WEBVTT

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 Well, it's good to be together today.

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 A beautiful day outside, the first day of a new year,

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 and it's better still to begin,

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 gathered together in a place of worship,

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 seeking God's presence and his favor over us.

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 And we come to worship God.

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 We'll sing to his praise.

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 We'll begin by singing Psalm 103,

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 in the Sing Psalms version, page 135 of the psalm book.

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 Psalm 103, we'll sing from verse 1 to verse 11.

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 The tune is before the throne.

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 Praise God, my soul, with all my heart.

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 Let me exalt his holy name.

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 Forget not all his benefits,

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 his praise, my soul, in song proclaim.

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 We'll sing from verse 1 to 11 to God's praise.

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 Praise God, my soul, with all my heart.

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 Let me exalt his holy name.

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 Our gift of all his benefits,

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 his praise, my soul, in song proclaim.

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 The Lord gives you all your sins,

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 And his grace, my soul, in song proclaim.

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 Your life he rescues from the grave,

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 And grinds you in his tenderness,

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 And grinds you in his tenderness.

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 He's a despise, your deep desires,

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 Of his unending stores of good.

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 So that just like the being of strength,

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 Your youthful anger is renewed.

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 The Lord is known for righteous acts,

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 And justice to tantroded ones,

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 To Moses he made known his ways,

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 His mighty deeds to Israel's sons.

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 The Lord is merciful and kind,

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 To anger slow and full of grace,

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 He will not constantly reprove,

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 For in his anger hide his face.

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 He does not punish our misdeeds,

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 Or give our sins their just reward,

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 Our greatest love has high as ten

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 Towards all those who fear the Lord.

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 Let's bow our heads in a word of prayer.

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 Let us pray.

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 Lord our gracious God,

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 As we begin our time of worship at this,

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 The beginning of a new year,

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 We thank you for the privilege that is ours,

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 The freedom we have to come together this day,

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 In this way,

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 To lift up our voices in praise to you,

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 To sing of your great steadfast love,

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 To sing of your great goodness to us,

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 And to come, O Lord,

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 Seeking to praise you as our God with all our soul,

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 To seek to worship you as you are worthy of,

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 And we thank you that this psalm reminds us of your great goodness,

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 Your mercy towards us.

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 As it goes on,

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 That we didn't sing,

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 As far as east is from the west,

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 So far his love has borne away our many sins and trespasses.

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 And we thank you, Lord,

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 That it is a wonderful psalm to remind us,

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 At the beginning of a year,

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 Of how we are to live.

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 We are to live as a people who give all praise and glory to you.

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 And we thank you, Lord,

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 That your mercy is so great,

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 That you have not turned away from us,

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 But that you are still a God who looks down upon your people,

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 A God who looks, O Lord,

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 For a people to turn to you,

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 To come to you,

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 To find rest and joy and salvation,

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 And all that you offer us through your Son,

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 Christ Jesus.

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 And we pray today, Lord,

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 As we hear your word,

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 And as we begin in worship a new year,

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 That has all the uncertainties that lie ahead of us,

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 We thank you that you are our constant companion,

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 That you are the one who prepares the way for his people,

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 That you are the one who goes before us,

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 And that we can be assured and confident,

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 That whatever is in store for us,

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 Whether it be times of joy or trouble,

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 That we have you there with us.

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 And so, Lord,

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 We pray that you will bless us as a people,

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 In our homes,

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 In our families,

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 In our congregation as a whole,

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 That you will make your face to shine upon us,

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 That we will know your glory,

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 Your presence with us,

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 Day after day.

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 And we thank you, Lord,

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 That around the world today,

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 As a people take in a new year,

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 As we see much celebration going on around the world,

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 We see, too,

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 How many are in a lost state,

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 How many are without Christ,

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 How many are perishing in this world.

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 But we thank you that your gospel is mighty and powerful,

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 And that you have your people to all ends of the earth,

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 That your people gather

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 In so many different parts of the world today,

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 Lifting up their voices to you as we have,

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 And will do us well,

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 Lifting up our praise and our prayers to you,

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 Asking for your goodness and your mercy

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 To be upon us as a people,

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 Asking for you to intervene in ways,

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 O Lord,

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 That are so outwith of our control,

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 When we see, O Lord,

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 All the troubles of this world,

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 The situations that we cannot impact ourselves,

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 Whether it's in the large-scale matters of this world,

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 Or even in our own individual lives,

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 Or the lives of others,

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 Lord,

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 There are so many things that we feel helpless in,

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 So many things that we cannot impact ourselves,

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 But yet we thank you for the joy and the privilege of prayer,

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 For we know we can depend on you,

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 As the one who is able to do what we cannot,

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 What is impossible with man is possible with God,

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 And so help us in our prayers day after day,

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 To come in faith,

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 To come in dependence,

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 To come in joy to you,

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 As the one who has opened the way for us,

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 That we come in the name,

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 Above every name,

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 The name of our Lord and Saviour,

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 Jesus Christ,

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 The one through whose death we see a way opened up,

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 When the curtain was torn in two,

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 As your word describes,

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 As Jesus was on the cross,

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 That we saw the way opened up to you,

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 As our Father in heaven,

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 That we come through our great high priest,

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 The Lord Jesus Christ,

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 And so hear our prayers,

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 Lord,

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 And answer according to your will,

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 And may you bless your word to us today,

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 As we hear it,

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 And as we share it together,

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 And wherever it's shared today,

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 Lord,

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 We pray that you would bless it to all ends of the earth,

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 For your word is mighty and powerful,

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 It goes out with power,

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 Lord,

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 It is able to melt the hardest of hearts,

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 And we pray,

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 Lord,

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 That in every place where your word is proclaimed,

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 That you will give ears to hear and to understand,

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 We thank you for those who will gather in a short time,

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 At the Islay Memorial,

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 For a service of remembrance there,

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 We thank you,

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 Lord,

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 For the peace of this day today,

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 That they'll be able to gather there,

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 And yet in so many ways,

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 Oh Lord,

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 It brings even more sadness to that occasion,

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 When we think of so many years ago,

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 When so many perished,

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 So much sadness and sorrow our island experienced,

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 And that great loss,

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 We thank you that we can look back in remembrance,

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 Giving thanks,

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 Oh Lord,

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 That through all the years,

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 Through all the generations,

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 You are a God who has been faithful,

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 That you are a God who is able to heal the hurts,

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 That you are a God who is able to build up,

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 Even from such disasters,

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 And we pray,

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 And we pray,

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 Lord,

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 That as your word is preached there,

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 As Reverend James McKeever will minister to the people,

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 That you will bless him and uphold him in that,

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 And give him the words to speak,

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 And oh Lord,

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 As this time of year is always a time of reflection,

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 Looking back,

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 We think of many who,

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 As we heard last evening,

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 Are going through so many difficulties and trials,

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 There's much sorrow in reflecting,

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 Looking back,

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 There may be much anxiety looking forward as well,

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 But we pray,

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 Lord,

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 To know your peace,

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 To know that peace that passes understanding,

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 To know your presence and your blessing upon us,

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 So Lord,

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 We pray that you will crown our year with your bounty,

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 That you will do us good,

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 Oh Lord,

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 In all the days ahead,

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 That as we commit ourselves into your hands,

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 We would know you with us in every way,

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 We come again confessing our sins,

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 We confess,

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 Oh Lord,

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 How far short we fall,

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 But again,

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 As we have sung,

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 We are reminded,

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 Lord,

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 That you are able to cast our sins away,

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 And we pray,

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 Lord,

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 For your forgiveness over us as a people,

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 As a nation,

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 As a world,

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 As we confess,

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 Oh Lord,

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 How far from you we have gone,

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 We pray,

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 Lord,

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 That you will bring healing,

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 And restoration,

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 And your great day of salvation to us once again,

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 So Lord,

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 Hear us,

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 We pray,

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 Go before us,

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 Bless us,

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 And hear us in all these things,

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 As we ask it in Jesus' name,

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 For his sake and glory,

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 Amen.

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 We're going to sing again to God's praise,

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 In Psalm 23,

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 In the Scottish Psalter,

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 Psalm 23,

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 Again,

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 A psalm that reminds us of our constant need of the Lord,

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 That he would be our shepherd,

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 That he would be our shepherd,

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 In this year ahead,

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 The Lord's my shepherd,

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 I'll not want,

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 He makes me down to lie,

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 In pastures green,

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 He leadeth me,

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 The quiet waters by,

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 My soul he doth restore again,

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 And me to walk doth make,

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 Within the paths of righteousness,

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 Even for his own name's sake.

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 We'll sing the whole of this psalm,

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 The tune is St.

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 Columba,

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 And we stand to sing to God's praise.

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 The Lord's my shepherd,

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 For God's sake,

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 For God's sake,

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 For God's sake,

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 He leadeth me,

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 He makes me down to lie,

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 In pastures green,

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 He leadeth me,

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 The quiet waters by,

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 My soul he doth restore again,

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 And me to walk doth make,

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 Within the paths of righteousness,

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 In pastures green,

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 In pastures green,

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 In pastures green,

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 In pastures green,

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 In pastures green,

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 Yet will I fear not ill,

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 For thou art done,

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 For thou art done,

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 Yet will I fear none ill,

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 For Thou art with me and I will,

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 And staffed me not for still.

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 My table, Thou art, has furnished it,

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 In presence of my foes,

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 My head the dust with o'er anoint,

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 And my cup overflows.

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 Goodness and mercy on my life

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 Shall surely follow me,

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 And in process forevermore

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 My dwelling place shall be.

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 Well, we can read together in the New Testament,

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 Paul's letter to the Philippians.

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 We're going to read in chapter 4,

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 From the beginning of that chapter,

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 We can read the whole of this chapter together.

00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:56.320
 Philippians chapter 4.

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 At the end of chapter 3,

00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:01.500
 Paul is speaking to the Philippians

00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:04.840
 About striving on towards the goal.

00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:07.780
 We heard a little of that last evening,

00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:09.820
 The forgetting what lies behind

00:15:09.820 --> 00:15:13.040
 And straining forward to what lies ahead.

00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:15.420
 I press towards the goal for the prize

00:15:15.420 --> 00:15:18.259
 Of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:21.160
 That's in verse 14 of chapter 3.

00:15:22.040 --> 00:15:23.160
 And then in chapter 4,

00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:24.460
 He begins with these words,

00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:25.660
 Therefore, my brothers,

00:15:26.180 --> 00:15:27.460
 Whom I love and long for,

00:15:27.540 --> 00:15:28.800
 My joy and crown,

00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:31.759
 Stand firm thus in the Lord,

00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:32.560
 My beloved.

00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:34.600
 I entreat you,

00:15:34.720 --> 00:15:36.080
 And I entreat Syntyche,

00:15:36.360 --> 00:15:37.680
 To agree in the Lord.

00:15:38.300 --> 00:15:39.780
 Yes, I ask you also,

00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:40.759
 True companion,

00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:42.100
 Help these women

00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:43.860
 Who have laboured side by side

00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:44.940
 With me in the gospel,

00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.420
 Together with Clement

00:15:46.420 --> 00:15:48.320
 And the rest of my fellow workers,

00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:50.680
 Whose names are in the book of life.

00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:53.700
 Rejoice in the Lord always.

00:15:53.700 --> 00:15:55.379
 Again, I will say,

00:15:55.520 --> 00:15:56.140
 Rejoice.

00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:58.020
 Let your reasonableness

00:15:58.020 --> 00:15:59.140
 Be known to everyone.

00:15:59.660 --> 00:16:01.360
 The Lord is at hand.

00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:04.560
 Do not be anxious about anything,

00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.820
 But in everything,

00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:07.540
 By prayer and supplication.

00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:09.060
 With thanksgiving,

00:16:09.460 --> 00:16:12.000
 Let your requests be made known to God.

00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:13.879
 And the peace of God,

00:16:13.940 --> 00:16:16.080
 Which surpasses all understanding,

00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:18.700
 Will guard your hearts and your minds

00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:20.300
 In Christ Jesus.

00:16:21.140 --> 00:16:22.160
 Finally, brothers,

00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.579
 Whatever is true,

00:16:23.719 --> 00:16:24.759
 Whatever is honourable,

00:16:25.199 --> 00:16:26.299
 Whatever is just,

00:16:26.719 --> 00:16:27.659
 Whatever is pure,

00:16:27.779 --> 00:16:28.719
 Whatever is lovely,

00:16:29.219 --> 00:16:30.459
 Whatever is commendable,

00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:32.120
 If there is any excellence,

00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:34.600
 If there is anything worthy of praise,

00:16:35.259 --> 00:16:36.899
 Think about these things.

00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:38.379
 What you have learned,

00:16:38.500 --> 00:16:39.079
 And received,

00:16:39.219 --> 00:16:39.679
 And heard,

00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:40.639
 And seen in me,

00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:42.559
 Practice these things,

00:16:42.959 --> 00:16:44.240
 And the God of peace

00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:45.399
 Will be with you.

00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:48.419
 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,

00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.319
 That now at length

00:16:49.319 --> 00:16:51.699
 You have revived your concern for me.

00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:54.220
 You were indeed concerned for me,

00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:55.620
 But you had no opportunity.

00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:58.340
 Not that I am speaking of being in need,

00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.699
 For I have learned,

00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:01.439
 In whatever situation I am,

00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:02.299
 To be content.

00:17:03.079 --> 00:17:04.619
 I know how to be brought low,

00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:06.480
 And I know how to abound.

00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:08.960
 In any and every circumstance,

00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:11.000
 I have learned the secret

00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:12.839
 Of facing plenty and hunger,

00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:14.720
 Abundance and need.

00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:16.660
 I can do all things

00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:19.400
 Through him who strengthens me.

00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:21.319
 Yet it was kind of you

00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:22.539
 To share my trouble.

00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:24.700
 And you Philippians yourselves

00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:25.960
 Know that in the beginning

00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.779
 Of the gospel,

00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:28.559
 When I left Macedonia,

00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:31.960
 No church entered into partnership with me

00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:33.559
 In giving and receiving

00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:34.740
 Except you only.

00:17:35.559 --> 00:17:36.779
 Even in Thessalonica,

00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:38.360
 You sent me help

00:17:38.360 --> 00:17:40.620
 For my needs once and again.

00:17:41.380 --> 00:17:42.980
 Not that I seek the gift,

00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:44.819
 But I seek the fruit

00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:46.640
 That increases to your credit.

00:17:47.360 --> 00:17:49.579
 I have received full payment and more.

00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:50.579
 I am well supplied,

00:17:51.400 --> 00:17:52.579
 Having received from Epaphroditus

00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:54.819
 The gifts you sent.

00:17:55.339 --> 00:17:56.519
 A fragrant offering,

00:17:57.099 --> 00:18:00.099
 A sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

00:18:00.819 --> 00:18:02.299
 And my God will supply

00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:03.620
 Every need of yours,

00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:05.559
 According to his riches

00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:08.039
 In glory in Christ Jesus.

00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:10.059
 To our God and Father

00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:11.779
 Be glory forever and ever.

00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:12.659
 Amen.

00:18:13.659 --> 00:18:16.039
 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.

00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:18.639
 The brothers who are with me greet you.

00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:20.700
 All the saints greet you.

00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:23.920
 Especially those of Caesar's household.

00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:27.059
 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:29.200
 Be with your spirit.

00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:30.359
 Amen.

00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.839
 And may God bless that reading

00:18:31.839 --> 00:18:33.599
 From his word.

00:18:33.599 --> 00:18:36.519
 Before we turn to look at some of these verses,

00:18:36.699 --> 00:18:37.459
 We'll sing again

00:18:37.459 --> 00:18:39.859
 To God's praise in Psalm 19.

00:18:41.459 --> 00:18:43.699
 Psalm 19 in the Scottish Psalter.

00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:45.879
 We're going to sing from verse 7

00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:47.619
 Down to verse 11.

00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:50.919
 Page 223 of the psalm books.

00:18:52.019 --> 00:18:54.219
 Psalm 19 at verse 7.

00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:56.639
 Page 223.

00:18:56.640 --> 00:19:01.940
 It reminds us of the wonder of God's word

00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:05.400
 And how precious it should be to us.

00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:07.020
 The more than gold,

00:19:07.100 --> 00:19:09.720
 Ye much find gold to be decided,

00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:11.280
 Are the psalmist says.

00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:13.920
 God's law is perfect and converts.

00:19:14.040 --> 00:19:15.600
 The soul in sin that lies.

00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:18.100
 God's testimony is most sure

00:19:18.100 --> 00:19:20.300
 And makes the simple wise.

00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.380
 So tune us in Moravia

00:19:21.380 --> 00:19:23.980
 And we'll sing from verse 7 to 11.

00:19:23.980 --> 00:19:24.420
 Amen.

00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:28.640
 Amen.

00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:29.640
 Amen.

00:19:29.640 --> 00:19:36.640
 God's law is perfect and converts.

00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:43.440
 The soul in sin that lies.

00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:51.300
 God's testimony is most sure

00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:58.299
 And makes the simple wise.

00:19:58.299 --> 00:20:06.759
 The statutes of the Lord are white

00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:13.379
 And who rejoice the heart

00:20:13.380 --> 00:20:21.380
 The Lord's covenant is pure and a light

00:20:21.380 --> 00:20:28.380
 To the eyes impart

00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:37.120
 Unspaughted is the fear of God

00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:38.119
 And who rejoice the Lord

00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:39.119
 And who rejoice the Lord

00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:40.119
 And who rejoice the Lord

00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:45.119
 The Son of God

00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:48.119
 The love of God

00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:50.119
 And who rejoice the Lord

00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:54.119
 Are true and righteous

00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:59.119
 All together

00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:14.799
 They more than gold, yea, much fine gold, to be decided are.

00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:30.039
 That honey, honey, from the cold, that trumpet sweeter far.

00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:45.500
 Born over they thy servant war, that he his life should reign.

00:21:45.500 --> 00:22:01.099
 And with reward provided for them that keep the same.

00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:12.240
 We can turn back to reading the passage we had in Philippians chapter 4.

00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:16.160
 And we're going to look at verse 10 to verse 13.

00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:20.480
 Philippians chapter 4, reading again at verse 10.

00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:26.140
 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your concern for me.

00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:30.000
 You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:38.120
 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.

00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:42.539
 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.

00:22:42.959 --> 00:22:49.979
 In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

00:22:50.579 --> 00:22:55.159
 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

00:22:55.160 --> 00:23:04.880
 I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.

00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:12.620
 Beginning of a new year, New Year's Day is always a time of mixed emotions.

00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:20.620
 There's a sense of newness and excitement, maybe about what lies in store for the year ahead.

00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:25.339
 It's also a time of sorrow and sadness in many ways.

00:23:25.439 --> 00:23:27.519
 There may be anxieties looking ahead.

00:23:27.659 --> 00:23:30.259
 There may be emotions looking back.

00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:34.059
 We go through so many different emotions at this time of year.

00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:39.819
 But there's something that's often highlighted for us at this time of year as well.

00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:45.319
 And it's a people who we often see talking about New Year's resolutions.

00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:53.299
 When people look at their lives, often it's what is missing or what's wrong in life that they focus on.

00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:55.359
 And they see a need for change.

00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:57.119
 I need to take action.

00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.759
 I need to do something.

00:23:58.879 --> 00:24:03.639
 And so many make resolutions that this coming year is going to be different.

00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:08.859
 That things are going to change in whatever different kinds of ways.

00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:17.699
 It's so often the case that January sees a great increase in the number of people joining gyms, taking up memberships in gyms.

00:24:18.459 --> 00:24:24.000
 And yet by February or March, the numbers are starting to dwindle once again.

00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:29.399
 Because so often we give these things thought, and yet nothing really changes.

00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:37.359
 And yet as we go into a new year, yes, there is a need to look at things that need to change.

00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:42.279
 There's no harm in that if there's things we could do better, if there's things we can change in our own lives.

00:24:43.339 --> 00:24:47.539
 But above all, it's to look at, well, what is it to be content?

00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:50.839
 There's a lot of discontent.

00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:53.899
 There's a lot of anxiety and worry about different things.

00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:56.899
 But what is it to be content?

00:24:58.159 --> 00:25:00.859
 Do you know what it is to be content?

00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:05.919
 Are you feeling content today as you start a new year?

00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:11.180
 Contentment often makes us think, well, what is contentment?

00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:12.900
 Where is contentment found?

00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:15.820
 What is our view of contentment?

00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:22.320
 Some people speak of contentment, defining it as a state of peaceful happiness.

00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:27.320
 And yes, there's a sense of contentment in that.

00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:31.340
 If you're at peace and you're happy, there is a sense of contentment.

00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:33.079
 But what if you're not?

00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:35.740
 What if there isn't peace around?

00:25:36.480 --> 00:25:39.759
 What if you're not feeling full of the joys, as it were, full of happiness?

00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:43.299
 Does that mean you're not content or cannot be content?

00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:47.919
 Well, as Paul is writing to the church at Philippi,

00:25:48.639 --> 00:25:52.399
 Paul himself is here speaking about contentment.

00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:56.359
 And it's not contentment that's just a sense of peaceful happiness.

00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.079
 That all is well.

00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:01.019
 Paul is writing from a prison cell.

00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:05.399
 He's writing in his own old age.

00:26:05.899 --> 00:26:10.399
 He's writing in the uncertainty that lies ahead of him of what his own life entails.

00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:16.439
 His uncertainty about his future is a likelihood that he may be put to death very soon.

00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:19.740
 Is that a peaceful happiness?

00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:25.120
 He's writing to a people who are being persecuted for their faith,

00:26:25.220 --> 00:26:28.460
 who are suffering great loss in so many different ways.

00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:31.140
 Is that a peaceful happiness?

00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:35.279
 Well, not in the way that the world would define it.

00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:38.339
 There are many struggles going on.

00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:42.279
 And the same may be true for ourselves as well.

00:26:42.359 --> 00:26:46.980
 As we begin a new year, it's not just a sense of a peaceful happiness.

00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:48.559
 Yes, it's great if it is.

00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:52.460
 But we can find that there is contentment.

00:26:52.460 --> 00:27:00.500
 When we see what is behind contentment and where our contentment is truly found and what it really means.

00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:05.339
 You see, contentment is not just based on peace and happiness.

00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:13.019
 It is not about having what we want or having everything that we feel we want in this world.

00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:21.400
 It's about having what we need and seeing what our greatest need is.

00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:27.420
 And to have that need fulfilled is to know through contentment.

00:27:27.420 --> 00:27:31.820
 And that's what we find Paul telling us about here.

00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:34.480
 What this contentment is.

00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:36.180
 Where it's found.

00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:39.160
 And what it brings to us.

00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:47.080
 To experience that true contentment can only be found in rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:51.759
 In knowing the joy of the Lord as our strength.

00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:58.579
 This is a wonderful letter by Paul writing with much thanksgiving to the church at Philippi.

00:27:58.660 --> 00:28:00.480
 To the people at Philippi.

00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:01.660
 And it's full of joy.

00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:03.900
 It's full of a sense of rejoicing.

00:28:03.900 --> 00:28:07.460
 As we read earlier in chapter 4, verse 4.

00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:09.180
 Rejoice in the Lord always.

00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:12.240
 Again, I will say rejoice.

00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:16.960
 It's a wonderful letter full of gospel hope.

00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:20.180
 The joy of Christ as our strength.

00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:22.980
 That has Paul's motto for life.

00:28:23.100 --> 00:28:25.220
 For me to live is Christ.

00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.820
 And to die is gain.

00:28:27.779 --> 00:28:30.279
 He knows the joy of the Lord.

00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:33.480
 And that is where his contentment is found.

00:28:33.560 --> 00:28:36.460
 And that's what he's sharing with the church at Philippi.

00:28:36.560 --> 00:28:38.580
 Sharing with ourselves today.

00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:41.620
 The great theologian Augustine once said,

00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:45.119
 You have made us for yourself, O Lord.

00:28:45.919 --> 00:28:50.299
 And our heart is restless until it rests in you.

00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:52.679
 Our heart is restless.

00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:59.659
 There's a sense of discontent until our hearts rest in Christ.

00:29:00.219 --> 00:29:04.419
 And then we know what true contentment is.

00:29:04.420 --> 00:29:11.800
 And so Paul is just showing us some things about this contentment that we can know in Christ here.

00:29:11.880 --> 00:29:19.140
 And just for a few moments, I want to think about three things that we see regarding this contentment in these verses.

00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:25.180
 And the first thing we want to think about is the search for contentment.

00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:33.740
 If Paul is writing here about contentment, that he has learned in whatever situation to be content,

00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:37.600
 it's a process that he's gone through.

00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:40.860
 It's something that he's been searching for in his own life.

00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:44.940
 And something that he knows so many people in Philippi are searching for.

00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:51.160
 So many people down through all the generations are searching for this sense of contentment.

00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:53.140
 We see it all around us.

00:29:53.160 --> 00:29:54.880
 A search for contentment.

00:29:55.820 --> 00:29:56.940
 People are restless.

00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:58.320
 People are unsettled.

00:29:58.759 --> 00:30:02.160
 When we're discontent, there's always something that's agitating us.

00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:06.500
 Always something that's making us look for something more, something extra.

00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:10.200
 But the question is, where are we looking?

00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:13.600
 Where are we looking for our contentment today?

00:30:14.060 --> 00:30:18.040
 Where are we looking for our contentment as we begin a new year?

00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:21.399
 There was a pilot once.

00:30:22.119 --> 00:30:28.940
 He was flying a passenger plane over some mountain range that he was very familiar with.

00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:30.099
 It's where he'd grown up.

00:30:30.159 --> 00:30:35.299
 And he was looking down out of the window of the plane this day with his co-pilot beside him.

00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:38.500
 And he was looking down and he pointed and said,

00:30:38.680 --> 00:30:40.960
 See that little lake down there?

00:30:40.960 --> 00:30:49.700
 When I was a young boy, I used to go out there fishing, sitting on a boat, fishing, spending my days on that lake.

00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:55.340
 And I used to look up into the sky and I'd see the planes passing by overhead.

00:30:55.500 --> 00:31:01.240
 And he would say, I used to long for being the pilot of one of these planes.

00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:03.000
 That was my greatest desire.

00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:05.619
 And he turned to his co-pilot and said,

00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:10.819
 Now I look down and wish I was in a boat fishing on the lake.

00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:14.640
 And it's just that kind of life that we live,

00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:18.380
 where we're always looking beyond and looking for something else.

00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:21.440
 The search for contentment in his life,

00:31:21.819 --> 00:31:26.039
 it almost leads us so often to just going round and round in circles.

00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:29.259
 No direction and no focus.

00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:32.980
 We're chasing after the end of the rainbow.

00:31:33.119 --> 00:31:34.779
 We're never going to find it.

00:31:35.500 --> 00:31:40.440
 It's like the writer to the Ecclesiastes speaks of again and again,

00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:43.720
 speaking about vanity, vanity, all is vanity.

00:31:44.339 --> 00:31:47.640
 Living life under the sun is just a chasing after the wind.

00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:50.579
 This cycle that goes on and on.

00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:54.119
 Because we're looking in the wrong place.

00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:58.879
 But as Paul is writing to the church at Philippi here,

00:31:58.959 --> 00:32:02.399
 he's writing as someone who has experienced this himself.

00:32:03.139 --> 00:32:06.039
 He's experienced this search for contentment,

00:32:06.659 --> 00:32:09.019
 seeking, as he was in his own life,

00:32:09.139 --> 00:32:11.339
 to honor God as he saw it.

00:32:12.239 --> 00:32:14.959
 And his life has always seemed to have a direction,

00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:16.459
 but it was a wrong direction.

00:32:17.579 --> 00:32:21.000
 Until the Lord Jesus took hold of him.

00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:25.440
 And so here he is writing now a changed man.

00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:28.519
 And what has changed him is the gospel.

00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:32.019
 The glory of the Lord Jesus appeared to him,

00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:36.380
 blinding him and bringing him to know salvation in him

00:32:36.380 --> 00:32:38.819
 and what true contentment is.

00:32:40.220 --> 00:32:43.119
 And here he's speaking of this contentment.

00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:44.299
 He's saying,

00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:49.500
 I know what it is to be content in whatever situation I am in.

00:32:49.500 --> 00:32:52.599
 And as he's writing to the church,

00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.859
 to the people at Philippi,

00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:57.380
 he's writing thanking them for their concern towards him.

00:32:57.779 --> 00:33:00.000
 But he's also almost defending himself,

00:33:00.119 --> 00:33:00.319
 saying,

00:33:00.500 --> 00:33:02.599
 you've been very generous to me.

00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:04.960
 You've given me a very precious gift,

00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:07.420
 a very acceptable gift,

00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:09.240
 as he says in verse 18,

00:33:09.359 --> 00:33:12.660
 a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:15.900
 So they've given him out of their own poverty,

00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:16.440
 as it were,

00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:18.119
 they've given much to Paul.

00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:21.119
 But he wants to write back and say,

00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:24.279
 this is not what's important to me.

00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:28.839
 What's important to me is not that I've received this gift,

00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:31.400
 but your willingness to give it.

00:33:32.160 --> 00:33:34.220
 He's rejoicing in this because,

00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:36.519
 as he says there in verse 10,

00:33:36.579 --> 00:33:38.480
 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,

00:33:38.819 --> 00:33:42.380
 that you have shown concern for me.

00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:48.380
 Because what this reminds him of is that they have come to know Christ more and more,

00:33:48.900 --> 00:33:51.620
 that they are growing in their knowledge of Christ.

00:33:52.280 --> 00:33:57.140
 They're seeing how precious Christ is compared to anything else in this world,

00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:59.540
 and they're willing to give out of their little,

00:33:59.960 --> 00:34:02.260
 they're willing to give to Paul.

00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:04.720
 They didn't have much themselves,

00:34:05.180 --> 00:34:08.099
 but what they had they were willing to share.

00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:15.579
 And so what he's seeing here is the contentment in Christ is not material things.

00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:18.480
 Contentment in life is not material things.

00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:20.840
 It's the peace of Christ.

00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:27.579
 And he speaks about that so much through this letter as well.

00:34:27.680 --> 00:34:31.220
 The peace of God that passes understanding.

00:34:31.700 --> 00:34:32.680
 In verse 9 it says,

00:34:33.100 --> 00:34:36.800
 Practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.

00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:42.460
 The peace of God is where contentment is found.

00:34:43.240 --> 00:34:46.559
 And that's what Paul has learned in his own life.

00:34:46.559 --> 00:34:51.279
 And it's a remarkable life as you look at the life of Paul.

00:34:51.799 --> 00:34:54.360
 Through all the different challenges he's gone through,

00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:56.920
 he speaks here of being,

00:34:57.340 --> 00:34:58.539
 I know how to be brought low,

00:34:58.659 --> 00:34:59.860
 I know how to abound.

00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:03.699
 He's been through so many different situations.

00:35:04.639 --> 00:35:07.400
 I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,

00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:09.779
 abundance and need.

00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:13.420
 He knows all these different experiences in his life.

00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:19.800
 And his search for contentment has brought him down many different paths.

00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:24.440
 But he's found that contentment is found in the strength

00:35:24.440 --> 00:35:30.280
 or the one who gives him strength in all of these situations.

00:35:31.980 --> 00:35:38.039
 Our lack of contentment in this world shows itself in so many different ways.

00:35:38.039 --> 00:35:43.320
 We see it in such a high rate of debt in our society today

00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:46.219
 where people feel they need to borrow more and more money

00:35:46.219 --> 00:35:49.500
 to be satisfied, to get everything that they need in life.

00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:52.639
 They need more and more money and they end up going into debt

00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:53.440
 and more misery.

00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:55.980
 They can't afford to repay the money,

00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:58.820
 the anxiety and pressure that that brings.

00:35:58.820 --> 00:36:03.500
 That's not where contentment is found.

00:36:04.300 --> 00:36:06.360
 Our lack of content is seen,

00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:10.880
 being content is seen in the demands that people make for their rights.

00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:14.720
 Now, I don't know if you saw it in the news just this past week.

00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:16.700
 There's a woman in America

00:36:16.700 --> 00:36:20.420
 and she's suing a chocolate company,

00:36:20.660 --> 00:36:22.100
 Hersey Chocolates.

00:36:22.099 --> 00:36:25.079
 She's suing them for $5 million.

00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:26.799
 Why?

00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:29.639
 Because she bought a chocolate

00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:33.599
 that on the front showed a chocolate that had a face on it.

00:36:34.339 --> 00:36:36.039
 But when she opened the chocolate,

00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:38.699
 it looked nothing like it did on the packet.

00:36:39.480 --> 00:36:42.900
 And she's so offended and upset that she's been misled

00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:46.759
 that the chocolate inside wasn't what was shown on the package.

00:36:46.759 --> 00:36:49.360
 So she's suing them for $5 million.

00:36:52.099 --> 00:36:56.420
 We say it often, the world is going madder all the time.

00:36:57.819 --> 00:37:02.000
 But people are looking for contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction

00:37:02.000 --> 00:37:04.000
 in all the wrong ways.

00:37:04.539 --> 00:37:07.420
 And all we want is never fulfilled.

00:37:07.559 --> 00:37:09.099
 It's never enough.

00:37:10.619 --> 00:37:13.079
 And that's what Paul is reminding us here.

00:37:13.139 --> 00:37:14.940
 As we begin a new year,

00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:16.860
 what is it that we are searching?

00:37:17.759 --> 00:37:20.360
 Where are we searching for our contentment?

00:37:20.360 --> 00:37:25.200
 What is it that we feel is going to make the greatest difference for us

00:37:25.200 --> 00:37:28.000
 in this year that lies ahead?

00:37:29.260 --> 00:37:31.360
 Well, the second thing we see here is

00:37:31.360 --> 00:37:35.960
 the worth of contentment that Paul speaks about.

00:37:37.860 --> 00:37:40.980
 Has your own view of what it is to be content

00:37:40.980 --> 00:37:43.200
 changed over the years?

00:37:43.199 --> 00:37:45.879
 I hope it has.

00:37:46.879 --> 00:37:48.279
 That as the years go on,

00:37:48.319 --> 00:37:52.639
 it teaches us what it truly means to be content.

00:37:53.679 --> 00:37:56.119
 And especially as we think of being a people

00:37:56.119 --> 00:37:58.359
 who trust in the Lord.

00:37:59.819 --> 00:38:04.199
 For some, it'll be content with what we have.

00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:08.399
 For others, it'll be seeking contentment

00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:12.039
 and maybe not truly knowing what it is.

00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:15.139
 Well, Paul, as he says here,

00:38:15.500 --> 00:38:17.420
 as he's speaking of the search for contentment,

00:38:17.460 --> 00:38:19.079
 he says in verse 11,

00:38:19.240 --> 00:38:21.099
 I am not speaking of being in need,

00:38:21.200 --> 00:38:24.720
 for I have learned in whatever situation I am

00:38:24.720 --> 00:38:26.039
 to be content.

00:38:27.539 --> 00:38:29.780
 It's something that's been shaping him

00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:32.619
 throughout his whole life.

00:38:32.619 --> 00:38:35.380
 And it's something that we should be letting God

00:38:35.380 --> 00:38:37.460
 shape in our lives too.

00:38:38.339 --> 00:38:41.900
 Learning what it is to be truly content.

00:38:43.659 --> 00:38:46.739
 Paul thought he knew what contentment was

00:38:46.739 --> 00:38:48.219
 in the past.

00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:50.500
 And what he was doing was seeking

00:38:50.500 --> 00:38:53.619
 to destroy the Christian church.

00:38:54.440 --> 00:38:57.460
 He thought he was serving God in that end.

00:38:58.559 --> 00:39:00.940
 But when the Lord changed his life,

00:39:00.940 --> 00:39:03.559
 he realized that was worthless.

00:39:04.679 --> 00:39:06.400
 Worthless comparing to knowing

00:39:06.400 --> 00:39:09.159
 the surpassing worth of Christ Jesus

00:39:09.159 --> 00:39:11.980
 as he speaks about in chapter 3.

00:39:12.960 --> 00:39:14.760
 Nothing else compares

00:39:14.760 --> 00:39:19.579
 comparing to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:39:19.720 --> 00:39:22.200
 The worth of contentment in him

00:39:22.200 --> 00:39:23.559
 is everything.

00:39:25.420 --> 00:39:27.679
 And as he's going on in life,

00:39:28.400 --> 00:39:30.200
 he is learning more and more

00:39:30.199 --> 00:39:32.480
 about what it is to be content.

00:39:33.679 --> 00:39:36.779
 And that's something that we all learn too.

00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:39.679
 That we all need to learn as we go on.

00:39:40.119 --> 00:39:43.339
 What it is to be content in Christ.

00:39:44.039 --> 00:39:46.219
 That we can do all things through him

00:39:46.219 --> 00:39:48.199
 who strengthens us.

00:39:49.699 --> 00:39:51.159
 Again, that text itself,

00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:52.419
 it's one of these ones that

00:39:52.419 --> 00:39:54.359
 is so misrepresented.

00:39:54.599 --> 00:39:56.379
 It's not just to say we can do anything.

00:39:56.380 --> 00:39:59.260
 We can do anything through Christ

00:39:59.260 --> 00:40:00.320
 who strengthens us.

00:40:00.660 --> 00:40:03.240
 It's facing up to the circumstances

00:40:03.240 --> 00:40:05.599
 that Paul is speaking about here.

00:40:06.220 --> 00:40:08.700
 Whether we're in plenty or hunger,

00:40:09.240 --> 00:40:11.260
 abundance or need.

00:40:11.340 --> 00:40:12.619
 That's what he's speaking about.

00:40:13.599 --> 00:40:15.920
 I can face up to these situations.

00:40:16.140 --> 00:40:19.160
 I can be content in all of these situations

00:40:19.159 --> 00:40:22.179
 because I know the strength of Christ

00:40:22.179 --> 00:40:23.339
 with me.

00:40:24.940 --> 00:40:26.619
 And isn't that a great assurance

00:40:26.619 --> 00:40:29.699
 and reassurance for ourselves too?

00:40:30.500 --> 00:40:32.699
 That as we go into a new year,

00:40:33.079 --> 00:40:34.139
 as we look ahead,

00:40:34.219 --> 00:40:37.019
 we don't know what lies ahead for us.

00:40:37.279 --> 00:40:38.099
 None of us do.

00:40:39.179 --> 00:40:40.960
 We don't know whether it'll be times

00:40:40.960 --> 00:40:43.239
 of plenty or times of hunger.

00:40:43.239 --> 00:40:44.859
 We don't know whether it'll be times

00:40:44.859 --> 00:40:47.500
 of abundance or times of need.

00:40:48.759 --> 00:40:50.659
 But we can know for sure

00:40:50.659 --> 00:40:52.099
 that whatever it is,

00:40:52.179 --> 00:40:53.279
 we can go through them

00:40:53.279 --> 00:40:56.399
 with the strength of Christ with us.

00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:00.879
 Paul has learned to be made humble

00:41:00.879 --> 00:41:02.239
 before the Lord.

00:41:03.399 --> 00:41:05.779
 And he's shading that with the Philippians here.

00:41:05.859 --> 00:41:06.500
 He's saying to them,

00:41:06.899 --> 00:41:08.639
 it doesn't matter what we have,

00:41:08.759 --> 00:41:09.619
 whether it's status,

00:41:09.919 --> 00:41:11.159
 whether it's material things,

00:41:11.159 --> 00:41:13.179
 power, health, wealth.

00:41:13.679 --> 00:41:16.379
 All of these things can be taken from us.

00:41:17.899 --> 00:41:19.259
 But God is faithful.

00:41:20.139 --> 00:41:21.659
 And God is sufficient.

00:41:23.259 --> 00:41:25.960
 He has learned in every situation.

00:41:26.119 --> 00:41:28.179
 He's learned in his plenty

00:41:28.179 --> 00:41:29.619
 as well as his need.

00:41:30.460 --> 00:41:33.960
 When he writes to the 1st Timothy

00:41:33.960 --> 00:41:35.099
 in chapter 6,

00:41:35.219 --> 00:41:36.599
 he's there speaking about

00:41:36.599 --> 00:41:37.960
 the love of money.

00:41:38.759 --> 00:41:39.219
 And again,

00:41:39.219 --> 00:41:39.919
 the love of money is where people

00:41:39.919 --> 00:41:42.259
 chase after contentment so much

00:41:42.259 --> 00:41:43.619
 is through money,

00:41:43.799 --> 00:41:44.519
 through riches.

00:41:45.419 --> 00:41:46.459
 But he speaks about it

00:41:46.459 --> 00:41:49.179
 in chapter 6 of 1st Timothy.

00:41:49.279 --> 00:41:49.819
 In verse 10,

00:41:49.879 --> 00:41:50.179
 he says,

00:41:50.259 --> 00:41:51.139
 for the love of money

00:41:51.139 --> 00:41:53.619
 is a root of all kinds of evil.

00:41:54.179 --> 00:41:55.399
 It is through this craving

00:41:55.399 --> 00:41:56.879
 that some have wandered away

00:41:56.879 --> 00:41:57.679
 from the faith

00:41:57.679 --> 00:41:58.939
 and pierced themselves

00:41:58.939 --> 00:42:00.480
 with many pangs.

00:42:01.000 --> 00:42:01.379
 Again,

00:42:01.439 --> 00:42:02.199
 it's just this idea

00:42:02.199 --> 00:42:03.719
 that contentment is found there,

00:42:03.819 --> 00:42:05.719
 not when it brings you away

00:42:05.719 --> 00:42:06.559
 from the faith.

00:42:06.559 --> 00:42:09.519
 In verse 17,

00:42:09.719 --> 00:42:11.119
 in 1st Timothy 6,

00:42:11.199 --> 00:42:12.099
 he goes on to say,

00:42:12.599 --> 00:42:13.440
 as for the rich

00:42:13.440 --> 00:42:14.519
 in this present age,

00:42:14.679 --> 00:42:16.400
 charge them not to be haughty,

00:42:16.779 --> 00:42:18.059
 not to set their hopes

00:42:18.059 --> 00:42:19.599
 on the uncertainty of riches,

00:42:19.759 --> 00:42:20.719
 but on God,

00:42:21.219 --> 00:42:22.880
 who richly provides us

00:42:22.880 --> 00:42:24.360
 with everything to enjoy.

00:42:24.880 --> 00:42:25.199
 Again,

00:42:25.239 --> 00:42:26.699
 it's just a wonderful reminder.

00:42:27.159 --> 00:42:28.900
 Don't search for contentment

00:42:28.900 --> 00:42:30.920
 in the riches of this world.

00:42:31.460 --> 00:42:33.539
 It's uncertainty of these riches,

00:42:33.539 --> 00:42:35.659
 but on God,

00:42:36.380 --> 00:42:38.420
 God who richly provides us

00:42:38.420 --> 00:42:40.380
 with everything to enjoy.

00:42:41.820 --> 00:42:43.519
 And if we don't see our worth

00:42:43.519 --> 00:42:45.159
 or the worth of what God

00:42:45.159 --> 00:42:46.659
 has provided for us,

00:42:47.500 --> 00:42:49.099
 then we don't see God

00:42:49.099 --> 00:42:50.239
 as the one who is able

00:42:50.239 --> 00:42:53.119
 to help us in all our needs.

00:42:53.119 --> 00:42:56.400
 His provision

00:42:56.400 --> 00:42:58.400
 is for everything

00:42:58.400 --> 00:42:59.420
 that we need.

00:43:00.400 --> 00:43:02.400
 His provision provided for us

00:43:02.400 --> 00:43:03.839
 through Christ.

00:43:05.099 --> 00:43:05.440
 And now,

00:43:05.759 --> 00:43:07.199
 before these verses

00:43:07.199 --> 00:43:08.299
 in 1st Timothy,

00:43:09.460 --> 00:43:11.019
 in verse 6 and 7,

00:43:11.659 --> 00:43:12.859
 Paul says this,

00:43:12.860 --> 00:43:15.460
 Now there is great gain

00:43:15.460 --> 00:43:16.820
 in godliness

00:43:16.820 --> 00:43:18.860
 with contentment.

00:43:19.300 --> 00:43:20.420
 For we were brought,

00:43:20.640 --> 00:43:21.579
 we brought nothing

00:43:21.579 --> 00:43:22.460
 into the world

00:43:22.460 --> 00:43:24.380
 and we cannot take anything

00:43:24.380 --> 00:43:25.720
 out of the world.

00:43:26.720 --> 00:43:27.980
 So everything that he says

00:43:27.980 --> 00:43:29.099
 about the riches

00:43:29.099 --> 00:43:30.640
 and the dangers of riches

00:43:30.640 --> 00:43:32.180
 are based on these words

00:43:32.180 --> 00:43:32.840
 before it.

00:43:33.400 --> 00:43:34.380
 There is great gain

00:43:34.380 --> 00:43:35.300
 in godliness

00:43:35.300 --> 00:43:37.360
 with contentment.

00:43:38.200 --> 00:43:39.220
 And that is where

00:43:39.220 --> 00:43:41.620
 contentment is found.

00:43:42.860 --> 00:43:43.940
 Godliness

00:43:43.940 --> 00:43:45.800
 with contentment.

00:43:46.559 --> 00:43:47.000
 Faith

00:43:47.000 --> 00:43:49.140
 in our Lord Jesus Christ

00:43:49.140 --> 00:43:50.260
 to be with us

00:43:50.260 --> 00:43:52.099
 and to go before us.

00:43:52.920 --> 00:43:53.920
 And so the question is,

00:43:54.180 --> 00:43:55.680
 as we go into a new year,

00:43:55.860 --> 00:43:57.160
 where is our worth

00:43:57.160 --> 00:43:59.180
 and our value found?

00:43:59.420 --> 00:43:59.960
 Where is

00:43:59.960 --> 00:44:02.160
 our true contentment found?

00:44:03.360 --> 00:44:04.099
 John Newton,

00:44:04.460 --> 00:44:05.940
 he wrote these words,

00:44:05.940 --> 00:44:07.260
 and I think they're great words

00:44:07.260 --> 00:44:08.180
 even as we think of

00:44:08.180 --> 00:44:10.000
 going into a new year.

00:44:11.039 --> 00:44:12.640
 May the grace of Christ

00:44:12.639 --> 00:44:13.379
 our Savior

00:44:13.379 --> 00:44:14.980
 and the Father's

00:44:14.980 --> 00:44:16.199
 boundless love

00:44:16.199 --> 00:44:18.779
 with the Holy Spirit's favor

00:44:18.779 --> 00:44:20.480
 rest upon us

00:44:20.480 --> 00:44:21.179
 from above.

00:44:21.900 --> 00:44:23.199
 Thus may we abide

00:44:23.199 --> 00:44:23.779
 in union

00:44:23.779 --> 00:44:25.059
 with each other

00:44:25.059 --> 00:44:26.019
 and the Lord

00:44:26.019 --> 00:44:27.539
 and possess

00:44:27.539 --> 00:44:28.859
 in sweet communion

00:44:28.859 --> 00:44:30.779
 joys which earth

00:44:30.779 --> 00:44:32.339
 cannot afford.

00:44:33.079 --> 00:44:34.199
 Wonderful words,

00:44:34.299 --> 00:44:35.440
 just to think of where

00:44:35.440 --> 00:44:37.059
 our contentment

00:44:37.059 --> 00:44:38.139
 is found.

00:44:38.139 --> 00:44:39.420
 may we enjoy

00:44:39.420 --> 00:44:39.980
 and possess

00:44:39.980 --> 00:44:41.779
 in sweet communion

00:44:41.779 --> 00:44:42.579
 joys

00:44:42.579 --> 00:44:43.839
 which earth

00:44:43.839 --> 00:44:45.440
 cannot afford.

00:44:47.139 --> 00:44:48.359
 To know

00:44:48.359 --> 00:44:50.519
 that contentment

00:44:50.519 --> 00:44:51.699
 in Christ,

00:44:52.639 --> 00:44:53.119
 godliness

00:44:53.119 --> 00:44:54.500
 with contentment

00:44:54.500 --> 00:44:56.339
 is great gain.

00:44:57.539 --> 00:44:58.440
 That is where

00:44:58.440 --> 00:44:59.659
 we are to look

00:44:59.659 --> 00:45:01.179
 for our contentment.

00:45:01.539 --> 00:45:02.000
 And that's where

00:45:02.000 --> 00:45:02.980
 we just want to finally

00:45:02.980 --> 00:45:03.859
 just focus on

00:45:03.859 --> 00:45:04.859
 for a few moments.

00:45:04.860 --> 00:45:06.300
 that source

00:45:06.300 --> 00:45:08.420
 of contentment.

00:45:10.160 --> 00:45:11.000
 I can do all

00:45:11.000 --> 00:45:11.740
 things

00:45:11.740 --> 00:45:13.519
 not by myself,

00:45:14.019 --> 00:45:15.460
 not with the help

00:45:15.460 --> 00:45:16.099
 of others.

00:45:16.740 --> 00:45:17.620
 I can do all

00:45:17.620 --> 00:45:18.240
 things

00:45:18.240 --> 00:45:19.420
 through him

00:45:19.420 --> 00:45:21.140
 who strengthens

00:45:21.140 --> 00:45:21.539
 me.

00:45:22.539 --> 00:45:23.300
 Paul is not

00:45:23.300 --> 00:45:23.880
 Superman.

00:45:25.320 --> 00:45:26.079
 Paul is not

00:45:26.079 --> 00:45:27.099
 some kind of

00:45:27.099 --> 00:45:27.840
 hero who can

00:45:27.840 --> 00:45:28.599
 face up to

00:45:28.599 --> 00:45:29.400
 any situation

00:45:29.400 --> 00:45:30.380
 through his own

00:45:30.380 --> 00:45:31.160
 strength,

00:45:31.159 --> 00:45:33.379
 but through

00:45:33.379 --> 00:45:33.859
 the joy

00:45:33.859 --> 00:45:34.480
 of the Lord

00:45:34.480 --> 00:45:35.379
 as his strength.

00:45:36.339 --> 00:45:37.239
 Through the strength

00:45:37.239 --> 00:45:38.679
 that he gives

00:45:38.679 --> 00:45:39.739
 through Christ

00:45:39.739 --> 00:45:40.699
 to his people.

00:45:41.279 --> 00:45:41.899
 Through him

00:45:41.899 --> 00:45:43.079
 who gives

00:45:43.079 --> 00:45:44.139
 me strength.

00:45:45.039 --> 00:45:45.920
 Paul begins

00:45:45.920 --> 00:45:46.819
 this section

00:45:46.819 --> 00:45:48.059
 with a sense

00:45:48.059 --> 00:45:48.799
 of rejoicing

00:45:48.799 --> 00:45:49.359
 in verse 10.

00:45:49.420 --> 00:45:50.039
 I rejoiced

00:45:50.039 --> 00:45:50.500
 in the Lord

00:45:50.500 --> 00:45:51.059
 greatly

00:45:51.059 --> 00:45:52.539
 that they

00:45:52.539 --> 00:45:53.199
 had provided

00:45:53.199 --> 00:45:53.799
 for him.

00:45:54.679 --> 00:45:55.799
 And in verse 13

00:45:55.799 --> 00:45:56.599
 there's this sense

00:45:56.599 --> 00:45:57.899
 of joy as well.

00:45:58.359 --> 00:45:59.019
 Joy in that

00:45:59.019 --> 00:45:59.639
 I can do all

00:45:59.639 --> 00:46:00.219
 things

00:46:00.219 --> 00:46:01.159
 through him

00:46:01.159 --> 00:46:02.059
 who strengthens

00:46:02.059 --> 00:46:02.259
 me.

00:46:02.379 --> 00:46:02.939
 Joy that he

00:46:02.939 --> 00:46:03.559
 is sharing

00:46:03.559 --> 00:46:04.559
 with the people

00:46:04.559 --> 00:46:05.279
 at Philippi

00:46:05.279 --> 00:46:06.019
 who are giving

00:46:06.019 --> 00:46:07.099
 out of their

00:46:07.099 --> 00:46:07.619
 poverty.

00:46:07.779 --> 00:46:08.139
 They're giving

00:46:08.139 --> 00:46:08.739
 to him.

00:46:09.319 --> 00:46:09.959
 He mentions

00:46:09.959 --> 00:46:11.079
 in verse 16

00:46:11.079 --> 00:46:12.179
 that even

00:46:12.179 --> 00:46:13.079
 in Thessalonica

00:46:13.079 --> 00:46:13.879
 you sent me

00:46:13.879 --> 00:46:14.859
 help for my

00:46:14.859 --> 00:46:15.559
 needs once

00:46:15.559 --> 00:46:16.000
 and again.

00:46:16.119 --> 00:46:16.559
 Why make

00:46:16.559 --> 00:46:17.219
 that point?

00:46:17.739 --> 00:46:18.139
 Because

00:46:18.139 --> 00:46:18.859
 Thessalonica

00:46:18.859 --> 00:46:19.480
 is a rich

00:46:19.480 --> 00:46:19.859
 place,

00:46:19.899 --> 00:46:20.359
 a place

00:46:20.359 --> 00:46:21.179
 of plenty,

00:46:21.939 --> 00:46:22.239
 and yet

00:46:22.239 --> 00:46:23.179
 the Philippians

00:46:23.179 --> 00:46:23.599
 they were

00:46:23.599 --> 00:46:24.639
 sending even

00:46:24.639 --> 00:46:25.679
 there to

00:46:25.679 --> 00:46:26.439
 help him.

00:46:28.359 --> 00:46:28.799
 So there

00:46:28.799 --> 00:46:29.679
 is this joy

00:46:29.679 --> 00:46:31.000
 in serving

00:46:31.000 --> 00:46:31.559
 the Lord,

00:46:31.719 --> 00:46:32.279
 joy in

00:46:32.279 --> 00:46:32.739
 knowing the

00:46:32.739 --> 00:46:33.279
 strength

00:46:33.279 --> 00:46:34.299
 that he

00:46:34.299 --> 00:46:34.699
 gives.

00:46:34.839 --> 00:46:35.239
 So whether

00:46:35.239 --> 00:46:36.359
 it's a year

00:46:36.359 --> 00:46:37.139
 of plenty

00:46:37.139 --> 00:46:37.940
 or poverty,

00:46:38.079 --> 00:46:38.519
 whether we're

00:46:38.519 --> 00:46:39.359
 well fed

00:46:39.359 --> 00:46:40.199
 or hungry,

00:46:40.659 --> 00:46:41.719
 whatever lies

00:46:41.719 --> 00:46:43.079
 ahead for us,

00:46:43.739 --> 00:46:44.819
 our contentment,

00:46:44.940 --> 00:46:45.679
 our peace,

00:46:46.279 --> 00:46:47.239
 our strength

00:46:47.239 --> 00:46:48.359
 is found

00:46:48.359 --> 00:46:49.759
 in Christ.

00:46:50.719 --> 00:46:51.639
 And that is

00:46:51.639 --> 00:46:52.299
 what we want

00:46:52.299 --> 00:46:52.719
 to know

00:46:52.719 --> 00:46:53.559
 for ourselves

00:46:53.559 --> 00:46:54.079
 surely

00:46:54.079 --> 00:46:55.000
 as we

00:46:55.000 --> 00:46:55.840
 go forward.

00:46:56.340 --> 00:46:56.900
 To go

00:46:56.900 --> 00:46:57.420
 forward

00:46:57.420 --> 00:46:58.900
 in his

00:46:58.900 --> 00:46:59.759
 strength.

00:47:00.440 --> 00:47:00.900
 To go

00:47:00.900 --> 00:47:01.440
 forward

00:47:01.440 --> 00:47:02.099
 knowing

00:47:02.099 --> 00:47:02.579
 his

00:47:02.579 --> 00:47:03.119
 peace

00:47:03.119 --> 00:47:04.299
 and his

00:47:04.299 --> 00:47:05.179
 presence.

00:47:06.659 --> 00:47:07.119
 That

00:47:07.119 --> 00:47:07.519
 verse,

00:47:07.739 --> 00:47:08.460
 verse 13,

00:47:08.539 --> 00:47:08.960
 I can do

00:47:08.960 --> 00:47:09.719
 all things

00:47:09.719 --> 00:47:10.819
 through him

00:47:10.819 --> 00:47:11.980
 who strengthens

00:47:11.980 --> 00:47:12.159
 me.

00:47:12.239 --> 00:47:12.739
 There's two

00:47:12.739 --> 00:47:13.599
 dangers for

00:47:13.599 --> 00:47:14.119
 us in

00:47:14.119 --> 00:47:14.799
 these verses,

00:47:16.119 --> 00:47:16.639
 in this

00:47:16.639 --> 00:47:16.900
 verse.

00:47:17.159 --> 00:47:17.900
 One is to

00:47:17.900 --> 00:47:18.360
 say the

00:47:18.360 --> 00:47:19.099
 focus is on

00:47:19.099 --> 00:47:19.420
 us.

00:47:19.420 --> 00:47:21.539
 I can do

00:47:21.539 --> 00:47:22.420
 all things.

00:47:24.000 --> 00:47:24.920
 We don't

00:47:24.920 --> 00:47:25.960
 lean one

00:47:25.960 --> 00:47:26.900
 way in

00:47:26.900 --> 00:47:27.720
 that sense.

00:47:28.400 --> 00:47:28.760
 But there's

00:47:28.760 --> 00:47:29.240
 a second

00:47:29.240 --> 00:47:30.079
 danger and

00:47:30.079 --> 00:47:30.599
 it says

00:47:30.599 --> 00:47:31.639
 through him

00:47:31.639 --> 00:47:32.680
 who strengthens

00:47:32.680 --> 00:47:33.059
 me.

00:47:34.079 --> 00:47:34.480
 Where we

00:47:34.480 --> 00:47:35.280
 just wait

00:47:35.280 --> 00:47:35.940
 as it were.

00:47:36.700 --> 00:47:37.200
 Wait for

00:47:37.200 --> 00:47:37.740
 the Lord.

00:47:39.700 --> 00:47:40.220
 The two

00:47:40.220 --> 00:47:40.880
 go hand

00:47:40.880 --> 00:47:41.360
 in hand.

00:47:42.579 --> 00:47:43.420
 I can do

00:47:43.420 --> 00:47:44.300
 all things.

00:47:44.420 --> 00:47:44.820
 I can go

00:47:44.820 --> 00:47:45.440
 through all

00:47:45.440 --> 00:47:45.840
 of these

00:47:45.840 --> 00:47:47.119
 things through

00:47:47.119 --> 00:47:47.780
 him who

00:47:47.780 --> 00:47:48.500
 strengthens

00:47:48.500 --> 00:47:48.760
 me.

00:47:49.780 --> 00:47:50.260
 Just like

00:47:50.260 --> 00:47:50.720
 we had

00:47:50.720 --> 00:47:51.720
 on the

00:47:51.720 --> 00:47:52.440
 notice sheet

00:47:52.440 --> 00:47:53.159
 yesterday on

00:47:53.159 --> 00:47:53.579
 the back

00:47:53.579 --> 00:47:53.900
 of it,

00:47:53.920 --> 00:47:54.500
 that poem

00:47:54.500 --> 00:47:56.400
 by

00:47:56.400 --> 00:47:57.019
 Minnie

00:47:57.019 --> 00:47:57.860
 Harkins.

00:47:58.800 --> 00:47:59.539
 I said

00:47:59.539 --> 00:47:59.800
 to the

00:47:59.800 --> 00:48:00.260
 man who

00:48:00.260 --> 00:48:00.619
 stood at

00:48:00.619 --> 00:48:01.000
 the gate

00:48:01.000 --> 00:48:01.260
 of the

00:48:01.260 --> 00:48:01.480
 year,

00:48:01.579 --> 00:48:01.800
 give me

00:48:01.800 --> 00:48:02.240
 a light

00:48:02.240 --> 00:48:02.579
 that I

00:48:02.579 --> 00:48:02.740
 may

00:48:02.740 --> 00:48:03.079
 tread

00:48:03.079 --> 00:48:03.659
 safely

00:48:03.659 --> 00:48:03.980
 into

00:48:03.980 --> 00:48:04.139
 the

00:48:04.139 --> 00:48:04.480
 unknown.

00:48:04.659 --> 00:48:04.880
 And he

00:48:04.880 --> 00:48:05.519
 replied,

00:48:06.159 --> 00:48:06.539
 go out

00:48:06.539 --> 00:48:06.880
 into the

00:48:06.880 --> 00:48:07.240
 darkness

00:48:07.240 --> 00:48:07.599
 and put

00:48:07.599 --> 00:48:07.760
 your

00:48:07.760 --> 00:48:08.300
 hand

00:48:08.300 --> 00:48:09.000
 into

00:48:09.000 --> 00:48:09.220
 the

00:48:09.220 --> 00:48:09.579
 hand

00:48:09.579 --> 00:48:09.800
 of

00:48:09.800 --> 00:48:10.200
 God.

00:48:10.800 --> 00:48:11.079
 That

00:48:11.079 --> 00:48:11.280
 shall

00:48:11.280 --> 00:48:11.639
 be

00:48:11.639 --> 00:48:12.159
 to

00:48:12.159 --> 00:48:12.420
 you

00:48:12.420 --> 00:48:12.840
 better

00:48:12.840 --> 00:48:13.139
 than

00:48:13.139 --> 00:48:13.539
 light

00:48:13.539 --> 00:48:14.180
 and

00:48:14.180 --> 00:48:14.680
 safer

00:48:14.680 --> 00:48:15.180
 than

00:48:15.180 --> 00:48:15.320
 a

00:48:15.320 --> 00:48:15.559
 known

00:48:15.559 --> 00:48:15.920
 way.

00:48:16.599 --> 00:48:17.019
 So I

00:48:17.019 --> 00:48:17.240
 went

00:48:17.240 --> 00:48:17.700
 forth

00:48:17.700 --> 00:48:18.340
 and finding

00:48:18.340 --> 00:48:18.599
 the

00:48:18.599 --> 00:48:19.139
 hand of

00:48:19.139 --> 00:48:19.539
 God

00:48:19.539 --> 00:48:20.299
 throgged

00:48:20.299 --> 00:48:20.859
 gladly

00:48:20.859 --> 00:48:21.259
 into

00:48:21.259 --> 00:48:21.460
 the

00:48:21.460 --> 00:48:21.799
 night

00:48:21.799 --> 00:48:22.440
 and

00:48:22.440 --> 00:48:22.639
 he

00:48:22.639 --> 00:48:22.940
 led

00:48:22.940 --> 00:48:23.279
 me

00:48:23.279 --> 00:48:24.179
 towards

00:48:24.179 --> 00:48:24.500
 the

00:48:24.500 --> 00:48:24.900
 hills

00:48:24.900 --> 00:48:25.279
 and the

00:48:25.279 --> 00:48:25.599
 breaking

00:48:25.599 --> 00:48:25.960
 of the

00:48:25.960 --> 00:48:26.279
 day

00:48:26.279 --> 00:48:27.119
 in the

00:48:27.119 --> 00:48:27.379
 lone

00:48:27.379 --> 00:48:28.079
 east,

00:48:28.500 --> 00:48:29.039
 going

00:48:29.039 --> 00:48:29.639
 hand

00:48:29.639 --> 00:48:30.339
 in

00:48:30.339 --> 00:48:30.759
 hand

00:48:30.759 --> 00:48:31.239
 with

00:48:31.239 --> 00:48:31.719
 God

00:48:31.719 --> 00:48:32.759
 trusting

00:48:32.759 --> 00:48:33.940
 ourselves

00:48:33.940 --> 00:48:34.379
 to

00:48:34.379 --> 00:48:34.719
 him.

00:48:35.259 --> 00:48:35.460
 May

00:48:35.460 --> 00:48:35.739
 this

00:48:35.739 --> 00:48:36.159
 be a

00:48:36.159 --> 00:48:36.500
 year

00:48:36.500 --> 00:48:37.539
 when we

00:48:37.539 --> 00:48:38.099
 go on

00:48:38.099 --> 00:48:38.659
 learning

00:48:38.659 --> 00:48:39.679
 more of

00:48:39.679 --> 00:48:40.059
 what it

00:48:40.059 --> 00:48:40.980
 is to

00:48:40.980 --> 00:48:41.699
 be content,

00:48:42.480 --> 00:48:42.940
 learning

00:48:42.940 --> 00:48:43.599
 more of

00:48:43.599 --> 00:48:44.000
 what it

00:48:44.000 --> 00:48:45.000
 is to

00:48:45.000 --> 00:48:45.379
 know the

00:48:45.379 --> 00:48:45.940
 strength

00:48:45.940 --> 00:48:46.299
 of the

00:48:46.299 --> 00:48:46.639
 Lord

00:48:46.639 --> 00:48:47.000
 through

00:48:47.000 --> 00:48:47.619
 all our

00:48:47.619 --> 00:48:48.179
 different

00:48:48.179 --> 00:48:49.480
 ways of

00:48:49.480 --> 00:48:49.900
 life,

00:48:50.000 --> 00:48:50.599
 whatever it

00:48:50.599 --> 00:48:51.239
 entails,

00:48:52.319 --> 00:48:52.619
 through

00:48:52.619 --> 00:48:53.379
 plenty or

00:48:53.379 --> 00:48:53.759
 hunger,

00:48:53.940 --> 00:48:54.079
 through

00:48:54.079 --> 00:48:54.859
 abundance

00:48:54.860 --> 00:48:56.079
 need,

00:48:56.079 --> 00:48:56.900
 that we

00:48:56.900 --> 00:48:57.220
 will go

00:48:57.220 --> 00:48:57.860
 forward

00:48:57.860 --> 00:48:59.140
 in his

00:48:59.140 --> 00:48:59.780
 strength.

00:49:01.380 --> 00:49:01.960
 He is the

00:49:01.960 --> 00:49:02.880
 sovereign one

00:49:02.880 --> 00:49:04.300
 to whom I

00:49:04.300 --> 00:49:05.200
 must submit.

00:49:06.079 --> 00:49:06.760
 He is the

00:49:06.760 --> 00:49:07.320
 saviour

00:49:07.320 --> 00:49:08.260
 whom I

00:49:08.260 --> 00:49:09.140
 must serve.

00:49:09.800 --> 00:49:10.440
 He is the

00:49:10.440 --> 00:49:11.559
 sufficient one

00:49:11.559 --> 00:49:12.640
 whom I

00:49:12.640 --> 00:49:13.539
 must trust.

00:49:14.599 --> 00:49:15.059
 That's how

00:49:15.059 --> 00:49:15.620
 somebody

00:49:15.620 --> 00:49:17.000
 once put it.

00:49:17.000 --> 00:49:18.420
 And if we

00:49:18.420 --> 00:49:18.980
 know all

00:49:18.980 --> 00:49:19.460
 of these

00:49:19.460 --> 00:49:20.099
 things,

00:49:20.780 --> 00:49:21.460
 we will

00:49:21.460 --> 00:49:21.699
 know

00:49:21.699 --> 00:49:22.320
 godliness

00:49:22.320 --> 00:49:23.420
 with

00:49:23.420 --> 00:49:24.360
 contentment,

00:49:24.840 --> 00:49:25.400
 which is

00:49:25.400 --> 00:49:26.460
 great gain.

00:49:27.219 --> 00:49:27.659
 So may

00:49:27.659 --> 00:49:28.119
 we go

00:49:28.119 --> 00:49:28.659
 forward

00:49:28.659 --> 00:49:29.659
 with these

00:49:29.659 --> 00:49:30.340
 words to

00:49:30.340 --> 00:49:30.960
 ourselves.

00:49:31.099 --> 00:49:31.380
 I can

00:49:31.380 --> 00:49:31.900
 do all

00:49:31.900 --> 00:49:32.579
 things

00:49:32.579 --> 00:49:33.420
 through

00:49:33.420 --> 00:49:33.880
 him

00:49:33.880 --> 00:49:34.659
 who

00:49:34.659 --> 00:49:35.599
 strengthens

00:49:35.599 --> 00:49:36.119
 me.

00:49:36.699 --> 00:49:37.139
 Let us

00:49:37.139 --> 00:49:37.420
 pray.

00:49:39.900 --> 00:49:40.579
 Our

00:49:40.579 --> 00:49:41.440
 Father in

00:49:41.440 --> 00:49:41.800
 heaven,

00:49:42.019 --> 00:49:42.539
 we thank

00:49:42.539 --> 00:49:43.000
 you for

00:49:43.000 --> 00:49:43.400
 every

00:49:43.400 --> 00:49:44.519
 circumstance,

00:49:44.739 --> 00:49:45.079
 for every

00:49:45.079 --> 00:49:45.900
 situation

00:49:45.900 --> 00:49:47.039
 that we

00:49:47.039 --> 00:49:47.480
 find

00:49:47.480 --> 00:49:48.099
 ourselves

00:49:48.099 --> 00:49:48.900
 facing up

00:49:48.900 --> 00:49:49.139
 to,

00:49:49.780 --> 00:49:50.240
 that we

00:49:50.240 --> 00:49:51.139
 have you

00:49:51.139 --> 00:49:51.599
 on our

00:49:51.599 --> 00:49:52.039
 side,

00:49:52.139 --> 00:49:52.380
 that we

00:49:52.380 --> 00:49:52.880
 have you

00:49:52.880 --> 00:49:53.280
 as the

00:49:53.280 --> 00:49:54.380
 one who

00:49:54.380 --> 00:49:54.880
 is able

00:49:54.880 --> 00:49:55.480
 to make

00:49:55.480 --> 00:49:56.280
 us content,

00:49:56.960 --> 00:49:57.320
 the one

00:49:57.320 --> 00:49:57.840
 who is able

00:49:57.840 --> 00:49:58.240
 to give

00:49:58.240 --> 00:49:59.019
 us strength

00:49:59.019 --> 00:49:59.440
 to go

00:49:59.440 --> 00:50:00.559
 through all

00:50:00.559 --> 00:50:00.820
 that we

00:50:00.820 --> 00:50:01.500
 face up

00:50:01.500 --> 00:50:01.680
 to,

00:50:01.740 --> 00:50:02.119
 whether it

00:50:02.119 --> 00:50:02.720
 is time

00:50:02.720 --> 00:50:04.039
 of plenty

00:50:04.039 --> 00:50:04.579
 or time

00:50:04.579 --> 00:50:05.160
 of hunger,

00:50:05.320 --> 00:50:05.680
 time of

00:50:05.680 --> 00:50:06.400
 abundance

00:50:06.400 --> 00:50:07.500
 or time

00:50:07.500 --> 00:50:08.059
 of need.

00:50:08.579 --> 00:50:09.039
 May we

00:50:09.039 --> 00:50:09.559
 know the

00:50:09.559 --> 00:50:10.260
 strength of

00:50:10.260 --> 00:50:10.700
 the Lord

00:50:10.700 --> 00:50:11.160
 as our

00:50:11.160 --> 00:50:12.139
 help in

00:50:12.139 --> 00:50:12.519
 all the

00:50:12.519 --> 00:50:13.160
 days that

00:50:13.160 --> 00:50:13.780
 lie ahead.

00:50:14.300 --> 00:50:14.720
 May you

00:50:14.720 --> 00:50:15.380
 bless us,

00:50:15.539 --> 00:50:15.720
 Lord,

00:50:15.719 --> 00:50:16.119
 and give

00:50:16.119 --> 00:50:17.079
 us your

00:50:17.079 --> 00:50:18.039
 contentment,

00:50:18.559 --> 00:50:19.399
 your peace

00:50:19.399 --> 00:50:20.119
 that passes

00:50:20.119 --> 00:50:21.579
 all understanding

00:50:21.579 --> 00:50:22.439
 that we

00:50:22.439 --> 00:50:22.859
 will be able

00:50:22.859 --> 00:50:23.339
 to lean

00:50:23.339 --> 00:50:24.000
 upon and

00:50:24.000 --> 00:50:24.639
 rest on

00:50:24.639 --> 00:50:25.659
 you for

00:50:25.659 --> 00:50:26.179
 all of

00:50:26.179 --> 00:50:26.839
 these things.

00:50:26.980 --> 00:50:27.319
 Continue

00:50:27.319 --> 00:50:27.799
 with us,

00:50:27.859 --> 00:50:28.319
 we pray,

00:50:28.859 --> 00:50:29.159
 throughout

00:50:29.159 --> 00:50:29.879
 this day

00:50:29.879 --> 00:50:30.399
 and in

00:50:30.399 --> 00:50:30.819
 all the

00:50:30.819 --> 00:50:31.519
 days ahead,

00:50:31.619 --> 00:50:31.739
 Lord,

00:50:31.779 --> 00:50:32.119
 as we

00:50:32.119 --> 00:50:33.179
 seek your

00:50:33.179 --> 00:50:33.719
 will and

00:50:33.719 --> 00:50:34.219
 seek your

00:50:34.219 --> 00:50:34.980
 blessing on

00:50:34.980 --> 00:50:35.239
 us.

00:50:35.679 --> 00:50:36.279
 We ask,

00:50:36.459 --> 00:50:36.639
 O Lord,

00:50:36.719 --> 00:50:36.919
 that you

00:50:36.919 --> 00:50:37.259
 would go

00:50:37.259 --> 00:50:38.119
 before us,

00:50:38.519 --> 00:50:39.119
 guiding our

00:50:39.119 --> 00:50:39.679
 steps,

00:50:39.839 --> 00:50:40.399
 our thoughts,

00:50:40.459 --> 00:50:41.019
 and all our

00:50:41.019 --> 00:50:42.139
 actions to

00:50:42.139 --> 00:50:42.799
 be for your

00:50:42.799 --> 00:50:43.919
 glory and

00:50:43.919 --> 00:50:44.219
 for the

00:50:44.219 --> 00:50:44.839
 greater good

00:50:44.840 --> 00:50:45.260
 of all

00:50:45.260 --> 00:50:46.039
 around us,

00:50:46.240 --> 00:50:46.720
 that your

00:50:46.720 --> 00:50:47.260
 light would

00:50:47.260 --> 00:50:47.920
 shine upon

00:50:47.920 --> 00:50:48.240
 us,

00:50:48.300 --> 00:50:48.640
 that your

00:50:48.640 --> 00:50:49.360
 truth be

00:50:49.360 --> 00:50:49.660
 known.

00:50:50.180 --> 00:50:50.960
 So hear our

00:50:50.960 --> 00:50:51.640
 prayers and

00:50:51.640 --> 00:50:52.260
 pardon our

00:50:52.260 --> 00:50:53.400
 sins as we

00:50:53.400 --> 00:50:54.140
 ask it all in

00:50:54.140 --> 00:50:54.900
 Jesus' name.

00:50:55.440 --> 00:50:55.740
 Amen.

00:50:55.739 --> 00:51:00.299
 We're going to

00:51:00.299 --> 00:51:01.099
 conclude by

00:51:01.099 --> 00:51:02.139
 singing to

00:51:02.139 --> 00:51:03.039
 God's praise

00:51:03.039 --> 00:51:04.439
 in Psalm 65

00:51:04.439 --> 00:51:05.019
 and the

00:51:05.019 --> 00:51:05.739
 Sing Psalms

00:51:05.739 --> 00:51:06.179
 version,

00:51:07.179 --> 00:51:08.199
 page 82

00:51:08.199 --> 00:51:09.339
 of the

00:51:09.339 --> 00:51:09.859
 psalm book.

00:51:12.239 --> 00:51:13.339
 Psalm 65

00:51:13.339 --> 00:51:15.439
 page 82

00:51:15.439 --> 00:51:16.179
 will sing from

00:51:16.179 --> 00:51:17.219
 verse 9 down

00:51:17.219 --> 00:51:18.719
 to the end

00:51:18.719 --> 00:51:19.199
 of the

00:51:19.199 --> 00:51:19.659
 psalm.

00:51:19.659 --> 00:51:20.379
 psalm.

00:51:23.379 --> 00:51:24.139
 It's a

00:51:24.139 --> 00:51:24.599
 psalm of

00:51:24.599 --> 00:51:25.779
 praise to

00:51:25.779 --> 00:51:26.339
 God as

00:51:26.339 --> 00:51:26.759
 the psalm

00:51:26.759 --> 00:51:27.179
 begins,

00:51:27.279 --> 00:51:27.379
 and

00:51:27.379 --> 00:51:27.739
 Sion

00:51:27.739 --> 00:51:28.279
 praise

00:51:28.279 --> 00:51:28.779
 awaits

00:51:28.779 --> 00:51:29.000
 you,

00:51:29.119 --> 00:51:29.259
 Lord,

00:51:29.359 --> 00:51:29.699
 to you

00:51:29.699 --> 00:51:29.899
 our

00:51:29.899 --> 00:51:30.239
 vows

00:51:30.239 --> 00:51:31.079
 will

00:51:31.079 --> 00:51:31.519
 pay.

00:51:32.039 --> 00:51:32.399
 But then

00:51:32.399 --> 00:51:33.179
 towards the

00:51:33.179 --> 00:51:33.759
 end of

00:51:33.759 --> 00:51:34.259
 the psalm,

00:51:34.299 --> 00:51:34.920
 verse 9

00:51:34.920 --> 00:51:35.699
 to 13,

00:51:35.699 --> 00:51:36.359
 it reminds

00:51:36.359 --> 00:51:36.739
 us that

00:51:36.739 --> 00:51:37.119
 everything

00:51:37.119 --> 00:51:38.199
 that we

00:51:38.199 --> 00:51:38.839
 have is

00:51:38.839 --> 00:51:39.759
 from the

00:51:39.759 --> 00:51:40.339
 hand of

00:51:40.339 --> 00:51:40.679
 God.

00:51:40.799 --> 00:51:41.099
 And verse

00:51:41.099 --> 00:51:42.059
 11 especially

00:51:42.059 --> 00:51:43.000
 speaks about

00:51:43.000 --> 00:51:44.379
 our situation

00:51:44.379 --> 00:51:44.920
 today.

00:51:45.699 --> 00:51:46.239
 You crown

00:51:46.239 --> 00:51:46.799
 the year

00:51:46.799 --> 00:51:47.039
 with

00:51:47.039 --> 00:51:47.659
 fruitfulness,

00:51:47.940 --> 00:51:48.099
 your

00:51:48.099 --> 00:51:48.779
 harvests

00:51:48.780 --> 00:51:49.640
 overflow,

00:51:50.220 --> 00:51:50.440
 the

00:51:50.440 --> 00:51:51.160
 grassland

00:51:51.160 --> 00:51:51.840
 flourishes

00:51:51.840 --> 00:51:52.300
 again,

00:51:52.400 --> 00:51:52.960
 the hills

00:51:52.960 --> 00:51:53.700
 with

00:51:53.700 --> 00:51:54.580
 gladness

00:51:54.580 --> 00:51:55.360
 glow.

00:51:55.920 --> 00:51:56.519
 That's our

00:51:56.519 --> 00:51:57.180
 prayer as we

00:51:57.180 --> 00:51:57.780
 go on to

00:51:57.780 --> 00:51:59.000
 a new

00:51:59.000 --> 00:51:59.460
 year that

00:51:59.460 --> 00:51:59.900
 the Lord

00:51:59.900 --> 00:52:00.580
 would crown

00:52:00.580 --> 00:52:01.540
 the year

00:52:01.540 --> 00:52:02.019
 with his

00:52:02.019 --> 00:52:02.700
 fruitfulness

00:52:02.700 --> 00:52:03.460
 and everything,

00:52:03.940 --> 00:52:04.360
 not just

00:52:04.360 --> 00:52:05.040
 the abundance

00:52:05.040 --> 00:52:05.560
 of the

00:52:05.560 --> 00:52:06.260
 grassland

00:52:06.260 --> 00:52:06.900
 flourishing,

00:52:07.420 --> 00:52:07.860
 but as we

00:52:07.860 --> 00:52:08.180
 think of

00:52:08.180 --> 00:52:08.860
 the harvest

00:52:08.860 --> 00:52:10.019
 that we

00:52:10.019 --> 00:52:10.800
 see before

00:52:10.800 --> 00:52:11.480
 us in

00:52:11.480 --> 00:52:11.900
 our day

00:52:11.900 --> 00:52:12.280
 and our

00:52:12.280 --> 00:52:12.700
 age,

00:52:13.240 --> 00:52:13.740
 a people

00:52:13.740 --> 00:52:14.120
 in need

00:52:14.120 --> 00:52:14.820
 of Christ,

00:52:15.460 --> 00:52:15.960
 the Lord

00:52:15.960 --> 00:52:16.640
 would crown

00:52:16.640 --> 00:52:17.900
 his year

00:52:17.900 --> 00:52:18.580
 with a

00:52:18.579 --> 00:52:19.019
 fruitful

00:52:19.019 --> 00:52:19.920
 harvest of

00:52:19.920 --> 00:52:20.980
 those who

00:52:20.980 --> 00:52:21.799
 would praise

00:52:21.799 --> 00:52:22.779
 the Lord.

00:52:22.900 --> 00:52:23.259
 We'll sing

00:52:23.259 --> 00:52:23.699
 from verse

00:52:23.699 --> 00:52:24.400
 9 to

00:52:24.400 --> 00:52:25.039
 13,

00:52:25.599 --> 00:52:25.960
 the tune

00:52:25.960 --> 00:52:26.659
 is Glasgow

00:52:26.659 --> 00:52:27.299
 and we

00:52:27.299 --> 00:52:28.039
 stand to

00:52:28.039 --> 00:52:28.279
 sing.

00:52:28.279 --> 00:52:29.539
 Amen.

00:52:29.960 --> 00:52:30.279
 Amen.

00:52:30.460 --> 00:52:31.619
 Amen.

00:52:31.619 --> 00:52:32.980
 Amen.

00:52:32.980 --> 00:52:33.400
 Amen.

00:52:33.400 --> 00:52:34.619
 Amen.

00:52:34.619 --> 00:52:34.759
 Amen.

00:52:34.759 --> 00:52:35.420
 Amen.

00:52:35.420 --> 00:52:36.519
 Amen.

00:52:41.039 --> 00:52:41.559
 Amen.

00:52:41.559 --> 00:52:43.099
 Amen.

00:52:43.099 --> 00:52:43.440
 Amen.

00:52:43.440 --> 00:52:43.559
 Amen.

00:52:43.559 --> 00:52:44.019
 Amen.

00:52:44.019 --> 00:52:44.159
 Amen.

00:52:44.159 --> 00:52:44.579
 Amen.

00:52:44.579 --> 00:52:45.159
 Amen.

00:52:45.159 --> 00:52:45.539
 Amen.

00:52:45.539 --> 00:52:46.099
 Amen.

00:52:46.099 --> 00:52:46.199
 Amen.

00:52:46.199 --> 00:52:46.219
 Amen.

00:52:46.219 --> 00:52:46.500
 Amen.

00:52:46.500 --> 00:52:47.539
 Amen.

00:52:47.539 --> 00:52:48.099
 Amen.

00:52:48.099 --> 00:53:02.759
 As you ordained, your streams are full to get the people's bread.

00:53:02.760 --> 00:53:19.820
 You page the parables of the land, you level of the ground.

00:53:19.820 --> 00:53:36.400
 You soften it with showers of rain, and make its crops a land.

00:53:36.400 --> 00:53:51.400
 You've done the year with fruitfulness, your harvest overflow.

00:53:51.400 --> 00:54:08.599
 The grass that flourishes again, the hills with gladness flow.

00:54:08.599 --> 00:54:24.860
 The pastures green with lots are clothed, the meadows covering.

00:54:24.860 --> 00:54:41.740
 The valleys, they themselves with corn, they shout for joy and sing.

00:54:43.860 --> 00:54:46.700
 After the benediction, I'll go to the main door.

00:54:47.099 --> 00:54:48.300
 We'll close with a benediction.

00:54:48.300 --> 00:54:54.380
 Now may grace, mercy and peace from God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit

00:54:54.380 --> 00:54:58.780
 rest upon and abide with you all now and forevermore.

00:54:59.180 --> 00:54:59.539
 Amen.