WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.099 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.099 --> 00:00:15.120 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and you're listening to week 3 of our Advent series here in 2025. 00:00:15.780 --> 00:00:19.820 ! Before we go into today's message, I want to give you a little context. 00:00:19.820 --> 00:00:24.900 We started Advent exploring the hope that is found in Revelation 21, 00:00:24.899 --> 00:00:32.939 and then last week we looked at peace flowing like a river from God's throne in Revelation 22. 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:37.820 Today, we're moving into the Advent theme of joy. 00:00:37.820 --> 00:00:44.359 And here's what I love about the verse that I chose for today. It's from Isaiah 35. 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:50.460 It's a wilderness passage. Joy doesn't come because everything is easy. 00:00:50.460 --> 00:00:58.460 Joy breaks through the wilderness. That barren, difficult seasons, the waiting seasons of life. 00:00:58.460 --> 00:01:05.780 Isaiah prophesies that the wilderness will rejoice and blossom, that the blind will see, 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:13.560 the deaf will hear, the lame will leap like a deer, and everlasting joy will be upon their hands. 00:01:13.560 --> 00:01:20.740 This isn't just ancient poetry. It is a promise that Jesus himself fulfills. 00:01:21.400 --> 00:01:27.859 What I want you to listen for today is this, that joy comes when we see God's promises fulfilled. 00:01:28.540 --> 00:01:33.800 Joy requires patient endurance. It is waiting on God's timing. 00:01:34.599 --> 00:01:36.060 And one more thing before we start. 00:01:36.680 --> 00:01:42.040 My wife Amber created this incredible Advent devotional for week 3 focusing on joy. 00:01:42.040 --> 00:01:50.240 It includes daily reflections, art and contemplation, and practical ways to cultivate joy into your everyday life. 00:01:50.600 --> 00:01:57.960 You can download it for free on our website at ontariocommunitychurch.org or in the description of this podcast. 00:01:58.580 --> 00:02:02.320 So let's settle in. Let's dive into this message together. 00:02:02.860 --> 00:02:05.480 Here is joy that breaks through the wilderness. 00:02:06.920 --> 00:02:08.420 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:02:08.419 --> 00:02:13.959 Christmas is right around the corner. 00:02:14.459 --> 00:02:15.579 How many days? 00:02:17.479 --> 00:02:18.560 Oh, you don't know. 00:02:20.119 --> 00:02:23.879 Well, it's the 14th, so that's 11 more days right there. 00:02:24.439 --> 00:02:26.279 All right, 11 more days until Christmas. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:28.479 So we keep track here. 00:02:28.779 --> 00:02:30.819 So that's all right. That's all right. 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:36.780 Well, today, you know, when we're thinking about our Advent season, this Christmas season, 00:02:37.579 --> 00:02:45.359 it's so important for us to reflect on our relationship with the Lord, to reflect on the coming of Christ. 00:02:45.360 --> 00:02:53.760 And it's just a wonderful time for us to look back and to reflect, to just take some time. 00:02:53.880 --> 00:03:01.120 And as the year slows down, we are with a lot of the... 00:03:01.120 --> 00:03:05.820 It's getting a lot colder. 00:03:05.819 --> 00:03:08.039 How many of you guys enjoyed the fog this morning, right? 00:03:09.579 --> 00:03:12.280 A change of temperature, things slow down. 00:03:12.400 --> 00:03:13.879 It's getting darker earlier. 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:18.299 And for a lot of us, we're probably sleeping in or we're going to bed earlier. 00:03:18.379 --> 00:03:19.379 Let's be honest here. 00:03:20.280 --> 00:03:24.019 And we think about this Advent theme, this theme of joy. 00:03:24.020 --> 00:03:30.860 It's important for us to know that when we think of this idea and this notion of joy, 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:39.840 what joy comes to our minds and to our hearts, knowing that God's promises are fulfilled, 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:44.580 that God is constant, that he is everlasting to everlasting. 00:03:45.360 --> 00:03:50.980 And this idea in Advent is this sense of waiting and anticipation. 00:03:50.979 --> 00:04:01.280 How many of you have a dog or an animal and how excited they are the moment you come home? 00:04:02.959 --> 00:04:10.759 And sometimes you have a bad day and you come home and that animal, that creature, whatever, 00:04:11.280 --> 00:04:13.439 is so excited to see you. 00:04:14.219 --> 00:04:18.719 And it's like, it kind of makes you not want to have a bad day anymore. 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:23.580 You know, when I was growing up, I had lots of, I had horses and dogs and cats, 00:04:23.700 --> 00:04:29.040 and it was always exciting to come home and have the, be greeted by animals. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:34.640 Much like we can even think of our own children, how excited they are to see us when we get home 00:04:34.640 --> 00:04:35.880 from a long day at work. 00:04:36.640 --> 00:04:41.640 And I want you to think of that as a little piece of this idea of joy. 00:04:41.639 --> 00:04:47.979 From the perspective of an animal or perspective of a child who's waiting for their parent to come home, 00:04:48.620 --> 00:04:55.120 they are, have this sense of knowing that mom or dad or whoever is coming home. 00:04:55.599 --> 00:05:00.659 Or the animal is waiting for their owner to come home. 00:05:00.919 --> 00:05:02.539 And they're excited in that. 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:08.800 And when we think of this idea of joy and this sense of anticipation and the sense of waiting, 00:05:09.520 --> 00:05:14.340 that is the same kind of joy that we should have as we are waiting, 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:20.540 not only for the first coming of Christ, but also for the second coming of Christ. 00:05:20.840 --> 00:05:24.840 And it's almost as though we are living this life in anticipation, 00:05:25.540 --> 00:05:27.800 waiting for better days to come. 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:29.699 We think about it. 00:05:29.780 --> 00:05:35.139 We think about the world in which we live in and how there's so much darkness, death and destruction, 00:05:35.139 --> 00:05:37.620 but yet there is light. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:41.040 There is the love of Christ, the hope that is in him, 00:05:41.100 --> 00:05:43.580 the peace that surpasses all understanding. 00:05:43.580 --> 00:05:48.800 And in moments of waiting, there is joy that comes from him. 00:05:49.300 --> 00:05:52.000 You think about it all throughout scripture. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:57.680 There is the imagery of a bride waiting for the groom. 00:05:58.199 --> 00:06:01.960 Or the servant waiting for the master, which is a little harder for us to understand, 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:03.860 but there's still that sense of anticipation. 00:06:04.900 --> 00:06:09.800 We can think of that, like I mentioned, this idea of children waiting for parents to come home 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:12.639 or animals waiting for their owners to come home. 00:06:13.500 --> 00:06:14.560 I want us to turn. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:17.620 We're going to turn our Bibles to Isaiah 35. 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:20.720 It's going to be from verses 1 through 10 here. 00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:31.480 And as we're turning here, I want us to think that let us recognize that Jesus is the one that we have been waiting for. 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:35.360 And joy isn't necessarily pretending. 00:06:35.860 --> 00:06:37.780 It is anticipation. 00:06:37.780 --> 00:06:39.600 It is expectation. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:43.379 It is waiting for better days to come. 00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:51.240 And so, it's going to be on page 707 in your ESV Pew Bible. 00:06:52.139 --> 00:06:54.040 Or you can use your Bible of choice. 00:06:54.659 --> 00:06:56.439 We're going to read these 10 verses together. 00:06:56.579 --> 00:06:57.339 Are we ready, church? 00:06:57.339 --> 00:07:01.339 So, it begins Isaiah 35. 00:07:01.739 --> 00:07:05.560 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad. 00:07:06.199 --> 00:07:09.699 The desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus. 00:07:10.239 --> 00:07:14.759 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:18.279 The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:20.819 The majesty of Carmel and Sharon. 00:07:20.819 --> 00:07:23.620 They shall see the glory of the Lord. 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:25.459 The majesty of our God. 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:29.839 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:32.500 Say to those who have an anxious heart. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:33.819 Be strong. 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:34.819 Fear not. 00:07:35.420 --> 00:07:37.680 Behold, your God will come with vengeance. 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:41.759 With the recompense of God, he will come and save you. 00:07:42.459 --> 00:07:47.180 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the death unstopped. 00:07:47.719 --> 00:07:50.079 And shall the lame man leap like a deer. 00:07:50.079 --> 00:07:52.819 And the tongue of the mute sing for joy. 00:07:52.879 --> 00:07:54.019 What beautiful imagery, right? 00:07:54.539 --> 00:07:58.079 For waters break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 00:07:58.639 --> 00:08:00.839 The burning sand shall become a pool. 00:08:01.180 --> 00:08:03.740 And the thirsty ground springs of water. 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:06.579 In the hot of jackals where they lie down. 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:09.379 The grass shall become reeds and rushes. 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:11.699 And a highway shall be there. 00:08:11.879 --> 00:08:14.379 And it shall be called the way of holiness. 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:17.139 The unclean shall not pass over it. 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:19.860 It shall belong to those who walk on the way. 00:08:20.479 --> 00:08:23.120 Even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 00:08:23.979 --> 00:08:25.539 No lion shall be there. 00:08:25.919 --> 00:08:28.519 Nor shall any ravenous beast come upon it. 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:30.419 They shall not be found there. 00:08:30.740 --> 00:08:32.659 But the redeemed shall walk there. 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:35.220 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return. 00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:37.340 And come to Zion with singing. 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:40.899 Everlasting joy shall pee upon their heads. 00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:43.559 They shall obtain gladness and joy. 00:08:43.559 --> 00:08:47.259 And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:48.600 How beautiful. 00:08:49.679 --> 00:08:50.919 We think of Advent. 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:53.240 We think of this sense of joy. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:09:00.980 And that joy is not the absence of any sort of hardship or waiting. 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:06.600 In fact, it is knowing that better days will come despite darkness. 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:08.420 Despite the wilderness. 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:11.940 Despite the dry desert, as it were. 00:09:11.940 --> 00:09:16.880 And we think of joy as confidence in who our God is. 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:18.500 That he is faithful. 00:09:19.020 --> 00:09:21.260 And that he is consistent in his promises. 00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:26.080 Even while we wait for those promises to be fulfilled. 00:09:26.080 --> 00:09:33.660 You know, for many of us, we, well, I think we all live in this culture where there's instant gratification. 00:09:33.660 --> 00:09:35.220 And so many instant things. 00:09:35.220 --> 00:09:39.000 You turn on the TV and you can click on Netflix. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:41.759 And just like that, something will pop up. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:45.200 Or for some of us who order on Amazon. 00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:47.320 Nothing against ordering on Amazon, mind you. 00:09:47.420 --> 00:09:49.420 But there is two-day delivery. 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:52.060 And sometimes within the hour or whatever it is. 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:54.920 Depending upon your location, where you're at. 00:09:54.919 --> 00:10:00.319 And we live in this constant culture where, well, I want it now. 00:10:00.479 --> 00:10:00.699 Right? 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:02.319 Or you think of Burger King. 00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:02.639 Right? 00:10:02.919 --> 00:10:05.459 Their famous slogan, have it your way. 00:10:05.539 --> 00:10:05.839 Right? 00:10:06.179 --> 00:10:11.639 And then certainly when we think of our food and our packages, we like to have it our way. 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:15.719 But when it comes to God, it is on his timing. 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:17.659 And not on our timing. 00:10:17.979 --> 00:10:20.679 And oh, how much we wish it would be on our timing. 00:10:20.679 --> 00:10:24.599 But God has a much better plan than we can comprehend. 00:10:24.599 --> 00:10:26.259 Than we can fathom. 00:10:26.599 --> 00:10:33.500 Much like how God's justice and love and mercy is beyond anything that we could produce or think of. 00:10:33.739 --> 00:10:36.579 The very notion that God loves us. 00:10:36.719 --> 00:10:38.279 And that he provides peace. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:42.479 And all of these different attributes of who he is. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:44.779 It's really beyond us. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:47.440 How quick God is to forgive. 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:50.220 How he is slow to anger. 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:53.000 That's an interesting one we think about. 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:54.740 And we rejoice. 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:59.200 Not because everything is finished, but because Christ has come. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:01.399 We think of the present moment that we live in today. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:06.699 We celebrate the coming of baby Jesus in the manger. 00:11:06.819 --> 00:11:07.019 Right? 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:10.799 Just as we were having this, the kids play. 00:11:11.299 --> 00:11:11.779 Right? 00:11:11.819 --> 00:11:16.079 It's a reminder for us of the story of Christmas. 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:16.439 Right? 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:18.399 The real reason for the season. 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:20.899 But we think about us in today. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:23.439 We are still in the waiting. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:26.299 We're still in this sense of anticipation. 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:30.659 Because Christ has come and he is coming again. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:35.579 And that God is already at work in the wilderness. 00:11:36.339 --> 00:11:38.759 We think about this idea of the wilderness. 00:11:39.079 --> 00:11:39.219 Right? 00:11:39.279 --> 00:11:42.980 We think of how Christ went for 40 days up into the wilderness. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:44.539 And that's similar. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:49.179 But in this sense, we're talking about the wilderness as that which is barren. 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:50.439 That which is dry. 00:11:50.679 --> 00:11:51.860 That which is dead. 00:11:52.159 --> 00:11:54.000 And something coming to life. 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:58.699 God doing a new thing in this imagery of the wilderness. 00:11:58.700 --> 00:12:03.460 And let us be reminded that better days will come. 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:05.080 We anticipate. 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:08.040 We wait for the return of Christ. 00:12:08.540 --> 00:12:09.840 The final judgment. 00:12:10.040 --> 00:12:12.940 And how God makes all things new. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:16.300 How we await to be in his presence forever. 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:19.400 How we await the new heaven and the new earth. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:23.259 And so thinking of the coming Messiah in Christmas time. 00:12:23.439 --> 00:12:24.860 Let us remember that. 00:12:25.079 --> 00:12:27.519 But we also live in the present moment. 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.899 And look towards tomorrow. 00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:31.000 Towards the second coming of Christ. 00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:34.459 And we can also think there are other things that we wait for. 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:35.079 We wait. 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:39.559 Sometimes we're waiting on God to answer a question that we have. 00:12:39.559 --> 00:12:43.559 Sometimes we're praying and we're waiting for healing to come. 00:12:44.319 --> 00:12:47.119 Sometimes we're waiting on a relationship to soften. 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:50.699 For many of us, we can think of that. 00:12:51.319 --> 00:12:53.539 The hardness of hearts that some people have. 00:12:54.199 --> 00:12:56.639 Praying to God and waiting on his timing. 00:12:56.839 --> 00:12:59.919 God, I want this person's heart to change. 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:02.599 Maybe it's waiting on promise. 00:13:03.179 --> 00:13:04.839 Waiting for Christ to return. 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:09.659 And some of us are even just waiting for peace in our own mind. 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:12.279 We think of all of these things. 00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:16.219 Let us remember that God works in his timing. 00:13:16.779 --> 00:13:20.259 And we anticipate for his deliverance. 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.500 For his timing. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:22.879 And for his answer. 00:13:23.719 --> 00:13:25.620 And so when we look at the text here. 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:25.980 Right? 00:13:26.059 --> 00:13:26.959 What is we observe? 00:13:26.959 --> 00:13:29.719 We observe that the wilderness will rejoice. 00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:31.360 And it will blossom. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:31.740 Right? 00:13:32.199 --> 00:13:36.559 Isaiah prophesied that the wilderness will blossom and rejoice when God comes. 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:40.000 And this not only speaks of the first coming of Christ. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:41.879 But also the second coming of Christ. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.159 We think of miracles. 00:13:43.319 --> 00:13:44.360 We think of restoration. 00:13:44.839 --> 00:13:48.120 We think of forgiveness as well as redemption. 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:51.839 So it's kind of a twofold that's happening. 00:13:52.059 --> 00:13:54.199 The first and the second coming. 00:13:54.839 --> 00:13:57.959 And it's also going on that the blind will see. 00:13:58.079 --> 00:13:58.919 The deaf will hear. 00:13:58.919 --> 00:14:00.139 And the lame will leap. 00:14:00.139 --> 00:14:01.500 In fact, I think it's very. 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:07.419 When you're reading that in the Isaiah 35. 00:14:09.199 --> 00:14:12.500 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble needs. 00:14:13.219 --> 00:14:15.059 It's in verse 6 where it says. 00:14:16.059 --> 00:14:18.719 Then shall the lame man leap up like a deer. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:21.379 What an amazing imagery. 00:14:22.060 --> 00:14:22.180 Right? 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:24.139 You're thinking of the lame man leaping up. 00:14:24.240 --> 00:14:26.540 I'm thinking he's ready to start dancing or whatever. 00:14:26.540 --> 00:14:26.940 Right? 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:30.160 And we can think of that kind of restoration. 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.680 That kind of transformation that comes from our Lord. 00:14:33.820 --> 00:14:38.440 And we also think that it says that the waters will flow in the desert. 00:14:38.440 --> 00:14:44.620 And this is connected not only in the season of Advent. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:49.880 But also throughout scripture where we find things like in Psalm 147. 00:14:49.880 --> 00:14:55.240 Where the Lord lifts the oppressed and feeds the hungry and loves the righteous. 00:14:55.660 --> 00:14:59.000 That God takes care of his own. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:06.019 And we also think of how James calls for believers to be patient like farmers. 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:07.919 Who are waiting for their crops. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:11.360 Now, you know, I'm not necessarily a farmer. 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:15.639 But I know when I've ever had a plant and I want it to bloom. 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:17.580 I'm waiting for it to blossom. 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:17.700 Awesome. 00:15:18.520 --> 00:15:23.160 I had a, I was gifted a few years back a money tree. 00:15:23.759 --> 00:15:26.060 And I kept watering it and watering it. 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:29.139 And for the longest time I thought the thing was never going to grow. 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:31.100 And then finally it just started sprouting up. 00:15:31.160 --> 00:15:31.340 Right? 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:33.379 You think of that sense of anticipation. 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:34.759 Waiting for it to grow. 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:37.759 And that imagery from James I think is remarkable. 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:38.120 Right? 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:41.340 To be patient like farmers who wait for crops. 00:15:41.400 --> 00:15:43.379 Because the Lord's coming is near. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:48.039 And we think about how the people of God waited for the first coming of Messiah. 00:15:48.299 --> 00:15:49.700 The fulfillment of prophecy. 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:53.980 And how we wait in the same way for the second coming of Christ. 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:56.299 We think of all these things. 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:59.980 And there's everlasting joy that is on their heads. 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:04.159 This leads us now into, let's go to that next slide. 00:16:06.580 --> 00:16:10.220 The interpretation of what we can learn. 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:14.759 That joy comes when promises are fulfilled. 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:15.879 It gives us confidence. 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:19.220 That the wilderness blooms when God shows up. 00:16:19.340 --> 00:16:19.440 Right? 00:16:19.720 --> 00:16:22.560 Just like how I mentioned last week. 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:24.759 When the Lord comes into the scene. 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:25.980 And the story of creation. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:28.060 And the earth is dark. 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.960 And there's the chaos of the sea. 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:33.580 And then God enters by saying, let there be light. 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:34.800 And there was light. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:38.579 Not only speaking of actual light. 00:16:38.799 --> 00:16:40.299 But the light of Christ. 00:16:40.939 --> 00:16:43.359 Breaking through into the world. 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:46.219 Well, in this sense where we have the wilderness. 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:48.399 It blooms when God shows up. 00:16:49.219 --> 00:16:50.059 And that's remarkable. 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:52.099 Thinking of that which is dead. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.879 That which is barren. 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:55.339 Being brought to life. 00:16:55.419 --> 00:16:56.839 I actually want to go to that next. 00:16:57.240 --> 00:16:59.279 So, I have this image up here. 00:16:59.359 --> 00:16:59.559 Right? 00:16:59.740 --> 00:16:59.839 You. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:02.279 The wilderness will rejoice. 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.259 Can we say that together? 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:05.680 The wilderness will rejoice. 00:17:05.879 --> 00:17:05.960 Right? 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:06.940 And on one end. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:08.279 I don't know about you. 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:10.140 I don't want to be on that left end right there. 00:17:10.240 --> 00:17:10.440 Right? 00:17:10.779 --> 00:17:13.160 I don't want to be where there's barren. 00:17:13.319 --> 00:17:13.720 Dry. 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:14.960 And lifeless. 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:17.960 You think of the. 00:17:18.119 --> 00:17:19.079 Kind of the desert. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.480 I think of like New Mexico. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.319 Or Arizona. 00:17:21.500 --> 00:17:21.700 Right? 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.879 Or these desert regions. 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:23.500 As it were. 00:17:23.920 --> 00:17:25.779 You want to be on the right side. 00:17:25.879 --> 00:17:26.720 Where it's blooming. 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:27.680 And flowing. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.680 And joyful. 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:31.240 And what's remarkable about this. 00:17:31.240 --> 00:17:34.180 Is that this is a connection with what we find. 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:36.859 With God making all things new. 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:40.079 And what a beautiful image we can think of. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:43.539 That is something that we should be joyful of. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:46.839 Taking that which is broken and restoring it. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:49.400 Taking that which is barren and making it blooming. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:50.019 Dried. 00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:50.480 Flowing. 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:52.900 All these different things that we can think of. 00:17:53.059 --> 00:17:55.660 You know what I thought of when this was being made? 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:57.380 Is the valley of the dry bones. 00:17:57.420 --> 00:17:59.160 Is another connection we can think of. 00:17:59.200 --> 00:17:59.400 Right? 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:01.100 How there was that valley. 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:03.460 And there was life that was being put into it. 00:18:03.900 --> 00:18:05.480 We can also think of. 00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:08.080 How in this image. 00:18:08.700 --> 00:18:10.120 The barrenness. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:12.320 The wilderness coming to life. 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:15.320 It's this constant pattern that we see. 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:16.420 Of that which is dead. 00:18:16.700 --> 00:18:17.420 Coming to life. 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:18.660 And it's beautiful imagery. 00:18:19.340 --> 00:18:20.960 And we also have to think that. 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.660 What seems dead? 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:24.440 Think of a desert. 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:26.060 It appears dead. 00:18:26.140 --> 00:18:28.680 But yet God can speak life into it. 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:31.340 And we have to think in our own lives. 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.740 We think of deserts. 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:34.720 And things that are coming to life. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.160 Some promises. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:37.759 Have bloomed. 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:41.500 Some life may be forming within you. 00:18:42.220 --> 00:18:44.200 You may be going from that. 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:46.100 Traveling from the barren desert. 00:18:46.299 --> 00:18:48.080 Into the blooming field. 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:50.259 We think that. 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.059 This is why. 00:18:52.699 --> 00:18:54.019 We think of Christ. 00:18:54.179 --> 00:18:54.980 We think of how. 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:57.359 There is the pointing of his miracles. 00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:59.539 Where it's to testify. 00:19:00.379 --> 00:19:01.839 Of who God is. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:04.240 We think of the fact that Jesus. 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:06.519 The word became flesh. 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.299 And dwelt among us. 00:19:08.859 --> 00:19:10.319 A fulfillment of prophecy. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.960 Or we think of all the. 00:19:12.179 --> 00:19:14.639 The entire ministry of Jesus. 00:19:15.619 --> 00:19:16.579 Healing the sick. 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:18.259 Raising people from the dead. 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:19.720 We think of that kind of power. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.619 That Christ has. 00:19:21.439 --> 00:19:22.519 It's to prove. 00:19:22.679 --> 00:19:24.899 That he is the promised Messiah. 00:19:25.139 --> 00:19:26.500 And when we read scripture. 00:19:26.500 --> 00:19:26.939 We're like. 00:19:27.019 --> 00:19:27.720 Well no duh. 00:19:28.679 --> 00:19:29.159 Well. 00:19:29.339 --> 00:19:30.619 Imagine being a disciple. 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.399 And seeing this. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.059 And being like. 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:33.960 What is going on here? 00:19:34.079 --> 00:19:34.220 Right? 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.220 We think about that. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:37.180 But Jesus's miracles. 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:39.440 Proves that he is the promised Messiah. 00:19:39.880 --> 00:19:41.500 The fulfillment of prophecy. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:42.920 And we. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.819 Just say amen to that. 00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:46.039 Can I get an amen on that? 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:46.279 Right? 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:48.200 Now I want you to think. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:49.180 When we are. 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:50.259 Let's go back to the. 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:51.519 Interpretation. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:51.759 Right? 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:53.839 Joy comes when promises are fulfilled. 00:19:55.240 --> 00:19:56.400 You might be. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.559 In the wilderness. 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.480 There might be an area. 00:19:59.480 --> 00:20:00.279 In your life. 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.620 That is very dry. 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.839 That is very barren. 00:20:03.500 --> 00:20:04.900 And I want you to think. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:05.900 There. 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:06.980 What wilderness. 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:08.680 Is in your life. 00:20:08.680 --> 00:20:09.360 Or is there any. 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:11.740 Maybe you're getting out of a specific wilderness. 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:12.259 Right? 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:13.839 Or you may literally be. 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:14.700 In the wilderness. 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.640 May you turn to God. 00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:18.920 May you turn to his truth. 00:20:19.400 --> 00:20:20.420 And his guidance. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:21.620 His comfort. 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:22.799 That. 00:20:23.360 --> 00:20:23.960 Is something. 00:20:24.620 --> 00:20:25.519 That we can have. 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:26.700 Great joy in. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:28.180 Knowing that our God. 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:29.620 Delivers on his promises. 00:20:30.100 --> 00:20:31.420 And he will never abandon you. 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:33.180 Nor will he forsake you. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:35.680 Be honest. 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:37.320 When you come before the Lord. 00:20:37.900 --> 00:20:38.820 There's times. 00:20:38.820 --> 00:20:39.960 Where we are vulnerable. 00:20:40.440 --> 00:20:41.380 There's moments. 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:42.380 Where we are weak. 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:43.660 There's moments. 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.400 Where things. 00:20:44.560 --> 00:20:45.340 Just happen. 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:45.980 Where life. 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:46.960 Just happens. 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:49.500 We've got to come before the Lord. 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.779 Asking for his guidance. 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:53.799 Asking for his comfort. 00:20:54.560 --> 00:20:55.340 We think. 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:56.580 Of all of these things. 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:57.320 The second thing. 00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:57.579 Then. 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.720 Is that joy. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.700 Requires. 00:20:59.980 --> 00:21:00.399 Patient. 00:21:00.639 --> 00:21:01.179 Endurance. 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.839 I mentioned this. 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:04.240 Verse from James. 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:04.799 Where it says. 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:05.819 Like farmers. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:06.399 That await. 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:07.339 Harvest. 00:21:07.679 --> 00:21:08.599 While we wait. 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:09.379 Patiently. 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.359 For God's. 00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.240 Perfect timing. 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:13.059 We have to consider. 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.700 The joy. 00:21:14.919 --> 00:21:15.359 In waiting. 00:21:16.659 --> 00:21:17.480 That better days. 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.240 Are going to come. 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:19.799 And that. 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:20.599 The Lord. 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.619 Is with us. 00:21:21.619 --> 00:21:23.819 I'm not talking about. 00:21:24.119 --> 00:21:24.799 Empty joy. 00:21:24.899 --> 00:21:25.779 I'm talking about. 00:21:26.299 --> 00:21:26.839 The joy. 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:27.519 That we have. 00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.099 In God. 00:21:28.179 --> 00:21:29.139 Because he is. 00:21:29.399 --> 00:21:29.779 Consistent. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:31.779 That is something. 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:32.679 We take. 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:33.139 Joy. 00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:33.599 In. 00:21:34.939 --> 00:21:35.419 Now. 00:21:35.479 --> 00:21:36.059 For many of you. 00:21:36.139 --> 00:21:36.739 You may know. 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.379 Of John. 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:37.939 The Baptist. 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.439 Even he. 00:21:41.059 --> 00:21:41.939 Had moments. 00:21:41.939 --> 00:21:42.399 Of doubt. 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:42.719 Right. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:43.259 Where he was. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.279 Preparing the way. 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.419 For Jesus Christ. 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:46.500 Well. 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:46.879 You think. 00:21:46.959 --> 00:21:47.519 Later on. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.000 Within the. 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:48.919 Within the narrative. 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:50.319 There were moments. 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:50.939 Where John. 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.779 Was questioning. 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:53.160 What he was doing. 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.840 Just like how. 00:21:55.080 --> 00:21:55.580 There's even. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.720 Doubting Thomas. 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:57.080 Right. 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:58.080 Where he said. 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:59.180 He wanted to see. 00:21:59.320 --> 00:21:59.539 What. 00:22:01.120 --> 00:22:01.600 Right. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:02.759 He wanted to see. 00:22:02.840 --> 00:22:03.600 The piercings. 00:22:03.600 --> 00:22:03.940 Right. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.180 And we think. 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:05.759 For a moment. 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:08.120 There are moments. 00:22:08.120 --> 00:22:09.019 Where we doubt. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:10.440 There are moments. 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:10.840 Where. 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.740 We have fear. 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.120 But yet. 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.200 In all of this. 00:22:18.620 --> 00:22:19.920 God calls for us. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:20.559 To remain. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.159 In him. 00:22:21.899 --> 00:22:22.919 Think of the story. 00:22:22.919 --> 00:22:23.639 Of even. 00:22:23.859 --> 00:22:24.279 Job. 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:26.139 Think of all of these. 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:26.839 Stories of. 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:27.980 Tragedies. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.579 That happen. 00:22:28.579 --> 00:22:29.700 Within their own. 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.940 Walk with the Lord. 00:22:32.899 --> 00:22:33.940 It's okay. 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:35.220 To doubt. 00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:35.960 But may you. 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:37.000 Remain in God. 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:37.579 Let me make that. 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.259 Very clear. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.440 We remain in the Lord. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.059 Even with. 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:42.139 What our mind. 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:42.879 Thinks. 00:22:43.399 --> 00:22:44.220 May we remain. 00:22:44.220 --> 00:22:44.720 In him. 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:45.579 Even when we don't. 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.099 Understand. 00:22:46.179 --> 00:22:46.659 What in the world. 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:47.299 Is going on. 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:48.039 Do we all. 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:48.539 Understand. 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:49.259 What's going on. 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:49.700 Right now. 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:51.000 Don't raise your hand. 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:51.680 By golly. 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.019 Right. 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:53.599 We think about. 00:22:53.859 --> 00:22:54.599 There's so much. 00:22:54.599 --> 00:22:55.399 That we do not. 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.039 Understand. 00:22:56.879 --> 00:22:57.859 That not only happens. 00:22:57.859 --> 00:22:58.740 In our own life. 00:22:59.180 --> 00:22:59.779 But happens. 00:22:59.779 --> 00:23:00.819 In our own community. 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:01.720 That happens. 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.859 In our own country. 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:04.219 Or that happens. 00:23:04.219 --> 00:23:05.279 In our own world. 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:07.259 But that is a call. 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:07.740 For us. 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.779 To remain in the Lord. 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:10.279 Even when we have. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:10.919 Our questions. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.199 Even when we don't. 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.079 Have it all together. 00:23:14.479 --> 00:23:15.299 We think. 00:23:15.459 --> 00:23:16.079 About this. 00:23:16.479 --> 00:23:17.079 May you. 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:17.799 Remain. 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:18.559 In the Lord. 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:19.240 Even. 00:23:19.679 --> 00:23:20.339 When you have. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:21.059 Questioned. 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:22.359 Even when you have. 00:23:22.479 --> 00:23:22.919 Doubted. 00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:23.899 Remain. 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:24.399 In him. 00:23:24.459 --> 00:23:24.979 That's so. 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:25.519 Important. 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.459 And consider. 00:23:27.199 --> 00:23:28.579 That God's people. 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.439 Have always. 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:29.899 Remained. 00:23:29.939 --> 00:23:30.459 And I want to make. 00:23:30.459 --> 00:23:31.299 This very clear. 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:33.500 We think. 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.180 Of the entire. 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:35.059 Bulk of scripture. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:36.019 It's this constant. 00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:36.599 Story. 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:38.559 Of the promise. 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:39.960 And the fulfillment. 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:41.700 I want you to think. 00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:42.220 About that. 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.680 The promise. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:44.379 The prophecy. 00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:45.460 Of what is to come. 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.299 And the fulfillment. 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.899 Of that. 00:23:47.220 --> 00:23:48.119 And how often. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:48.740 We read. 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.119 Of the. 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.200 Example. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.180 The promised land. 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:51.680 Right. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:53.159 How there would be. 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:53.779 Better days. 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.379 That would come. 00:23:54.440 --> 00:23:55.139 And we even think. 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:56.119 Of where we are. 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:56.960 Currently at. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.159 That we are. 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:58.859 In between. 00:23:59.159 --> 00:23:59.980 The promise. 00:24:00.399 --> 00:24:01.279 And the fulfillment. 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:03.220 That should give us. 00:24:03.559 --> 00:24:03.960 Confidence. 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.240 That should give us. 00:24:05.440 --> 00:24:06.119 Great joy. 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.279 Even when there's times. 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:08.159 Where we think. 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:10.079 When is it going to happen? 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.720 When are you coming back? 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:12.019 Lord? 00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:13.700 Even when we have. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.619 That sort of question. 00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.279 We remain. 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:16.220 In the promise. 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.059 Because we have. 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:17.839 The word of God. 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.940 That shows us. 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:19.839 The consistency. 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:20.899 Of the story. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.460 That is very. 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.299 Important. 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.059 For each. 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:24.779 And every one of us. 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:25.339 That's why. 00:24:25.500 --> 00:24:26.559 We read scripture. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:27.220 That's why. 00:24:27.319 --> 00:24:27.740 We look. 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:28.559 At the connections. 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.079 To see. 00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:30.200 God fulfills. 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.039 His promises. 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:32.779 Even. 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:33.900 When God's timing. 00:24:34.080 --> 00:24:34.740 Is not our own. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.660 And so. 00:24:36.860 --> 00:24:37.680 The third thing then. 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.480 Is that joy. 00:24:38.620 --> 00:24:39.299 Is found. 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:40.700 In what church? 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:43.519 Unexpected. 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.080 Unexpected places. 00:24:44.080 --> 00:24:44.420 Right? 00:24:45.880 --> 00:24:46.779 God's joy. 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.680 Can often come. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:49.779 Differently. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:50.980 Than what we expect. 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.460 It can be through. 00:24:53.860 --> 00:24:54.180 Waiting. 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:56.039 It can be through. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:56.680 Weakness. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:58.320 It can be. 00:24:58.320 --> 00:24:59.340 In a hospital room. 00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:01.060 It can be. 00:25:01.060 --> 00:25:01.740 In a difficult. 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:02.700 Conversation. 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:04.340 It can be. 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:05.200 In our moments. 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:06.000 Of vulnerability. 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.940 And we think. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:08.620 Of how Jesus. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.340 Worked. 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:10.560 Through the. 00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:11.519 Outcast. 00:25:11.600 --> 00:25:12.240 Of society. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.779 The marginalized. 00:25:14.160 --> 00:25:14.420 Even. 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:15.740 And those. 00:25:15.820 --> 00:25:16.259 That the world. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:16.980 Overlooked. 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:18.880 And sometimes. 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:20.660 The miracle. 00:25:20.840 --> 00:25:21.420 Is just knowing. 00:25:21.420 --> 00:25:21.960 That Christ. 00:25:22.060 --> 00:25:22.420 Is there. 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:23.620 Regardless. 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:24.420 Of the storms. 00:25:24.420 --> 00:25:24.900 That happen. 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.480 In our life. 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.059 My friends. 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:27.620 This is not. 00:25:27.680 --> 00:25:28.059 An easy. 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:28.400 Sermon. 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:28.900 To preach. 00:25:29.400 --> 00:25:30.299 Because for many. 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:30.620 Of us. 00:25:30.620 --> 00:25:31.160 We don't have. 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:31.539 To raise. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.059 Our hand. 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.339 Here. 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.880 But I bet. 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.740 All of us. 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:35.180 Have been. 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.339 Through many. 00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:36.860 Storms. 00:25:36.860 --> 00:25:37.420 In our life. 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:38.880 May we. 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.380 Stand. 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:39.940 Firm. 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:41.279 On the foundation. 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:41.980 That exists. 00:25:42.120 --> 00:25:42.579 In the Lord. 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:44.420 To not be shaken. 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:45.700 To not be. 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.380 Wavered. 00:25:46.860 --> 00:25:47.500 To not be. 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:48.319 Distracted. 00:25:48.779 --> 00:25:49.620 But to remain. 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.319 In him. 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:52.420 And so. 00:25:52.900 --> 00:25:53.900 We have to think. 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:56.480 Am I growing. 00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.720 Impatient. 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:58.580 On God's timing. 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:00.500 I think the answer is yes. 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:00.780 Right. 00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:03.000 We all get impatient. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.680 At times. 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:05.180 But also think. 00:26:06.300 --> 00:26:07.940 Where can I find God. 00:26:08.060 --> 00:26:09.460 In unexpected places. 00:26:10.280 --> 00:26:11.840 Where can I find joy. 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:14.320 In an unexpected situation. 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:16.000 That's another thing. 00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:16.560 For us. 00:26:16.800 --> 00:26:17.340 To consider. 00:26:18.220 --> 00:26:19.500 This leads us now. 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:20.300 Into the. 00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:22.019 The application. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:24.420 What do we do about this? 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:27.099 What do we do about this? 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.759 The first thing. 00:26:28.879 --> 00:26:29.859 Is to celebrate. 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:31.000 The signs. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.180 Of God's presence. 00:26:32.680 --> 00:26:33.960 And I want you to think. 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:34.980 Of one place. 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.359 Maybe. 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.400 A situation. 00:26:37.599 --> 00:26:38.220 You have been in. 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:39.099 Or a situation. 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.660 Of someone. 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.400 That you know. 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:41.900 Where God. 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:43.220 Brought the blooming. 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.779 In the wilderness. 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.980 Take a moment. 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:48.119 And think about that. 00:26:48.119 --> 00:26:50.559 And think of how. 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:52.539 God does work. 00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:54.079 In his own timing. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.839 Sometimes it's a lot quicker. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:56.500 Than we think. 00:26:57.239 --> 00:26:58.000 Other times. 00:26:58.099 --> 00:26:58.839 It takes longer. 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:01.259 And I want you. 00:27:01.379 --> 00:27:01.639 If you. 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:02.859 If you ever have time. 00:27:04.399 --> 00:27:05.239 Maybe sometime. 00:27:05.239 --> 00:27:06.019 This week. 00:27:06.139 --> 00:27:06.799 Or whenever. 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.579 Write down. 00:27:09.239 --> 00:27:10.099 A time. 00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:11.979 When there was. 00:27:12.199 --> 00:27:12.519 Blooming. 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:13.399 In the wilderness. 00:27:14.599 --> 00:27:15.659 We think of this. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.860 Sense of restoration. 00:27:17.040 --> 00:27:17.660 Maybe that's. 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:18.940 An opportunity. 00:27:18.940 --> 00:27:19.400 For you. 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:20.160 To take note. 00:27:20.240 --> 00:27:21.080 And to take inventory. 00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:21.640 Of that. 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.540 Let that also. 00:27:23.540 --> 00:27:24.120 Be a call. 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:25.160 To share. 00:27:25.300 --> 00:27:25.779 With someone. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.200 How God. 00:27:27.259 --> 00:27:27.820 Has transformed. 00:27:27.820 --> 00:27:28.380 Your life. 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.279 How God. 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.840 Has worked. 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:30.600 In and through. 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.100 Your life. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.680 I bet. 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.640 You'd be surprised. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.040 By the person. 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:35.960 Sitting next to you. 00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:37.080 On how God. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.540 Has worked. 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.480 In their life. 00:27:40.300 --> 00:27:41.240 The second thing. 00:27:41.340 --> 00:27:41.519 Then. 00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:42.900 Is to. 00:27:43.380 --> 00:27:43.820 Practice. 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:44.680 Patience. 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:45.380 In your waiting. 00:27:45.660 --> 00:27:46.380 I don't like that. 00:27:46.380 --> 00:27:46.720 Pastor. 00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:48.480 We have to practice. 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:48.900 Patience. 00:27:48.980 --> 00:27:49.380 Yes we do. 00:27:49.460 --> 00:27:50.160 We certainly do. 00:27:50.560 --> 00:27:51.240 In the waiting. 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:53.000 Sometimes we get. 00:27:53.180 --> 00:27:53.660 Frustrated. 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:53.980 Right. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:55.500 When things just. 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:56.660 Are not happening. 00:27:56.660 --> 00:27:57.640 In the time frame. 00:27:57.640 --> 00:27:58.440 That we want it. 00:27:59.300 --> 00:28:00.120 But God has a much. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:00.800 Different plan. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.660 And I want you to think. 00:28:02.800 --> 00:28:03.540 Of one. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.160 Area. 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:04.900 Of frustration. 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:06.560 And offer that to God. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.700 Through prayer. 00:28:08.740 --> 00:28:09.620 Offer it to him. 00:28:11.740 --> 00:28:12.560 Let this. 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.500 Come as a. 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.180 As something. 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.519 As a way. 00:28:16.619 --> 00:28:17.740 You can offer your burden. 00:28:18.019 --> 00:28:18.880 Before the Lord. 00:28:20.599 --> 00:28:21.960 Maybe you're not frustrated. 00:28:22.839 --> 00:28:23.700 I'm willing to bet. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.319 You know someone. 00:28:24.380 --> 00:28:25.259 That's frustrated though. 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.799 And maybe you can. 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.599 Pray with them. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.220 And work with them. 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.900 As they are journeying. 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:31.559 Through life. 00:28:32.900 --> 00:28:33.720 Maybe you can. 00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:34.920 Be present with them. 00:28:35.380 --> 00:28:36.339 In a season. 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:37.039 Of waiting. 00:28:37.660 --> 00:28:38.720 That's very important. 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:40.720 And the third thing. 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:41.019 Then. 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:42.319 Is to look for Jesus. 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:44.440 In unexpected places. 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:46.140 Perhaps. 00:28:46.140 --> 00:28:46.680 It's a call. 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.140 For you. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:47.920 To serve. 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.680 The least of these. 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:51.079 Or to share. 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:52.079 In your walk. 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.240 With the Lord. 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.100 With other people. 00:28:54.640 --> 00:28:55.680 Share in your testimony. 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.640 Share the gospel message. 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.079 You'd be surprised. 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.819 How many people. 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.759 Have a misunderstanding. 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:02.059 Of who Jesus is. 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:03.200 That's why. 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.000 It's so important. 00:29:04.000 --> 00:29:04.360 For us. 00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:05.720 To share the gospel message. 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:06.640 The death. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.100 Burial. 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:07.720 And resurrection. 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.600 Of Jesus Christ. 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.420 How Christ. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:10.240 Is a fulfillment. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:10.920 Of prophecy. 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.660 And how. 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:12.720 The Lord. 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:14.299 Makes all things. 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:14.700 New. 00:29:15.880 --> 00:29:17.299 You want to talk about. 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.980 A wonderful gift. 00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:19.740 That you can give. 00:29:19.799 --> 00:29:20.220 To someone. 00:29:20.360 --> 00:29:21.420 This Christmas season. 00:29:21.799 --> 00:29:22.920 Let it be a call. 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:23.500 For you. 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:24.579 To share. 00:29:25.660 --> 00:29:26.799 In who Jesus is. 00:29:27.700 --> 00:29:28.600 To celebrate. 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:29.720 The season. 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:31.400 The real reason. 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.000 For the season. 00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:32.940 I know that's the common. 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:33.559 Catch phrase. 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.220 We think about. 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:35.500 But we think. 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:35.980 Let us. 00:29:36.420 --> 00:29:37.319 Think of someone. 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:38.420 Maybe it's visiting. 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.279 Someone who's. 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.099 Lonely. 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:41.640 Maybe it's helping. 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:42.140 Someone. 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.779 When they're vulnerable. 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.680 Or someone who is. 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.180 Struggling. 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.859 But it's not only a call. 00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:49.099 For each and every one of us. 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:49.799 Individually. 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:50.859 But for us. 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.559 Collectively. 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.799 As a church. 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.259 To think of people. 00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:55.299 That we can. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.440 Minister to. 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.039 The ones that we can. 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:58.460 Serve. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:00.319 And maybe. 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:01.680 It's. 00:30:02.339 --> 00:30:03.539 A call for you to. 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:04.579 Ask God. 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.599 To open your eyes. 00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:07.879 To help you see. 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:09.279 Him. 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:11.179 In unexpected places. 00:30:11.179 --> 00:30:11.500 Right? 00:30:11.559 --> 00:30:12.960 To look for Jesus. 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:14.639 In those unusual. 00:30:14.639 --> 00:30:16.259 Or unexpected places. 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:19.419 Ask him to see. 00:30:19.619 --> 00:30:20.460 Him at work. 00:30:20.559 --> 00:30:21.779 Where you least expect it. 00:30:22.619 --> 00:30:23.139 You know. 00:30:23.140 --> 00:30:24.020 I've always found it. 00:30:24.020 --> 00:30:24.860 Very amazing. 00:30:24.860 --> 00:30:25.280 When. 00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:27.340 It's in the book of Habakkuk. 00:30:27.560 --> 00:30:27.980 One of my. 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:29.020 It's kind of a. 00:30:29.400 --> 00:30:30.340 Fun book to go over. 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:32.840 Where you have the prophet. 00:30:33.040 --> 00:30:33.520 And he's. 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:35.400 He doesn't understand. 00:30:35.560 --> 00:30:36.740 All the things that are going on. 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:39.060 And he's asking God. 00:30:39.360 --> 00:30:39.759 God. 00:30:39.840 --> 00:30:40.720 Why is this happening? 00:30:40.800 --> 00:30:41.700 I do not understand. 00:30:41.820 --> 00:30:42.600 How many of us identify. 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:43.380 With that question. 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:43.700 Right? 00:30:43.700 --> 00:30:46.019 And the Lord answers him. 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:47.620 And he says. 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:49.319 I'm paraphrasing here. 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:52.100 Look and observe. 00:30:52.700 --> 00:30:54.059 For I am doing something. 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:55.299 That. 00:30:55.720 --> 00:30:57.200 If I were to tell you. 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:58.680 You would not even believe. 00:30:58.680 --> 00:30:59.500 If I told you to. 00:30:59.600 --> 00:31:00.620 And then it goes on. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:02.420 And the Lord explains. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:03.420 What he is doing. 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:05.680 And it shows. 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:07.299 In the book of Habakkuk. 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.700 How God works. 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.360 Behind. 00:31:09.720 --> 00:31:10.279 The scenes. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:13.200 And I think that's very important for us. 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:14.500 As we are thinking of. 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:16.279 This sense of joy. 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:17.500 And anticipation. 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:19.440 And in God's timing. 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:22.099 God is working on his own timing. 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:24.339 Behind the scenes. 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:25.980 Putting things together. 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:27.899 That we certainly don't understand. 00:31:29.359 --> 00:31:29.639 You know. 00:31:29.639 --> 00:31:29.779 I. 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.700 Something I heard. 00:31:31.879 --> 00:31:31.960 I. 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.480 It was. 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.759 I think it was from a pastor. 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:34.139 But. 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.960 Paraphrasing here. 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:38.859 For many of us. 00:31:38.940 --> 00:31:39.980 We don't even understand. 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:40.759 Why we do. 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:41.380 What we do. 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.519 So what in the world. 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.019 Are we doing. 00:31:44.120 --> 00:31:44.940 Trying to understand. 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:46.460 The God that created us. 00:31:47.819 --> 00:31:48.779 Think about that. 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:51.099 Do you understand. 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:52.339 Everything that you do. 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:52.759 And why. 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.700 The answer should be no. 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.880 Maybe you do. 00:31:57.000 --> 00:31:57.180 Maybe. 00:31:57.299 --> 00:31:57.900 Maybe you do. 00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:00.720 Then. 00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:01.660 Shift it over. 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.980 Do you understand. 00:32:03.120 --> 00:32:03.339 Your. 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.000 Sister. 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:04.660 Or your brother. 00:32:04.839 --> 00:32:05.160 Or your. 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:05.799 Cousin. 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.779 Or your spouse. 00:32:07.620 --> 00:32:07.920 No. 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.200 Right. 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.279 So. 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:12.019 We have to think. 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.819 How difficult it is. 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:15.000 For us to even understand. 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:15.779 Who we are. 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:17.380 What in the world. 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:17.819 Are we doing. 00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:18.660 Trying to comprehend. 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.420 God. 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:20.120 Now. 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:20.759 That doesn't mean. 00:32:20.840 --> 00:32:21.480 We don't try. 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:22.360 We don't. 00:32:23.059 --> 00:32:24.059 Seek to understand. 00:32:24.160 --> 00:32:25.019 God and his word. 00:32:25.140 --> 00:32:25.259 But. 00:32:26.120 --> 00:32:27.080 At the same time. 00:32:27.819 --> 00:32:28.400 There's so much. 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.319 That we won't understand. 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:30.180 And we have to be okay. 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:30.640 With that. 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:32.440 We have to be okay. 00:32:32.440 --> 00:32:32.660 That. 00:32:32.920 --> 00:32:34.039 We may not understand. 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.559 Ourselves. 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.139 And certainly. 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.980 We may not understand. 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.619 Other people. 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:38.539 And there's a lot. 00:32:38.619 --> 00:32:39.359 That we won't understand. 00:32:39.359 --> 00:32:39.879 About God. 00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:40.539 And when it comes. 00:32:40.539 --> 00:32:41.399 To his timing. 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:43.599 That's a piece. 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:45.259 Why. 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.680 Did it take five years. 00:32:46.680 --> 00:32:47.619 Instead of five minutes. 00:32:47.700 --> 00:32:47.899 God. 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:48.180 Right. 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.920 We have to think. 00:32:49.920 --> 00:32:50.539 Of these things. 00:32:51.180 --> 00:32:51.799 And so. 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:52.980 I have this slide. 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.420 On here. 00:32:53.480 --> 00:32:53.639 This. 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.639 This next one here. 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.599 That the wilderness. 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.740 Is blooming. 00:32:59.139 --> 00:32:59.559 Right. 00:32:59.599 --> 00:32:59.960 We think. 00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:00.720 Of this imagery. 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:02.079 Where the blind. 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:02.960 Will see. 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:03.440 The deaf. 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:03.980 Will hear. 00:33:04.079 --> 00:33:04.539 The lame. 00:33:04.640 --> 00:33:05.460 Will leap for joy. 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:07.279 It is the reality. 00:33:07.839 --> 00:33:08.440 That Jesus. 00:33:09.180 --> 00:33:09.940 Will bring. 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:11.579 And so. 00:33:12.140 --> 00:33:13.279 Don't let doubt. 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:15.019 Steal your joy. 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:16.380 For Jesus. 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.720 Is at work. 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:19.259 In his own timing. 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.759 And he. 00:33:21.380 --> 00:33:21.860 Fulfills. 00:33:22.100 --> 00:33:22.960 His promises. 00:33:23.860 --> 00:33:25.019 He is consistent. 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:27.039 And we should have joy. 00:33:27.039 --> 00:33:27.420 In that. 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:28.279 And what I have here. 00:33:28.339 --> 00:33:28.819 The wilderness. 00:33:29.039 --> 00:33:29.440 Is blooming. 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.700 Isn't it interesting. 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:31.720 That. 00:33:32.720 --> 00:33:33.880 Is from revelation. 00:33:34.600 --> 00:33:35.339 That Jesus. 00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:36.299 Is the one. 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:37.500 Who was. 00:33:38.039 --> 00:33:38.460 Is. 00:33:39.120 --> 00:33:40.220 And is to come. 00:33:40.839 --> 00:33:41.279 And yet. 00:33:41.360 --> 00:33:42.519 That's so connected. 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:44.240 With what we understand. 00:33:44.319 --> 00:33:44.779 Of advent. 00:33:45.900 --> 00:33:46.620 The sense. 00:33:46.940 --> 00:33:47.980 Of anticipation. 00:33:48.660 --> 00:33:49.200 This sense. 00:33:49.299 --> 00:33:49.920 Of waiting. 00:33:50.740 --> 00:33:51.440 And trusting. 00:33:51.660 --> 00:33:52.039 In God. 00:33:52.120 --> 00:33:53.120 That he will deliver. 00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:54.660 And that. 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.700 Is joy. 00:33:57.299 --> 00:33:57.940 And that. 00:33:58.579 --> 00:33:59.259 Is what we. 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.440 Ought to be joyful. 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:00.840 For. 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.140 Let's pray together. 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:03.840 Father God. 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:04.519 We thank you. 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:05.220 For this time. 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:05.920 And this opportunity. 00:34:05.920 --> 00:34:06.700 For us to gather. 00:34:06.820 --> 00:34:07.799 As we are going over. 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:08.820 The blooming. 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:10.059 In the wilderness. 00:34:12.220 --> 00:34:12.619 Father. 00:34:12.720 --> 00:34:13.480 May we trust. 00:34:13.480 --> 00:34:13.860 In you. 00:34:13.940 --> 00:34:14.480 And recognize. 00:34:14.599 --> 00:34:15.619 You make all things new. 00:34:15.720 --> 00:34:16.260 You are the God. 00:34:16.320 --> 00:34:16.820 Of love. 00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:17.480 And transformation. 00:34:18.159 --> 00:34:18.940 The one. 00:34:19.059 --> 00:34:20.159 That gives peace. 00:34:20.159 --> 00:34:20.960 That surpasses. 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.720 All understanding. 00:34:21.720 --> 00:34:22.440 There is hope. 00:34:22.500 --> 00:34:22.740 In you. 00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:24.000 And there is joy. 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:25.200 In the anticipation. 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:26.359 And waiting. 00:34:26.359 --> 00:34:27.059 For you. 00:34:27.819 --> 00:34:28.759 May we wait. 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:29.500 Upon you. 00:34:29.919 --> 00:34:30.579 And may we not. 00:34:30.679 --> 00:34:31.399 Be discouraged. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.259 And even in moments. 00:34:32.259 --> 00:34:33.259 Where we have doubts. 00:34:33.259 --> 00:34:34.819 Or we are discouraged. 00:34:34.819 --> 00:34:35.839 By culture. 00:34:36.099 --> 00:34:37.079 Or whatever it is. 00:34:37.079 --> 00:34:38.119 That life throws at it. 00:34:38.219 --> 00:34:39.579 May we remain. 00:34:39.579 --> 00:34:40.299 In you. 00:34:41.159 --> 00:34:42.480 For you are the source. 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:42.899 Of life. 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:43.619 You are the light. 00:34:43.659 --> 00:34:44.199 In the darkness. 00:34:45.679 --> 00:34:47.019 And you sent your son. 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:47.799 Jesus Christ. 00:34:47.799 --> 00:34:48.779 To change the course. 00:34:48.779 --> 00:34:49.379 Of history. 00:34:49.380 --> 00:34:52.519 That whosoever believes. 00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:53.340 Shall not perish. 00:34:53.380 --> 00:34:54.440 But have eternal life. 00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:55.280 And I pray. 00:34:55.280 --> 00:34:56.119 That if there is anyone. 00:34:56.119 --> 00:34:56.860 That doesn't know. 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:57.440 Who you are. 00:34:57.720 --> 00:34:58.160 May they come. 00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.099 To believe in you. 00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.700 May they have this sense. 00:35:00.700 --> 00:35:01.360 Of repentance. 00:35:01.720 --> 00:35:03.119 The changing of the mind. 00:35:03.280 --> 00:35:04.820 And may they believe in you. 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:06.260 May they respond. 00:35:06.260 --> 00:35:07.099 To your salvation. 00:35:07.320 --> 00:35:08.579 And not just stop there. 00:35:09.140 --> 00:35:10.200 May they respond. 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:11.480 By being on a path. 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.840 To be more like you. 00:35:13.740 --> 00:35:14.519 To following. 00:35:14.680 --> 00:35:15.260 In the footsteps. 00:35:15.260 --> 00:35:16.380 Of Christ. 00:35:17.340 --> 00:35:18.680 To be transformed. 00:35:18.679 --> 00:35:20.019 From the inside out. 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:21.759 And Father. 00:35:21.879 --> 00:35:23.039 I pray for all of those. 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:24.819 Who have tuned in online. 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:25.719 Those that are listening. 00:35:25.719 --> 00:35:26.519 To the podcast. 00:35:26.899 --> 00:35:27.699 And those. 00:35:27.859 --> 00:35:29.039 Who are here this morning. 00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:30.819 I pray that you will do. 00:35:30.859 --> 00:35:31.619 A new thing in them. 00:35:31.759 --> 00:35:33.399 I pray that you will transform. 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:35.159 Each and every person here. 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:37.460 Online or digital. 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:38.099 Or later. 00:35:38.239 --> 00:35:38.599 Whatever. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.639 I just pray Father. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.159 That you will do. 00:35:42.199 --> 00:35:42.899 A new thing in them. 00:35:42.980 --> 00:35:43.759 Let there be healing. 00:35:43.899 --> 00:35:44.799 Let there be transformation. 00:35:45.179 --> 00:35:46.399 Let there be understanding. 00:35:47.159 --> 00:35:48.259 Let there be growth. 00:35:48.260 --> 00:35:49.460 Let there be health. 00:35:49.900 --> 00:35:51.320 Let there be blooming. 00:35:51.740 --> 00:35:52.320 In the wilderness. 00:35:53.180 --> 00:35:54.740 It is in the name of Jesus. 00:35:54.740 --> 00:35:55.600 That we pray. 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:56.820 And we all say together. 00:35:56.880 --> 00:35:57.520 Amen church. 00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:58.320 Amen. 00:35:59.900 --> 00:36:01.040 Thank you for listening. 00:36:01.040 --> 00:36:02.120 To today's message. 00:36:02.280 --> 00:36:03.360 I really hope. 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.040 That this sermon. 00:36:04.300 --> 00:36:04.960 Encouraged you. 00:36:05.660 --> 00:36:06.480 When I was preparing. 00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:07.180 This message. 00:36:07.380 --> 00:36:07.980 I kept thinking. 00:36:08.100 --> 00:36:09.020 About this imagery. 00:36:09.480 --> 00:36:10.680 Of the wilderness blooming. 00:36:11.040 --> 00:36:12.740 It is such a powerful picture. 00:36:12.740 --> 00:36:13.900 Of what God does. 00:36:14.300 --> 00:36:16.020 He takes the barren places. 00:36:16.019 --> 00:36:17.579 The dry places. 00:36:17.579 --> 00:36:18.880 The dead spaces. 00:36:18.880 --> 00:36:21.840 And he makes them full of life. 00:36:22.239 --> 00:36:23.980 He makes the wilderness bloom. 00:36:24.460 --> 00:36:25.900 And that is an image. 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:27.519 Of what joy is. 00:36:28.079 --> 00:36:29.300 It is not the absence. 00:36:29.300 --> 00:36:30.039 Of wilderness. 00:36:30.360 --> 00:36:31.739 It is God showing up. 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:33.219 And giving new life. 00:36:33.219 --> 00:36:34.500 In the wilderness. 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:37.440 All of our resources from today. 00:36:37.800 --> 00:36:38.539 The devotional. 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:39.460 The notes. 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.259 And the slides. 00:36:40.460 --> 00:36:41.800 They're available for free. 00:36:41.800 --> 00:36:42.740 On our website. 00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:44.600 At Ontario Community Church. 00:36:44.800 --> 00:36:45.280 Dot org. 00:36:45.560 --> 00:36:47.539 And at the podcast description. 00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:48.960 Everything else. 00:36:49.039 --> 00:36:50.200 Is on our sermon archive. 00:36:50.200 --> 00:36:51.340 So you can go back. 00:36:51.539 --> 00:36:52.280 And review it. 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:53.920 Or share it with someone else. 00:36:54.480 --> 00:36:55.160 Next week. 00:36:55.200 --> 00:36:55.860 We will continue. 00:36:55.860 --> 00:36:56.920 Our Advent series. 00:36:56.920 --> 00:36:57.820 With week four. 00:36:58.220 --> 00:36:59.320 Focusing on. 00:36:59.840 --> 00:37:00.120 Love. 00:37:00.600 --> 00:37:01.500 But until then. 00:37:01.760 --> 00:37:02.440 Remember this. 00:37:02.760 --> 00:37:03.500 The wilderness. 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:04.300 Is blooming. 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:05.440 The blind. 00:37:05.560 --> 00:37:06.039 Will see. 00:37:06.440 --> 00:37:07.000 The deaf. 00:37:07.120 --> 00:37:07.680 Will hear. 00:37:08.039 --> 00:37:08.760 And the lame. 00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:09.920 Will leap for joy. 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:12.840 This is not just that ancient prophecy. 00:37:13.420 --> 00:37:16.079 This is the reality that Jesus brings. 00:37:16.460 --> 00:37:17.599 In the first coming. 00:37:17.960 --> 00:37:18.619 But also. 00:37:18.980 --> 00:37:20.440 The second coming of Christ. 00:37:21.200 --> 00:37:22.680 Strengthen your weak hands. 00:37:23.079 --> 00:37:24.700 And steady your trembling knees. 00:37:25.200 --> 00:37:28.260 Let us be patient like that farmer who waits for the harvest. 00:37:28.880 --> 00:37:31.059 Don't let doubt steal your joy. 00:37:31.720 --> 00:37:33.780 For Jesus is the one who was. 00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:34.920 Who is. 00:37:35.280 --> 00:37:36.340 And is to come. 00:37:36.760 --> 00:37:37.840 God bless you. 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:39.440 And we will see you next week. 00:37:39.440 --> 00:37:41.420 As we continue through Advent. 00:37:42.019 --> 00:37:42.579 Thank you. 00:37:42.579 --> 00:37:42.579