WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.679 begin our worship by singing to God's praise. We're singing in Psalm 50, the first version of 00:00:05.679 --> 00:00:13.859 the Psalm, in Scottish Psalter, page 276 of the Psalm books. Psalm 50, we'll sing from verse 1 00:00:13.859 --> 00:00:21.839 to verse 6, and the tune is Malan. The mighty God the Lord hath spoken and did call, the earth from 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:28.460 rising of the sun to where he hath his fall, from out of Sion Hill which of excellency and beauty 00:00:28.460 --> 00:00:35.660 their perfection is God's shine gloriously. We'll sing from verse 1 to 6 to God's praise and we stand to sing. 00:00:35.660 --> 00:00:36.659 Amen. 00:00:58.460 --> 00:01:08.460 The mighty God the Lord hath his fall, from out of Sion Hill which of excellency and beauty 00:01:08.459 --> 00:01:15.659 and beauty and perfection is God's shine gloriously. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:22.859 earth from out of Sion Hill which of excellency and beauty and perfection is God's shine gloriously. 00:01:22.859 --> 00:01:36.859 The mighty God the Lord hath his fall, from out of Sion Hill which of excellency and beauty and perfection is God's shine gloriously. 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:48.060 earth from out of Sion Hill which of excellency and beauty and perfection is God's shine gloriously. 00:01:48.060 --> 00:01:53.260 earth from his générEdux exposing His victory and геро bıack-kubes Only glow Senhor than gain glor generously. 00:01:53.260 --> 00:01:55.260 earth from ourRes14 glory and makan gloriously. 00:01:55.260 --> 00:01:55.939 earth and death with intervised scholarship and happiness and chemin is gold, 00:01:55.939 --> 00:01:56.980 earth tooks His likenシстрing and glory and glory and gere 제� independence and glory 00:01:57.200 --> 00:01:59.260 and knowledge to Antonio and beauty and explanatoryo that nation fibers are strong. 00:01:59.260 --> 00:02:01.460 Whoever более and大的 give MakeJ Their一点 control of theirs A, some power, from what hook are lowly and Informal to hear partly to the influence of itspertory and a��able and 그러 Là 00:02:01.460 --> 00:02:02.480 their creator we standHere progress upon them 00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:03.439 earth from Christ to the chorus of Sion Hill the throne and glory and O hearts. 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:08.340 our existing wished and anchor m Water solo and hope of him die and Eany kid himself glor reslike. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:14.580 To the heavens pier, 00:02:14.580 --> 00:02:21.400 reap all the輪 rural. 00:02:21.400 --> 00:02:25.319 Come to the end, 00:02:25.319 --> 00:02:29.280 then the Yeti's harbor 00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:36.620 may childish people come home. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:49.860 Together let my saints come to the hour deep. 00:02:49.860 --> 00:03:04.560 Those that I stand in my shall be are covered and with thee. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:18.379 And then the devil shall let his righteousness be there. 00:03:18.379 --> 00:03:33.280 Because the Lord in his heavenly sea by whom they judge it are. 00:03:33.280 --> 00:03:35.280 Amen. 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:37.280 Amen. 00:03:37.280 --> 00:03:38.280 Amen. 00:03:38.280 --> 00:03:40.580 I will bow our heads together in a short word of prayer. 00:03:40.580 --> 00:03:43.379 Let us pray. 00:03:43.379 --> 00:03:49.219 Our Father in heaven, we thank you that as we come together today that yours is a voice 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:51.800 that we hear calling to us. 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:54.340 That you speak to us through your word. 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:57.680 That you speak to us in a powerful way. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:02.980 Your word reminds us that you are the one who calls his people from the rising of the 00:04:02.980 --> 00:04:04.180 sun to its setting. 00:04:05.180 --> 00:04:12.080 And today we thank you that as a church here we are part of a people throughout the world. 00:04:12.480 --> 00:04:17.360 All around the world there are people, young and old, who come to worship you. 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:19.360 Who come to call upon you. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:22.160 Who come to hear you through your word. 00:04:22.220 --> 00:04:25.520 And we pray that together we will all hear your word today. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:27.060 That you will speak to us. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:29.480 That we will understand more of you. 00:04:29.879 --> 00:04:37.259 That we will hear the stories of all that you have done for your people from generation to generation. 00:04:37.939 --> 00:04:41.120 Whether we are hearing it from the Old Testament or from the New Testament. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:49.060 We thank you that we are reminded of your people from long ago and your people even to this very day 00:04:49.060 --> 00:04:50.980 who need to hear your voice. 00:04:51.660 --> 00:04:58.120 And we thank you for the ways in which your voice changes our lives and helps us day by day 00:04:58.120 --> 00:05:03.459 to lean upon you and to know you and to be encouraged and strengthened by you. 00:05:04.079 --> 00:05:06.620 So together Lord help us to praise you. 00:05:06.759 --> 00:05:08.959 Help us to worship you with all our hearts. 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:12.519 And that we would indeed come seeking you today. 00:05:12.959 --> 00:05:16.299 And that you would remind us Lord how you have come to seek us. 00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:19.159 How you sent your son Jesus Christ. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:21.899 Your saviour for this world. 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:24.859 The one who came to seek and to save the lost. 00:05:25.579 --> 00:05:28.459 And so help us today Lord to know your presence. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:29.740 To know your peace. 00:05:29.899 --> 00:05:33.159 To know your blessing upon us here in the church. 00:05:33.159 --> 00:05:37.539 And also as the young ones go through to the hall next door as well Lord. 00:05:37.540 --> 00:05:39.319 Be with us we pray. 00:05:39.860 --> 00:05:42.220 And we ask all with forgiveness of our sins. 00:05:42.740 --> 00:05:43.680 In Jesus name. 00:05:44.200 --> 00:05:44.600 Amen. 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:48.700 Well did you all have a good holiday. 00:05:49.100 --> 00:05:51.439 You all delighted to be back to school. 00:05:51.879 --> 00:05:52.379 Or nursery. 00:05:52.740 --> 00:05:54.480 Or whatever you're doing. 00:05:54.820 --> 00:05:56.040 Delighted to be back. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:05:58.720 Coming back to Sunday school as well I hope. 00:05:58.820 --> 00:05:59.939 And creche and tweenies. 00:06:00.460 --> 00:06:01.840 And all of these things. 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.419 It's nice to get a break. 00:06:03.659 --> 00:06:09.099 But then it's nice again to be together once more as we come to worship God. 00:06:09.719 --> 00:06:12.919 Now I wonder how many of you have played a game. 00:06:13.679 --> 00:06:16.639 And the game is called hide and seek. 00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:20.799 Hands up if you've played the game hide and seek. 00:06:21.899 --> 00:06:23.620 Yeah there's a few hands going up. 00:06:23.719 --> 00:06:28.139 I'm sure most people at some point have played the game hide and seek. 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:34.060 Now I don't know about you but there's a variety of different kinds of ways you can play hide and seek. 00:06:34.199 --> 00:06:39.259 One way is maybe you would call it the traditional way where someone is it. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:43.319 And maybe has to count to 50 or 100. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:48.000 While everybody else tries to go and hide somewhere and find the best place to hide. 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:53.000 And once the person's finished counting they have to go and try and find the people. 00:06:53.539 --> 00:06:56.819 And sometimes it can be very difficult to find people. 00:06:56.819 --> 00:07:02.120 Other times it can be quite easy if they haven't had time to find a good hiding place. 00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:06.219 So that's maybe the traditional way of playing hide and seek. 00:07:06.300 --> 00:07:07.379 And it can be good fun. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:11.659 Well in our house we've got another version of hide and seek. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:16.699 It's a little bit different where you've got somebody who's it and you're not counting. 00:07:16.920 --> 00:07:18.899 But it's another way of playing hide and seek. 00:07:18.899 --> 00:07:25.500 What you do is you hide the keys, the phone or the glasses or something like that. 00:07:25.579 --> 00:07:28.279 And you spend half your day trying to find them. 00:07:28.859 --> 00:07:30.379 So it's another way of hide and seek. 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:37.199 Maybe you've seen mum and dad playing this game every morning about 10 to 9 when they're meant to be at work at half past 8. 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:40.579 It can be good fun if you're watching. 00:07:40.719 --> 00:07:44.300 It's not so fun if you're the one who's trying to find these things. 00:07:44.399 --> 00:07:45.579 But it's always these kinds of things. 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:48.279 The phone, the keys and the glasses. 00:07:48.420 --> 00:07:50.839 These are the things that often go missing. 00:07:51.620 --> 00:07:58.319 And you know this if you were to spend 10 minutes every day having to look for something. 00:07:58.319 --> 00:07:59.719 Whether it's whatever it is. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:03.240 In the TV, remote, your glasses, your keys. 00:08:03.360 --> 00:08:10.779 If you're 10 minutes every day looking for something, how long in the year do you think that is you spend looking? 00:08:12.100 --> 00:08:21.899 Well if you do the maths and take 10 minutes every day for 365 days a year, you spend two and a half days looking for things. 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:24.459 And that just sounds crazy, doesn't it? 00:08:24.459 --> 00:08:28.180 Two and a half days looking for things that should be so easy. 00:08:28.319 --> 00:08:29.300 To find. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:33.819 Well there's another thing about hide and seek as well. 00:08:34.379 --> 00:08:36.319 And it's a little bit more serious. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:42.679 And that's what we're going to be thinking about today as we look at Isaiah in the Old Testament. 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:46.379 And it's playing hide and seek with God. 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:52.200 Because sometimes we can think that we can go away and hide from God. 00:08:52.799 --> 00:08:55.580 But there's no hiding place from God. 00:08:55.580 --> 00:08:58.159 God knows always where we are. 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:02.960 And when you go back to the Old Testament, you've got Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:04.720 They tried to hide from God. 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:07.720 But God came saying, where are you? 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:10.260 Not because he didn't know where they were. 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:11.760 He knew exactly where they were. 00:09:12.160 --> 00:09:15.160 What he was doing was he was calling them out. 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:18.759 And that's what God's word does for us. 00:09:18.839 --> 00:09:22.539 We can try and hide our way from God. 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:28.399 But how long do we spend actually seeking God ourselves? 00:09:29.839 --> 00:09:36.139 Even if we did ten minutes every day, that would be two and a half days a year seeking God. 00:09:36.139 --> 00:09:40.980 Looking for him and speaking to him and spending time with him. 00:09:40.980 --> 00:09:46.000 It's not time wasted like looking for keys or glasses or phones or whatever else. 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:48.899 It's time well spent. 00:09:49.659 --> 00:09:52.019 Coming to God who knows us. 00:09:52.340 --> 00:09:53.299 Who loves us. 00:09:53.699 --> 00:09:55.919 And who wants us to trust him. 00:09:55.919 --> 00:10:07.839 So let us spend time not hiding from God, but seeking God and looking for him, knowing that he is there for us. 00:10:08.439 --> 00:10:11.099 Hide and seek is a fun game to play sometimes. 00:10:11.599 --> 00:10:13.779 But there's a serious side to it as well. 00:10:13.879 --> 00:10:20.319 When we think of God who gave his son, Jesus, who came to seek and to save us. 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:24.900 So let's seek him with all our hearts. 00:10:25.560 --> 00:10:29.020 We're going to say the Lord's Prayer together now. 00:10:30.900 --> 00:10:35.620 Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:37.440 Thy kingdom come. 00:10:38.040 --> 00:10:41.040 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 00:10:41.660 --> 00:10:43.900 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:48.240 And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:52.960 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:10:53.440 --> 00:10:57.519 For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. 00:10:58.019 --> 00:10:58.460 Amen. 00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:04.600 Well, we'll sing again to God's praise now in Psalm 27. 00:11:06.159 --> 00:11:10.200 This is in the Sing Psalms version, page 32 of the psalm books. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:12.000 Psalm 27. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:15.220 We're going to sing from verse 4 down to verse 8. 00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:19.240 Psalm 27. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:23.060 Psalm 27. 00:11:23.440 --> 00:11:24.879 Page 32 of the psalm book. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:26.360 Verse 4 to verse 8. 00:11:26.440 --> 00:11:27.580 The tune is Argyle. 00:11:28.100 --> 00:11:30.360 One thing I'll plead before the Lord. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:32.159 And this I'll seek always. 00:11:32.560 --> 00:11:34.720 That I may come within God's house. 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:37.299 And dwell there all my days. 00:11:37.440 --> 00:11:39.440 We'll sing from verse 4 to 8. 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:40.899 To God's praise. 00:11:40.899 --> 00:11:41.439 And I may listen to verse 5 to 9. 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:42.399 Valentine's text. 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:51.679 This I may become, but I may say is right now. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:57.139 They shall live there all my days. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:12:02.959 It shall live there all my days. 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:19.960 That I may come with it, God's eyes, and well there all my days. 00:12:19.960 --> 00:12:37.139 That of the beauty of the Lord, I come to me again. 00:12:37.139 --> 00:12:54.139 And in this heart, may seem to know, thy flesh shall live this way. 00:12:54.139 --> 00:13:11.139 For in this dwelling, ye will be, be safe and trouble with. 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:29.139 Within this dwelling, ye will be, and the Lord, I will be, be safe and trouble with. 00:13:29.139 --> 00:13:45.139 My hand will bend, ye lifted high, upon thy hand please. 00:13:45.139 --> 00:14:04.460 And in this heaven, I'll sacrifice with showers of joy and grace. 00:14:04.460 --> 00:14:21.519 Lord, hear me when I call to you, in mercy, do not seek. 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:38.279 Come see my face, you told my heart, your face, Lord, I will see. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:50.539 We're going to read together now God's word in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah. 00:14:50.539 --> 00:14:53.299 Isaiah, the first half of the Bible, Isaiah. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:15:00.000 We're reading in chapter 55, and you'll find this around page 744. 00:15:05.139 --> 00:15:10.159 Isaiah chapter 55, and we're going to read the whole of this chapter together. 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:21.439 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and he who has no money, come, buy and eat. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:25.539 Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:32.939 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:39.580 Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 00:15:40.400 --> 00:15:42.260 Incline your ear and come to me. 00:15:42.760 --> 00:15:48.100 Hear that your soul may live, and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:51.840 my steadfast, sure love for David. 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:58.940 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:06.420 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, 00:16:06.560 --> 00:16:14.000 because of the Lord your God and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:17.440 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:20.019 Call upon him while he is near. 00:16:20.720 --> 00:16:24.639 Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts. 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:28.759 Let him return to the Lord that he may have compassion on him, 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:32.399 and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:39.360 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:44.759 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, 00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:47.399 and my thoughts than your thoughts. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:54.460 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, 00:16:54.919 --> 00:17:00.139 making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:04.299 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:10.119 It shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:13.919 and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:18.500 For you shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace, 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:23.460 and the mountains and the hills, before you shall break forth into singing, 00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:27.539 and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:31.440 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress, 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:34.740 instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle, 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:37.640 and it shall make a name for the Lord, 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:42.620 an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:44.019 Amen. 00:17:44.120 --> 00:17:48.340 And may God bless that reading from his word. 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:51.600 We will again join our hearts together in a word of prayer. 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:52.420 Let us pray. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:18:03.220 Our Father in heaven, we are reminded that as we come to hear your voice, 00:18:03.360 --> 00:18:06.759 we can often forget who it is that's speaking. 00:18:07.340 --> 00:18:13.680 We can be confused by the many different voices in this world that call for our attention, 00:18:13.840 --> 00:18:17.960 the many different things that clamor for our hearts. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:22.340 You know, as we've been reminded in this passage in Isaiah, 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:24.799 when the people gathered together, 00:18:25.579 --> 00:18:28.980 there were so many things that were going on around them. 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:33.480 But we thank you that just as you spoke to the people then and said, 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:35.640 come, seek the Lord, 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:39.519 we thank you that you speak to us in that way as well. 00:18:40.380 --> 00:18:44.160 And we think of even Samuel in the Old Testament, 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:49.240 how he didn't understand when he was hearing a voice calling his name. 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:52.300 But when he did understand that you were speaking, 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:55.740 he said, speak, Lord, for your servant hears. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:19:00.279 And we pray, Lord, that we will have ears to hear today, 00:19:00.360 --> 00:19:04.259 that you will help us to have that prayerful spirit to come 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:06.519 and say to you, Lord, speak to us. 00:19:07.360 --> 00:19:11.500 And we thank you that we're reminded in that psalm that we sung together as well, 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:15.240 that the psalmist came calling to you, 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:17.000 be merciful and speak, 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:20.339 and that you were merciful towards him 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:24.079 and said to him, come, seek my face. 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:26.859 And we pray, Lord, today again, 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:29.380 just to know these very thoughts, 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:31.819 that they would come and speak to our hearts, 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:35.680 that we would thank you that you do minister to us 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:36.920 in all our different needs, 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:41.480 that you are a God who speaks a word in season to us so often, 00:19:42.360 --> 00:19:43.840 even day by day, Lord, 00:19:43.880 --> 00:19:47.259 as we come to you prayerfully and through your word, 00:19:47.360 --> 00:19:50.759 we thank you that you have something to say to us always. 00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:52.640 And that through your word, 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:54.240 you build us up as a people, 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:57.200 that is a word that is powerful and mighty, 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:59.860 even as we're reminded in this passage, 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:02.980 that it will never return to you empty or void, 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:06.900 but accomplish every purpose for which you send it out. 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.420 We pray today, 00:20:08.620 --> 00:20:08.740 Lord, 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:11.180 for your mighty word to go out in our midst, 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.660 in the midst of your people, 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:14.500 near and far, 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:16.259 throughout the world. 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:18.980 May your word bear much fruit, 00:20:19.180 --> 00:20:21.900 may it have much power by your spirit 00:20:21.900 --> 00:20:23.980 to speak to many people 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:25.440 for how we need it, 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:25.720 Lord. 00:20:26.380 --> 00:20:27.779 And that we see around us, 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:28.000 Lord, 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:30.240 all the different ways we need you. 00:20:30.240 --> 00:20:34.240 We need you to give help and strength on a daily basis. 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:37.200 We need you for the very air that we breathe, 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:39.980 the things that we take for granted so often, 00:20:40.599 --> 00:20:42.099 the food that we enjoy, 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:44.359 the clean water that we drink, 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:44.759 Lord, 00:20:44.859 --> 00:20:46.400 the beds that we sleep in, 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:48.380 the homes that we have. 00:20:48.420 --> 00:20:51.759 We have so much that we just take for granted so often 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:55.220 and help us to be more thankful to you. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:21:00.259 Help us to be more loving to you, 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:03.519 to be more generous to you in all our ways, 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:04.920 to acknowledge, 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:05.240 Lord, 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:07.980 that every good and perfect gift is from above, 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.460 from the one who, 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.740 with whom there is no, 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:12.240 no changing. 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:14.059 You're the same yesterday, 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:14.519 today, 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.200 and forever. 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:16.539 And we, 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:16.759 Lord, 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:18.079 we thank you for that, 00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:21.120 that in a world that changes so much and so quickly, 00:21:21.119 --> 00:21:24.919 in our lives that are often changed in a moment, 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:25.279 Lord, 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:28.339 we thank you that you have that unchanging nature, 00:21:29.239 --> 00:21:31.500 that you are God and there is no other. 00:21:32.239 --> 00:21:35.500 And we thank you that the way is open to you through your son, 00:21:35.719 --> 00:21:36.659 Jesus Christ, 00:21:37.479 --> 00:21:38.879 that in him we come, 00:21:39.959 --> 00:21:41.079 praying in his name, 00:21:41.619 --> 00:21:43.039 a name above every name, 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:45.559 and that we have the promise of your spirit, 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:48.259 the comforter who comes alongside. 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:50.240 And so we pray, 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:50.599 Lord, 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:52.299 that each of us here, 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:54.799 and those unable to be with us, 00:21:54.859 --> 00:21:55.940 those who tune in online, 00:21:56.039 --> 00:22:00.519 and even those who maybe at this time are laid aside for different reasons, 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:01.779 we pray, 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.099 Lord, 00:22:02.200 --> 00:22:05.619 for each one to know the nearness of your presence, 00:22:06.339 --> 00:22:08.019 to know your voice calling, 00:22:08.660 --> 00:22:09.319 to say, 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:11.079 come and seek the Lord. 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:12.680 And we seek you, 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:12.920 Lord, 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.279 for all our different needs, 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:16.980 for your comfort towards those who mourn. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:18.940 And we know in our own number, 00:22:19.120 --> 00:22:19.279 Lord, 00:22:19.360 --> 00:22:22.900 that there are those who have sore hearts at this time, 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:24.220 and the loss of loved ones. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:27.000 We know throughout our communities and throughout our island, 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.400 Lord, 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:29.539 that there is much grief and sorrow. 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:35.099 And we thank you that your word reminds us that you are a God of much comfort. 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:36.919 And so we pray, 00:22:37.139 --> 00:22:37.240 Lord, 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:40.519 for you to bind up these broken hearts, 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:43.059 to give your peace, 00:22:43.179 --> 00:22:43.819 your presence, 00:22:44.339 --> 00:22:46.019 your help, 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:49.279 and your strength in the midst of all their sorrow and sadness. 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:53.419 Remember those who are unwell as well in hospital and at home. 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:54.959 We pray, 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:55.240 Lord, 00:22:55.279 --> 00:22:57.819 that you will surround them with your love and your grace. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.899 And may your healing hand be upon them, 00:23:00.379 --> 00:23:02.719 if that is in accordance with your will. 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.579 And we do thank you, 00:23:04.660 --> 00:23:04.860 Lord, 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:06.339 for your church. 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:10.059 We thank you for the promise that you are building your church, 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:14.360 and for the church as your people here and far and wide. 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.500 Encourage us in our prayers. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:18.460 Encourage us in our mission. 00:23:19.620 --> 00:23:21.600 Encourage us in all that we do in your name, 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:24.360 through work with young, 00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:25.059 middle-aged, 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:25.640 and old. 00:23:26.100 --> 00:23:29.519 We pray to know your blessing and your hand upon us for good, 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:31.839 to see days of salvation, 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:35.639 to see days of your power at work in our midst. 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:38.660 We pray for all our homes and our families, 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:42.819 and all our different issues going on in life, 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:44.019 whatever that might be, 00:23:44.119 --> 00:23:44.279 Lord, 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.700 they are already known to you. 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:47.440 Remember our young people, 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:50.359 especially as they come to times of exams, 00:23:50.539 --> 00:23:53.059 both in school and university. 00:23:53.379 --> 00:23:53.700 Just now, 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:53.980 Lord, 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:58.099 we pray that you will give strength and help towards each one. 00:23:58.740 --> 00:24:00.299 Help them to prepare diligently, 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.759 and to do their, 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:02.700 give their all, 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.660 to give their best. 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.019 And above all, 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:05.240 Lord, 00:24:05.279 --> 00:24:07.579 that they would come seeking your face in it, 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:10.039 asking help from you, 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:12.220 and strength from you for these times. 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:14.079 Remember us, 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.319 Lord, 00:24:14.360 --> 00:24:15.680 we pray in our workplaces, 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:19.900 in all the different places where we are salt and light, 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:22.580 that we can find so challenging at times, 00:24:22.680 --> 00:24:25.560 where we feel perhaps failures so often. 00:24:26.340 --> 00:24:28.100 Give us words to speak. 00:24:28.320 --> 00:24:29.820 Give us your grace. 00:24:30.279 --> 00:24:31.320 Give us your love. 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.100 Oh, 00:24:32.120 --> 00:24:32.360 Lord, 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:34.460 that we would show forth your love, 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:38.700 that people would speak and ask of the wonder of Christ, 00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:40.279 that they would see something of us, 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.720 of you in us, 00:24:42.660 --> 00:24:44.220 and that they would ask about you, 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:44.480 Lord. 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:46.140 And as we have opportunity, 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:46.480 Lord, 00:24:46.539 --> 00:24:48.240 give us the words to speak, 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:50.440 or to invite them to church, 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:54.400 or to other things that are going on in our church as well, 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:54.720 Lord. 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:57.500 We thank you for your spirit that works, 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.279 and we pray, 00:24:58.920 --> 00:24:59.059 oh, 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.319 Lord, 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:00.360 you know its power, 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:02.100 the power of your Holy Spirit, 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:03.839 preparing the way for us, 00:25:04.360 --> 00:25:05.779 preparing people's hearts, 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:08.079 preparing all our lives, 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:09.620 and all that lies ahead of us, 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:09.880 Lord, 00:25:09.920 --> 00:25:12.620 that we would do all for your glory, 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:15.759 and go forward in confidence in you. 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:16.659 So, 00:25:16.739 --> 00:25:16.879 Lord, 00:25:16.959 --> 00:25:17.959 hear our prayers, 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:19.599 continue to watch over us, 00:25:19.719 --> 00:25:22.339 to remember us in all of these things, 00:25:22.439 --> 00:25:23.359 and to go before us, 00:25:23.379 --> 00:25:24.179 even in this day, 00:25:24.219 --> 00:25:26.259 as we continue to worship you this morning, 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:28.319 and into the evening as well. 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.779 May you be with us, 00:25:29.879 --> 00:25:30.000 Lord, 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:31.979 and bless all that we do in your name. 00:25:32.879 --> 00:25:34.599 Give us praise on our lips now, 00:25:34.679 --> 00:25:34.819 Lord, 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:36.539 as we turn to sing to you, 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:41.139 and help us to rejoice in the gift of song that you give to us, 00:25:41.240 --> 00:25:43.420 to lift our voices to you in praise. 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:45.920 Bless James as he leads us in it, 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:49.440 and we thank you for all who lead us in praise so often, 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:53.119 and help us all to join in with united hearts, 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:55.799 and glorify your precious name. 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:56.559 So, 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:56.839 Lord, 00:25:56.899 --> 00:25:57.500 lead us now, 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:57.980 we pray, 00:25:58.039 --> 00:25:58.759 in all that we do, 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.980 and pardon us for all our sin. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.359 That's all we ask. 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.839 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:04.799 Amen. 00:26:08.399 --> 00:26:12.779 Let us again sing to God's praise in Psalm 25, 00:26:13.399 --> 00:26:14.619 in the Sing Psalms. 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:18.039 We're going to sing from verse 1 to verse 9. 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:23.099 Psalm 25 at verse 1, 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.119 the tune is Finart. 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:31.559 This psalm again reminds us of just how the Lord is able to direct our paths, 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:34.319 and to help us on our way in life. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:34.839 To you, 00:26:34.919 --> 00:26:35.179 O Lord, 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:36.139 I lift my soul. 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:38.240 I trust in you continually. 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:40.399 Do not let me be put to shame, 00:26:40.679 --> 00:26:44.519 nor let my foes gloat over me. 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:45.779 Verse 4 says, 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.259 O Lord, 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:49.079 reveal to me your ways and all your paths. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.519 Help me to know. 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:52.720 Direct and guide me in your truth. 00:26:52.859 --> 00:26:55.639 Instruct me in the way to go. 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:57.599 We'll sing from verse 1 to 9, 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.980 to God's praise. 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.599 Amen. 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.119 Amen. 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:00.519 Amen. 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:06.859 To you, 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:08.960 O Lord, 00:27:10.179 --> 00:27:14.359 I lift my soul. 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:22.799 I trust in you continually. 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:29.619 Do not let me be put to you, 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:42.419 I'm not going to be good to shame, nor let my foes go over me. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:28:01.259 No one who saves his hope in you will never suffer such disgrace. 00:28:01.259 --> 00:28:20.460 But those who act with destiny, humiliating shame will face. 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:39.579 Full heart revealed to me your ways, and all your paths will lead to know. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:58.579 Thy rectum guide me in your truth, and study in the way to hold. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:29:08.480 You are my Savior and my God. 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:17.500 All day I hope with you alone. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:36.480 Remember, Lord, your love and grace, which from those ages you have shown. 00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:55.700 Do not recall my sins of youth, or my reality of evil ways. 00:29:55.700 --> 00:30:14.860 Remember me in your great love, for you, O Lord, are good always. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:32.859 Because the Lord is just and good, He shows His path to all who stray. 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:51.259 He hurts the meek in what is life, and teaches them His holy way. 00:30:55.259 --> 00:30:58.819 We can turn back to a reading in Isaiah chapter 55. 00:30:58.819 --> 00:31:01.439 Just read again at verse 6. 00:31:01.519 --> 00:31:04.220 We'll be looking at verse 6 down to the end of the chapter. 00:31:05.859 --> 00:31:07.579 Isaiah 55 at verse 6. 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:10.419 Seek the Lord while He may be found. 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:14.359 Call upon Him while He is near. 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:19.179 Seek the Lord while He may be found. 00:31:20.179 --> 00:31:27.119 In that last psalm that we sang, it speaks about seeking direction in our ways from God. 00:31:27.119 --> 00:31:30.959 And the last verse that we sang, verse 8 and 9 there. 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:37.519 Because the Lord is just and good, He shows His paths to all who stray. 00:31:38.219 --> 00:31:39.439 God is just. 00:31:39.639 --> 00:31:40.399 God is good. 00:31:40.939 --> 00:31:44.259 And He shows His path to all who stray. 00:31:44.339 --> 00:31:47.579 And we are all guilty of straying at times. 00:31:48.179 --> 00:31:51.319 And we ask the question maybe today, where are you? 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:57.359 When you think about your life, when you think about your relationship with the Lord, where are you? 00:31:58.159 --> 00:31:59.859 Are you in the right place? 00:32:00.220 --> 00:32:04.119 Or are you feeling a little lost along the way? 00:32:04.679 --> 00:32:09.819 Are you lost among all the different voices that are calling for your attention? 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:12.079 The voices that are calling for your time? 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:18.059 The voices that are calling for you in life that seem to just take over and overwhelm us at time? 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:22.740 Are we hearing the Lord and what He is saying to us? 00:32:22.859 --> 00:32:28.960 Because we can often get ourselves off track and not listen to the right voice. 00:32:29.919 --> 00:32:37.419 There was an incident that happened a number of years ago on the west coast of America, 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:44.519 where a pod of whales had been coming by the west coast of America. 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:51.080 But one of the whales in the pod got off track, swam away from the rest, 00:32:51.140 --> 00:32:54.279 and he ended up swimming into San Francisco Bay. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:59.639 And as he came into the bay, it's a large expanse of water, 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:05.539 but he got confused as he was swimming into the bay and got distracted then by all the attention 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:09.779 that was being shown towards him, all the different noises that were around him. 00:33:09.879 --> 00:33:11.079 He probably became scared. 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:16.740 But instead of turning and swimming back out to sea to where the rest of the pod were, 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:19.220 he kept going in the wrong direction. 00:33:19.220 --> 00:33:22.920 This whale started swimming up the Sacramento River. 00:33:24.019 --> 00:33:28.519 And there were many people gathered round to try their best to help this whale. 00:33:28.600 --> 00:33:29.579 There was people on boats. 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:35.500 There were scientists coming in and trying everything they could to try and get this whale back out to sea. 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:38.400 And just nothing was working. 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:42.279 The whale just kept swimming in the wrong direction up the river. 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:50.319 And people knew that, well, if the whale keeps going, it's going to perish if it carries on in this direction. 00:33:50.420 --> 00:33:55.579 Then they came with a thought about trying something that might make him turn round. 00:33:56.119 --> 00:34:03.139 And that was to put the sound of the pod of whales behind him, playing underwater behind him. 00:34:03.559 --> 00:34:06.879 And this sound got the whale's attention. 00:34:06.880 --> 00:34:13.059 And the boat that had put the sound on the water started making its way back down the river, 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:15.920 out through the bay, out towards the sea. 00:34:16.019 --> 00:34:20.940 And the whale kept following the sound because he recognized the sound. 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:25.099 And the further it was going out the bay and the closer it was getting to the sea, 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:31.599 suddenly the whale sped up and started heading out back towards sea and to rejoin the pod. 00:34:31.599 --> 00:34:39.400 Now, in many ways, sometimes, like that whale, we can just get so confused in our environment, 00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:44.779 so confused in our surroundings, and we find ourselves just on the wrong track. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.819 We've gone the wrong way. 00:34:47.039 --> 00:34:49.619 We're lost and we're in danger. 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:53.539 And maybe we ask ourselves, how have I got here? 00:34:54.199 --> 00:34:57.079 And how can I find my way back? 00:34:57.079 --> 00:35:01.480 How can I find my way back to where I'm meant to be? 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:06.380 Well, God is just and good. 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:11.119 And he shows his paths to those who stray, as the psalm says. 00:35:11.339 --> 00:35:14.559 And God's word speaks to us in that way. 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:16.119 It is calling us. 00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:20.480 We have gone away from God through our sin. 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:22.219 We've gone on the wrong path. 00:35:22.299 --> 00:35:23.360 We're on the wrong direction. 00:35:23.759 --> 00:35:25.179 We're going away from God. 00:35:25.179 --> 00:35:28.920 But God, by his grace, calls us back. 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:39.880 And the prophet Isaiah spoke to the people here in his day, as he speaks to ourselves today, calling the people back to God, 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:50.159 back to him, that they might find their way in life, that they might find their way to life, that they might find their way to eternal life. 00:35:50.159 --> 00:35:54.940 And we can often think in life that we're not that far off course. 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:57.679 We're not that far away from God. 00:35:57.779 --> 00:36:02.539 But just a little bit off course can be disastrous for us. 00:36:02.539 --> 00:36:13.199 If you take, for example, the idea of the world in which we live, and you want to go right round the world, circumnavigate the world, 00:36:13.239 --> 00:36:15.019 and you want to do it round the equator. 00:36:15.759 --> 00:36:24.400 So you're going to start at a point on the equator, maybe go by plane, take off and follow the equator right round and come back to the place you started. 00:36:24.400 --> 00:36:26.800 It sounds fair enough. 00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:27.700 We'll do that. 00:36:27.780 --> 00:36:29.119 And then you take off. 00:36:29.180 --> 00:36:32.059 But you're one degree off course. 00:36:32.240 --> 00:36:38.039 Now, if you look at a compass and you look at one degree, it seems so insignificant. 00:36:38.340 --> 00:36:39.500 It seems so small. 00:36:39.639 --> 00:36:41.320 Just one degree off course. 00:36:41.420 --> 00:36:44.940 What difference is that really going to make? 00:36:44.940 --> 00:36:54.700 Well, if you circumnavigate the globe around the equator and you're one degree off course, by the time you come right round, how far out are you going to be? 00:36:55.820 --> 00:37:01.980 You maybe think, oh, it'll just be the odd mile or two, and you'll still be able to see where you're meant to be. 00:37:02.659 --> 00:37:05.159 Maybe it's 50 or 100 miles. 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:11.980 You'll actually be 500 miles off course, just by being one degree out all the way around. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:16.199 500 miles away from where you're meant to be. 00:37:16.260 --> 00:37:21.460 The distance between Stornoway and London, that's how far off course you are. 00:37:22.400 --> 00:37:26.519 And so you think to yourself in life, well, my life isn't that far off course. 00:37:26.619 --> 00:37:31.840 Maybe I'm getting a few things wrong, but on the whole, I'm on the right path. 00:37:33.000 --> 00:37:36.579 But just even one degree out can be disastrous. 00:37:36.579 --> 00:37:42.139 You're miles away from God when it comes to the end of life. 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:47.779 And we drift further and further away the more we go on. 00:37:48.699 --> 00:37:56.019 Well, in this passage before us today, God is calling his people who have gone off course. 00:37:56.219 --> 00:37:59.460 And if you look at them, you would see they're not that far off. 00:37:59.819 --> 00:38:01.699 They're still trying to worship God. 00:38:01.699 --> 00:38:04.739 They're still having God in their midst, as it were. 00:38:05.339 --> 00:38:09.559 But yet in their hearts, they're still miles away from God. 00:38:09.599 --> 00:38:10.839 And this is disastrous. 00:38:11.779 --> 00:38:16.379 And you see in the beginning of chapter 55, this is a wonderful passage, this passage. 00:38:16.879 --> 00:38:17.699 A gospel passage. 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:22.000 It's all about the call of God to come to him. 00:38:22.719 --> 00:38:28.179 In the first five verses, you see that great invitation to come everyone who thirsts. 00:38:28.239 --> 00:38:29.799 Come to the waters. 00:38:29.800 --> 00:38:34.300 As I say, I'm speaking to the people then. 00:38:34.780 --> 00:38:36.380 God, speaking to the people then. 00:38:36.600 --> 00:38:40.420 In the midst of all the voices that you're hearing around you just now. 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:41.840 Come to me. 00:38:42.120 --> 00:38:44.460 Come without money, without price. 00:38:45.060 --> 00:38:45.420 Come. 00:38:46.140 --> 00:38:46.940 Come to me. 00:38:47.060 --> 00:38:48.160 Incline your ear. 00:38:48.700 --> 00:38:50.200 Come to me. 00:38:50.920 --> 00:38:52.740 Hear that you may live. 00:38:53.400 --> 00:38:54.480 That is the message. 00:38:54.480 --> 00:39:01.019 They're getting off track, but God is calling them back. 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:04.000 So there's all these voices calling. 00:39:04.900 --> 00:39:12.659 But then in verse 6, down to the end, it's the direct voice of God speaking here on the whole. 00:39:12.740 --> 00:39:14.519 The first verse is Isaiah. 00:39:14.639 --> 00:39:16.980 But then we have the voice of the Lord speaking. 00:39:16.980 --> 00:39:20.199 And Isaiah begins this by saying, 00:39:20.800 --> 00:39:22.960 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:39:23.139 --> 00:39:26.019 Call upon him while he is near. 00:39:26.099 --> 00:39:32.280 And then you have in verse 8, down to the end, God speaking directly and powerfully. 00:39:32.320 --> 00:39:36.380 And these are the verses that we want to look at today. 00:39:36.380 --> 00:39:45.260 Now for some people here, the voice of God might be like the sound of that pod of whales to the whale of course. 00:39:45.619 --> 00:39:50.640 It might be needed behind us to turn us back in the right direction. 00:39:51.420 --> 00:39:56.380 But for others, it may be that it's just a voice that we have to keep listening to that's ahead of us. 00:39:56.860 --> 00:39:59.860 That's keeping us going in the right direction. 00:39:59.860 --> 00:40:06.780 But whatever we are, we may have to turn back on the right path or we may have to keep going on the right path. 00:40:07.420 --> 00:40:14.059 But God's voice is for all of us to hear and to heed what he is saying to us. 00:40:15.260 --> 00:40:19.200 And the first thing we have here before us is that call. 00:40:20.039 --> 00:40:22.099 The call to seek. 00:40:22.099 --> 00:40:29.440 What was spoken in verse 1 to 5 is reiterated then in verse 6 and verse 7. 00:40:29.440 --> 00:40:32.880 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:40:33.079 --> 00:40:37.500 Call upon him while he is near. 00:40:37.639 --> 00:40:40.940 There's an urgency in this call. 00:40:41.619 --> 00:40:43.980 I say as an urgency to the people here. 00:40:44.840 --> 00:40:47.119 He has an urgency to ourselves today. 00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:52.720 Because this is not seek the Lord in your own time. 00:40:53.960 --> 00:40:56.139 Seek the Lord when it suits you. 00:40:56.139 --> 00:41:00.259 This is seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:41:00.759 --> 00:41:03.759 Call upon him while he is near. 00:41:04.779 --> 00:41:08.739 And the beauty of these words is that the Lord is not hiding. 00:41:09.559 --> 00:41:11.440 The Lord is inviting. 00:41:12.000 --> 00:41:13.359 The Lord is speaking. 00:41:14.019 --> 00:41:16.199 And that's the way he is to us today. 00:41:16.319 --> 00:41:18.980 He hasn't hidden away from us today. 00:41:19.059 --> 00:41:21.239 He hasn't abandoned us today. 00:41:21.239 --> 00:41:24.639 We'll be thinking more of that this evening, God willing. 00:41:24.779 --> 00:41:27.559 How God promises never to leave us. 00:41:28.459 --> 00:41:31.839 But this morning we're thinking more of the coming to him. 00:41:32.619 --> 00:41:34.000 And he's not left us. 00:41:34.359 --> 00:41:35.879 He is calling us. 00:41:36.919 --> 00:41:43.939 And the implication of the call that Isaiah has here is that there may not always be this chance. 00:41:43.940 --> 00:41:49.519 It may not always be possible to seek or to call. 00:41:50.780 --> 00:41:54.119 And that's the reality that we know all too well in life. 00:41:54.240 --> 00:41:57.019 Because these opportunities soon go. 00:41:58.420 --> 00:42:02.360 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:42:02.360 --> 00:42:08.380 The Lord is there. 00:42:08.559 --> 00:42:10.440 And when is he there? 00:42:11.079 --> 00:42:12.320 When is he near? 00:42:13.320 --> 00:42:14.700 It is today. 00:42:16.120 --> 00:42:17.640 As one of the Psalms says, 00:42:18.780 --> 00:42:22.920 Today if you hear my voice, then harden not your hearts. 00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:27.280 Today is the importance, the urgency of this message. 00:42:27.920 --> 00:42:31.840 It is not something for later on in life. 00:42:32.360 --> 00:42:36.019 Today if you are hearing my voice. 00:42:37.120 --> 00:42:41.120 It is possible that God may be found tomorrow. 00:42:41.559 --> 00:42:44.860 It is possible that he may be near tomorrow. 00:42:45.579 --> 00:42:46.720 But you don't know. 00:42:47.960 --> 00:42:48.680 You don't know. 00:42:48.920 --> 00:42:51.780 The scriptures remind us of that again and again. 00:42:52.460 --> 00:42:54.380 James in the New Testament. 00:42:54.559 --> 00:42:56.019 James 4 verse 14. 00:42:56.860 --> 00:42:59.440 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. 00:42:59.440 --> 00:43:04.440 You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 00:43:05.480 --> 00:43:09.380 You do not know what you will be like tomorrow. 00:43:09.380 --> 00:43:13.599 So there is the urgency of this call. 00:43:13.820 --> 00:43:15.780 The call to seek. 00:43:16.800 --> 00:43:19.440 Many people will feel this call. 00:43:19.599 --> 00:43:21.720 This tugging of God on their hearts. 00:43:21.900 --> 00:43:23.119 And put him off. 00:43:23.960 --> 00:43:25.280 For another time. 00:43:25.400 --> 00:43:25.900 Another day. 00:43:26.000 --> 00:43:26.820 Another occasion. 00:43:27.980 --> 00:43:31.660 We want to concentrate on the important things in life first. 00:43:32.200 --> 00:43:34.039 Get everything else in order. 00:43:34.039 --> 00:43:36.320 Maybe when we have done that. 00:43:36.440 --> 00:43:38.639 Then we will come and seek God. 00:43:39.860 --> 00:43:41.360 But this is reminding us. 00:43:41.519 --> 00:43:44.179 Seek the Lord while he may be found. 00:43:44.300 --> 00:43:46.000 While he is speaking to your heart. 00:43:46.460 --> 00:43:47.639 While he is calling. 00:43:48.360 --> 00:43:49.380 That is the time. 00:43:51.460 --> 00:43:54.679 Don't turn away from him. 00:43:54.679 --> 00:43:56.619 The urgency here. 00:43:56.679 --> 00:43:58.399 And I say is leave everything else. 00:43:58.940 --> 00:44:00.259 And come to God. 00:44:00.779 --> 00:44:04.440 To God who is fully able to pardon. 00:44:05.440 --> 00:44:08.719 At the end of verse 7 there it says to our God. 00:44:09.159 --> 00:44:11.779 For he will abundantly pardon. 00:44:12.940 --> 00:44:14.379 There is the urgency again. 00:44:14.500 --> 00:44:16.460 How can you know forgiveness? 00:44:16.759 --> 00:44:18.819 How can you know restoration with God? 00:44:19.079 --> 00:44:21.579 How can you know that right path? 00:44:21.579 --> 00:44:22.980 That when you are going astray. 00:44:23.159 --> 00:44:24.179 It is to come. 00:44:24.799 --> 00:44:25.579 And seek. 00:44:26.000 --> 00:44:26.659 The Lord. 00:44:27.460 --> 00:44:28.420 So the call. 00:44:28.880 --> 00:44:29.599 Is there. 00:44:29.940 --> 00:44:30.659 To seek. 00:44:31.860 --> 00:44:33.279 And as we move on then. 00:44:33.380 --> 00:44:33.860 We see. 00:44:34.179 --> 00:44:35.199 Really three things. 00:44:35.299 --> 00:44:36.139 Directly then. 00:44:36.619 --> 00:44:37.500 From God. 00:44:38.539 --> 00:44:40.340 Isaiah's voice is being heard. 00:44:40.440 --> 00:44:41.599 In verse 6 and 7. 00:44:42.079 --> 00:44:43.759 But then God is speaking directly. 00:44:43.880 --> 00:44:44.440 In verse 8. 00:44:44.539 --> 00:44:45.559 For my thoughts. 00:44:45.900 --> 00:44:47.039 Are not your thoughts. 00:44:47.139 --> 00:44:48.199 Neither are your ways. 00:44:48.199 --> 00:44:48.860 My ways. 00:44:49.139 --> 00:44:49.579 Declares. 00:44:50.059 --> 00:44:50.699 The Lord. 00:44:51.579 --> 00:44:52.519 So they receive. 00:44:52.900 --> 00:44:53.639 The need. 00:44:54.059 --> 00:44:55.079 To seek the Lord. 00:44:55.860 --> 00:44:56.599 And the Lord. 00:44:56.860 --> 00:44:57.380 Explains. 00:44:57.500 --> 00:44:58.440 Why it's so necessary. 00:44:58.679 --> 00:44:59.599 For us. 00:44:59.819 --> 00:45:01.039 To seek the Lord. 00:45:01.159 --> 00:45:02.059 While we can. 00:45:02.539 --> 00:45:02.840 And at. 00:45:03.039 --> 00:45:04.619 What is at the heart of it. 00:45:04.699 --> 00:45:05.900 Is that we are sinners. 00:45:07.340 --> 00:45:07.940 We are sinners. 00:45:08.019 --> 00:45:08.480 We cannot. 00:45:09.039 --> 00:45:09.940 Save ourselves. 00:45:10.400 --> 00:45:11.579 It is only the Lord. 00:45:12.039 --> 00:45:12.940 Who can save. 00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:13.440 And he does. 00:45:13.539 --> 00:45:14.279 He shows us this. 00:45:14.360 --> 00:45:15.299 By distinguishing. 00:45:15.299 --> 00:45:15.759 Between. 00:45:15.759 --> 00:45:17.059 His thoughts. 00:45:17.059 --> 00:45:18.659 And our thoughts. 00:45:19.279 --> 00:45:20.340 And his ways. 00:45:20.739 --> 00:45:21.840 And our ways. 00:45:22.340 --> 00:45:23.320 For my thoughts. 00:45:23.380 --> 00:45:24.380 He says in verse 8. 00:45:24.779 --> 00:45:26.000 Are not your thoughts. 00:45:26.360 --> 00:45:27.400 Neither are your ways. 00:45:27.599 --> 00:45:28.259 My ways. 00:45:28.759 --> 00:45:29.320 Declares. 00:45:29.799 --> 00:45:30.320 The Lord. 00:45:31.380 --> 00:45:31.779 And so. 00:45:32.019 --> 00:45:33.799 Where is the difference here? 00:45:34.259 --> 00:45:34.619 How. 00:45:35.079 --> 00:45:36.480 Are we so different. 00:45:36.480 --> 00:45:37.420 To God. 00:45:38.239 --> 00:45:38.739 Well. 00:45:38.799 --> 00:45:39.360 If you go back. 00:45:39.599 --> 00:45:40.659 To verse 7. 00:45:40.799 --> 00:45:40.940 There. 00:45:40.940 --> 00:45:41.380 Isaiah. 00:45:41.539 --> 00:45:42.400 Uses the words. 00:45:42.639 --> 00:45:42.840 Way. 00:45:43.220 --> 00:45:44.119 And thoughts. 00:45:44.340 --> 00:45:45.000 As well. 00:45:45.639 --> 00:45:46.320 Let the wicked. 00:45:46.860 --> 00:45:47.440 Forsake. 00:45:47.539 --> 00:45:48.079 His way. 00:45:48.400 --> 00:45:50.260 And the unrighteous man. 00:45:50.720 --> 00:45:51.619 His thoughts. 00:45:52.260 --> 00:45:53.800 Because there is what we are. 00:45:54.059 --> 00:45:54.920 By nature. 00:45:55.659 --> 00:45:56.360 The wicked. 00:45:56.940 --> 00:45:57.460 Forsake. 00:45:57.780 --> 00:45:58.400 His way. 00:45:59.039 --> 00:45:59.780 Our ways. 00:46:00.019 --> 00:46:01.139 Are not the ways. 00:46:01.159 --> 00:46:01.740 Of God. 00:46:02.619 --> 00:46:03.500 Our thoughts. 00:46:03.500 --> 00:46:04.200 Are not. 00:46:04.440 --> 00:46:04.940 The thoughts. 00:46:05.099 --> 00:46:05.539 Of God. 00:46:06.619 --> 00:46:07.860 And we might try and say. 00:46:07.960 --> 00:46:09.119 But we are good people. 00:46:09.280 --> 00:46:09.619 That we are. 00:46:09.940 --> 00:46:10.780 Trying our best. 00:46:10.780 --> 00:46:11.880 And all of these things. 00:46:12.019 --> 00:46:13.019 But the reality is. 00:46:13.460 --> 00:46:14.180 We are never. 00:46:14.440 --> 00:46:15.540 As good as God. 00:46:16.160 --> 00:46:17.280 We can never be. 00:46:17.700 --> 00:46:18.380 Like God. 00:46:19.100 --> 00:46:20.580 Our ways. 00:46:20.880 --> 00:46:21.600 Are inclined. 00:46:21.720 --> 00:46:22.620 To going astray. 00:46:23.040 --> 00:46:23.940 Our thoughts. 00:46:24.100 --> 00:46:24.880 Are inclined. 00:46:25.360 --> 00:46:26.680 To going astray. 00:46:27.900 --> 00:46:28.900 And therefore. 00:46:29.100 --> 00:46:29.980 The need is. 00:46:30.280 --> 00:46:30.900 To come. 00:46:31.400 --> 00:46:31.860 To God. 00:46:32.000 --> 00:46:32.420 For he says. 00:46:32.519 --> 00:46:33.260 My thoughts. 00:46:33.519 --> 00:46:34.980 Are not your thoughts. 00:46:35.100 --> 00:46:35.400 Neither. 00:46:35.820 --> 00:46:36.700 Are your ways. 00:46:37.100 --> 00:46:38.240 My ways. 00:46:40.780 --> 00:46:41.380 God. 00:46:41.380 --> 00:46:42.440 What is. 00:46:42.820 --> 00:46:43.160 God. 00:46:43.280 --> 00:46:44.019 Who is. 00:46:44.340 --> 00:46:44.760 God. 00:46:46.160 --> 00:46:46.540 Well. 00:46:46.620 --> 00:46:46.940 God. 00:46:47.019 --> 00:46:47.780 As we see. 00:46:47.960 --> 00:46:48.700 In his word. 00:46:49.100 --> 00:46:50.000 Is describing. 00:46:50.460 --> 00:46:51.120 Who he is. 00:46:51.240 --> 00:46:51.540 To us. 00:46:51.580 --> 00:46:52.620 He is a holy. 00:46:52.980 --> 00:46:53.460 God. 00:46:53.660 --> 00:46:54.640 He is a just. 00:46:54.640 --> 00:46:55.060 God. 00:46:55.160 --> 00:46:55.840 He is a good. 00:46:55.940 --> 00:46:56.240 God. 00:46:56.240 --> 00:46:56.900 As we sang. 00:46:56.900 --> 00:46:58.320 In Psalm 25. 00:46:58.740 --> 00:46:59.820 He is everything. 00:46:59.820 --> 00:47:00.760 That we are not. 00:47:00.760 --> 00:47:00.800 God. 00:47:01.960 --> 00:47:03.440 Because our relationship. 00:47:03.440 --> 00:47:04.060 With him. 00:47:04.240 --> 00:47:05.400 Has been spoiled. 00:47:06.940 --> 00:47:07.400 And so. 00:47:07.500 --> 00:47:08.200 That is why. 00:47:08.340 --> 00:47:09.280 The call is here. 00:47:09.760 --> 00:47:10.800 Seek the Lord. 00:47:11.160 --> 00:47:11.580 Because. 00:47:11.880 --> 00:47:12.760 We need him. 00:47:13.880 --> 00:47:14.680 If we see. 00:47:15.100 --> 00:47:15.940 His holiness. 00:47:16.120 --> 00:47:16.720 If we see. 00:47:17.120 --> 00:47:18.040 His beauty. 00:47:18.200 --> 00:47:18.740 The difference. 00:47:18.800 --> 00:47:19.540 Between us. 00:47:19.680 --> 00:47:20.220 And God. 00:47:20.900 --> 00:47:22.240 It should shake us up. 00:47:22.300 --> 00:47:23.400 It should stir us up. 00:47:23.440 --> 00:47:23.960 In our hearts. 00:47:24.040 --> 00:47:24.480 To realize. 00:47:25.080 --> 00:47:26.760 I am never going to be good. 00:47:26.840 --> 00:47:27.320 And just. 00:47:27.420 --> 00:47:28.000 And perfect. 00:47:28.000 --> 00:47:28.199 Perfect. 00:47:29.199 --> 00:47:30.760 I cannot accomplish. 00:47:30.880 --> 00:47:31.860 Any of these things. 00:47:31.940 --> 00:47:32.380 I cannot. 00:47:32.920 --> 00:47:33.860 Save myself. 00:47:35.440 --> 00:47:36.480 But God. 00:47:36.659 --> 00:47:37.000 Can. 00:47:38.659 --> 00:47:39.519 And that is. 00:47:39.739 --> 00:47:40.699 The beauty of it. 00:47:41.119 --> 00:47:42.579 That is the beauty of God. 00:47:42.719 --> 00:47:43.300 Because he has. 00:47:43.719 --> 00:47:44.340 Given us. 00:47:44.599 --> 00:47:45.579 Everything that we need. 00:47:45.679 --> 00:47:46.480 For salvation. 00:47:47.420 --> 00:47:48.280 We need. 00:47:48.599 --> 00:47:48.960 God. 00:47:49.840 --> 00:47:51.000 We need him to live. 00:47:51.340 --> 00:47:52.300 We need him to move. 00:47:52.400 --> 00:47:53.079 We need him to be. 00:47:53.400 --> 00:47:54.320 To have our being. 00:47:54.400 --> 00:47:55.199 As it is described. 00:47:55.320 --> 00:47:56.340 Throughout his word. 00:47:56.340 --> 00:47:58.880 Everything that we have. 00:47:59.400 --> 00:48:00.300 Is from him. 00:48:03.300 --> 00:48:05.100 Do we recognize then. 00:48:05.539 --> 00:48:06.300 Our need. 00:48:06.860 --> 00:48:07.360 Of him. 00:48:09.100 --> 00:48:10.860 Do we think ourselves. 00:48:10.860 --> 00:48:11.740 Good enough. 00:48:12.220 --> 00:48:13.760 To achieve everything in life. 00:48:13.880 --> 00:48:14.320 Our own. 00:48:14.780 --> 00:48:15.340 Salvation. 00:48:15.840 --> 00:48:16.680 Our own being. 00:48:16.780 --> 00:48:17.980 All of these things. 00:48:18.400 --> 00:48:19.059 We cannot. 00:48:20.920 --> 00:48:22.120 But we have one. 00:48:22.579 --> 00:48:23.440 Who can. 00:48:23.440 --> 00:48:26.519 As the book of Proverbs. 00:48:26.820 --> 00:48:27.220 Says. 00:48:27.820 --> 00:48:28.840 In chapter three. 00:48:29.079 --> 00:48:30.280 Trust in the Lord. 00:48:30.400 --> 00:48:31.619 With all your heart. 00:48:31.720 --> 00:48:32.440 And lean not. 00:48:32.720 --> 00:48:34.579 On your own understanding. 00:48:35.079 --> 00:48:36.340 In all your ways. 00:48:36.460 --> 00:48:37.280 Acknowledge him. 00:48:37.360 --> 00:48:37.940 And he. 00:48:38.200 --> 00:48:39.880 Will direct your paths. 00:48:40.539 --> 00:48:41.119 Again. 00:48:41.220 --> 00:48:42.019 It is about God. 00:48:42.119 --> 00:48:42.679 Bringing us. 00:48:43.079 --> 00:48:44.619 Back on track. 00:48:44.619 --> 00:48:44.699 Back. 00:48:46.699 --> 00:48:48.039 So we have the need. 00:48:48.579 --> 00:48:49.480 To see God. 00:48:49.579 --> 00:48:51.119 Because God is so much. 00:48:51.599 --> 00:48:52.599 Above us. 00:48:52.960 --> 00:48:53.839 In his ways. 00:48:54.400 --> 00:48:55.679 And in his thoughts. 00:48:57.279 --> 00:48:58.739 But then we maybe start to think. 00:48:58.819 --> 00:49:00.799 Well God is just too far away. 00:49:00.960 --> 00:49:01.539 From us. 00:49:02.579 --> 00:49:03.819 God is too distant. 00:49:03.960 --> 00:49:04.960 We are too sinful. 00:49:05.440 --> 00:49:06.119 There is just. 00:49:06.339 --> 00:49:07.579 Too big of a gap. 00:49:08.159 --> 00:49:08.960 Between us. 00:49:09.059 --> 00:49:10.359 That we can never reach him. 00:49:10.360 --> 00:49:13.480 But then the beauty is. 00:49:13.620 --> 00:49:14.620 That he helps us. 00:49:15.140 --> 00:49:15.960 To seek him. 00:49:16.920 --> 00:49:18.200 He gives us help. 00:49:18.720 --> 00:49:19.320 To seek him. 00:49:19.360 --> 00:49:20.500 And his help is through. 00:49:20.940 --> 00:49:21.940 His word. 00:49:22.640 --> 00:49:23.300 And you see that. 00:49:23.400 --> 00:49:24.180 In verse 10. 00:49:24.260 --> 00:49:25.160 And verse 11. 00:49:26.019 --> 00:49:26.840 Where it speaks about. 00:49:27.000 --> 00:49:27.900 The rain and the snow. 00:49:28.480 --> 00:49:29.700 Come down from heaven. 00:49:29.780 --> 00:49:31.059 And do not return there. 00:49:31.380 --> 00:49:32.519 But water the earth. 00:49:32.599 --> 00:49:33.700 Making it bring forth. 00:49:34.160 --> 00:49:34.820 And sprout. 00:49:34.960 --> 00:49:36.160 Giving seed to the sower. 00:49:36.240 --> 00:49:37.820 And bread to the eater. 00:49:37.820 --> 00:49:40.160 So shall my word. 00:49:40.260 --> 00:49:41.800 That goes out from my mouth. 00:49:42.240 --> 00:49:43.539 It shall not return. 00:49:43.680 --> 00:49:44.220 To me empty. 00:49:44.320 --> 00:49:45.240 But shall accomplish. 00:49:45.400 --> 00:49:46.600 That which I purpose. 00:49:47.140 --> 00:49:48.400 And shall succeed. 00:49:48.500 --> 00:49:49.059 In the thing. 00:49:49.160 --> 00:49:50.360 For which I sent it. 00:49:51.220 --> 00:49:52.160 Here is the wonder. 00:49:52.360 --> 00:49:53.780 Of who God is. 00:49:54.519 --> 00:49:55.200 That he doesn't. 00:49:55.539 --> 00:49:56.559 Stay at a distance. 00:49:56.559 --> 00:49:57.160 From us. 00:49:57.380 --> 00:49:58.300 That we don't have to try. 00:49:58.320 --> 00:49:58.860 And somehow. 00:49:59.220 --> 00:50:00.600 Reach up to him. 00:50:00.700 --> 00:50:01.300 Whose thoughts. 00:50:01.380 --> 00:50:02.220 Are far above. 00:50:02.620 --> 00:50:03.059 Ours. 00:50:03.140 --> 00:50:03.700 Whose ways. 00:50:03.780 --> 00:50:05.080 Are far above ours. 00:50:06.460 --> 00:50:07.400 Heaven and earth. 00:50:07.400 --> 00:50:08.059 Can seem. 00:50:08.440 --> 00:50:09.820 So far removed. 00:50:10.220 --> 00:50:11.000 As he says. 00:50:11.900 --> 00:50:12.840 In verse 9. 00:50:12.960 --> 00:50:14.139 The heavens are higher. 00:50:14.260 --> 00:50:14.720 Than the earth. 00:50:14.780 --> 00:50:15.559 So are my ways. 00:50:15.920 --> 00:50:16.720 Higher than yours. 00:50:16.760 --> 00:50:17.700 There's this distance. 00:50:18.639 --> 00:50:19.940 But he has closed. 00:50:20.079 --> 00:50:20.940 This distance. 00:50:22.400 --> 00:50:23.380 He has brought. 00:50:23.559 --> 00:50:24.160 His word. 00:50:24.519 --> 00:50:25.160 To us. 00:50:26.079 --> 00:50:26.740 He has sent. 00:50:26.860 --> 00:50:27.440 His word. 00:50:27.940 --> 00:50:29.240 Into this world. 00:50:30.780 --> 00:50:31.920 And you may not. 00:50:32.139 --> 00:50:32.440 Think. 00:50:32.680 --> 00:50:33.500 You can start to think. 00:50:33.639 --> 00:50:34.280 Well I cannot. 00:50:34.559 --> 00:50:35.260 Come to God. 00:50:35.340 --> 00:50:36.099 And you can't. 00:50:36.099 --> 00:50:38.460 But the Lord. 00:50:38.460 --> 00:50:39.179 Is serious. 00:50:39.179 --> 00:50:40.239 About his relationship. 00:50:40.239 --> 00:50:40.920 To us. 00:50:41.920 --> 00:50:42.819 And so he makes. 00:50:43.299 --> 00:50:43.739 Provision. 00:50:44.460 --> 00:50:45.019 For us. 00:50:45.460 --> 00:50:46.500 He helps us. 00:50:47.239 --> 00:50:48.179 He sends. 00:50:48.420 --> 00:50:49.299 His word. 00:50:49.420 --> 00:50:50.219 He calls us. 00:50:50.719 --> 00:50:51.339 To turn. 00:50:51.599 --> 00:50:52.319 To him. 00:50:52.699 --> 00:50:53.779 To seek him. 00:50:54.039 --> 00:50:54.960 While we can. 00:50:55.519 --> 00:50:56.420 And that word. 00:50:56.539 --> 00:50:57.460 Brings its power. 00:50:57.599 --> 00:50:58.360 To enable us. 00:50:58.440 --> 00:50:59.539 To turn to the Lord. 00:51:00.360 --> 00:51:01.380 Behind the word. 00:51:01.480 --> 00:51:02.739 Is the Holy Spirit. 00:51:02.920 --> 00:51:03.599 Who works. 00:51:03.599 --> 00:51:03.719 Us. 00:51:04.839 --> 00:51:05.440 The wonder. 00:51:05.440 --> 00:51:06.819 Of who God is. 00:51:07.339 --> 00:51:08.259 That he came. 00:51:08.619 --> 00:51:09.400 To us. 00:51:10.219 --> 00:51:11.039 And God is. 00:51:11.279 --> 00:51:11.940 So serious. 00:51:11.940 --> 00:51:12.659 About this. 00:51:12.719 --> 00:51:13.299 As so often. 00:51:13.400 --> 00:51:13.900 We find. 00:51:14.299 --> 00:51:15.019 In Isaiah. 00:51:15.159 --> 00:51:15.839 We can see it. 00:51:15.900 --> 00:51:16.539 Looking ahead. 00:51:16.539 --> 00:51:17.799 To the New Testament. 00:51:17.960 --> 00:51:18.539 As well. 00:51:19.179 --> 00:51:20.199 When we think here. 00:51:20.319 --> 00:51:21.360 Of the word. 00:51:21.360 --> 00:51:22.000 Of God. 00:51:23.000 --> 00:51:24.400 Coming from his mouth. 00:51:24.819 --> 00:51:25.460 Coming down. 00:51:25.460 --> 00:51:26.139 From heaven. 00:51:26.199 --> 00:51:26.920 As the rain. 00:51:27.440 --> 00:51:28.179 From heaven. 00:51:28.339 --> 00:51:29.219 Comes to water. 00:51:29.339 --> 00:51:29.739 The earth. 00:51:30.099 --> 00:51:31.739 God sent his son. 00:51:32.139 --> 00:51:33.339 Into this world. 00:51:33.340 --> 00:51:34.960 As you read. 00:51:35.039 --> 00:51:35.519 In John. 00:51:35.640 --> 00:51:36.380 Chapter one. 00:51:36.460 --> 00:51:37.400 The gospel of John. 00:51:37.680 --> 00:51:38.260 The word. 00:51:38.260 --> 00:51:39.360 Became flesh. 00:51:39.780 --> 00:51:40.660 And dwelt. 00:51:40.660 --> 00:51:41.780 Among us. 00:51:43.120 --> 00:51:43.860 From heaven. 00:51:44.019 --> 00:51:44.519 To earth. 00:51:44.620 --> 00:51:45.320 God sent. 00:51:45.720 --> 00:51:46.420 His son. 00:51:47.340 --> 00:51:48.280 That he might come. 00:51:48.579 --> 00:51:49.539 And call us. 00:51:49.720 --> 00:51:50.200 To himself. 00:51:50.360 --> 00:51:51.180 Call sinners. 00:51:51.660 --> 00:51:52.539 To repentance. 00:51:52.800 --> 00:51:53.960 As his ministry. 00:51:53.960 --> 00:51:54.500 Begins. 00:51:54.600 --> 00:51:55.000 As you read. 00:51:55.079 --> 00:51:55.660 In the gospel. 00:51:55.780 --> 00:51:56.360 Of Mark. 00:51:56.700 --> 00:51:57.680 Jesus's ministry. 00:51:57.680 --> 00:51:58.200 Begins. 00:51:58.280 --> 00:51:58.900 With these words. 00:51:59.200 --> 00:51:59.700 Repent. 00:52:00.079 --> 00:52:01.000 And believe. 00:52:01.120 --> 00:52:01.800 The gospel. 00:52:01.800 --> 00:52:04.300 And behind that word. 00:52:04.400 --> 00:52:05.000 Repent. 00:52:05.000 --> 00:52:06.720 Is a change of direction. 00:52:06.860 --> 00:52:07.420 Is a turning. 00:52:07.780 --> 00:52:08.260 Again. 00:52:08.480 --> 00:52:08.940 To God. 00:52:09.019 --> 00:52:09.640 Because we've. 00:52:09.640 --> 00:52:10.940 We've gone astray. 00:52:11.820 --> 00:52:12.519 And so the word. 00:52:12.680 --> 00:52:13.120 Came us. 00:52:13.660 --> 00:52:14.460 To call us. 00:52:14.860 --> 00:52:16.060 Back to himself. 00:52:17.180 --> 00:52:18.640 To call the world. 00:52:19.220 --> 00:52:20.100 Back to him. 00:52:21.700 --> 00:52:22.780 And the word. 00:52:22.900 --> 00:52:23.900 That became flesh. 00:52:24.440 --> 00:52:25.420 And dwelt among us. 00:52:25.580 --> 00:52:25.980 Jesus. 00:52:26.539 --> 00:52:27.380 Our savior. 00:52:27.860 --> 00:52:28.460 Is the one. 00:52:28.460 --> 00:52:29.199 Who showed us. 00:52:29.199 --> 00:52:29.760 That everything. 00:52:29.760 --> 00:52:30.740 That we couldn't do. 00:52:30.860 --> 00:52:32.000 To save ourselves. 00:52:32.360 --> 00:52:33.659 To earn the forgiveness. 00:52:33.659 --> 00:52:34.579 Of our sins. 00:52:34.579 --> 00:52:35.280 He did. 00:52:36.240 --> 00:52:37.119 He has done it. 00:52:37.220 --> 00:52:37.780 For us. 00:52:38.900 --> 00:52:39.480 He didn't. 00:52:39.740 --> 00:52:40.880 Return empty. 00:52:40.880 --> 00:52:41.860 To his father. 00:52:42.699 --> 00:52:43.820 But just like the water. 00:52:44.000 --> 00:52:44.619 Comes down. 00:52:44.780 --> 00:52:45.199 From heaven. 00:52:45.320 --> 00:52:45.880 To earth. 00:52:45.980 --> 00:52:47.280 And brings forth. 00:52:47.400 --> 00:52:47.800 Growth. 00:52:47.960 --> 00:52:48.500 And seed. 00:52:48.619 --> 00:52:49.139 And bread. 00:52:49.220 --> 00:52:50.440 All of these things. 00:52:51.360 --> 00:52:52.400 So the word. 00:52:52.539 --> 00:52:53.340 Shall accomplish. 00:52:53.519 --> 00:52:54.559 That which I purpose. 00:52:54.659 --> 00:52:55.519 And will succeed. 00:52:55.920 --> 00:52:56.539 In the thing. 00:52:56.639 --> 00:52:57.820 For which I sent it. 00:52:57.820 --> 00:52:59.340 God sent his son. 00:52:59.680 --> 00:53:00.780 Into this world. 00:53:00.860 --> 00:53:02.059 That we might have salvation. 00:53:02.420 --> 00:53:03.260 Through him. 00:53:04.260 --> 00:53:05.280 It was done. 00:53:05.400 --> 00:53:06.220 It was finished. 00:53:06.519 --> 00:53:07.539 On the cross. 00:53:09.180 --> 00:53:10.680 He has done all things. 00:53:11.140 --> 00:53:12.780 That we might come to him. 00:53:13.100 --> 00:53:14.500 And know that he is able. 00:53:14.780 --> 00:53:16.500 To abundantly pardon. 00:53:16.900 --> 00:53:18.120 Us through him. 00:53:19.700 --> 00:53:21.380 He has done everything. 00:53:22.260 --> 00:53:22.820 For us. 00:53:24.740 --> 00:53:25.380 Today. 00:53:25.380 --> 00:53:26.720 The word. 00:53:26.720 --> 00:53:26.740 The word. 00:53:26.740 --> 00:53:26.760 The word. 00:53:26.760 --> 00:53:26.780 The word. 00:53:26.780 --> 00:53:26.800 The word. 00:53:26.800 --> 00:53:27.340 The word. 00:53:27.340 --> 00:53:27.380 The word. 00:53:27.380 --> 00:53:28.140 The word. 00:53:28.140 --> 00:53:28.200 The word. 00:53:28.200 --> 00:53:28.800 The word. 00:53:28.800 --> 00:53:29.800 The word. 00:53:29.800 --> 00:53:30.039 The word. 00:53:30.039 --> 00:53:30.160 The word. 00:53:30.160 --> 00:53:30.800 The word. 00:53:30.800 --> 00:53:31.920 It will not return. 00:53:31.920 --> 00:53:32.539 Empty. 00:53:32.539 --> 00:53:33.579 Or void. 00:53:33.579 --> 00:53:35.200 What a wonderful promise. 00:53:37.200 --> 00:53:38.519 Are we listening. 00:53:38.519 --> 00:53:40.019 To that word. 00:53:40.240 --> 00:53:41.480 Are we heeding. 00:53:41.480 --> 00:53:42.340 The word. 00:53:42.420 --> 00:53:43.000 When it says. 00:53:43.000 --> 00:53:44.200 Seek the Lord. 00:53:44.599 --> 00:53:46.019 While he may be found. 00:53:46.180 --> 00:53:47.079 Call upon him. 00:53:47.480 --> 00:53:48.059 While. 00:53:48.460 --> 00:53:49.400 He is near. 00:53:50.700 --> 00:53:52.079 That is the help. 00:53:52.519 --> 00:53:53.619 Of seeking. 00:53:53.619 --> 00:53:55.339 Finally. 00:53:55.339 --> 00:53:56.319 We see here. 00:53:57.039 --> 00:53:58.420 That there is the rest. 00:53:58.980 --> 00:53:59.799 In seeking. 00:54:01.460 --> 00:54:02.639 When you think back. 00:54:02.719 --> 00:54:03.259 To the whale. 00:54:03.380 --> 00:54:05.179 That was in San Francisco Bay. 00:54:05.920 --> 00:54:07.400 As it made its way. 00:54:07.519 --> 00:54:08.539 Back out to sea. 00:54:08.639 --> 00:54:10.199 It started to speed up. 00:54:10.259 --> 00:54:11.039 It recognized. 00:54:11.319 --> 00:54:12.460 Where it was going. 00:54:12.579 --> 00:54:14.099 And who it was going to. 00:54:14.179 --> 00:54:15.400 That he was getting back home. 00:54:15.679 --> 00:54:17.039 Back to where he belonged. 00:54:18.059 --> 00:54:19.219 Well as you read here. 00:54:19.279 --> 00:54:20.539 In Isaiah 55. 00:54:20.539 --> 00:54:22.440 Verse 12 and 13. 00:54:22.440 --> 00:54:23.159 You have that. 00:54:23.519 --> 00:54:24.460 Sense of joy. 00:54:24.460 --> 00:54:25.719 In returning. 00:54:25.719 --> 00:54:26.679 To the Lord. 00:54:27.779 --> 00:54:28.699 For you shall go out. 00:54:28.759 --> 00:54:29.179 In joy. 00:54:29.279 --> 00:54:30.239 And be led forth. 00:54:30.239 --> 00:54:30.980 In peace. 00:54:31.699 --> 00:54:32.699 Every barrier. 00:54:32.840 --> 00:54:33.559 Every obstacle. 00:54:33.559 --> 00:54:34.980 That seems to be in the way. 00:54:34.980 --> 00:54:35.900 Of coming back. 00:54:36.380 --> 00:54:37.920 God will deal with it. 00:54:38.219 --> 00:54:38.860 The mountains. 00:54:38.960 --> 00:54:39.519 And the hills. 00:54:39.639 --> 00:54:40.259 Before you. 00:54:40.659 --> 00:54:41.639 Shall break forth. 00:54:41.779 --> 00:54:42.179 And singing. 00:54:42.300 --> 00:54:43.559 The trees of the field. 00:54:43.940 --> 00:54:45.400 Shall clap their hand. 00:54:45.980 --> 00:54:47.500 Everything is made beautiful. 00:54:47.500 --> 00:54:47.980 Again. 00:54:47.980 --> 00:54:51.219 Instead of the thorn. 00:54:51.380 --> 00:54:52.599 Shall come up the cypress. 00:54:52.760 --> 00:54:53.619 Instead of the briar. 00:54:53.699 --> 00:54:54.780 Shall come up the myrtle. 00:54:55.300 --> 00:54:56.340 All of these things. 00:54:56.340 --> 00:54:57.360 That show a wilderness. 00:54:57.360 --> 00:54:58.320 That is barren. 00:54:59.139 --> 00:55:00.019 Is renewed. 00:55:01.320 --> 00:55:02.340 Is made new. 00:55:02.480 --> 00:55:03.380 Is made whole. 00:55:04.039 --> 00:55:05.340 By coming back. 00:55:05.460 --> 00:55:06.019 To God. 00:55:07.260 --> 00:55:08.519 And that was the promise. 00:55:08.780 --> 00:55:10.599 That God gave to his people. 00:55:11.000 --> 00:55:12.000 In Isaiah's day. 00:55:12.039 --> 00:55:12.519 At a time. 00:55:12.599 --> 00:55:14.000 When they were wandering away. 00:55:14.099 --> 00:55:14.980 And going to be brought. 00:55:14.980 --> 00:55:16.679 Into a foreign land. 00:55:16.679 --> 00:55:18.039 With a foreign people. 00:55:18.559 --> 00:55:20.360 Because of their disobedience. 00:55:21.599 --> 00:55:22.679 But he gives the assurance. 00:55:22.679 --> 00:55:23.840 That they would know the day. 00:55:24.260 --> 00:55:25.320 Of rejoicing. 00:55:25.320 --> 00:55:26.400 As they would return. 00:55:26.960 --> 00:55:27.420 To him. 00:55:28.480 --> 00:55:29.619 And that's what it is. 00:55:29.679 --> 00:55:30.219 For us. 00:55:30.740 --> 00:55:32.300 As we hear the voice. 00:55:32.500 --> 00:55:33.159 Of God. 00:55:34.059 --> 00:55:35.480 As we hear the voice. 00:55:35.920 --> 00:55:37.320 As we cry out. 00:55:37.579 --> 00:55:38.240 To the Lord. 00:55:38.360 --> 00:55:39.059 For help. 00:55:39.480 --> 00:55:40.240 For mercy. 00:55:40.239 --> 00:55:44.019 The Lord says. 00:55:44.259 --> 00:55:44.599 Seek. 00:55:44.899 --> 00:55:45.919 My face. 00:55:47.699 --> 00:55:48.559 Like the psalmist. 00:55:48.659 --> 00:55:49.439 That we sang there. 00:55:49.619 --> 00:55:49.899 Said. 00:55:50.379 --> 00:55:51.579 Your face Lord. 00:55:51.859 --> 00:55:53.259 I will seek. 00:55:54.359 --> 00:55:55.919 And it is in this seeking. 00:55:56.459 --> 00:55:57.479 That we find. 00:55:57.939 --> 00:55:59.059 This peace. 00:56:00.379 --> 00:56:01.979 Because when we shun God. 00:56:02.079 --> 00:56:03.259 And go on our own way. 00:56:03.779 --> 00:56:04.859 We are in the wilderness. 00:56:05.919 --> 00:56:07.279 We are in the barren place. 00:56:07.379 --> 00:56:08.199 We are in the place. 00:56:08.199 --> 00:56:09.739 Where there is no hope. 00:56:09.779 --> 00:56:10.619 And no help. 00:56:10.779 --> 00:56:11.319 For us. 00:56:12.779 --> 00:56:13.359 But God. 00:56:13.460 --> 00:56:14.119 By his mercy. 00:56:14.480 --> 00:56:15.159 Calls. 00:56:15.939 --> 00:56:17.239 And as he calls. 00:56:17.419 --> 00:56:18.359 We are to turn. 00:56:18.980 --> 00:56:20.099 We are to turn. 00:56:20.460 --> 00:56:21.219 To him. 00:56:22.339 --> 00:56:23.879 And to find a place. 00:56:24.480 --> 00:56:25.419 Of rest. 00:56:26.059 --> 00:56:26.879 With him. 00:56:28.960 --> 00:56:30.159 But the question. 00:56:30.339 --> 00:56:30.980 For us today. 00:56:31.219 --> 00:56:31.299 Is. 00:56:32.219 --> 00:56:33.319 Will we come. 00:56:33.919 --> 00:56:34.679 And seek. 00:56:36.079 --> 00:56:37.659 Do we see the urgency. 00:56:37.659 --> 00:56:38.859 Of it for today. 00:56:39.799 --> 00:56:40.960 Not for tomorrow. 00:56:42.039 --> 00:56:42.960 Because tomorrow. 00:56:43.619 --> 00:56:44.859 Has no guarantee. 00:56:46.119 --> 00:56:47.000 Again and again. 00:56:47.119 --> 00:56:47.920 We are reminded. 00:56:48.579 --> 00:56:49.339 Of that. 00:56:51.019 --> 00:56:51.859 But do we heed. 00:56:52.199 --> 00:56:52.779 The voice. 00:56:53.239 --> 00:56:54.000 Of God. 00:56:55.119 --> 00:56:56.079 I saw one of these. 00:56:56.199 --> 00:56:56.539 Little. 00:56:57.399 --> 00:56:58.599 Cartoon sketches. 00:56:58.819 --> 00:56:59.839 Online this week. 00:57:00.619 --> 00:57:01.199 And it was. 00:57:02.199 --> 00:57:03.559 Based on this verse. 00:57:03.679 --> 00:57:04.679 Isaiah 55. 00:57:05.179 --> 00:57:05.839 Verse 6. 00:57:05.840 --> 00:57:06.780 Seek the Lord. 00:57:07.300 --> 00:57:07.680 While. 00:57:08.260 --> 00:57:09.280 He may be found. 00:57:10.420 --> 00:57:11.780 And what was in this sketch. 00:57:11.880 --> 00:57:13.900 Was six different pictures. 00:57:15.380 --> 00:57:16.760 And that each picture. 00:57:16.920 --> 00:57:17.240 Had. 00:57:17.579 --> 00:57:18.140 An image. 00:57:18.240 --> 00:57:19.100 That spoke. 00:57:19.600 --> 00:57:20.720 And then a few words. 00:57:21.260 --> 00:57:21.620 Under. 00:57:21.880 --> 00:57:22.500 Underneath. 00:57:22.579 --> 00:57:23.200 And the first. 00:57:23.579 --> 00:57:24.480 Picture just had. 00:57:24.900 --> 00:57:25.700 Someone who was obviously. 00:57:25.960 --> 00:57:26.260 Young. 00:57:26.340 --> 00:57:27.680 And maybe still at school. 00:57:27.760 --> 00:57:29.220 Or just about to leave school. 00:57:29.219 --> 00:57:30.679 And the. 00:57:30.679 --> 00:57:32.699 The words underneath were. 00:57:33.279 --> 00:57:33.879 Too young. 00:57:34.299 --> 00:57:35.239 To see God. 00:57:36.539 --> 00:57:37.759 And we can all. 00:57:38.099 --> 00:57:38.419 Either. 00:57:38.939 --> 00:57:39.859 Have that sense. 00:57:39.919 --> 00:57:41.299 Or have known that sense. 00:57:41.359 --> 00:57:41.839 In our lives. 00:57:42.379 --> 00:57:43.679 It's too much ahead of us. 00:57:43.739 --> 00:57:44.219 In life. 00:57:44.399 --> 00:57:45.799 Want to enjoy life first. 00:57:45.879 --> 00:57:46.639 We're too young. 00:57:47.019 --> 00:57:47.939 To see God. 00:57:48.019 --> 00:57:48.799 I'll do that. 00:57:48.879 --> 00:57:49.639 When I'm older. 00:57:50.799 --> 00:57:51.759 That was the first one. 00:57:51.839 --> 00:57:52.419 Too young. 00:57:52.879 --> 00:57:53.980 To see God. 00:57:54.679 --> 00:57:55.500 Maybe you're. 00:57:55.860 --> 00:57:57.440 In that category today. 00:57:57.579 --> 00:57:58.559 You feel you're young. 00:57:58.659 --> 00:57:59.079 You feel. 00:57:59.079 --> 00:58:00.139 Oh I've got so much. 00:58:00.280 --> 00:58:01.159 To do in life. 00:58:01.980 --> 00:58:02.740 So many other things. 00:58:02.820 --> 00:58:03.699 I want to do first. 00:58:03.900 --> 00:58:04.059 Well. 00:58:04.619 --> 00:58:05.280 Take heed. 00:58:07.159 --> 00:58:08.460 The second picture. 00:58:08.460 --> 00:58:09.420 Was of someone. 00:58:10.059 --> 00:58:10.840 In a car. 00:58:11.679 --> 00:58:12.740 That sense of. 00:58:13.480 --> 00:58:13.920 Independence. 00:58:15.139 --> 00:58:15.699 And underneath. 00:58:15.780 --> 00:58:16.320 Were the words. 00:58:16.619 --> 00:58:17.559 Too independent. 00:58:18.000 --> 00:58:18.900 To see God. 00:58:19.920 --> 00:58:20.719 Now you're beginning. 00:58:20.719 --> 00:58:21.679 To live life. 00:58:21.760 --> 00:58:22.079 You're beginning. 00:58:22.179 --> 00:58:22.699 To feel. 00:58:23.119 --> 00:58:23.800 A sense of. 00:58:23.800 --> 00:58:24.280 I'm doing. 00:58:24.519 --> 00:58:25.720 The things I want to do. 00:58:25.820 --> 00:58:26.900 I've got things in life. 00:58:26.980 --> 00:58:27.620 That I want. 00:58:28.060 --> 00:58:29.039 I'm beginning to have that. 00:58:29.480 --> 00:58:29.840 Independence. 00:58:29.840 --> 00:58:31.100 To enjoy life. 00:58:31.940 --> 00:58:32.820 Too independent. 00:58:33.360 --> 00:58:34.440 To see God. 00:58:35.660 --> 00:58:36.800 The third picture. 00:58:36.800 --> 00:58:37.440 Was of. 00:58:37.680 --> 00:58:38.500 A happy couple. 00:58:40.200 --> 00:58:41.180 Falling in love. 00:58:41.320 --> 00:58:42.120 Going to get married. 00:58:42.840 --> 00:58:43.800 And all of these things. 00:58:43.880 --> 00:58:44.680 That that brings. 00:58:45.720 --> 00:58:46.440 And underneath. 00:58:46.539 --> 00:58:47.019 Were the words. 00:58:47.240 --> 00:58:48.039 Too happy. 00:58:48.519 --> 00:58:49.700 To see God. 00:58:50.920 --> 00:58:51.360 Again. 00:58:51.460 --> 00:58:52.380 There's just so much. 00:58:52.460 --> 00:58:53.240 I don't want to spoil. 00:58:53.239 --> 00:58:54.239 This relationship. 00:58:54.239 --> 00:58:54.359 This relationship. 00:58:54.359 --> 00:58:55.959 By seeking God. 00:58:56.039 --> 00:58:56.399 Just now. 00:58:56.479 --> 00:58:57.339 It might upset. 00:58:57.459 --> 00:58:58.099 My partner. 00:58:58.259 --> 00:58:58.959 It might upset. 00:58:59.159 --> 00:58:59.939 My life. 00:59:00.059 --> 00:59:00.519 Just now. 00:59:00.599 --> 00:59:01.339 I'll leave it. 00:59:02.579 --> 00:59:03.559 Too happy. 00:59:04.199 --> 00:59:05.119 To see God. 00:59:06.119 --> 00:59:07.500 The fourth picture. 00:59:07.500 --> 00:59:07.779 Was. 00:59:08.119 --> 00:59:08.479 Of. 00:59:08.839 --> 00:59:09.659 An individual. 00:59:09.919 --> 00:59:10.819 And one of these pictures. 00:59:11.339 --> 00:59:12.339 Two phones. 00:59:12.539 --> 00:59:13.519 One to each ear. 00:59:15.119 --> 00:59:15.979 And underneath. 00:59:16.079 --> 00:59:16.519 Were the words. 00:59:16.679 --> 00:59:17.339 Too busy. 00:59:17.759 --> 00:59:18.859 To see God. 00:59:18.860 --> 00:59:20.660 A reminder. 00:59:20.660 --> 00:59:20.680 A reminder. 00:59:20.680 --> 00:59:21.680 Of how the things. 00:59:21.680 --> 00:59:22.380 Of this world. 00:59:22.380 --> 00:59:24.140 Will just overtake us. 00:59:25.220 --> 00:59:25.780 Joy. 00:59:25.780 --> 00:59:27.220 Is beginning to go. 00:59:27.400 --> 00:59:27.980 Busyness. 00:59:27.980 --> 00:59:29.360 Is taking over. 00:59:29.519 --> 00:59:29.880 Life. 00:59:30.019 --> 00:59:30.480 Is just. 00:59:30.980 --> 00:59:31.660 Going on. 00:59:31.720 --> 00:59:32.039 And on. 00:59:32.180 --> 00:59:32.880 So quickly. 00:59:33.920 --> 00:59:34.660 Too busy. 00:59:34.780 --> 00:59:35.480 To see God. 00:59:35.539 --> 00:59:36.480 I've got no time. 00:59:37.000 --> 00:59:37.940 To see God. 00:59:38.900 --> 00:59:39.460 Well. 00:59:39.519 --> 00:59:40.220 The fifth one. 00:59:40.280 --> 00:59:40.480 Then. 00:59:40.599 --> 00:59:40.820 Was. 00:59:40.980 --> 00:59:41.660 Of somebody. 00:59:41.780 --> 00:59:42.780 Lying in bed. 00:59:44.400 --> 00:59:45.599 Too tired. 00:59:45.599 --> 00:59:47.319 To see God. 00:59:48.679 --> 00:59:49.199 Exhausted. 00:59:49.339 --> 00:59:50.019 By life. 00:59:50.639 --> 00:59:51.420 Worn down. 00:59:51.759 --> 00:59:52.679 By life. 00:59:53.880 --> 00:59:54.239 Why. 00:59:54.380 --> 00:59:55.839 Why do I want God now? 00:59:56.360 --> 00:59:58.059 I'm just too tired. 00:59:58.759 --> 01:00:00.039 I'm past that. 01:00:01.699 --> 01:00:03.420 And then there was the last one. 01:00:03.920 --> 01:00:04.880 The sixth one. 01:00:06.019 --> 01:00:07.639 What do you think that was? 01:00:08.779 --> 01:00:09.259 Well. 01:00:09.299 --> 01:00:09.839 It was a picture. 01:00:10.239 --> 01:00:11.719 Of a gravestone. 01:00:12.839 --> 01:00:13.759 And underneath. 01:00:14.079 --> 01:00:14.860 Were the words. 01:00:15.599 --> 01:00:16.400 Too late. 01:00:16.960 --> 01:00:18.079 To see God. 01:00:20.199 --> 01:00:22.219 And it's a reminder to us. 01:00:22.319 --> 01:00:23.139 Of our lives. 01:00:23.239 --> 01:00:24.360 That pass us by. 01:00:24.779 --> 01:00:25.679 So quickly. 01:00:26.719 --> 01:00:27.579 From youth. 01:00:28.559 --> 01:00:29.480 Too young. 01:00:29.719 --> 01:00:30.619 To see God. 01:00:31.659 --> 01:00:32.739 From when we start to feel. 01:00:32.819 --> 01:00:34.139 Independence in life. 01:00:34.259 --> 01:00:35.099 Too independent. 01:00:35.519 --> 01:00:36.440 To see God. 01:00:37.360 --> 01:00:38.000 For when we. 01:00:38.420 --> 01:00:39.480 Find a relationship. 01:00:39.659 --> 01:00:40.559 And set up a home. 01:00:40.699 --> 01:00:41.319 Too happy. 01:00:41.619 --> 01:00:42.759 To see God. 01:00:43.159 --> 01:00:44.559 For when the things of this world. 01:00:44.779 --> 01:00:45.500 Overwhelm us. 01:00:45.500 --> 01:00:46.760 We're too busy. 01:00:46.760 --> 01:00:47.860 To see God. 01:00:48.980 --> 01:00:50.719 For when we're almost done. 01:00:50.980 --> 01:00:52.099 In this world. 01:00:52.159 --> 01:00:53.039 And we're exhausted. 01:00:53.039 --> 01:00:53.800 Of this world. 01:00:53.920 --> 01:00:54.860 We're too tired. 01:00:54.860 --> 01:00:56.360 To see God. 01:00:56.920 --> 01:00:58.000 But then. 01:00:58.239 --> 01:00:59.619 It's too late. 01:00:59.980 --> 01:01:01.440 To see God. 01:01:02.880 --> 01:01:04.119 Don't wait. 01:01:04.519 --> 01:01:06.039 Till it's too late. 01:01:06.039 --> 01:01:06.519 Today. 01:01:06.519 --> 01:01:07.519 To see God. 01:01:07.519 --> 01:01:07.679 Today. 01:01:07.679 --> 01:01:07.719 Today. 01:01:07.719 --> 01:01:07.739 Today. 01:01:07.739 --> 01:01:07.759 Today. 01:01:08.300 --> 01:01:09.380 Is the time. 01:01:09.380 --> 01:01:10.440 To see God. 01:01:11.199 --> 01:01:12.699 He speaks to us. 01:01:13.420 --> 01:01:14.179 And he says. 01:01:14.779 --> 01:01:14.840 Seek. 01:01:14.840 --> 01:01:15.860 The Lord. 01:01:16.019 --> 01:01:16.440 While. 01:01:17.019 --> 01:01:17.960 He may be found. 01:01:18.719 --> 01:01:19.779 Call upon him. 01:01:20.259 --> 01:01:20.860 While. 01:01:21.300 --> 01:01:22.000 He is near. 01:01:22.519 --> 01:01:23.559 There's a challenge. 01:01:24.059 --> 01:01:25.460 And there's a promise there. 01:01:26.119 --> 01:01:26.900 The challenge. 01:01:27.539 --> 01:01:28.420 Is to seek. 01:01:28.500 --> 01:01:29.320 And to call. 01:01:29.320 --> 01:01:29.400 All. 01:01:30.240 --> 01:01:31.519 But the promise is. 01:01:32.160 --> 01:01:33.240 That he is there. 01:01:34.280 --> 01:01:35.260 So seek him. 01:01:35.920 --> 01:01:36.400 While. 01:01:36.800 --> 01:01:37.640 He may be found. 01:01:38.160 --> 01:01:38.820 Let us pray. 01:01:38.820 --> 01:01:39.820 Amen. 01:01:41.500 --> 01:01:42.400 Our father. 01:01:42.580 --> 01:01:43.039 In heaven. 01:01:43.200 --> 01:01:43.300 We. 01:01:43.780 --> 01:01:44.380 Do thank you. 01:01:44.460 --> 01:01:45.120 That your word. 01:01:45.240 --> 01:01:46.340 Is a living word. 01:01:46.900 --> 01:01:48.000 An active word. 01:01:48.080 --> 01:01:48.420 A word. 01:01:48.500 --> 01:01:49.240 That we are reminded. 01:01:49.420 --> 01:01:50.300 That became flesh. 01:01:50.420 --> 01:01:51.380 And dwelt among us. 01:01:52.120 --> 01:01:52.620 A word. 01:01:52.720 --> 01:01:53.720 That has accomplished. 01:01:53.840 --> 01:01:54.640 All for us. 01:01:54.660 --> 01:01:55.220 And we pray. 01:01:55.320 --> 01:01:55.440 Lord. 01:01:55.500 --> 01:01:56.360 That you would bless it. 01:01:56.460 --> 01:01:57.460 To all our hearts. 01:01:57.460 --> 01:01:57.840 Today. 01:01:58.600 --> 01:01:59.860 That we would be reminded. 01:01:59.860 --> 01:02:00.840 Of the urgency. 01:02:01.000 --> 01:02:01.320 Of it. 01:02:01.360 --> 01:02:02.440 To seek the Lord. 01:02:02.900 --> 01:02:04.120 While he may be found. 01:02:04.180 --> 01:02:05.280 And to call upon him. 01:02:05.700 --> 01:02:06.860 While he is near. 01:02:06.940 --> 01:02:07.880 And help us Lord. 01:02:07.940 --> 01:02:08.380 Not to get. 01:02:08.380 --> 01:02:09.539 Distracted. 01:02:09.539 --> 01:02:10.820 By so many other things. 01:02:10.820 --> 01:02:11.599 In this life. 01:02:12.140 --> 01:02:13.360 That we do ignore you. 01:02:13.860 --> 01:02:14.960 So help us Lord. 01:02:15.039 --> 01:02:15.380 We pray. 01:02:15.440 --> 01:02:16.119 And guide us. 01:02:16.200 --> 01:02:16.920 In your ways. 01:02:17.360 --> 01:02:18.160 As we ask it. 01:02:18.220 --> 01:02:19.079 In Jesus name. 01:02:19.579 --> 01:02:19.960 Amen. 01:02:22.559 --> 01:02:24.039 We're going to conclude. 01:02:24.039 --> 01:02:24.640 By singing. 01:02:25.400 --> 01:02:26.880 In Psalms 77. 01:02:26.880 --> 01:02:28.099 In the sing Psalms. 01:02:28.300 --> 01:02:29.300 Page 100. 01:02:30.920 --> 01:02:32.920 We sing from verse 7. 01:02:38.380 --> 01:02:42.720 Psalm 77. 01:02:42.720 --> 01:02:44.280 On page 100. 01:02:45.960 --> 01:02:47.099 Singing from verse 7. 01:02:47.099 --> 01:02:48.619 Forever will the Lord reject. 01:02:48.680 --> 01:02:50.119 And never show his grace. 01:02:50.599 --> 01:02:52.720 Has he withdrawn his steadfast love. 01:02:52.820 --> 01:02:54.660 And turned from me his face. 01:02:54.760 --> 01:02:56.700 For all time has his promise failed. 01:02:56.760 --> 01:02:58.360 Is God no longer kind. 01:02:59.220 --> 01:03:00.860 There's all these questions. 01:03:00.860 --> 01:03:02.220 Coming to the psalmist here. 01:03:02.300 --> 01:03:02.700 But then. 01:03:03.039 --> 01:03:03.700 In verse 10. 01:03:03.699 --> 01:03:04.199 And then on my. 01:03:04.419 --> 01:03:05.019 To my heart. 01:03:05.139 --> 01:03:06.039 There came this thought. 01:03:06.139 --> 01:03:06.480 On this. 01:03:06.919 --> 01:03:07.799 I will rely. 01:03:07.919 --> 01:03:10.039 The years of their right hand of power. 01:03:10.299 --> 01:03:11.079 Of him. 01:03:11.299 --> 01:03:12.439 Who is most high. 01:03:12.539 --> 01:03:13.039 The tunist. 01:03:13.039 --> 01:03:13.880 Drathcathro. 01:03:14.259 --> 01:03:16.279 We sing from verse 7 to 14. 01:03:16.679 --> 01:03:17.719 To God's praise. 01:03:17.719 --> 01:03:18.719 Amen. 01:03:18.719 --> 01:03:36.079 And over. 01:03:36.079 --> 01:03:40.239 to his face, 01:03:40.239 --> 01:03:45.239 as neither know 01:03:45.239 --> 01:03:49.239 this steadfast love 01:03:49.860 --> 01:03:54.239 but turner from ye 01:03:54.239 --> 01:03:57.619 in his face. 01:03:58.480 --> 01:04:01.940 For hope's time 01:04:01.940 --> 01:04:07.780 as his godless hail 01:04:07.780 --> 01:04:15.039 is one who other kind, 01:04:15.619 --> 01:04:20.400 as he in his 01:04:20.400 --> 01:04:23.920 great boundlessness 01:04:23.920 --> 01:04:27.920 from passion 01:04:27.920 --> 01:04:32.579 from this line. 01:04:33.900 --> 01:04:38.480 Then to my heart 01:04:38.480 --> 01:04:43.300 there give this thought, 01:04:43.700 --> 01:04:49.760 on this I will rely. 01:04:49.760 --> 01:04:55.740 The years of the air 01:04:55.740 --> 01:05:00.320 I can't offer 01:05:00.320 --> 01:05:07.320 a little high. 01:05:07.320 --> 01:05:13.800 I will recall 01:05:13.800 --> 01:05:16.620 the Lord 01:05:16.620 --> 01:05:18.320 redeemed 01:05:18.880 --> 01:05:21.580 your words 01:05:21.580 --> 01:05:23.440 of all 01:05:23.440 --> 01:05:25.320 my room 01:05:26.160 --> 01:05:29.320 and meditate 01:05:29.320 --> 01:05:33.320 on all 01:05:33.320 --> 01:05:35.320 your hands 01:05:35.320 --> 01:05:40.320 your mighty deeds 01:05:40.320 --> 01:05:43.880 have shown. 01:05:43.880 --> 01:05:46.320 O God 01:05:46.320 --> 01:05:49.320 most holy 01:05:49.320 --> 01:05:53.320 are you raised 01:05:53.320 --> 01:05:58.320 what God compares 01:05:58.320 --> 01:06:00.320 with you. 01:06:01.480 --> 01:06:03.320 You are 01:06:03.900 --> 01:06:04.320 the 01:06:04.320 --> 01:06:05.320 God 01:06:06.200 --> 01:06:07.260 of 01:06:07.260 --> 01:06:09.320 Americans 01:06:09.320 --> 01:06:11.320 whose 01:06:12.080 --> 01:06:12.320 power 01:06:13.320 --> 01:06:14.320 the 01:06:14.320 --> 01:06:15.320 nations 01:06:16.320 --> 01:06:17.320 view. 01:06:19.320 --> 01:06:21.000 After the benediction, 01:06:21.120 --> 01:06:21.920 I'll go to the door 01:06:21.920 --> 01:06:22.600 to my right. 01:06:22.700 --> 01:06:23.240 We'll close 01:06:23.240 --> 01:06:24.019 with the benediction. 01:06:24.500 --> 01:06:25.519 Now may grace, 01:06:25.740 --> 01:06:26.039 mercy, 01:06:26.039 --> 01:06:26.719 and peace 01:06:26.719 --> 01:06:27.460 from God, 01:06:27.539 --> 01:06:28.039 Father, 01:06:28.300 --> 01:06:28.599 Son, 01:06:28.659 --> 01:06:29.679 and Holy Spirit 01:06:29.679 --> 01:06:30.960 rest upon 01:06:30.960 --> 01:06:31.500 and abide 01:06:31.500 --> 01:06:32.400 with you all 01:06:32.400 --> 01:06:32.800 now 01:06:32.800 --> 01:06:33.820 and forevermore. 01:06:34.079 --> 01:06:34.619 Amen. 01:06:34.699 --> 01:06:34.980 Amen. 01:06:56.039 --> 01:07:26.019 Thank you.