but Jesus 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:06.920 didn't break. 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:08.960 even as the temptation 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.720 increased 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.500 and the pressure 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:11.320 mounted, 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:13.340 Jesus did not sin. 00:20:13.860 --> 00:20:14.200 Therefore, 00:20:14.440 --> 00:20:16.120 because he didn't sin, 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.460 he is qualified 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.740 to help us. 00:20:20.360 --> 00:20:22.600 He knows what we need 00:20:22.600 --> 00:20:23.980 because he has lived 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.700 as a human 00:20:24.700 --> 00:20:25.539 on this earth. 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:26.800 He's experienced 00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:28.820 life in this broken world. 00:20:29.380 --> 00:20:30.480 Just look back with me 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:31.519 to chapter 2, 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:32.800 verse 18. 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:35.519 It makes it very clear. 00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:36.339 Chapter 2, 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:37.180 verse 18. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:47.000 Because Jesus himself 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:48.379 suffered when he 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:49.139 was tempted, 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:52.019 he is able to help 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:53.599 those who are 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.899 being tempted. 00:20:56.339 --> 00:20:57.619 Isn't that encouraging 00:20:57.619 --> 00:20:58.579 for you and I? 00:20:59.759 --> 00:21:00.779 That when we face 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:01.919 struggles like this, 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:03.060 we have a God 00:21:03.060 --> 00:21:04.820 who isn't distant, 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:06.480 but is close 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.360 and understands 00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:09.140 and sympathises 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:09.779 with us. 00:21:10.100 --> 00:21:10.820 He enters 00:21:10.820 --> 00:21:11.779 into our struggle. 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.240 He feels for you. 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.539 He draws alongside 00:21:14.539 --> 00:21:15.100 and says, 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.600 I'm going to help you. 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:20.160 So we have access. 00:21:20.660 --> 00:21:21.779 We have sympathy. 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:23.460 Therefore, 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:26.360 we can come 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:28.300 and ask God. 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:30.480 We can ask him. 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:33.259 Verse 16. 00:21:34.060 --> 00:21:34.800 Let us then 00:21:34.800 --> 00:21:36.039 approach God's throne 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:36.539 of grace 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:37.580 with confidence 00:21:37.580 --> 00:21:39.800 so that we can 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:40.800 receive mercy 00:21:40.800 --> 00:21:42.019 and find grace 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:43.960 for our time of need. 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.420 I don't know 00:21:45.420 --> 00:21:46.039 what you think 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:46.620 of God, 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.500 but he is not 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.560 a tight-fisted 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:50.240 Grinch. 00:21:51.060 --> 00:21:52.480 God is a loving, 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.920 generous Father 00:21:53.920 --> 00:21:55.140 who loves 00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:56.160 to give. 00:21:57.380 --> 00:21:58.100 In fact, 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:58.980 God is the one 00:21:58.980 --> 00:21:59.480 who knows 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.660 what is good for us. 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:02.800 So in our need, 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:04.340 we can run to God 00:22:04.340 --> 00:22:04.960 and ask him 00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:05.940 for our help 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:07.200 in our need. 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:09.140 He gives us 00:22:09.140 --> 00:22:10.019 the supplies 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:11.100 that is required 00:22:11.100 --> 00:22:12.360 for the Christian life. 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.080 And in this context, 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:16.000 he gives what we need 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:17.120 in our temptations 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:17.820 and trials. 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:20.700 Mercy is what we need 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:22.060 for our past failure 00:22:22.060 --> 00:22:24.060 and grace is what we need 00:22:24.060 --> 00:22:25.380 for the future challenges. 00:22:26.320 --> 00:22:27.340 And he gives it 00:22:27.340 --> 00:22:28.340 in bucket loads. 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.619 It's overflowing. 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:30.699 It's constant. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.959 But how much more 00:22:33.959 --> 00:22:34.579 is this true 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.439 in every area 00:22:35.439 --> 00:22:36.179 of our life? 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:38.139 What about 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:39.139 in your times 00:22:39.139 --> 00:22:39.799 of suffering? 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:42.539 Maybe you've got 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:43.199 an illness. 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.500 Or maybe it's 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.740 in time of loss. 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:49.039 Or maybe you're 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:50.179 hurting this morning 00:22:50.179 --> 00:22:50.839 because of what 00:22:50.839 --> 00:22:51.819 a friend has said 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:52.359 or done. 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:54.179 Or maybe you're 00:22:54.179 --> 00:22:55.359 concerned for your 00:22:55.359 --> 00:22:56.379 family or your 00:22:56.379 --> 00:22:56.980 children. 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:59.440 Well, we have 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.559 an invitation here. 00:23:00.680 --> 00:23:01.480 Come to me. 00:23:02.539 --> 00:23:03.500 You have access 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.120 to me. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:06.120 I understand you 00:23:06.120 --> 00:23:07.019 where you're at. 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:08.700 Come to me 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:09.940 and I will give you 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:11.660 mercy and grace 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:13.059 to help you 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.860 now 00:23:13.860 --> 00:23:15.400 in your time 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:15.940 of need. 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:19.460 And when we think 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:19.920 about it, 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:20.779 as we go through 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:21.299 the day, 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:23.779 our needs increase. 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.819 We have multiple 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.220 needs. 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:26.160 from the morning, 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.019 from the minute 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.779 we wake up 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.339 to the moment 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.380 we go to sleep. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.279 And all through 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:31.799 the day, 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.720 whatever need 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.299 we have, 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:34.640 God is sufficient. 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:35.680 It's not just 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:35.960 saying, 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:36.640 here all, 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.220 I have a little 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:37.940 bit of mercy 00:23:37.940 --> 00:23:38.480 and a little 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:39.220 bit of grace 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.200 and you can 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:40.940 choose when you 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.319 have it, 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:41.779 but you can 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.299 only have it 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:42.759 once. 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:44.920 No. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.579 It's there for us. 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.519 He is sufficient. 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:51.799 The Apostle Paul 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.839 reminds us in 00:23:52.839 --> 00:23:53.440 Romans 8, 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:53.920 I'm going to 00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:54.680 quote here a 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:54.980 verse. 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.119 It says, 00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.299 God did not 00:23:57.299 --> 00:23:58.480 spare his own 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:58.980 son, 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.339 but gave him 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:02.039 up for us 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.319 all. 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:04.139 How will he 00:24:04.139 --> 00:24:04.980 not also, 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:06.220 along with him, 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.359 graciously give 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:09.619 us all things? 00:24:10.960 --> 00:24:12.299 If God gave 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.220 you the greatest 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.160 gift possible, 00:24:14.279 --> 00:24:15.039 the gift of his 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:15.440 son, 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.579 who died for you, 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:19.220 and rose again 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.139 to defeat death 00:24:20.139 --> 00:24:20.480 for you, 00:24:20.639 --> 00:24:21.579 if God gave 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.839 the best gift 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.379 ever, 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:24.659 he says, 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:25.740 how will he 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.899 not also give 00:24:26.899 --> 00:24:27.740 you what you 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.759 graciously need? 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.639 He'll give you 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.419 everything else 00:24:30.419 --> 00:24:31.000 you need. 00:24:32.779 --> 00:24:33.720 So we can 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.259 come with 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:34.899 confidence 00:24:34.899 --> 00:24:37.480 and ask. 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.659 So the big 00:24:40.659 --> 00:24:41.460 message from 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.819 this second 00:24:42.819 --> 00:24:43.460 idea 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:45.339 is that 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:46.500 through prayer 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:48.119 we receive 00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:48.779 our deepest 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.400 need. 00:24:50.099 --> 00:24:50.700 In this 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.200 context, 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:51.740 God is 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.680 revealing our 00:24:52.680 --> 00:24:54.619 sin so that 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.400 he can provide 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:56.579 healing for 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:57.200 our sin. 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.559 Like the 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.700 doctor exposing 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.900 the problem so 00:25:00.900 --> 00:25:01.799 he can restore 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.539 the person's 00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:02.799 health. 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:03.359 Well, 00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:03.960 that is what 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.619 God does. 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:06.059 He reveals 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:09.339 so that we 00:25:09.339 --> 00:25:10.339 can receive 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.140 the healing. 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:13.960 And how true 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.599 is that in 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.279 all of our 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:16.259 Christian life. 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:18.579 He sees 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.240 what's going 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:20.539 on and 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:20.899 he will 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.799 provide for 00:25:21.799 --> 00:25:22.279 us. 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:24.019 Now let's 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:24.500 be clear 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.079 before we 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.579 move on. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:26.379 God doesn't 00:25:26.379 --> 00:25:26.779 give what 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.679 we want, 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:29.480 but what 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.059 we most 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:30.619 need. 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.059 He will 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.759 never give 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.379 anything that 00:25:33.379 --> 00:25:34.159 is harmful 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:35.859 and he will 00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:37.099 never withhold 00:25:37.099 --> 00:25:39.099 what is best. 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:40.359 Do you know 00:25:40.359 --> 00:25:40.699 that? 00:25:41.199 --> 00:25:41.980 He'll never 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.399 give you 00:25:42.399 --> 00:25:43.059 anything that's 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:44.799 harmful and 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:45.460 he'll never 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.299 withhold from 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.099 you anything 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:48.240 that is best. 00:25:49.059 --> 00:25:50.019 God made 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:50.299 you. 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.259 He knows 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:51.740 you and he 00:25:51.740 --> 00:25:52.240 will give 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.000 according to 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.579 your need. 00:25:54.639 --> 00:25:55.419 So here's 00:25:55.419 --> 00:25:55.960 these two 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:56.859 big ideas, 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.679 how we 00:25:57.679 --> 00:25:59.159 express our 00:25:59.159 --> 00:26:00.919 dependence on 00:26:00.919 --> 00:26:01.359 God. 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.460 Through the 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.879 word of 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.960 God, our 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.799 deepest need 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:05.460 is revealed 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.919 and through 00:26:06.919 --> 00:26:07.639 prayer to 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:09.039 God, our 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:10.059 deepest needs 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:11.639 are received. 00:26:11.640 --> 00:26:15.400 So, you've 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:15.700 got your 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:16.140 piece of 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:18.360 paper, now 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:18.900 you can look 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:20.280 at it, or 00:26:20.280 --> 00:26:20.680 maybe you've 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.240 already read 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:21.460 it. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.560 And we 00:26:23.560 --> 00:26:23.960 want to 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:24.600 think about 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:25.720 how do we 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.440 practice 00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:27.680 dependence on 00:26:27.680 --> 00:26:27.920 God? 00:26:28.100 --> 00:26:28.720 What's it 00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.280 actually going 00:26:29.280 --> 00:26:30.280 to look like 00:26:30.280 --> 00:26:31.220 for you and 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:32.160 me to listen 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:33.580 to God and 00:26:33.580 --> 00:26:34.380 to speak to 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:35.240 God day by 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:35.600 day? 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.200 Well, before 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:38.840 we get into 00:26:38.840 --> 00:26:39.520 the detail, 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.500 Day Northland, 00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:42.180 a pastor and 00:26:42.180 --> 00:26:42.839 writer says 00:26:42.839 --> 00:26:43.400 that reading 00:26:43.400 --> 00:26:43.980 the Bible 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:44.779 and prayer 00:26:44.779 --> 00:26:45.980 is like 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:46.819 breathing. 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:47.880 It's a really 00:26:47.880 --> 00:26:49.420 helpful analogy. 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:51.339 Breathe in, 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:55.079 breathe out. 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:58.779 To breathe in 00:26:58.779 --> 00:26:59.740 is to live. 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:00.660 Without breathing 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.359 we die. 00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:02.480 Well, just as 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.420 we physically 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:04.420 need to breathe, 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.680 so we 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:06.960 spiritually need 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.519 to breathe. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:09.339 breathe in 00:27:09.339 --> 00:27:11.700 God's word 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:12.440 and we 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.700 breathe out 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:15.099 in prayer. 00:27:16.099 --> 00:27:16.660 Inhale, 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.440 exhale. 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:19.440 It's oxygen 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.940 for the soul. 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:23.680 So what will 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.599 this spiritual 00:27:24.599 --> 00:27:25.920 breathing look 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.180 like? 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:26.720 What will 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:28.200 speaking to 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:29.299 God and 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.099 listening to 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.700 God look 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.059 like? 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:32.920 Well, I've 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.359 got three 00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:34.059 things down 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:35.059 there on 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.519 your piece 00:27:35.519 --> 00:27:35.980 of paper. 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.559 The first 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:38.240 one says 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:39.079 breathe 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:40.519 regularly. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.759 Breathe 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.380 regularly. 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.779 We need 00:27:44.779 --> 00:27:46.019 regular times 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.700 to read 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.200 and pray. 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:48.680 Plan times 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:49.200 where we 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:50.039 prioritize 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:51.579 listening to 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.079 God and 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:52.779 speaking to 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.019 God. 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:53.720 We say, 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.740 Johnny, look, 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.720 I understand 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.480 that, I know 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.079 that, but I 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.579 don't have 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.360 time, I'm 00:27:58.360 --> 00:27:59.279 busy at work 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.720 and then 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:00.420 while I'm 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.160 doing taxi 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:01.740 for the kids 00:28:01.740 --> 00:28:02.319 and I drop 00:28:02.319 --> 00:28:02.980 one here and 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.339 then I have 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:03.700 to go and 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:04.160 get the other 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:04.820 one here and 00:28:04.820 --> 00:28:05.660 then I have 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.259 to go back 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:06.640 and I have 00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.019 to go to 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:07.540 the shops 00:28:07.540 --> 00:28:08.540 and look, 00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:09.100 the way I 00:28:09.100 --> 00:28:09.540 look at it 00:28:09.540 --> 00:28:10.060 is if I 00:28:10.060 --> 00:28:10.440 can get 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:10.940 here on a 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:11.240 Sunday, 00:28:11.400 --> 00:28:11.940 that's good 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:12.460 for me. 00:28:13.800 --> 00:28:14.480 That'll get 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:14.880 me through 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:15.420 the week. 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:17.500 Well, if 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:17.880 you're here 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:18.519 this morning 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.680 and you're 00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:20.200 wondering if 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:20.600 you are, 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.259 you are, 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.640 you are here, 00:28:23.320 --> 00:28:24.040 that's good. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:24.700 Welcome. 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.720 It's great to 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.519 have everybody. 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:27.600 Gathering 00:28:27.600 --> 00:28:28.200 together is 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:29.240 vital, but 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.940 if that's the 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:30.900 only time we 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:31.460 breathe, 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:33.380 ease, we're 00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:33.819 going to 00:28:33.819 --> 00:28:34.460 struggle in 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.000 our Christian 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.620 life, aren't 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:35.819 we? 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:37.880 Look at the 00:28:37.880 --> 00:28:38.779 quote that's 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:39.220 on your 00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:40.059 sheet by 00:28:40.059 --> 00:28:40.559 D.L. 00:28:40.660 --> 00:28:41.180 Moody, an 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.680 American 00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:42.559 evangelist. 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:43.559 He put it 00:28:43.559 --> 00:28:44.240 like this, 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:46.299 a person 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:47.720 can no more 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.420 take in a 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:49.180 supply of 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:49.720 grace for 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.480 the future 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.720 than he 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.140 can eat 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:52.799 enough for 00:28:52.799 --> 00:28:53.240 the next 00:28:53.240 --> 00:28:54.059 six months 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:55.799 or take 00:28:55.799 --> 00:28:56.900 sufficient air 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.579 into his 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.140 lungs at 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:58.980 one time to 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.860 sustain life 00:28:59.860 --> 00:29:00.460 for a week. 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.360 We must 00:29:02.360 --> 00:29:03.480 draw upon 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.200 God's 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:05.079 boundless 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:05.720 store of 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:06.440 grace from 00:29:06.440 --> 00:29:07.180 day to 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:08.799 day as 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:09.319 we need 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:09.640 it. 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:12.220 I guarantee 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:12.860 you don't 00:29:12.860 --> 00:29:13.259 just have 00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:13.840 one meal 00:29:13.840 --> 00:29:14.180 on a 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:14.700 Monday that 00:29:14.700 --> 00:29:15.259 lasts you 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:15.600 for the 00:29:15.600 --> 00:29:15.980 rest of 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.380 the week, 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.019 right? 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:19.039 Unless you're 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:19.460 on some 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.319 weird, crazy, 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.920 unhealthy 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:21.620 dieting 00:29:21.620 --> 00:29:22.200 exercise. 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:23.220 That'll kill 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:23.600 you, so 00:29:23.600 --> 00:29:24.019 don't do 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:24.259 it. 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:26.920 Just as 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.380 we eat 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:28.180 daily and 00:29:28.180 --> 00:29:28.680 breathe 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:29.319 regularly, 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:30.819 so we 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.279 need to 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:32.799 read and 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.139 pray 00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:33.720 regularly. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.279 It's not 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:36.159 a duty to 00:29:36.159 --> 00:29:36.799 perform a 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.279 kind of a 00:29:37.279 --> 00:29:38.079 tick list and 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:38.779 oh God 00:29:38.779 --> 00:29:39.039 will be 00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.700 pleased with 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:39.939 me. 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:40.779 No, it's 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.779 oxygen for 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:42.439 your soul. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:43.859 It'll 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:45.139 actually grow 00:29:45.139 --> 00:29:45.980 you and 00:29:45.980 --> 00:29:47.200 nourish you 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:47.639 and it 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.559 will sustain 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.259 you and 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:50.299 change you. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.720 So let's 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.279 breathe 00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.599 regularly. 00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:55.599 breathe 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:56.319 intentionally. 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:56.819 The second 00:29:56.819 --> 00:29:58.619 idea is 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:59.079 let's 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.559 breathe 00:29:59.559 --> 00:30:00.699 intentionally 00:30:00.699 --> 00:30:02.179 because 00:30:02.179 --> 00:30:02.859 sometimes you 00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:03.279 can go, 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:05.179 well, what 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:05.759 am I going 00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.079 to read 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:06.519 today? 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.379 Close my 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:09.179 eyes, flick 00:30:09.179 --> 00:30:10.059 through and 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:11.179 oh, I'll 00:30:11.179 --> 00:30:11.819 read this. 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:14.019 Well, no, 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.879 let's have a 00:30:14.879 --> 00:30:15.740 bit of purpose 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.240 about it. 00:30:16.359 --> 00:30:16.819 Choose a 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:17.480 book, choose 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:17.959 Hebrews, 00:30:18.579 --> 00:30:19.279 whichever one 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:19.740 you like, 00:30:20.119 --> 00:30:21.299 and say, 00:30:21.439 --> 00:30:22.179 I'm going to 00:30:22.179 --> 00:30:23.059 read a section 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:23.759 at a time. 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.240 So let me 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:25.759 show you a 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.319 pattern how 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:26.799 you can do 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:27.079 this. 00:30:27.379 --> 00:30:27.720 This is 00:30:27.720 --> 00:30:28.299 something that 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:29.539 I sometimes 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.159 do, different 00:30:30.159 --> 00:30:30.839 ways of 00:30:30.839 --> 00:30:31.599 reading and 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.460 helping us to 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:33.240 get God's 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:33.779 word into 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:34.539 our life. 00:30:35.119 --> 00:30:35.639 So four 00:30:35.639 --> 00:30:36.599 things under 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:37.079 breathing 00:30:37.079 --> 00:30:37.819 intentionally. 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.039 First come 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:39.720 independence. 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:41.940 We can pray 00:30:41.940 --> 00:30:42.500 to God 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.240 before we 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:44.299 read, we 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:44.819 can pray, 00:30:45.179 --> 00:30:45.740 Lord, open 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.679 my eyes that 00:30:46.679 --> 00:30:47.339 I may see 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:48.299 wonderful things 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.700 in your 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:49.039 law. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.039 Show me, 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:52.799 reveal to 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.059 me. 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:54.859 Or a 00:30:54.859 --> 00:30:55.539 reminder that 00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:56.139 I cannot 00:30:56.139 --> 00:30:57.019 bear fruit 00:30:57.019 --> 00:30:58.419 apart from 00:30:58.419 --> 00:30:58.980 God, I 00:30:58.980 --> 00:30:59.399 can do 00:30:59.399 --> 00:30:59.819 nothing. 00:31:00.899 --> 00:31:01.940 You see, I'm 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:02.839 asking God 00:31:02.839 --> 00:31:03.819 to reveal to 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:04.319 me my 00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:05.339 deepest need. 00:31:05.599 --> 00:31:06.079 So we 00:31:06.079 --> 00:31:06.659 come to 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.200 the Bible 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:07.960 with an 00:31:07.960 --> 00:31:08.659 attitude of 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.779 dependence. 00:31:10.919 --> 00:31:11.639 I need 00:31:11.639 --> 00:31:11.919 him. 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.799 And as 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.299 we do, 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:15.259 the next 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:15.960 step is 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:17.159 we engage 00:31:17.159 --> 00:31:17.799 the mind. 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:19.099 We're well 00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:19.579 able to 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.899 think, so 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.559 we engage 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.039 the mind. 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:22.879 we read 00:31:22.879 --> 00:31:23.420 the text 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:23.960 just as 00:31:23.960 --> 00:31:24.299 we've 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:24.759 read from 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.139 Hebrews 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:26.339 12 or 00:31:26.339 --> 00:31:26.879 from Hebrews 00:31:26.879 --> 00:31:27.759 4 today. 00:31:28.319 --> 00:31:28.779 And we 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.200 can ask 00:31:29.200 --> 00:31:29.579 simple 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:30.399 questions like, 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:31.119 what does 00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:31.460 it say 00:31:31.460 --> 00:31:32.259 about God? 00:31:33.159 --> 00:31:33.740 Well, we've 00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.159 learned that 00:31:34.159 --> 00:31:34.700 God is a 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.500 speaking God. 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:36.200 His word is 00:31:36.200 --> 00:31:36.779 active and 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:37.180 alive. 00:31:37.639 --> 00:31:38.039 What does 00:31:38.039 --> 00:31:38.399 it say 00:31:38.399 --> 00:31:39.420 about myself 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:41.099 and areas 00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:41.759 that I need 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.579 to change? 00:31:43.460 --> 00:31:43.980 What's in 00:31:43.980 --> 00:31:44.779 my heart? 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:47.639 What commands 00:31:47.639 --> 00:31:48.180 am I to 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:48.720 follow or 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.500 promises to 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:49.879 believe? 00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:50.620 Well, we've 00:31:50.620 --> 00:31:50.900 got a 00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:51.580 great promise 00:31:51.580 --> 00:31:51.960 that when 00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:52.340 we come 00:31:52.340 --> 00:31:52.720 to God 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:53.180 and ask 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:53.460 him for 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:53.940 grace and 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:54.240 mercy, 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:54.840 he will 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:55.420 give it. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.040 That's a 00:31:58.040 --> 00:31:58.640 command I 00:31:58.640 --> 00:31:59.200 can follow. 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:00.760 So that's 00:32:00.760 --> 00:32:01.500 engaging the 00:32:01.500 --> 00:32:01.840 mind. 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.720 And then we 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.380 want to bring 00:32:03.380 --> 00:32:03.840 it to the 00:32:03.840 --> 00:32:04.560 heart deep 00:32:04.560 --> 00:32:05.060 down in 00:32:05.060 --> 00:32:05.620 our life. 00:32:06.580 --> 00:32:07.060 So from 00:32:07.060 --> 00:32:07.720 the answers 00:32:07.720 --> 00:32:08.340 we think, 00:32:08.720 --> 00:32:09.060 how does 00:32:09.060 --> 00:32:09.700 this apply? 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:11.280 So how 00:32:11.280 --> 00:32:11.680 does this 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.380 truth about 00:32:12.380 --> 00:32:13.120 God whose 00:32:13.120 --> 00:32:15.440 word is 00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.280 active and 00:32:16.280 --> 00:32:16.760 alive, 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.000 life, 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.759 how does 00:32:18.759 --> 00:32:19.400 that help 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:19.839 me to 00:32:19.839 --> 00:32:20.319 thank him? 00:32:20.379 --> 00:32:20.680 I can 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.460 thank God 00:32:21.460 --> 00:32:22.059 for that. 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:24.019 What sin 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.660 do I need 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:25.680 to confess 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.140 and turn 00:32:26.140 --> 00:32:26.400 from? 00:32:26.619 --> 00:32:27.140 Not just 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:27.579 generally, 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:28.299 but being 00:32:28.299 --> 00:32:29.319 more specific. 00:32:30.619 --> 00:32:31.019 Lord, I 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:31.480 want you to 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:32.079 change me 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.519 because I 00:32:32.519 --> 00:32:33.240 get angry 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:34.019 so often. 00:32:36.819 --> 00:32:37.599 Or help 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.339 me because I 00:32:38.339 --> 00:32:39.079 find that I'm 00:32:39.079 --> 00:32:39.839 not speaking 00:32:39.839 --> 00:32:40.559 the truth 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:40.980 as I 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.359 ought. 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:44.220 What do I 00:32:44.220 --> 00:32:44.759 need God 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:46.059 to ask for 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:46.460 help, 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:47.400 for change? 00:32:48.360 --> 00:32:48.940 So we 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:49.299 can do 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:50.019 that simple 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:50.660 exercise. 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.500 And then the 00:32:51.500 --> 00:32:52.059 last one, 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:52.920 experiencing 00:32:52.920 --> 00:32:53.680 the truth. 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:55.079 That's taking 00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:55.900 it all 00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:57.240 into prayer 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:57.700 and putting 00:32:57.700 --> 00:32:58.100 it all 00:32:58.100 --> 00:32:59.000 into practice. 00:33:00.140 --> 00:33:00.900 So we 00:33:00.900 --> 00:33:01.500 can adore 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.019 God, we 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.680 can praise 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.019 him and 00:33:03.019 --> 00:33:03.660 say thank 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.160 you so 00:33:04.160 --> 00:33:05.840 much for 00:33:05.840 --> 00:33:06.500 your living 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:07.980 word and 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.360 the work 00:33:08.360 --> 00:33:08.759 it does 00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:09.140 in my 00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:09.600 life. 00:33:10.660 --> 00:33:11.200 We can 00:33:11.200 --> 00:33:11.720 confess, 00:33:12.120 --> 00:33:12.400 Father, 00:33:12.799 --> 00:33:13.940 please forgive 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:16.039 me for 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:16.599 the times 00:33:16.599 --> 00:33:16.980 that I 00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:17.599 have watched 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:18.079 something 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:18.680 this week 00:33:18.680 --> 00:33:19.019 that I 00:33:19.019 --> 00:33:19.480 ought not 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:19.859 to have 00:33:19.859 --> 00:33:20.440 watched. 00:33:21.440 --> 00:33:22.119 The things 00:33:22.119 --> 00:33:22.440 that I 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:23.039 have thought 00:33:23.039 --> 00:33:23.420 that I 00:33:23.420 --> 00:33:23.799 shouldn't 00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:23.940 have 00:33:23.940 --> 00:33:24.319 thought, 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.539 please forgive 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:25.920 me. 00:33:27.859 --> 00:33:28.480 And then 00:33:28.480 --> 00:33:29.180 when petition 00:33:29.180 --> 00:33:29.980 we ask 00:33:29.980 --> 00:33:30.379 of God, 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:30.720 Lord, 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:31.119 would you 00:33:31.119 --> 00:33:31.539 give me 00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:32.019 mercy? 00:33:33.200 --> 00:33:33.799 And will 00:33:33.799 --> 00:33:34.119 you give 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:34.740 me grace 00:33:34.740 --> 00:33:35.200 to help 00:33:35.200 --> 00:33:35.639 me live 00:33:35.639 --> 00:33:35.980 as I 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:36.519 ought as a 00:33:36.519 --> 00:33:36.879 Christian 00:33:36.879 --> 00:33:37.519 this week? 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:37.559 speak. 00:33:39.079 --> 00:33:39.920 So that's 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:40.379 just something 00:33:40.379 --> 00:33:41.139 very simple. 00:33:42.299 --> 00:33:42.839 Breathe 00:33:42.839 --> 00:33:43.900 intentionally. 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.480 Have a 00:33:45.480 --> 00:33:46.160 focus and 00:33:46.160 --> 00:33:46.819 a pattern 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:48.139 for our 00:33:48.139 --> 00:33:49.660 reading and 00:33:49.660 --> 00:33:50.460 speaking to 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:50.799 God. 00:33:51.460 --> 00:33:51.799 And then 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.279 the last 00:33:52.279 --> 00:33:52.539 one, 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:53.259 breathe 00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:54.279 together. 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:55.819 Sometimes 00:33:55.819 --> 00:33:56.619 we can get 00:33:56.619 --> 00:33:57.720 overwhelmed and 00:33:57.720 --> 00:33:58.119 anxious, 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:58.740 can't we? 00:33:59.559 --> 00:34:00.200 And we 00:34:00.200 --> 00:34:00.839 can get 00:34:00.839 --> 00:34:01.440 kind of 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:03.720 out of 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:06.039 breath and 00:34:06.039 --> 00:34:06.700 we can get 00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:07.600 challenged and 00:34:07.600 --> 00:34:08.599 someone needs 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:09.000 to sit 00:34:09.000 --> 00:34:09.920 alongside us 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:10.320 and help 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:10.679 us to 00:34:10.679 --> 00:34:11.539 regulate our 00:34:11.539 --> 00:34:12.300 breathing. 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:12.820 They might 00:34:12.820 --> 00:34:13.320 even say, 00:34:13.720 --> 00:34:14.220 breathe with 00:34:14.220 --> 00:34:14.480 me, 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.400 calm down, 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:16.760 breathe in, 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.199 breathe out. 00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:20.119 But we 00:34:20.119 --> 00:34:20.639 need to do 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:21.559 that spiritually 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:23.099 because it's 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:24.059 hard sometimes 00:34:24.059 --> 00:34:24.920 to read and 00:34:24.920 --> 00:34:25.500 pray on our 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:25.720 own. 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:26.400 And we 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.000 need somebody 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.559 who will get 00:34:27.559 --> 00:34:28.260 alongside and 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:28.440 say, 00:34:28.860 --> 00:34:29.460 breathe with 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:29.740 me, 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.220 let's read 00:34:31.220 --> 00:34:31.900 God's word 00:34:31.900 --> 00:34:32.380 together, 00:34:33.559 --> 00:34:34.260 let's take 00:34:34.260 --> 00:34:34.720 it in, 00:34:35.699 --> 00:34:36.440 let's reflect 00:34:36.440 --> 00:34:36.980 on it, 00:34:38.079 --> 00:34:38.800 now let's 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:39.260 pray it 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:39.700 back to 00:34:39.700 --> 00:34:40.059 God. 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.340 Pray with 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:41.579 me. 00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:43.639 We need 00:34:43.639 --> 00:34:44.099 each other 00:34:44.099 --> 00:34:44.480 and that's 00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:44.940 why God 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.440 has put us 00:34:45.440 --> 00:34:46.019 together in 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:46.420 a church 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:46.900 family, 00:34:47.340 --> 00:34:48.240 so that we 00:34:48.240 --> 00:34:48.700 can help 00:34:48.700 --> 00:34:49.179 each other. 00:34:49.420 --> 00:34:49.860 And if you 00:34:49.860 --> 00:34:50.460 want somebody 00:34:50.460 --> 00:34:50.960 to help 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:51.200 you, 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.340 well ask 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:53.200 someone today. 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.559 I would be 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.320 very happy, 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:56.900 I'd love to 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:57.539 meet with you 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:58.159 and read 00:34:58.159 --> 00:34:59.200 the Bible. 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:01.119 So what is 00:35:01.119 --> 00:35:01.599 a Christian? 00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:03.500 Well a 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.059 Christian is 00:35:04.059 --> 00:35:04.679 someone who 00:35:04.679 --> 00:35:05.819 depends on 00:35:05.819 --> 00:35:06.219 God. 00:35:06.619 --> 00:35:07.299 Through the 00:35:07.299 --> 00:35:07.699 word of 00:35:07.699 --> 00:35:08.159 God our 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:08.940 deepest needs 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:09.659 are revealed 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:11.480 and through 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:12.139 prayer to 00:35:12.139 --> 00:35:12.659 God our 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.679 deepest needs 00:35:13.679 --> 00:35:15.299 are received. 00:35:16.739 --> 00:35:17.559 Let's pray. 00:35:17.559 --> 00:35:17.619 Amen. 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:34.759 Father, thank you 00:35:34.759 --> 00:35:35.920 that we have 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:36.819 heard your 00:35:36.819 --> 00:35:39.000 voice through 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:39.859 your word 00:35:39.859 --> 00:35:41.539 written down 00:35:41.539 --> 00:35:42.219 in scripture. 00:35:42.219 --> 00:35:44.939 and thank you 00:35:44.939 --> 00:35:45.579 that you have 00:35:45.579 --> 00:35:46.480 heard us as 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.879 we have 00:35:46.879 --> 00:35:47.839 prayed to 00:35:47.839 --> 00:35:48.139 you. 00:35:49.819 --> 00:35:50.679 Would you 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.559 please help 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:53.279 us to 00:35:53.279 --> 00:35:53.759 live our 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:54.739 life dependent 00:35:54.739 --> 00:35:55.439 on you? 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:57.779 That you 00:35:57.779 --> 00:35:58.619 would reveal 00:35:58.619 --> 00:36:00.500 to us what 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.299 is going on 00:36:01.299 --> 00:36:02.059 in our life 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:04.579 that we may 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:05.759 come and ask 00:36:05.759 --> 00:36:07.059 for the 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:07.579 things that 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:08.259 we need. 00:36:09.480 --> 00:36:10.179 Would you 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:10.799 give us 00:36:10.799 --> 00:36:13.099 mercy and 00:36:13.099 --> 00:36:13.399 will you 00:36:13.399 --> 00:36:13.859 give us 00:36:13.859 --> 00:36:16.019 grace for 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:16.699 our needs 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:17.119 today? 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:19.419 Thank you 00:36:19.419 --> 00:36:19.759 that you 00:36:19.759 --> 00:36:21.559 listen and 00:36:21.559 --> 00:36:21.980 thank you 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:22.359 that you 00:36:22.359 --> 00:36:22.859 speak. 00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.879 In Jesus 00:36:24.879 --> 00:36:25.500 name we 00:36:25.500 --> 00:36:25.859 pray. 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:27.159 Amen. 00:36:31.239 --> 00:36:31.960 Well we're 00:36:31.960 --> 00:36:32.379 going to sing 00:36:32.379 --> 00:36:32.799 a song 00:36:32.799 --> 00:36:33.639 together that 00:36:33.639 --> 00:36:35.199 helps bring 00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:35.659 some of 00:36:35.659 --> 00:36:36.480 these thoughts 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:37.119 and themes 00:36:37.119 --> 00:36:37.679 together. 00:36:37.679 --> 00:36:39.579 speak oh 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.519 Lord as 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:41.019 we come 00:36:41.019 --> 00:36:41.639 to you to 00:36:41.639 --> 00:36:42.339 receive the 00:36:42.339 --> 00:36:43.679 food of 00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.199 your holy 00:36:44.199 --> 00:36:44.539 word. 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.000 It's a 00:36:45.000 --> 00:36:45.359 prayer. 00:36:46.239 --> 00:36:47.019 A prayer 00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:47.719 that we 00:36:47.719 --> 00:36:48.500 would long 00:36:48.500 --> 00:36:49.019 that God 00:36:49.019 --> 00:36:50.339 speak into 00:36:50.339 --> 00:36:51.099 our lives. 00:36:51.239 --> 00:36:51.779 Let's stand 00:36:51.779 --> 00:36:52.379 together if 00:36:52.379 --> 00:36:52.699 we're able 00:36:52.699 --> 00:36:53.739 to and 00:36:53.739 --> 00:36:53.919 we'll 00:36:53.919 --> 00:36:54.019 sing. 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:54.119 Amen.