Stand Firm | Sean Fryer | Ecclesiastes 9-11

Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Oh, we're listening. Oh, we're listening. [music] We're listening. Holy Spirit, [music] We're listening. Holy Spirit, [music] We're listening. Holy Spirit, come and roll. Come [music] and speak. come and roll. Come [music] and speak. come and roll. Come [music] and speak. Our ears are rolling. [music] The earth was made when you [music] The earth was made when you spoke a word. [singing] spoke a word. [singing] spoke a word. [singing] The dead were [music] raised. When you The dead were [music] raised. When you The dead were [music] raised. When you spoke a word, my soul [music] reclaimed spoke a word, my soul [music] reclaimed spoke a word, my soul [music] reclaimed when you spoke a word. when you spoke a word. when you spoke a word. Oh, it's you, Jesus. Oh, it's you, Jesus. Oh, it's you, Jesus. The earth was made when you spoke a word The earth was made when you spoke a word The earth was made when you spoke a word [music] [music] [music] the dead. Come on, let's believe him for the dead. Come on, let's believe him for the dead. Come on, let's believe him for this tonight.

this tonight. this tonight. My [music] story claims when you spoke a My [music] story claims when you spoke a My [music] story claims when you spoke a word. [music] word. [music] word. [music] How we thank you. We thank you. How we thank you. We thank you. How we thank you. We thank you. The [music] church unite. When you speak The [music] church unite. When you speak The [music] church unite. When you speak a word, [music] all heaven shouts. When a word, [music] all heaven shouts. When a word, [music] all heaven shouts. When you speak the word, your [music] kingom you speak the word, your [music] kingom you speak the word, your [music] kingom comes. When you speak. I will [music] I will [music] say Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] cuz when you speak it will be [music] cuz when you speak it will be done. Nothing can [music and singing] done. Nothing can [music and singing] done. Nothing can [music and singing] stop you. Nothing can stop you. Just stop you. Nothing can stop you. Just stop you. Nothing can stop you. Just [music] say the word. [music] say the word. [music] say the word. Oh, [singing] [music] [music] Nothing new. Nothing new. Nothing new. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> One thing that has not been done, >> One thing that has not been done, >> One thing that has not been done, growing [music] up is dumbing down.

Our phones got GPS, [music and singing] Our phones got GPS, [music and singing] but we're still lost. Still wandering but we're still lost. Still wandering but we're still lost. Still wandering along this winding [music and singing] along this winding [music and singing] along this winding [music and singing] road we call our home. road we call our home. road we call our home. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart, it needs a healer. This heart it needs a friend. This heart it needs a friend. This heart it needs a friend. If the art of moving forward If the art of moving forward If the art of moving forward is [music] to be [singing] is [music] to be [singing] is [music] to be [singing] content, why are we all still searching? Well, they say money makes Well, they say money makes [music and singing] the world go round. [music and singing] the world go round. [music and singing] the world go round. Tell me how I haven't found Tell me how I haven't found Tell me how I haven't found quite [music and singing] enough to make quite [music and singing] enough to make quite [music and singing] enough to make me happy. me happy. me happy. The more I get, the more I [music] need. The more I get, the more I [music] need. The more I get, the more I [music] need. Great is the poverty inside my [music] Great is the poverty inside my [music] Great is the poverty inside my [music] soul. A void [singing] that's never soul. A void [singing] that's never soul. A void [singing] that's never filled. filled. filled. This [music] This [music] This [music] heart needs a healer.

heart needs a healer. heart needs a healer. This [music and singing] heart needs a This [music and singing] heart needs a This [music and singing] heart needs a friend. friend. friend. And if the [music] art of moving And if the [music] art of moving And if the [music] art of moving forward forward forward is to be [music and singing] is to be [music and singing] is to be [music and singing] content, why are we all still searching content, why are we all still searching content, why are we all still searching the zeros [music and singing] and dollar the zeros [music and singing] and dollar the zeros [music and singing] and dollar signs? signs? signs? Heroes and suits and ties. Heroes and suits and ties. Heroes and suits and ties. [music and singing] I'm just trying to [music and singing] I'm just trying to [music and singing] I'm just trying to find the fix. And I know it ain't in find the fix. And I know it ain't in find the fix. And I know it ain't in politics. politics. politics. You [music and singing] are the remedy. You [music and singing] are the remedy. You [music and singing] are the remedy. You are the air I breathe. I know we're You are the air I breathe. I know we're You are the air I breathe. I know we're all searching [music] all searching [music] all searching [music] for the reason we're still breathing. for the reason we're still breathing. for the reason we're still breathing. [music] [music] [music] It's you. Jesus.

Jesus. [music] Oh, I know it's >> This heart needs a healing. [music] >> This heart needs a healing. [music] This heart needs a [music] friend. whole world whole world is to be content. [music] Oh, I just want to be [music] Oh, I just want to be [music] content. Oh, I just want to be [music] Oh, I just want to be [music] content. content. content. Why am I still searching?

I [music] lay aside my understanding. I I [music] lay aside my understanding. I put my work down and the planning just put my work down and the planning just put my work down and the planning just to know you and know your heart. Without a word or destination, you held Without a word or destination, you held me in your imagination. me in your imagination. me in your imagination. Now I know you and know your Now I know you and know your Now I know you and know your [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] heart. heart. heart. You come with your love. You come with your love. You come with your love. I come in the blood. Throw [music] open the door and write to Throw [music] open the door and write to your heart your heart your heart before [music] you. [singing] And Lord, before [music] you. [singing] And Lord, before [music] you. [singing] And Lord, I can't get enough. [music] I can't get enough. [music] I can't get enough. [music] Oh, I hear you call my name. Oh, I hear you call my name. Oh, I hear you call my name. Wo. [music] Where did I pick up the thought? [music] Where did I pick up the thought? The measure of love was what I brought.

The measure of love was what I brought. The measure of love was what I brought. And to know [music] you was learn. Day by day I start to see the cross goes Day by day I start to see the cross goes deeper than I believe. The great deeper than I believe. The great deeper than I believe. The great finisher finisher finisher has finished me. Come with me. has finished me. Come with me. has finished me. Come with me. I come in [music] the door. Throw me in the dark. Throw me in the dark. Your heart I feel you coming in close I feel you coming in close like when I was born. like when I was born. like when I was born. Fashioned with love.

Fashioned with love. Fashioned with love. [music] Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> Welcome to Calvary Online. We are so >> Welcome to Calvary Online. We are so glad that you're joining us. My name is glad that you're joining us. My name is glad that you're joining us. My name is Santiago Amin and I serve at our Santiago Amin and I serve at our Santiago Amin and I serve at our plantation campus. Before we begin, I plantation campus. Before we begin, I plantation campus. Before we begin, I want to take a moment to thank the Lord want to take a moment to thank the Lord want to take a moment to thank the Lord for what he [music] did this past week for what he [music] did this past week for what he [music] did this past week during Youth Encounter. Around 1,600 during Youth Encounter. Around 1,600 during Youth Encounter. Around 1,600 middle and high school students were middle and high school students were middle and high school students were challenged with the truth of [music] challenged with the truth of [music] challenged with the truth of [music] First Kings 18:21. If the Lord is God, First Kings 18:21. If the Lord is God, First Kings 18:21. If the Lord is God, then follow him. Many of [music] those then follow him. Many of [music] those then follow him. Many of [music] those students publicly declared their faith students publicly declared their faith students publicly declared their faith through baptism. So, let's continue to

through baptism. So, let's continue to through baptism. So, let's continue to pray that [music] the seeds God planted pray that [music] the seeds God planted pray that [music] the seeds God planted this week will take deep root, shaping this week will take deep root, shaping this week will take deep root, shaping the rest of their summer, the upcoming the rest of their summer, the upcoming the rest of their summer, the upcoming school year, [music] and their walk with school year, [music] and their walk with school year, [music] and their walk with Christ for the rest of their lives. What Christ for the rest of their lives. What Christ for the rest of their lives. What a reason to praise the Lord. [music] a reason to praise the Lord. [music] a reason to praise the Lord. [music] Today, we continue our teaching series Today, we continue our teaching series Today, we continue our teaching series through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our through the book of Ecclesiastes. Our youth pastor Sean Frier will be sharing youth pastor Sean Frier will be sharing youth pastor Sean Frier will be sharing a message from Ecclesiastes chapters a message from Ecclesiastes chapters a message from Ecclesiastes chapters 9-11 where we're going to learn that 9-11 where we're going to learn that 9-11 where we're going to learn that because life under the sun is uncertain, because life under the sun is uncertain, because life under the sun is uncertain, brief, and beyond our control, true brief, and beyond our control, true brief, and beyond our control, true wisdom is to fear God, faithfully wisdom is to fear God, faithfully wisdom is to fear God, faithfully embrace the [music] life he has given, embrace the [music] life he has given, embrace the [music] life he has given, diligently steward every opportunity, diligently steward every opportunity, diligently steward every opportunity, and trust his sovereign providence and trust his sovereign providence and trust his sovereign providence rather than our own [music] rather than our own [music] rather than our own [music] understanding. So, let's prepare our understanding. So, let's prepare our understanding. So, let's prepare our hearts to receive what God wants to hearts to receive what God wants to hearts to receive what God wants to speak to us today [music] speak to us today [music] speak to us today [music] as we join the worship team for just a as we join the worship team for just a as we join the worship team for just a sample of the worship our youth sample of the worship our youth sample of the worship our youth experienced this past week. Good morning, [music] spirits. Let's Good morning, [music] spirits. Let's stand as we worship this morning stand as we worship this morning stand as we worship this morning together together together to tell you guys in this very [music] to tell you guys in this very [music] to tell you guys in this very [music] room this past week, we've had 1500 room this past week, we've had 1500 room this past week, we've had 1500 students worshiping Jesus together, students worshiping Jesus together, students worshiping Jesus together, reading his word, hearing from his reading his word, hearing from his reading his word, hearing from his spirit, being saved by his grace. And spirit, being saved by his grace. And spirit, being saved by his grace. And [music] this weekend is just going to be [music] this weekend is just going to be [music] this weekend is just going to be a continuation of that. Amen. Let's sing a continuation of that. Amen. Let's sing a continuation of that. Amen. Let's sing this out together and praise our Jesus.

marvelous [music] marvelous [music] wonderful wonderful wonderful counselor counselor counselor Jesus. [music] Almighty [singing] God, Jesus. [music] Almighty [singing] God, Jesus. [music] Almighty [singing] God, prince of peace, king of kings. [music] prince of peace, king of kings. [music] prince of peace, king of kings. [music] Jesus, [singing] you're marvelous, Jesus, [singing] you're marvelous, Jesus, [singing] you're marvelous, [music] wonderful [music] wonderful [music] wonderful counselor. counselor. counselor. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, almighty God, [music] almighty God, [music] almighty God, [music] prince of peace, king of kings. There is prince of peace, king of kings. There is prince of peace, king of kings. There is no one no one no one like you, God. like you, God. like you, God. There [music] is no one like [singing] There [music] is no one like [singing] There [music] is no one like [singing] you. No one. There is no one like you, you. No one. There is no one like you, you. No one. There is no one like you, God. God. God. There [music] There [music] There [music] is no one is no one is no one like you. [music] There's no You're marvelous, [music] You're marvelous, [music] wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, excellent.

excellent. excellent. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] a mighty God, prince of peace, king of a mighty God, prince of peace, king of a mighty God, prince of peace, king of peace. Jesus, your father, [music] peace. Jesus, your father, [music] peace. Jesus, your father, [music] wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, counselor. counselor. counselor. Jesus Jesus Jesus mighty God. mighty God. mighty God. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] hallelujah over over the life [music] the life [music] the life [music] over.

[music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> Heat >> Heat up up up [music] Hallelujah. [music]

Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. No one [music] No one [music] like you, God. like you, God. like you, God. There is no one like you. No one. There is no one like you. No one. There is no one like you. No one. [music] There is no one like you. you. [music] There is no one like you. you. [music] There is no one like you. you. [music] [music] [music] There is no one like [music and singing] There is no one like [music and singing] There is no one like [music and singing] you. There's no one. I am an instrument I am an instrument of exaltation. And I was born to lift your And I was born to lift your [music and singing] name above all. [music and singing] name above all. [music and singing] name above all. You hear the mey You hear the mey You hear the mey of all creation, but there's a song of praise that only I but there's a song of praise that only I can bring. Who else is worthy?

can bring. Who else is worthy? can bring. Who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] Who else is worthy? There is no one There is no one only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one. [music] There is no one. [music] Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. Only you, Jesus. You are the infinite You are the infinite You are the infinite God [music] of the aes. [singing] Yet you chose to make [music] my high Yet you chose to make [music] my high dwelling flames. dwelling flames. dwelling flames. You [music] heal my brokenness. You [music] heal my brokenness. You [music] heal my brokenness. Show me your [singing] glory. Show me your [singing] glory. Show me your [singing] glory. Oh, I have songs of things not [music] Oh, I have songs of things not [music] Oh, I have songs of things not [music] even angels sing. even angels sing. even angels sing. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? You alone.

Who else [music] is worthy? You alone. Who else [music] is worthy? You alone. There is no one There is no one There is no one only [music and singing] you Jesus only [music and singing] you Jesus only [music and singing] you Jesus is worthy is worthy is worthy [music] is worthy. Only you Jesus is no. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] [music] [music] There is [singing] no one There is [singing] no one There is [singing] no one only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no [singing] There is no [singing] one. [music] one. [music] one. [music] Only you Jesus the lamb [music] of God anointed one. the lamb [music] of God anointed one. Was it easy to come seated [music] Was it easy to come seated [music] Was it easy to come seated [music] on the throne above your holy, on the throne above your holy, on the throne above your holy, holy, [music] holy, [music] holy, [music] rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You rightous one who shed his blood. You prove to us the father's love the Jesus prove to us the father's love the Jesus prove to us the father's love the Jesus Christ. Come on, we sing all together.

Christ. Come on, we sing all together. Christ. Come on, we sing all together. Holy Holy Holy lamb of God. Lamb of God, anointing one lamb of God. Lamb of God, anointing one lamb of God. Lamb of God, anointing one was [music] seated on. Oh, you are holy, [music] seated on. Oh, you are holy, [music] holy, holy, holy, righteous. >> You prove to us. Thank you, Lord. Jesus >> You prove to us. Thank you, Lord. Jesus [music] Christ be lifted up your holy [music] Christ be lifted up your holy [music] Christ be lifted up your holy name. [music] Lamb of God do what name. [music] Lamb of God do what name. [music] Lamb of God do what it is to come [music] see on the throne it is to come [music] see on the throne it is to come [music] see on the throne above. Holy [music] above. Holy [music] above. Holy [music] one [music] [music] to us. to us. to us. Jesus Christ [music] is There is no There is no only [music and singing] only [music and singing] only [music and singing] Jesus Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> to us. >> to us. >> to us. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no There is no only you, Jesus. only you, Jesus. only you, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy?

There is no There is no only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. There is [singing and music] no There is [singing and music] no There is [singing and music] no only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. There is no There is no There is no only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Thank you Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> No one else is worthy of our worship. So >> No one else is worthy of our worship. So >> No one else is worthy of our worship. So let's join with the angels and worship let's join with the angels and worship let's join with the angels and worship our king together. [music] A thousand [music] generations A thousand [music] generations falling [singing] down in worship falling [singing] down in worship falling [singing] down in worship [music] [music] [music] to sing the song of ages to the lamb. And all who've gone before us and all And all who've gone before us and all who will believe who will believe who will believe will sing the song of ages to the lamb.

will sing the song of ages to the lamb. will sing the song of ages to the lamb. Let's sing his [music] name this Let's sing his [music] name this Let's sing his [music] name this morning. Your name is the highest. Your morning. Your name is the highest. Your morning. Your name is the highest. Your name is the greatest. [singing] Your name is the greatest. [singing] Your name is the greatest. [singing] Your name name name stands above them all. stands above them all. stands above them all. All thrones [music] All thrones [music] All thrones [music] and dominions. [singing] All powers and and dominions. [singing] All powers and and dominions. [singing] All powers and [music] positions. Your name [music] positions. Your name [music] positions. Your name stands [singing] above them all. And stands [singing] above them all. And stands [singing] above them all. And [music] the angels cry. [music] the angels cry. [music] the angels cry. Holy [singing] all [music] creation Christ. all [music] creation Christ. Oh, You've been forgiven. You've been forgiven. If [music] you [music] [music] if you walk free if you walk free if you walk free and if you bear, [music] and if you bear, [music] and if you bear, [music] sing the song [singing] forever.

Oh, we'll sing the song Oh, we'll sing the song [music and singing] forever and amen. [music and singing] forever and amen. [music and singing] forever and amen. And the angels cry, And the angels cry, And the angels cry, "Holy [music and singing] "Holy [music and singing] "Holy [music and singing] all creation cries. all creation cries. all creation cries. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] [music] [music] [music] you are lifted high. >> [music] >> [music] >> forever. Glory Glory [music] [music] [music] to the king of kings. to the king of kings. to the king of kings. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Your name [music] is the highest.

Your name [music] is the highest. [singing] [singing] [singing] Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name Your name is the greatest. Your name [music] stands above them all. All those interes All those interes [music] your [singing] name your [singing] name stands above [music] the wall of Jesus. stands above [music] the wall of Jesus. stands above [music] the wall of Jesus. Your name is the [music] highest. Your Your name is the [music] highest. Your Your name is the [music] highest. Your name is the greatest. No name is the greatest. No name is the greatest. No heat. [music] >> [music]

>> [music] >> Oh, you will always be Jesus, you're the only one worthy of our Jesus, you're the only one worthy of our praise. praise. praise. Lord, we thank [music] you that we get Lord, we thank [music] you that we get Lord, we thank [music] you that we get to join with the angels and cry out, to join with the angels and cry out, to join with the angels and cry out, "Holy, holy, holy [music] "Holy, holy, holy [music] "Holy, holy, holy [music] is the Lord God Almighty." is the Lord God Almighty." is the Lord God Almighty." Jesus, thank you for your grace and Jesus, thank you for your grace and Jesus, thank you for your grace and thank [music] you for your mercies that thank [music] you for your mercies that thank [music] you for your mercies that are new every morning. Lord, we just take right now to [music] Lord, we just take right now to [music] thank you for the testimonies that came thank you for the testimonies that came thank you for the testimonies that came out of this past week. Lord, for the out of this past week. Lord, for the out of this past week. Lord, for the lives that you touched, lives that you touched, lives that you touched, for the hearts that you healed, the for the hearts that you healed, the for the hearts that you healed, the brokenness that you restored, Father, in brokenness that you restored, Father, in brokenness that you restored, Father, in the lives of students [music] and the lives of students [music] and the lives of students [music] and leaders, Lord. You're so worthy.

Lord. You're so worthy. No one else is worthy [music] except No one else is worthy [music] except No one else is worthy [music] except you, you, you, Lord. We just ask that this morning Lord. We just ask that this morning Lord. We just ask that this morning you would just remind our hearts [music] you would just remind our hearts [music] you would just remind our hearts [music] to stand firm on the truth of your to stand firm on the truth of your to stand firm on the truth of your gospel, on the truth of your word and gospel, on the truth of your word and gospel, on the truth of your word and your word alone. your word alone. your word alone. Jesus, I thank you for every individual Jesus, I thank you for every individual Jesus, I thank you for every individual here with us [music] this morning. Lord, here with us [music] this morning. Lord, here with us [music] this morning. Lord, I thank you that they are not here on I thank you that they are not here on I thank you that they are not here on accident. Lord, Lord, I thank you for accident. Lord, Lord, I thank you for accident. Lord, Lord, I thank you for the ways that you want to meet us even the ways that you want to meet us even the ways that you want to meet us even right now. the ways that you've met us right now. the ways that you've met us right now. the ways that you've met us during worship. during worship. during worship. Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit may Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit may Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit may flow through the teaching [music] this flow through the teaching [music] this flow through the teaching [music] this morning. morning. morning. Speak a new word over us. We want to Speak a new word over us. We want to Speak a new word over us. We want to hear you. You have all of our attention. hear you. You have all of our attention. hear you. You have all of our attention. [music] It's yours and yours alone. We [music] It's yours and yours alone. We [music] It's yours and yours alone. We love you. We praise you, King of Kings, love you. We praise you, King of Kings, love you. We praise you, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. And we [music] pray this Lord of Lords. And we [music] pray this Lord of Lords. And we [music] pray this in your name. Amen. >> Well, good morning, Calvary. Can we give >> Well, good morning, Calvary. Can we give it up for that youth worship team? That it up for that youth worship team? That it up for that youth worship team? That was amazing.

was amazing. was amazing. And that was just a taste. You can have And that was just a taste. You can have And that was just a taste. You can have a seat. That was just a taste of what a seat. That was just a taste of what a seat. That was just a taste of what happened at youth encounter this week as happened at youth encounter this week as happened at youth encounter this week as I walked around this room on Wednesday, I walked around this room on Wednesday, I walked around this room on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, hundreds of kids hands Thursday, Friday, hundreds of kids hands Thursday, Friday, hundreds of kids hands raised in worship and it was amazing. raised in worship and it was amazing. raised in worship and it was amazing. And a lot of that was led by our young And a lot of that was led by our young And a lot of that was led by our young leaders. Izzy grew up at this church and leaders. Izzy grew up at this church and leaders. Izzy grew up at this church and now she's leading them. So, welcome Izzy now she's leading them. So, welcome Izzy now she's leading them. So, welcome Izzy as she shares a little more about Youth as she shares a little more about Youth as she shares a little more about Youth Encounter. Encounter. Encounter. >> Hey everyone. >> Hey everyone. >> Hey everyone. Yeah, I love getting to serve with Yeah, I love getting to serve with Yeah, I love getting to serve with students and this week is one of my students and this week is one of my students and this week is one of my favorite things. This past week, Youth favorite things. This past week, Youth favorite things. This past week, Youth Encounter, it's one of my favorite Encounter, it's one of my favorite Encounter, it's one of my favorite things that we do every year. This was things that we do every year. This was things that we do every year. This was the 11th year of Youth Encounter. And the 11th year of Youth Encounter. And the 11th year of Youth Encounter. And our prayer every year is that students our prayer every year is that students our prayer every year is that students would have a personal encounter with a would have a personal encounter with a would have a personal encounter with a holy God. And year after year, we hear holy God. And year after year, we hear holy God. And year after year, we hear stories of students saying, "Yuth stories of students saying, "Yuth stories of students saying, "Yuth encounter is when I gave my life to encounter is when I gave my life to encounter is when I gave my life to Jesus. Youth encounter is when I heard Jesus. Youth encounter is when I heard Jesus. Youth encounter is when I heard the voice of God for the first time. the voice of God for the first time. the voice of God for the first time. Youth encounter was the first time that Youth encounter was the first time that Youth encounter was the first time that I went up to a leader and confessed sin I went up to a leader and confessed sin I went up to a leader and confessed sin and experienced freedom. And we saw that and experienced freedom. And we saw that and experienced freedom. And we saw that happen. Over 1,500 students flooded this happen. Over 1,500 students flooded this happen. Over 1,500 students flooded this campus Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

campus Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. campus Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Yeah. It's amazing. We can celebrate Yeah. It's amazing. We can celebrate Yeah. It's amazing. We can celebrate that. Yeah. that. Yeah. that. Yeah. On Thursday, over a hundred students On Thursday, over a hundred students On Thursday, over a hundred students came forward for an altar call and said, came forward for an altar call and said, came forward for an altar call and said, "Yes, I want to receive Jesus as my "Yes, I want to receive Jesus as my "Yes, I want to receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior." personal Lord and Savior." personal Lord and Savior." >> Wednesday and Friday, we had other >> Wednesday and Friday, we had other >> Wednesday and Friday, we had other response times where over a hundred response times where over a hundred response times where over a hundred students came forward to leaders and students came forward to leaders and students came forward to leaders and received prayer. On Friday, we got to received prayer. On Friday, we got to received prayer. On Friday, we got to baptize 64 students here on campus. baptize 64 students here on campus. baptize 64 students here on campus. And none of that could have been And none of that could have been And none of that could have been possible if it weren't for the 400 possible if it weren't for the 400 possible if it weren't for the 400 volunteers who served and gave up their volunteers who served and gave up their volunteers who served and gave up their time. So, thank you so much. time. So, thank you so much. time. So, thank you so much. >> There were a lot of tired volunteers at >> There were a lot of tired volunteers at >> There were a lot of tired volunteers at the end of Friday. So, thank you. the end of Friday. So, thank you. the end of Friday. So, thank you. >> We're still like trucking along. Um, and >> We're still like trucking along. Um, and >> We're still like trucking along. Um, and one of my favorite things is that all of one of my favorite things is that all of one of my favorite things is that all of those numbers represent individual those numbers represent individual those numbers represent individual stories, right? And one of my favorite stories, right? And one of my favorite stories, right? And one of my favorite things that I got to witness is one of things that I got to witness is one of things that I got to witness is one of our youth leaders, Dr. Solomon. He's our youth leaders, Dr. Solomon. He's our youth leaders, Dr. Solomon. He's been serving in youth ministry for the been serving in youth ministry for the been serving in youth ministry for the past nine years and this was the first past nine years and this was the first past nine years and this was the first year that his eldest son got to attend year that his eldest son got to attend year that his eldest son got to attend Youth Encounter. And on that Thursday Youth Encounter. And on that Thursday Youth Encounter. And on that Thursday night, he got to walk forward with his night, he got to walk forward with his night, he got to walk forward with his son and his son gave his life to Jesus.

son and his son gave his life to Jesus. son and his son gave his life to Jesus. And then the next day on Friday, he got And then the next day on Friday, he got And then the next day on Friday, he got to baptize his son with our youth to baptize his son with our youth to baptize his son with our youth ministry, which is just so incredible. ministry, which is just so incredible. ministry, which is just so incredible. And there are so many other stories like And there are so many other stories like And there are so many other stories like that. And so we just want to celebrate that. And so we just want to celebrate that. And so we just want to celebrate all that the Lord did this week and what all that the Lord did this week and what all that the Lord did this week and what he's doing in our next generation. he's doing in our next generation. he's doing in our next generation. >> Yeah. So for all of you who prayed for >> Yeah. So for all of you who prayed for >> Yeah. So for all of you who prayed for Youth Encounter, for all of you who gave Youth Encounter, for all of you who gave Youth Encounter, for all of you who gave over 200 scholarships for kids to come, over 200 scholarships for kids to come, over 200 scholarships for kids to come, we want you to see the fruit of prayer we want you to see the fruit of prayer we want you to see the fruit of prayer and generosity. So take a look at the and generosity. So take a look at the and generosity. So take a look at the Youth Encounter recap. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] These [music] These [music] guys. These guys. guys. These guys. guys. These guys. [music] Yes.

Yes. So, so good. Hey, I want to encourage So, so good. Hey, I want to encourage So, so good. Hey, I want to encourage you if you have a Bible to open to you if you have a Bible to open to you if you have a Bible to open to Ecclesiastes chapter 9. We are going to Ecclesiastes chapter 9. We are going to Ecclesiastes chapter 9. We are going to cover some ground today. Ecclesiastes 9, cover some ground today. Ecclesiastes 9, cover some ground today. Ecclesiastes 9, 10, and 11. So, if you don't have a 10, and 11. So, if you don't have a 10, and 11. So, if you don't have a Bible, you're going to want a Bible Bible, you're going to want a Bible Bible, you're going to want a Bible today or open your Bible app. I'm going today or open your Bible app. I'm going today or open your Bible app. I'm going to also invite you to scan the the code to also invite you to scan the the code to also invite you to scan the the code that's on the screen behind me or the that's on the screen behind me or the that's on the screen behind me or the seat in front of you to get notes to seat in front of you to get notes to seat in front of you to get notes to follow along with this message and just follow along with this message and just follow along with this message and just find out all that's happening here find out all that's happening here find out all that's happening here around Calvary. And uh as you find your around Calvary. And uh as you find your around Calvary. And uh as you find your place in Ecclesiastes 9 and get ready to place in Ecclesiastes 9 and get ready to place in Ecclesiastes 9 and get ready to go through 9, 10, and 11, um I also uh go through 9, 10, and 11, um I also uh go through 9, 10, and 11, um I also uh want to celebrate something that want to celebrate something that want to celebrate something that happened not just at WE 64 young people happened not just at WE 64 young people happened not just at WE 64 young people were baptized, but at the beach were baptized, but at the beach were baptized, but at the beach yesterday, over 200, so almost 300 yesterday, over 200, so almost 300 yesterday, over 200, so almost 300 people were baptized in the last few people were baptized in the last few people were baptized in the last few days. And if you were one of those, I days. And if you were one of those, I days. And if you were one of those, I want you to stand up right now. We want want you to stand up right now. We want want you to stand up right now. We want to celebrate the work that God did in to celebrate the work that God did in to celebrate the work that God did in your life. Go ahead. If you were your life. Go ahead. If you were your life. Go ahead. If you were baptized this weekend, stand up. All baptized this weekend, stand up. All baptized this weekend, stand up. All right. Good to see you guys. It's right. Good to see you guys. It's right. Good to see you guys. It's awesome to celebrate what God did in awesome to celebrate what God did in awesome to celebrate what God did in your life. Uh I was there yesterday. You your life. Uh I was there yesterday. You your life. Uh I was there yesterday. You can have a seat. I was there yesterday can have a seat. I was there yesterday can have a seat. I was there yesterday and it was just it was amazing. I got to and it was just it was amazing. I got to and it was just it was amazing. I got to to baptize an entire family, Ron and his to baptize an entire family, Ron and his to baptize an entire family, Ron and his wife Beth and their son Jay who drove wife Beth and their son Jay who drove wife Beth and their son Jay who drove all the way from Dand, Florida to be all the way from Dand, Florida to be all the way from Dand, Florida to be baptized here. And and and so many young baptized here. And and and so many young baptized here. And and and so many young people and so many families and so many people and so many families and so many people and so many families and so many people have walked out of the depths of people have walked out of the depths of people have walked out of the depths of just brokenness into the beautiful just brokenness into the beautiful just brokenness into the beautiful freedom of Christ. And so we celebrate freedom of Christ. And so we celebrate freedom of Christ. And so we celebrate new life and celebrate baptism. And for new life and celebrate baptism. And for new life and celebrate baptism. And for those of you who got baptized, we are those of you who got baptized, we are those of you who got baptized, we are excited for your steps of faith on the excited for your steps of faith on the excited for your steps of faith on the way. And I want to give you an update way. And I want to give you an update way. And I want to give you an update because uh this last year uh last

because uh this last year uh last because uh this last year uh last November, our church turned 40 years old November, our church turned 40 years old November, our church turned 40 years old and we started this vision campaign from and we started this vision campaign from and we started this vision campaign from one generation to the next. A and one of one generation to the next. A and one of one generation to the next. A and one of the key pillars of that vision campaign the key pillars of that vision campaign the key pillars of that vision campaign was we want to invest in raising the was we want to invest in raising the was we want to invest in raising the next generation. that one generation next generation. that one generation next generation. that one generation passes on faith to the next generation. passes on faith to the next generation. passes on faith to the next generation. So when you see uh your students leading So when you see uh your students leading So when you see uh your students leading you in worship, there's something about you in worship, there's something about you in worship, there's something about that that's so encouraging. Like God is that that's so encouraging. Like God is that that's so encouraging. Like God is on the move. This is not just a church on the move. This is not just a church on the move. This is not just a church for grandfathers and grandmothers and for grandfathers and grandmothers and for grandfathers and grandmothers and fathers and mothers, but sons and fathers and mothers, but sons and fathers and mothers, but sons and daughters. They are not our future daughters. They are not our future daughters. They are not our future church. They are our current church and church. They are our current church and church. They are our current church and they're leading in all these different they're leading in all these different they're leading in all these different spaces. And so part of this vision spaces. And so part of this vision spaces. And so part of this vision campaign was God do it again. How do we campaign was God do it again. How do we campaign was God do it again. How do we create spaces and places for young create spaces and places for young create spaces and places for young people to feel welcome, to be developed? people to feel welcome, to be developed? people to feel welcome, to be developed? We had a pastor from Naples who brought We had a pastor from Naples who brought We had a pastor from Naples who brought 40 kids from his youth ministry over 40 kids from his youth ministry over 40 kids from his youth ministry over from Naples and he just said,"I just from Naples and he just said,"I just from Naples and he just said,"I just want to thank you because you provided a want to thank you because you provided a want to thank you because you provided a space for us and our kids to be inspired space for us and our kids to be inspired space for us and our kids to be inspired to think about what could happen in our to think about what could happen in our to think about what could happen in our church." And you think about the green church." And you think about the green church." And you think about the green and the halls and the high school room and the halls and the high school room and the halls and the high school room and the union that was just renovated.

and the union that was just renovated. and the union that was just renovated. All these are spaces where kids can show All these are spaces where kids can show All these are spaces where kids can show up, invite their friends, and up, invite their friends, and up, invite their friends, and transformation takes place. And so we transformation takes place. And so we transformation takes place. And so we told you that every month we give you an told you that every month we give you an told you that every month we give you an update on these vision campaigns. And so update on these vision campaigns. And so update on these vision campaigns. And so today I'm actually going to drive over today I'm actually going to drive over today I'm actually going to drive over to a West Bokeh campus. We're going to to a West Bokeh campus. We're going to to a West Bokeh campus. We're going to dedicate an outdoor pavilion because an dedicate an outdoor pavilion because an dedicate an outdoor pavilion because an afterchool program is starting to reach afterchool program is starting to reach afterchool program is starting to reach at risk kids in that neighborhood and at risk kids in that neighborhood and at risk kids in that neighborhood and that's going to be a sacred space just that's going to be a sacred space just that's going to be a sacred space just concrete and covering but the gospel is concrete and covering but the gospel is concrete and covering but the gospel is going to be presented. Disciples are going to be presented. Disciples are going to be presented. Disciples are going to be made and that because of going to be made and that because of going to be made and that because of your generosity we're able to do things your generosity we're able to do things your generosity we're able to do things like that and youth buildings in like that and youth buildings in like that and youth buildings in Plantation and in Bokeh and a Walgreens Plantation and in Bokeh and a Walgreens Plantation and in Bokeh and a Walgreens in Parkland Coral Springs and in Parkland Coral Springs and in Parkland Coral Springs and renovations here to create more spaces renovations here to create more spaces renovations here to create more spaces for youth. And I I'm I'm glad to report for youth. And I I'm I'm glad to report for youth. And I I'm I'm glad to report that after just seven, eight months of that after just seven, eight months of that after just seven, eight months of this vision campaign, this vision campaign, this vision campaign, we together collectively, all of our we together collectively, all of our we together collectively, all of our campuses have raised over $5 million to campuses have raised over $5 million to campuses have raised over $5 million to continue the work of God and building continue the work of God and building continue the work of God and building these spaces. And so for those of you these spaces. And so for those of you these spaces. And so for those of you who said yes, I I want to be a part of who said yes, I I want to be a part of who said yes, I I want to be a part of this. I just want to say thank you for this. I just want to say thank you for this. I just want to say thank you for your generosity. But I also want to tell your generosity. But I also want to tell your generosity. But I also want to tell you about an opportunity. We are at this you about an opportunity. We are at this you about an opportunity. We are at this point 30% behind our goal, which is an point 30% behind our goal, which is an point 30% behind our goal, which is an opportunity to say, you know, we need opportunity to say, you know, we need opportunity to say, you know, we need more than just the 700 people to say, I more than just the 700 people to say, I more than just the 700 people to say, I want to go above and beyond my normal want to go above and beyond my normal want to go above and beyond my normal giving. I want to get into the story of giving. I want to get into the story of giving. I want to get into the story of what God is doing. So, I want to what God is doing. So, I want to what God is doing. So, I want to encourage you to be one of those that encourage you to be one of those that encourage you to be one of those that say, you know, I don't want to just say, you know, I don't want to just say, you know, I don't want to just watch and and spectate on the work of watch and and spectate on the work of watch and and spectate on the work of God. I want to participate in generosity God. I want to participate in generosity God. I want to participate in generosity because we believe here that generosity because we believe here that generosity because we believe here that generosity brings joy. And so whether for you brings joy. And so whether for you brings joy. And so whether for you that's the first time gift or the

that's the first time gift or the that's the first time gift or the intentional or proportional gift or intentional or proportional gift or intentional or proportional gift or maybe above and beyond gift, listen, maybe above and beyond gift, listen, maybe above and beyond gift, listen, it's going to take all of us as we pray, it's going to take all of us as we pray, it's going to take all of us as we pray, as we give, as we serve, to build this as we give, as we serve, to build this as we give, as we serve, to build this next generation to love and serve Jesus. next generation to love and serve Jesus. next generation to love and serve Jesus. So I want to strongly encourage you get So I want to strongly encourage you get So I want to strongly encourage you get into that story and watch God work in into that story and watch God work in into that story and watch God work in and through your life. Amen. and through your life. Amen. and through your life. Amen. And now today you're going to hear a And now today you're going to hear a And now today you're going to hear a powerful message from uh our youth powerful message from uh our youth powerful message from uh our youth leader who leads all of the youth leader who leads all of the youth leader who leads all of the youth ministries here at For He was the the ministries here at For He was the the ministries here at For He was the the one who led our youth encounter. He's one who led our youth encounter. He's one who led our youth encounter. He's been raising up the next generation of been raising up the next generation of been raising up the next generation of leaders. And so will you please welcome leaders. And so will you please welcome leaders. And so will you please welcome one of God's favorites, Pastor Sean one of God's favorites, Pastor Sean one of God's favorites, Pastor Sean Frier. Give it up for Shawn as he comes. Thank you. Good morning. How y'all Thank you. Good morning. How y'all doing? doing? doing? >> That was awesome. I asked Pastor Doug to >> That was awesome. I asked Pastor Doug to >> That was awesome. I asked Pastor Doug to use the word favorite when he introduced use the word favorite when he introduced use the word favorite when he introduced me. So, I was hoping he'd say his me. So, I was hoping he'd say his me. So, I was hoping he'd say his favorite. Um, anyway, as you have your favorite. Um, anyway, as you have your favorite. Um, anyway, as you have your Bibles open to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, Bibles open to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, Bibles open to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, um, I'll give you another second to turn um, I'll give you another second to turn um, I'll give you another second to turn there. We'll be in 9, 10, and 11 today.

there. We'll be in 9, 10, and 11 today. there. We'll be in 9, 10, and 11 today. Um, I just want to take a second, um, Um, I just want to take a second, um, Um, I just want to take a second, um, one, uh, we talked about 400 volunteers one, uh, we talked about 400 volunteers one, uh, we talked about 400 volunteers at WY. Was anyone in here a volunteer at at WY. Was anyone in here a volunteer at at WY. Was anyone in here a volunteer at WY? Could you just raise your hand? WY? Could you just raise your hand? WY? Could you just raise your hand? That's awesome. There's a lot of you. That's awesome. There's a lot of you. That's awesome. There's a lot of you. And do we have any students in the room? And do we have any students in the room? And do we have any students in the room? middle and high school students. Do we middle and high school students. Do we middle and high school students. Do we have any students in the room? Raise have any students in the room? Raise have any students in the room? Raise your hand. Students. Students. Okay. your hand. Students. Students. Okay. your hand. Students. Students. Okay. See, couple people. Awesome. Cool. See, couple people. Awesome. Cool. See, couple people. Awesome. Cool. Um, and then before we dig into, I just Um, and then before we dig into, I just Um, and then before we dig into, I just wanted to show off for a second because wanted to show off for a second because wanted to show off for a second because I'm just a proud father. Um, the Frier I'm just a proud father. Um, the Frier I'm just a proud father. Um, the Frier family is growing. I want to show you family is growing. I want to show you family is growing. I want to show you guys a picture of my family cuz I want guys a picture of my family cuz I want guys a picture of my family cuz I want to brag on them. And on Father's Day to brag on them. And on Father's Day to brag on them. And on Father's Day this year, we welcomed our second son, this year, we welcomed our second son, this year, we welcomed our second son, Peter. We have another picture of him. Peter. We have another picture of him. Peter. We have another picture of him. He's really a stud. There you go. He's a He's really a stud. There you go. He's a He's really a stud. There you go. He's a cute little boy. So, um, as I'm up here, cute little boy. So, um, as I'm up here, cute little boy. So, um, as I'm up here, if you can remember, just to pray for if you can remember, just to pray for if you can remember, just to pray for me, cuz not only did I spend the last me, cuz not only did I spend the last me, cuz not only did I spend the last three days with 1500 high school, middle three days with 1500 high school, middle three days with 1500 high school, middle school students, but I spent the five school students, but I spent the five school students, but I spent the five weeks with a last five weeks with a weeks with a last five weeks with a weeks with a last five weeks with a newborn. So, I'm a little tired. I'm a newborn. So, I'm a little tired. I'm a newborn. So, I'm a little tired. I'm a little sleepy, but I know the Lord has a little sleepy, but I know the Lord has a little sleepy, but I know the Lord has a word for us today. So, enough about me. word for us today. So, enough about me. word for us today. So, enough about me. Let's pray and we'll jump into our time Let's pray and we'll jump into our time Let's pray and we'll jump into our time together.

together. together. Jesus, thank you so much for today. Jesus, thank you so much for today. Jesus, thank you so much for today. Thank you for the chance to be here in Thank you for the chance to be here in Thank you for the chance to be here in your house and to dig into your word. your house and to dig into your word. your house and to dig into your word. and we just pray that you would send and we just pray that you would send and we just pray that you would send your Holy Spirit here now to give us your Holy Spirit here now to give us your Holy Spirit here now to give us wisdom and revelation through your word. wisdom and revelation through your word. wisdom and revelation through your word. We love you and we pray all this in We love you and we pray all this in We love you and we pray all this in Jesus' name. Everybody said, Jesus' name. Everybody said, Jesus' name. Everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> So, our theme this past week for youth >> So, our theme this past week for youth >> So, our theme this past week for youth encounter was the Lord is God. And it encounter was the Lord is God. And it encounter was the Lord is God. And it came from this idea, this concept. When came from this idea, this concept. When came from this idea, this concept. When you read a lot of the narratives you read a lot of the narratives you read a lot of the narratives throughout scripture, you'll see God's throughout scripture, you'll see God's throughout scripture, you'll see God's people standing firm. Why are they able people standing firm. Why are they able people standing firm. Why are they able to stand firm? They're able to stand to stand firm? They're able to stand to stand firm? They're able to stand firm because they believe that the Lord firm because they believe that the Lord firm because they believe that the Lord is God. And when his [snorts] people is God. And when his [snorts] people is God. And when his [snorts] people stand firm, God protects and honors his stand firm, God protects and honors his stand firm, God protects and honors his people. And then the ungodly actually people. And then the ungodly actually people. And then the ungodly actually have to respond in one of two ways. They have to respond in one of two ways. They have to respond in one of two ways. They see the glory of God and they'll either see the glory of God and they'll either see the glory of God and they'll either respond through repentance or judgment. respond through repentance or judgment. respond through repentance or judgment. So it comes from First Kings 18 when So it comes from First Kings 18 when So it comes from First Kings 18 when Elijah is cha challenging the people of Elijah is cha challenging the people of Elijah is cha challenging the people of Israel. They've been caught between God Israel. They've been caught between God Israel. They've been caught between God and idols. And there's this big battle, and idols. And there's this big battle, and idols. And there's this big battle, this big showdown that takes place on this big showdown that takes place on this big showdown that takes place on the top of Mount Carmel, between Elijah the top of Mount Carmel, between Elijah the top of Mount Carmel, between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal and King and the 450 prophets of Baal and King and the 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab. And he calls out to the Israelites Ahab. And he calls out to the Israelites Ahab. And he calls out to the Israelites and he says, "How long will you waver and he says, "How long will you waver and he says, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is between two opinions? If the Lord is between two opinions? If the Lord is God, then follow him." So you have all God, then follow him." So you have all God, then follow him." So you have all these heroes in scripture who are able these heroes in scripture who are able these heroes in scripture who are able to stand firm because with their whole to stand firm because with their whole to stand firm because with their whole heart, they can say, "The Lord is God."

heart, they can say, "The Lord is God." heart, they can say, "The Lord is God." So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9:10 and So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9:10 and So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9:10 and 11 today, we're going to be looking at 11 today, we're going to be looking at 11 today, we're going to be looking at this thought of standing firm. And if this thought of standing firm. And if this thought of standing firm. And if you want to write this down, our overall you want to write this down, our overall you want to write this down, our overall thought for today, standing firm is thought for today, standing firm is thought for today, standing firm is steady faithfulness to God in a life you steady faithfulness to God in a life you steady faithfulness to God in a life you cannot control or fully understand. cannot control or fully understand. cannot control or fully understand. It's steady faithfulness to God in a It's steady faithfulness to God in a It's steady faithfulness to God in a life you cannot control or fully life you cannot control or fully life you cannot control or fully understand. And if you guys have been understand. And if you guys have been understand. And if you guys have been with us at all throughout this series in with us at all throughout this series in with us at all throughout this series in Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is kind of a Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is kind of a Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is kind of a depressing book, right? It it's kind of depressing book, right? It it's kind of depressing book, right? It it's kind of a hopeless book. As Solomon is writing a hopeless book. As Solomon is writing a hopeless book. As Solomon is writing this, he's constantly saying this, he's constantly saying this, he's constantly saying meaningless, meaningless. Everything is meaningless, meaningless. Everything is meaningless, meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Everything under the sun is meaningless. Everything under the sun is meaningless. Everything under the sun is meaningless. And it's this concept of a meaningless. And it's this concept of a meaningless. And it's this concept of a life without God is meaningless. A life life without God is meaningless. A life life without God is meaningless. A life without faith in God is meaningless. A without faith in God is meaningless. A without faith in God is meaningless. A life where you don't say the Lord is God life where you don't say the Lord is God life where you don't say the Lord is God is meaningless. And I think of it like is meaningless. And I think of it like is meaningless. And I think of it like this. We're all here in South Florida, this. We're all here in South Florida, this. We're all here in South Florida, right? What's one of our favorite things right? What's one of our favorite things right? What's one of our favorite things to do? Who said hurricane prep? That's to do? Who said hurricane prep? That's to do? Who said hurricane prep? That's right. Hurricane prep, right? Who loves, right. Hurricane prep, right? Who loves, right. Hurricane prep, right? Who loves, right? Who loves going and buying a right? Who loves going and buying a right? Who loves going and buying a bunch of gallons of water, right? Who, bunch of gallons of water, right? Who, bunch of gallons of water, right? Who, you know, getting up all the canned you know, getting up all the canned you know, getting up all the canned goods, all the Spaghettiios, everything goods, all the Spaghettiios, everything goods, all the Spaghettiios, everything you can, making sure your car has gas. I you can, making sure your car has gas. I you can, making sure your car has gas. I think toilet paper was added to the list think toilet paper was added to the list think toilet paper was added to the list after COVID. You just got to make sure after COVID. You just got to make sure after COVID. You just got to make sure you have enough cuz for some reason we you have enough cuz for some reason we you have enough cuz for some reason we have to stockpile toilet paper when have to stockpile toilet paper when have to stockpile toilet paper when things happen now. A and you shutter up things happen now. A and you shutter up things happen now. A and you shutter up the house. You board up the house. You the house. You board up the house. You the house. You board up the house. You do everything you can to prepare because do everything you can to prepare because do everything you can to prepare because there's this this impending doom.

there's this this impending doom. there's this this impending doom. There's this disaster about to come. And There's this disaster about to come. And There's this disaster about to come. And then once you're prepped, you sit and then once you're prepped, you sit and then once you're prepped, you sit and you wait. you wait. you wait. And it's the worst part, And it's the worst part, And it's the worst part, right? The worst part is the waiting. I right? The worst part is the waiting. I right? The worst part is the waiting. I remember when Hurricane Matthew was remember when Hurricane Matthew was remember when Hurricane Matthew was coming probably I don't remember how coming probably I don't remember how coming probably I don't remember how many years ago now at this point. And I many years ago now at this point. And I many years ago now at this point. And I remember it just looked like it was remember it just looked like it was remember it just looked like it was going to be the worst thing to happen to going to be the worst thing to happen to going to be the worst thing to happen to South Florida since like Hurricane South Florida since like Hurricane South Florida since like Hurricane Andrew. And then it was like out in the Andrew. And then it was like out in the Andrew. And then it was like out in the Atlantic and it like wobbled and it Atlantic and it like wobbled and it Atlantic and it like wobbled and it completely missed us. Does anyone completely missed us. Does anyone completely missed us. Does anyone remember the wobble that took place? remember the wobble that took place? remember the wobble that took place? Right. And like it's one of those Right. And like it's one of those Right. And like it's one of those weirdest things. But you just sit there weirdest things. But you just sit there weirdest things. But you just sit there and you wait and it's this impending and you wait and it's this impending and you wait and it's this impending doom. But what can happen after all doom. But what can happen after all doom. But what can happen after all these years if you've lived in South these years if you've lived in South these years if you've lived in South Florida for the last 20 years or so? Florida for the last 20 years or so? Florida for the last 20 years or so? Like we haven't been hit that hard on Like we haven't been hit that hard on Like we haven't been hit that hard on the East Coast. So suddenly your the East Coast. So suddenly your the East Coast. So suddenly your preparation becomes less. Suddenly the preparation becomes less. Suddenly the preparation becomes less. Suddenly the waiting becomes less. Suddenly you're waiting becomes less. Suddenly you're waiting becomes less. Suddenly you're just like I don't care. They don't hit just like I don't care. They don't hit just like I don't care. They don't hit us anyway. And but we we sit in this us anyway. And but we we sit in this us anyway. And but we we sit in this place. place. place. We sit in this place maybe of impending We sit in this place maybe of impending We sit in this place maybe of impending doom. We sit in this place maybe of lack doom. We sit in this place maybe of lack doom. We sit in this place maybe of lack of preparation. of preparation. of preparation. And I feel like as Solomon has written And I feel like as Solomon has written And I feel like as Solomon has written Ecclesiastes, this is kind of how he's Ecclesiastes, this is kind of how he's Ecclesiastes, this is kind of how he's viewing life.

viewing life. viewing life. This just kind of sitting for no reason. This just kind of sitting for no reason. This just kind of sitting for no reason. This preparing for no reason or or or This preparing for no reason or or or This preparing for no reason or or or maybe preparing but then it's just maybe preparing but then it's just maybe preparing but then it's just impending doom and there's no hope. It's impending doom and there's no hope. It's impending doom and there's no hope. It's all meaningless. all meaningless. all meaningless. And unfortunately, even as believers, a And unfortunately, even as believers, a And unfortunately, even as believers, a lot of us can live like this. lot of us can live like this. lot of us can live like this. But we actually get to prep for But we actually get to prep for But we actually get to prep for something so much greater. We get to something so much greater. We get to something so much greater. We get to prep for something called eternity. We prep for something called eternity. We prep for something called eternity. We get to live a life preparing for get to live a life preparing for get to live a life preparing for eternity. So Solomon writes this eternity. So Solomon writes this eternity. So Solomon writes this Ecclesiastes 9:1. So I reflected on all Ecclesiastes 9:1. So I reflected on all Ecclesiastes 9:1. So I reflected on all this and concluded. this and concluded. this and concluded. So really, this is a recap. Now, there's So really, this is a recap. Now, there's So really, this is a recap. Now, there's been a lot of repetitive thoughts been a lot of repetitive thoughts been a lot of repetitive thoughts throughout Ecclesiastes. He's been throughout Ecclesiastes. He's been throughout Ecclesiastes. He's been saying the same thing over and over. So, saying the same thing over and over. So, saying the same thing over and over. So, he's summing it up right now. So, this he's summing it up right now. So, this he's summing it up right now. So, this isn't new information we're about to isn't new information we're about to isn't new information we're about to hear, but it's a reminder. And if you're hear, but it's a reminder. And if you're hear, but it's a reminder. And if you're anything like me, you need these anything like me, you need these anything like me, you need these reminders because I I've been a reminders because I I've been a reminders because I I've been a Christian since I was 6 years old. So, Christian since I was 6 years old. So, Christian since I was 6 years old. So, 31 years, 31 years, 31 years, and I still have to learn the same and I still have to learn the same and I still have to learn the same things over and over and over. Have you things over and over and over. Have you things over and over and over. Have you guys had to learn the same thing in your guys had to learn the same thing in your guys had to learn the same thing in your faith over and over and over? So, as we faith over and over and over? So, as we faith over and over and over? So, as we dig in, please, you might have heard dig in, please, you might have heard dig in, please, you might have heard this before. This might be a reminder to this before. This might be a reminder to this before. This might be a reminder to you, but I found if God's reminding you you, but I found if God's reminding you you, but I found if God's reminding you of something, it's because you forgot of something, it's because you forgot of something, it's because you forgot it. So, we need these reminders. So, he it. So, we need these reminders. So, he it. So, we need these reminders. So, he said in verse one, I reflected on all said in verse one, I reflected on all said in verse one, I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous this and concluded that the righteous this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in and the wise and what they do are in and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no one knows whether God's hands, but no one knows whether God's hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. Number one, if

love or hate awaits them. Number one, if love or hate awaits them. Number one, if you're taking notes, I have three points you're taking notes, I have three points you're taking notes, I have three points for us today. And each point has some for us today. And each point has some for us today. And each point has some subpoints, but this first point is stand subpoints, but this first point is stand subpoints, but this first point is stand firm in God's hands. firm in God's hands. firm in God's hands. Stand firm in God's hands. Stand firm in God's hands. Stand firm in God's hands. Solomon says he concluded, "The Solomon says he concluded, "The Solomon says he concluded, "The righteous and the wise and what they do righteous and the wise and what they do righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands." are in God's hands." are in God's hands." I want you to picture this for a second. I want you to picture this for a second. I want you to picture this for a second. Picture your life. Picture your life. Picture your life. Picture this season you're in, this Picture this season you're in, this Picture this season you're in, this moment you're in. moment you're in. moment you're in. Picture whatever chaos is happening Picture whatever chaos is happening Picture whatever chaos is happening around you. around you. around you. But now I want you to picture the hand But now I want you to picture the hand But now I want you to picture the hand of God under you, of God under you, of God under you, his fingers wrapped around you, his fingers wrapped around you, his fingers wrapped around you, holding you tight. holding you tight. holding you tight. He holds you. He holds you. He holds you. He sees you. He sees you. He sees you. He knows what you're going through. He's He knows what you're going through. He's He knows what you're going through. He's not surprised by your circumstances. not surprised by your circumstances. not surprised by your circumstances. I would actually say this. In the midst I would actually say this. In the midst I would actually say this. In the midst of everything going on around you and of everything going on around you and of everything going on around you and you being in God's hands, this is the you being in God's hands, this is the you being in God's hands, this is the greatest comfort you have because you greatest comfort you have because you greatest comfort you have because you can write this down. God's hand brings can write this down. God's hand brings can write this down. God's hand brings security.

security. security. His hand brings security. His hand brings security. His hand brings security. But this isn't security in the outcomes But this isn't security in the outcomes But this isn't security in the outcomes of life or the security of the of life or the security of the of life or the security of the circumstances we're in. This is simply circumstances we're in. This is simply circumstances we're in. This is simply security in the one who holds us, the security in the one who holds us, the security in the one who holds us, the one who created the world, the one who one who created the world, the one who one who created the world, the one who holds all things together. That's whose holds all things together. That's whose holds all things together. That's whose hand we are in. And we can be secure in hand we are in. And we can be secure in hand we are in. And we can be secure in our hands. You see, he says, "No matter our hands. You see, he says, "No matter our hands. You see, he says, "No matter what they do, they're in God's hands. what they do, they're in God's hands. what they do, they're in God's hands. But no one knows whether love or hate But no one knows whether love or hate But no one knows whether love or hate awaits them." And this is Solomon kind awaits them." And this is Solomon kind awaits them." And this is Solomon kind of being like, "Whatever your of being like, "Whatever your of being like, "Whatever your circumstances, like you can't judge circumstances, like you can't judge circumstances, like you can't judge God's love for you by the circumstances God's love for you by the circumstances God's love for you by the circumstances you're in. You can't go, "Oh, God must you're in. You can't go, "Oh, God must you're in. You can't go, "Oh, God must hate me because life is hard right now." hate me because life is hard right now." hate me because life is hard right now." Or, "God loves them so much more because Or, "God loves them so much more because Or, "God loves them so much more because he has blessed them with so much money, he has blessed them with so much money, he has blessed them with so much money, or they have so many kids and and I or they have so many kids and and I or they have so many kids and and I don't have one right now, even though my don't have one right now, even though my don't have one right now, even though my husband and I, we've been trying for so husband and I, we've been trying for so husband and I, we've been trying for so much time, so he must not love me." No, much time, so he must not love me." No, much time, so he must not love me." No, God's love is not based on our God's love is not based on our God's love is not based on our circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. God's love is simply based on the fact God's love is simply based on the fact God's love is simply based on the fact that we are his and he loves us and he that we are his and he loves us and he that we are his and he loves us and he created us and we're secure in his created us and we're secure in his created us and we're secure in his hands. Think of the people throughout hands. Think of the people throughout hands. Think of the people throughout scripture who I would never question scripture who I would never question scripture who I would never question God's love for them. Yet their God's love for them. Yet their God's love for them. Yet their circumstances were far worse than mine.

circumstances were far worse than mine. circumstances were far worse than mine. Steven, the first martyr, was literally Steven, the first martyr, was literally Steven, the first martyr, was literally murdered for Jesus. I think of John the murdered for Jesus. I think of John the murdered for Jesus. I think of John the Baptist beheaded, right? Moses, the Baptist beheaded, right? Moses, the Baptist beheaded, right? Moses, the things he went like, you can look on at things he went like, you can look on at things he went like, you can look on at all these people, Paul, Peter, who all these people, Paul, Peter, who all these people, Paul, Peter, who suffered for Jesus. I would never suffered for Jesus. I would never suffered for Jesus. I would never question God's love for them. Yet, I question God's love for them. Yet, I question God's love for them. Yet, I faced far less than them. Yet, I can faced far less than them. Yet, I can faced far less than them. Yet, I can find myself going, "Am I am I are we find myself going, "Am I am I are we find myself going, "Am I am I are we good?" No, I'm secure in God's hand. And good?" No, I'm secure in God's hand. And good?" No, I'm secure in God's hand. And security is huge. See, I've heard it security is huge. See, I've heard it security is huge. See, I've heard it said before, the three biggest questions said before, the three biggest questions said before, the three biggest questions people will ask are, "Who am I?" It's people will ask are, "Who am I?" It's people will ask are, "Who am I?" It's this question of identity, where do I this question of identity, where do I this question of identity, where do I belong? This question of belonging, and belong? This question of belonging, and belong? This question of belonging, and what's my purpose? This question of what's my purpose? This question of what's my purpose? This question of purpose. And almost a year ago, my youth purpose. And almost a year ago, my youth purpose. And almost a year ago, my youth team and I, we were at this conference, team and I, we were at this conference, team and I, we were at this conference, and this lady spoke, and she shared and this lady spoke, and she shared and this lady spoke, and she shared those three things. But she says, "But those three things. But she says, "But those three things. But she says, "But here's actually what the most important here's actually what the most important here's actually what the most important question is. It's the question of question is. It's the question of question is. It's the question of security. Who can I trust? You see, if security. Who can I trust? You see, if security. Who can I trust? You see, if you can fully trust God, then you can you can fully trust God, then you can you can fully trust God, then you can trust that your identity is in him. If trust that your identity is in him. If trust that your identity is in him. If you fully trust Jesus, you can trust you fully trust Jesus, you can trust you fully trust Jesus, you can trust that you belong with him. If you fully that you belong with him. If you fully that you belong with him. If you fully trust him, you can believe that he has a trust him, you can believe that he has a trust him, you can believe that he has a purpose for you. It all starts with purpose for you. It all starts with purpose for you. It all starts with security. Think about this. If you're security. Think about this. If you're security. Think about this. If you're secure, doesn't that make the rest of secure, doesn't that make the rest of secure, doesn't that make the rest of life better? Doesn't that make your life better? Doesn't that make your life better? Doesn't that make your thoughts calm down? Doesn't that make thoughts calm down? Doesn't that make thoughts calm down? Doesn't that make your heart feel at peace?

your heart feel at peace? your heart feel at peace? See, my wife had me buy one of those See, my wife had me buy one of those See, my wife had me buy one of those things to put on our front door handle things to put on our front door handle things to put on our front door handle that goes on the inside that clips on that goes on the inside that clips on that goes on the inside that clips on either end so our sun can't get in. But either end so our sun can't get in. But either end so our sun can't get in. But it also doesn't allow people from the it also doesn't allow people from the it also doesn't allow people from the outside to break in a and open our door. outside to break in a and open our door. outside to break in a and open our door. So when we close this thing at night, we So when we close this thing at night, we So when we close this thing at night, we feel a lot more secure. We feel a lot feel a lot more secure. We feel a lot feel a lot more secure. We feel a lot more at peace. We feel a lot more calm. more at peace. We feel a lot more calm. more at peace. We feel a lot more calm. Why? Because we're secure. And that's Why? Because we're secure. And that's Why? Because we're secure. And that's our life in God's hands. our life in God's hands. our life in God's hands. Verses 2 through six. I won't read Verses 2 through six. I won't read Verses 2 through six. I won't read because they're really sad, but that's because they're really sad, but that's because they're really sad, but that's not the reason I'm going to read them. not the reason I'm going to read them. not the reason I'm going to read them. But they basically say this. Everyone But they basically say this. Everyone But they basically say this. Everyone dies. dies. dies. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Let's pray. But this is so important because this is But this is so important because this is something I we need to contemplate something I we need to contemplate something I we need to contemplate because if you live through this reality because if you live through this reality because if you live through this reality that everyone dies, that everyone dies, that everyone dies, 100% of people, 100% of people, 100% of people, it will change how you live. it will change how you live. it will change how you live. So Solomon follows this up with verse 7.

So Solomon follows this up with verse 7. So Solomon follows this up with verse 7. He says, "Go eat your food with gladness He says, "Go eat your food with gladness He says, "Go eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you for God has already approved what you for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white and do. Always be clothed in white and do. Always be clothed in white and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife whom you love all life with your wife whom you love all life with your wife whom you love all the days of this meaningless life that the days of this meaningless life that the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun. all God has given you under the sun. all God has given you under the sun. all your meaningless days. For this is your your meaningless days. For this is your your meaningless days. For this is your law in life, and your toilsome labor law in life, and your toilsome labor law in life, and your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds under the sun. Whatever your hand finds under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. For in to do, do it with all your might. For in to do, do it with all your might. For in the realm of the dead where you are the realm of the dead where you are the realm of the dead where you are going, there's neither working nor going, there's neither working nor going, there's neither working nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom. planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom. planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. So, we need to enjoy life in God's So, we need to enjoy life in God's So, we need to enjoy life in God's hands. hands. hands. No matter what season we're in, no No matter what season we're in, no No matter what season we're in, no matter what trial we're in, no matter matter what trial we're in, no matter matter what trial we're in, no matter what transition we're in, transition what transition we're in, transition what transition we're in, transition stinks, doesn't it? Does anyone here stinks, doesn't it? Does anyone here stinks, doesn't it? Does anyone here like transition? You like changes in like transition? You like changes in like transition? You like changes in life? I've always said the one constant life? I've always said the one constant life? I've always said the one constant in life is change and Jesus who never in life is change and Jesus who never in life is change and Jesus who never changes, right? But the one constant in changes, right? But the one constant in changes, right? But the one constant in life is change. And me as a youth life is change. And me as a youth life is change. And me as a youth pastor, I can't help but think of Gen Z.

pastor, I can't help but think of Gen Z. pastor, I can't help but think of Gen Z. Do you guys know Jen Z? Not not Jay-Z. Do you guys know Jen Z? Not not Jay-Z. Do you guys know Jen Z? Not not Jay-Z. Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14 to 29 Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14 to 29 Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14 to 29 year olds. If you're 14 to 29, go ahead year olds. If you're 14 to 29, go ahead year olds. If you're 14 to 29, go ahead and raise your hand. 14 to 29. Guys, is and raise your hand. 14 to 29. Guys, is and raise your hand. 14 to 29. Guys, is there a lot of transition in your life there a lot of transition in your life there a lot of transition in your life right now? right now? right now? Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Is life hard right now? So, listen. >> Yes. Is life hard right now? So, listen. >> Yes. Is life hard right now? So, listen. Fuller Youth Institute did a study where Fuller Youth Institute did a study where Fuller Youth Institute did a study where they started they they've always looked they started they they've always looked they started they they've always looked at students, young people, but they at students, young people, but they at students, young people, but they started looking at young adults more and started looking at young adults more and started looking at young adults more and they've looked at these seasons of they've looked at these seasons of they've looked at these seasons of transition. And we think of transition, transition. And we think of transition, transition. And we think of transition, we often think of, we can actually go to we often think of, we can actually go to we often think of, we can actually go to that graphic on the screen. We think of that graphic on the screen. We think of that graphic on the screen. We think of that line in the middle, high school, that line in the middle, high school, that line in the middle, high school, college, job, marriage, kids. But they college, job, marriage, kids. But they college, job, marriage, kids. But they said, actually, no, no, no, no. This is said, actually, no, no, no, no. This is said, actually, no, no, no, no. This is more so what life looks like for a Gen more so what life looks like for a Gen more so what life looks like for a Gen Zer where their transition season is not Zer where their transition season is not Zer where their transition season is not this to this to this. It's point A to this to this to this. It's point A to this to this to this. It's point A to point C to point Q to point X to point B point C to point Q to point X to point B point C to point Q to point X to point B to and it's all over the place. to and it's all over the place. to and it's all over the place. But what's actually fascinating is what But what's actually fascinating is what But what's actually fascinating is what we're finding in Gen Z is they are we're finding in Gen Z is they are we're finding in Gen Z is they are coming back to Jesus more than they ever coming back to Jesus more than they ever coming back to Jesus more than they ever have. That they are finding him in these have. That they are finding him in these have. That they are finding him in these seasons of transition.

seasons of transition. seasons of transition. And here's what's so cool about this. And here's what's so cool about this. And here's what's so cool about this. This is a lot like Israel in the This is a lot like Israel in the This is a lot like Israel in the wilderness when they were following wilderness when they were following wilderness when they were following Jesus, when they followed him out of or Jesus, when they followed him out of or Jesus, when they followed him out of or when they were following Moses, when they were following Moses, when they were following Moses, following God out of Egypt, right? They following God out of Egypt, right? They following God out of Egypt, right? They they were so close to him. Whenever they they were so close to him. Whenever they they were so close to him. Whenever they were moving around, they were close to were moving around, they were close to were moving around, they were close to the Lord. But then what happened when the Lord. But then what happened when the Lord. But then what happened when they got to the place where they were they got to the place where they were they got to the place where they were standing, where they were still, when standing, where they were still, when standing, where they were still, when Moses up on Mount Si and they're still, Moses up on Mount Si and they're still, Moses up on Mount Si and they're still, and then they build a golden calf and and then they build a golden calf and and then they build a golden calf and worship another god. worship another god. worship another god. It was the seasons of transition that It was the seasons of transition that It was the seasons of transition that they grew close to the Lord. But it was they grew close to the Lord. But it was they grew close to the Lord. But it was almost like they didn't know what to do almost like they didn't know what to do almost like they didn't know what to do once they didn't have have to depend on once they didn't have have to depend on once they didn't have have to depend on him. when they were sitting still and him. when they were sitting still and him. when they were sitting still and they could work in their own strength, they could work in their own strength, they could work in their own strength, it was like they lost the faith they had it was like they lost the faith they had it was like they lost the faith they had when they were following him. when they were following him. when they were following him. So, we have to enjoy life in God's hands So, we have to enjoy life in God's hands So, we have to enjoy life in God's hands now, no matter what transition that we now, no matter what transition that we now, no matter what transition that we are in. But here's what I know. Young are in. But here's what I know. Young are in. But here's what I know. Young people are drawing close to the Lord in people are drawing close to the Lord in people are drawing close to the Lord in these seasons of transition, these seasons of transition, these seasons of transition, but those seasons are going to stop. And but those seasons are going to stop. And but those seasons are going to stop. And what they learn in these seasons is what they learn in these seasons is what they learn in these seasons is what's going to help them stand firm in what's going to help them stand firm in what's going to help them stand firm in the future. And you can be a part of the future. And you can be a part of the future. And you can be a part of that.

that. that. as the youth guy, I have to give that as the youth guy, I have to give that as the youth guy, I have to give that that plug. But we talked about all those that plug. But we talked about all those that plug. But we talked about all those volunteers at YE. Listen, they need volunteers at YE. Listen, they need volunteers at YE. Listen, they need people to come alongside them to help people to come alongside them to help people to come alongside them to help them in the transition, but to help them them in the transition, but to help them them in the transition, but to help them in the steadiness as well to cling close in the steadiness as well to cling close in the steadiness as well to cling close to the Lord in those times. So, we talk to the Lord in those times. So, we talk to the Lord in those times. So, we talk about from one generation to the next. about from one generation to the next. about from one generation to the next. Maybe the Lord's tugging something on Maybe the Lord's tugging something on Maybe the Lord's tugging something on your heart and saying, "Man, you need to your heart and saying, "Man, you need to your heart and saying, "Man, you need to help young people enjoy life in God's help young people enjoy life in God's help young people enjoy life in God's hands." If you want, you can scan the QR hands." If you want, you can scan the QR hands." If you want, you can scan the QR code at some point. There's a thing on code at some point. There's a thing on code at some point. There's a thing on there to serve, but they need people to there to serve, but they need people to there to serve, but they need people to come alongside them. And I even want to come alongside them. And I even want to come alongside them. And I even want to say this. I don't know if you guys know say this. I don't know if you guys know say this. I don't know if you guys know the youth building is right behind me. the youth building is right behind me. the youth building is right behind me. And if you want to go after service And if you want to go after service And if you want to go after service today, just check out youth. There's no today, just check out youth. There's no today, just check out youth. There's no service. They're all in here today. But service. They're all in here today. But service. They're all in here today. But check out the youth building. The hub's check out the youth building. The hub's check out the youth building. The hub's open. Bob and Gina Beis make an open. Bob and Gina Beis make an open. Bob and Gina Beis make an incredible breakfast. You can get a incredible breakfast. You can get a incredible breakfast. You can get a grand slam. Get some eggs, pancakes, but grand slam. Get some eggs, pancakes, but grand slam. Get some eggs, pancakes, but just check out that building. Check out just check out that building. Check out just check out that building. Check out what's happening over there. I it it's what's happening over there. I it it's what's happening over there. I it it's like the secret hidden spot on campus. like the secret hidden spot on campus. like the secret hidden spot on campus. There's even some arcade games you could There's even some arcade games you could There's even some arcade games you could play. You'll have a great time. Go over play. You'll have a great time. Go over play. You'll have a great time. Go over there after service. See what God's there after service. See what God's there after service. See what God's doing in the youth building. But enjoy doing in the youth building. But enjoy doing in the youth building. But enjoy life in God's hands. I'm a big country life in God's hands. I'm a big country life in God's hands. I'm a big country music fan. Any country music fans? I music fan. Any country music fans? I music fan. Any country music fans? I believe in the three C's of music.

believe in the three C's of music. believe in the three C's of music. There's Christian, there's country, and There's Christian, there's country, and There's Christian, there's country, and there's Christmas. It's only genres that there's Christmas. It's only genres that there's Christmas. It's only genres that matter. Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a matter. Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a matter. Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a song called Live Like You Were Dying song called Live Like You Were Dying song called Live Like You Were Dying about a guy who got bad news. And he about a guy who got bad news. And he about a guy who got bad news. And he asked him, "Hey, when you got that news, asked him, "Hey, when you got that news, asked him, "Hey, when you got that news, what did you do?" Guy said, "I went what did you do?" Guy said, "I went what did you do?" Guy said, "I went skydiving. I went rocky mountain skydiving. I went rocky mountain skydiving. I went rocky mountain climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bowl climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bowl climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bowl named Fu Manchu. named Fu Manchu. named Fu Manchu. I love deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave I love deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave I love deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave forgiveness that I'd been denying. And forgiveness that I'd been denying. And forgiveness that I'd been denying. And then he says, I hope you get the chance then he says, I hope you get the chance then he says, I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying. And I to live like you were dying. And I to live like you were dying. And I believe this is Solomon's point here. believe this is Solomon's point here. believe this is Solomon's point here. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. And he says this life is meaningless And he says this life is meaningless And he says this life is meaningless under the sun. But the truth is this under the sun. But the truth is this under the sun. But the truth is this life is is not meaningless because we life is is not meaningless because we life is is not meaningless because we have Jesus. So we are going to enjoy have Jesus. So we are going to enjoy have Jesus. So we are going to enjoy life in God's hands. The reality of life in God's hands. The reality of life in God's hands. The reality of death should cause us to enjoy life death should cause us to enjoy life death should cause us to enjoy life more. Right? He tells you to always be more. Right? He tells you to always be more. Right? He tells you to always be clothed in white. Being clothed in white clothed in white. Being clothed in white clothed in white. Being clothed in white in those times, it meant there was a in those times, it meant there was a in those times, it meant there was a special occasion. So he's like, special occasion. So he's like, special occasion. So he's like, literally, make every moment a special literally, make every moment a special literally, make every moment a special occasion. Take it all in. Take in every occasion. Take it all in. Take in every occasion. Take it all in. Take in every second, every moment of life because you second, every moment of life because you second, every moment of life because you don't know when it's going to end.

don't know when it's going to end. don't know when it's going to end. A year ago today, A year ago today, A year ago today, it was the same weekend except it was it was the same weekend except it was it was the same weekend except it was Saturday night. I was getting ready to Saturday night. I was getting ready to Saturday night. I was getting ready to teach, getting ready to walk on stage teach, getting ready to walk on stage teach, getting ready to walk on stage for for uh the sermon after we for for uh the sermon after we for for uh the sermon after we got a text message that my grandpa was got a text message that my grandpa was got a text message that my grandpa was found in his room at his memory care found in his room at his memory care found in his room at his memory care place unresponsive. So, Saturday I have to come up, I have So, Saturday I have to come up, I have to teach, wondering if my grandpa's to teach, wondering if my grandpa's to teach, wondering if my grandpa's going to be here when I'm done. going to be here when I'm done. going to be here when I'm done. And Sunday comes, Monday comes, Tuesday And Sunday comes, Monday comes, Tuesday And Sunday comes, Monday comes, Tuesday comes, he passes away Wednesday night. comes, he passes away Wednesday night. comes, he passes away Wednesday night. And there's something about the reality And there's something about the reality And there's something about the reality of death that it hits you of death that it hits you of death that it hits you and you have regrets and you have regrets and you have regrets and you have moments cuz you wish you and you have moments cuz you wish you and you have moments cuz you wish you would have taken it in more. would have taken it in more. would have taken it in more. My last moments with my grandpa when he My last moments with my grandpa when he My last moments with my grandpa when he was still conscious and still aware was was still conscious and still aware was was still conscious and still aware was aware aware aware was me just quickly stopping by. I had was me just quickly stopping by. I had was me just quickly stopping by. I had somewhere to go but I wanted to say hi somewhere to go but I wanted to say hi somewhere to go but I wanted to say hi to him so I spent like five minutes with to him so I spent like five minutes with to him so I spent like five minutes with him. I even told him about me teaching him. I even told him about me teaching him. I even told him about me teaching that weekend. Said, "Hey, maybe my uncle that weekend. Said, "Hey, maybe my uncle that weekend. Said, "Hey, maybe my uncle can pick you up, your son, and and he he can pick you up, your son, and and he he can pick you up, your son, and and he he he had bad Alzheimer's, so he wasn't he had bad Alzheimer's, so he wasn't he had bad Alzheimer's, so he wasn't fully there, but maybe he can pick you fully there, but maybe he can pick you fully there, but maybe he can pick you up. Maybe you can come watch me teach."

up. Maybe you can come watch me teach." up. Maybe you can come watch me teach." So, I was texting my uncle that night. So, I was texting my uncle that night. So, I was texting my uncle that night. Hey, is are you going to pick him up? Is Hey, is are you going to pick him up? Is Hey, is are you going to pick him up? Is he going to come? And actually, no. He he going to come? And actually, no. He he going to come? And actually, no. He was found unresponsive. was found unresponsive. was found unresponsive. And I looked back at that last moment And I looked back at that last moment And I looked back at that last moment with him, wishing I would have spent with him, wishing I would have spent with him, wishing I would have spent more time with him that I would have more time with him that I would have more time with him that I would have taken in that moment. taken in that moment. taken in that moment. rewind 16 years. Also, July, July 17th, rewind 16 years. Also, July, July 17th, rewind 16 years. Also, July, July 17th, family reunion in North Dakota that my family reunion in North Dakota that my family reunion in North Dakota that my grandma planned. We're about to eat. I grandma planned. We're about to eat. I grandma planned. We're about to eat. I pray for our our meal. She has a brain pray for our our meal. She has a brain pray for our our meal. She has a brain aneurysm. Passes away that night. aneurysm. Passes away that night. aneurysm. Passes away that night. We had lost actually a full day with her We had lost actually a full day with her We had lost actually a full day with her because of the airline. I won't tell you because of the airline. I won't tell you because of the airline. I won't tell you which one it is. And after after that happened, I And after after that happened, I actually had the opportunity to teach in actually had the opportunity to teach in actually had the opportunity to teach in our high school ministry. It was called our high school ministry. It was called our high school ministry. It was called Liquid at that time. And the the Lord Liquid at that time. And the the Lord Liquid at that time. And the the Lord reminded me of this and he reminds me reminded me of this and he reminds me reminded me of this and he reminds me every year at this time, don't take your every year at this time, don't take your every year at this time, don't take your loved ones for granted. If there's loved ones for granted. If there's loved ones for granted. If there's someone you need to tell you love them, someone you need to tell you love them, someone you need to tell you love them, do it now. And if there's a change do it now. And if there's a change do it now. And if there's a change needing to take place, change it now. needing to take place, change it now. needing to take place, change it now. Enjoy life in God's hands. Take in every Enjoy life in God's hands. Take in every Enjoy life in God's hands. Take in every moment because you don't know when it's moment because you don't know when it's moment because you don't know when it's going to be your last or someone else's.

going to be your last or someone else's. going to be your last or someone else's. Verse 11, he says, "I've seen something Verse 11, he says, "I've seen something Verse 11, he says, "I've seen something else under the sun. else under the sun. else under the sun. The race is not to the swift, or the The race is not to the swift, or the The race is not to the swift, or the battle to the strong, nor does food come battle to the strong, nor does food come battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant, to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant, to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant, or favor to the learned, but time and or favor to the learned, but time and or favor to the learned, but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no chance happen to them all. Moreover, no chance happen to them all. Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come, as one knows when their hour will come, as one knows when their hour will come, as fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are are taken in a snare, so people are are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall trapped by evil times that fall trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. You write this unexpectedly upon them. You write this unexpectedly upon them. You write this down. God's hands remind you that you're down. God's hands remind you that you're down. God's hands remind you that you're not in control. This is what Solomon's not in control. This is what Solomon's not in control. This is what Solomon's trying to tell us. You're not in trying to tell us. You're not in trying to tell us. You're not in control. control. control. This is hard for me. I'm a control This is hard for me. I'm a control This is hard for me. I'm a control freak. freak. freak. Am I the only one? Anyone else control Am I the only one? Anyone else control Am I the only one? Anyone else control freaks? It's okay. And if you're lifting freaks? It's okay. And if you're lifting freaks? It's okay. And if you're lifting the arm of someone next to you, you're the arm of someone next to you, you're the arm of someone next to you, you're the control freak, not them. Just the control freak, not them. Just the control freak, not them. Just throwing that out there. throwing that out there. throwing that out there. All right. There's a funny thing with All right. There's a funny thing with All right. There's a funny thing with young people these days. They like to young people these days. They like to young people these days. They like to watch people play video games on YouTube watch people play video games on YouTube watch people play video games on YouTube and on different streaming service. And and on different streaming service. And and on different streaming service. And I don't understand watching other people I don't understand watching other people I don't understand watching other people play video games. I want the controller play video games. I want the controller play video games. I want the controller in my hand.

in my hand. in my hand. I want to be in control, I want to be in control, I want to be in control, but this is me with God way too often. but this is me with God way too often. but this is me with God way too often. I have to be okay with the fact that I'm I have to be okay with the fact that I'm I have to be okay with the fact that I'm not in control and he's in control. And not in control and he's in control. And not in control and he's in control. And that's actually a good thing. I'm that's actually a good thing. I'm that's actually a good thing. I'm grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful I don't get to make the call. Life is I don't get to make the call. Life is I don't get to make the call. Life is unpredictable. unpredictable. unpredictable. We have to accept that fact. This is We have to accept that fact. This is We have to accept that fact. This is what Solomon is saying here. You're not what Solomon is saying here. You're not what Solomon is saying here. You're not in control. For those living under the in control. For those living under the in control. For those living under the sun, who are living a life without the sun, who are living a life without the sun, who are living a life without the Lord, this is terrifying. But for us who Lord, this is terrifying. But for us who Lord, this is terrifying. But for us who are secure in God's hands, this is a are secure in God's hands, this is a are secure in God's hands, this is a great place to be because his control is great place to be because his control is great place to be because his control is far greater than ours. He continues in far greater than ours. He continues in far greater than ours. He continues in verse 13, I also saw under the sun this verse 13, I also saw under the sun this verse 13, I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed example of wisdom that greatly impressed example of wisdom that greatly impressed me. There was once a small city with me. There was once a small city with me. There was once a small city with only a few people in it, and a powerful only a few people in it, and a powerful only a few people in it, and a powerful king came against it, surrounded it, and king came against it, surrounded it, and king came against it, surrounded it, and built a huge siege works against it. Now built a huge siege works against it. Now built a huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but there lived in that city a man poor but there lived in that city a man poor but wise. and he saved the city by his wise. and he saved the city by his wise. and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength, but the poor man's wisdom is strength, but the poor man's wisdom is strength, but the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are no longer despised and his words are no longer despised and his words are no longer heed."

heed." heed." Next thing Solomon is saying here, God's Next thing Solomon is saying here, God's Next thing Solomon is saying here, God's hands are all the affirmation you need. hands are all the affirmation you need. hands are all the affirmation you need. When we're secure in God's hands, when When we're secure in God's hands, when When we're secure in God's hands, when we trust that he's the one in control, we trust that he's the one in control, we trust that he's the one in control, we we understand that is all the we we understand that is all the we we understand that is all the affirmation we need. We have a man here affirmation we need. We have a man here affirmation we need. We have a man here who literally saves the city who literally saves the city who literally saves the city and no one remembers him. and no one remembers him. and no one remembers him. No one cares what he did for them. No one cares what he did for them. No one cares what he did for them. Listen, the righteous stand firm even if Listen, the righteous stand firm even if Listen, the righteous stand firm even if they're overlooked. The righteous stand they're overlooked. The righteous stand they're overlooked. The righteous stand firm even if they're forgotten. firm even if they're forgotten. firm even if they're forgotten. Right? You ever help someone and you Right? You ever help someone and you Right? You ever help someone and you didn't get a thank you? didn't get a thank you? didn't get a thank you? Were you doing it for the thank you or Were you doing it for the thank you or Were you doing it for the thank you or were you doing it because God calls you were you doing it because God calls you were you doing it because God calls you to love people? to love people? to love people? Man, if you're like me, you hold the Man, if you're like me, you hold the Man, if you're like me, you hold the door open for someone. Let me be your door open for someone. Let me be your door open for someone. Let me be your night and shining armor. night and shining armor. night and shining armor. I'm I'm so nice. You know, you even tell I'm I'm so nice. You know, you even tell I'm I'm so nice. You know, you even tell them they don't have to do that little them they don't have to do that little them they don't have to do that little jog cuz they were so far away. I I'll jog cuz they were so far away. I I'll jog cuz they were so far away. I I'll wait. I'll be patient. wait. I'll be patient. wait. I'll be patient. And they don't say thank you. [snorts] I And they don't say thank you. [snorts] I And they don't say thank you. [snorts] I just slam it on. I let go.

just slam it on. I let go. just slam it on. I let go. I wait till they're 10 feet away and I I wait till they're 10 feet away and I I wait till they're 10 feet away and I go, "You're welcome." Was I holding that door for them or for Was I holding that door for them or for me? Honestly, me? Honestly, me? Honestly, we need to be okay not getting we need to be okay not getting we need to be okay not getting affirmation from people because we serve affirmation from people because we serve affirmation from people because we serve an audience of one. We serve the one an audience of one. We serve the one an audience of one. We serve the one who's on his throne. We serve the one who's on his throne. We serve the one who's on his throne. We serve the one who's in control. So don't worry about likes, about views, So don't worry about likes, about views, about comments. about comments. about comments. Man, you want to talk about the ultimate Man, you want to talk about the ultimate Man, you want to talk about the ultimate like, the ultimate thumbs up. Jesus gave like, the ultimate thumbs up. Jesus gave like, the ultimate thumbs up. Jesus gave that to you on the cross when he spread that to you on the cross when he spread that to you on the cross when he spread his arms and said, "This is for you. You his arms and said, "This is for you. You his arms and said, "This is for you. You don't need any more affirmation than don't need any more affirmation than don't need any more affirmation than that. that. that. So, it's about faithfulness, not So, it's about faithfulness, not So, it's about faithfulness, not acknowledgment. acknowledgment. acknowledgment. And I think of the ultimate example of And I think of the ultimate example of And I think of the ultimate example of this. Jesus, as he's on the cross, as this. Jesus, as he's on the cross, as this. Jesus, as he's on the cross, as he's being scorned, mocked, rejected. he's being scorned, mocked, rejected. he's being scorned, mocked, rejected. Can you imagine if in the midst of that, Can you imagine if in the midst of that, Can you imagine if in the midst of that, he just said, "Eh, you're not affirming he just said, "Eh, you're not affirming he just said, "Eh, you're not affirming me. [snorts] me. [snorts] me. [snorts] Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. They can be dead in their sins.

They can be dead in their sins. They can be dead in their sins. No, he took it. He said, 'Father, No, he took it. He said, 'Father, No, he took it. He said, 'Father, forgive them. forgive them. forgive them. That's all the affirmation. And then you That's all the affirmation. And then you That's all the affirmation. And then you know what he says? Into your hands I know what he says? Into your hands I know what he says? Into your hands I commit my spirit. commit my spirit. commit my spirit. He was serving an audience of one God's He was serving an audience of one God's He was serving an audience of one God's will, God's plan, but he was loving an will, God's plan, but he was loving an will, God's plan, but he was loving an audience of an innumerable amount of audience of an innumerable amount of audience of an innumerable amount of people. people. people. God's hands are all the affirmation you God's hands are all the affirmation you God's hands are all the affirmation you need. need. need. Number two, it's verse 17. And we take Number two, it's verse 17. And we take Number two, it's verse 17. And we take kind of this weird pivot because Solomon kind of this weird pivot because Solomon kind of this weird pivot because Solomon sits and talks about how like wisdom, sits and talks about how like wisdom, sits and talks about how like wisdom, it's not going to protect you from it's not going to protect you from it's not going to protect you from death. It's not going to protect you death. It's not going to protect you death. It's not going to protect you from trials. It's not going to protect from trials. It's not going to protect from trials. It's not going to protect you from troubles, but it's not useless. you from troubles, but it's not useless. you from troubles, but it's not useless. So, as we close chapter 9 and we jump So, as we close chapter 9 and we jump So, as we close chapter 9 and we jump into chapter 10, it's going to start into chapter 10, it's going to start into chapter 10, it's going to start sounding a little bit more like sounding a little bit more like sounding a little bit more like Proverbs. But he's showing us the value Proverbs. But he's showing us the value Proverbs. But he's showing us the value of wisdom here. He says this in verse 17 of wisdom here. He says this in verse 17 of wisdom here. He says this in verse 17 of Ecclesiastes 9. The quiet words of of Ecclesiastes 9. The quiet words of of Ecclesiastes 9. The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the the wise are more to be heeded than the the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one better than weapons of war, but one better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. As dead flies sinner destroys much good. As dead flies sinner destroys much good. As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little give perfume a bad smell, so a little give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The folly outweighs wisdom and honor. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, heart of the wise inclines to the right, heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.

but the heart of the fool to the left. but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they Even as fools walk along the road, they Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid lack sense and show everyone how stupid lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are. Number two, if you're taking they are. Number two, if you're taking they are. Number two, if you're taking notes, you can write this down. Stand notes, you can write this down. Stand notes, you can write this down. Stand firm in wisdom. firm in wisdom. firm in wisdom. Right? It's this pivot wisdom. It's not Right? It's this pivot wisdom. It's not Right? It's this pivot wisdom. It's not going to protect you from everything going to protect you from everything going to protect you from everything life throws at you, right? It's not life throws at you, right? It's not life throws at you, right? It's not going to it's not going to prevent going to it's not going to prevent going to it's not going to prevent death. It's not going to pre prevent death. It's not going to pre prevent death. It's not going to pre prevent trials, but there's value here. So, trials, but there's value here. So, trials, but there's value here. So, stand firm in it. stand firm in it. stand firm in it. Because wisdom, you know what? Wisdom is Because wisdom, you know what? Wisdom is Because wisdom, you know what? Wisdom is useful. useful. useful. So what do you do? You keep your heart So what do you do? You keep your heart So what do you do? You keep your heart on the right things. You avoid on the right things. You avoid on the right things. You avoid foolishness. foolishness. foolishness. You avoid folly. He says, "A dead fly You avoid folly. He says, "A dead fly You avoid folly. He says, "A dead fly gives perfume a bad smell. gives perfume a bad smell. gives perfume a bad smell. A little fly in a jar of perfume ruins A little fly in a jar of perfume ruins A little fly in a jar of perfume ruins the whole batch. the whole batch. the whole batch. A little bit of folly, a little bit of A little bit of folly, a little bit of A little bit of folly, a little bit of foolishness, foolishness, foolishness, a little bit of sin, a little bit of sin, a little bit of sin, a little compromise can destroy a lot.

a little compromise can destroy a lot. a little compromise can destroy a lot. Here's the truth. Sin makes a mess. Here's the truth. Sin makes a mess. Here's the truth. Sin makes a mess. Compromise makes a mess. Foolishness Compromise makes a mess. Foolishness Compromise makes a mess. Foolishness makes a mess. makes a mess. makes a mess. I think of it like this. I don't know if I think of it like this. I don't know if I think of it like this. I don't know if you've ever stepped in dog poop. you've ever stepped in dog poop. you've ever stepped in dog poop. [snorts] You don't have to raise your [snorts] You don't have to raise your [snorts] You don't have to raise your hand for that one. If you did before you hand for that one. If you did before you hand for that one. If you did before you got here, the people by you know. got here, the people by you know. got here, the people by you know. But the thing about stepping in dog poop But the thing about stepping in dog poop But the thing about stepping in dog poop is you never notice in the moment. Isn't is you never notice in the moment. Isn't is you never notice in the moment. Isn't that the worst thing? You would think that the worst thing? You would think that the worst thing? You would think you know would notice that you stepped you know would notice that you stepped you know would notice that you stepped in a big old pile of poop, right? And in a big old pile of poop, right? And in a big old pile of poop, right? And the other thing is you don't normally the other thing is you don't normally the other thing is you don't normally fully step on it. It's like one small fully step on it. It's like one small fully step on it. It's like one small part of your shoe. part of your shoe. part of your shoe. And by the time you notice it, you start And by the time you notice it, you start And by the time you notice it, you start to question. Oh, like you start to smell to question. Oh, like you start to smell to question. Oh, like you start to smell it at some point. You're like, oh no, it at some point. You're like, oh no, it at some point. You're like, oh no, when did this happen? and you look down, when did this happen? and you look down, when did this happen? and you look down, it's kind of like creased over the side it's kind of like creased over the side it's kind of like creased over the side of your shoe a little bit and it's in of your shoe a little bit and it's in of your shoe a little bit and it's in all the ridges underneath and it's the all the ridges underneath and it's the all the ridges underneath and it's the hardest thing to clean out of your hardest thing to clean out of your hardest thing to clean out of your shoes, but then the thought enters your shoes, but then the thought enters your shoes, but then the thought enters your mind, "Oh no, when did I step in this?" mind, "Oh no, when did I step in this?" mind, "Oh no, when did I step in this?" And you start to retrace your steps and And you start to retrace your steps and And you start to retrace your steps and you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car floor mat. It's on my entryway rug. It's floor mat. It's on my entryway rug. It's floor mat. It's on my entryway rug. It's on my couch. It's on my hands.

on my couch. It's on my hands. on my couch. It's on my hands. It got everywhere." And it's never, like It got everywhere." And it's never, like It got everywhere." And it's never, like I said, it's never a big piece. It's I said, it's never a big piece. It's I said, it's never a big piece. It's like you stepped in the smallest turd like you stepped in the smallest turd like you stepped in the smallest turd ever, but it spreads. That's compromise. ever, but it spreads. That's compromise. ever, but it spreads. That's compromise. That's sin. That's foolishness. It seems That's sin. That's foolishness. It seems That's sin. That's foolishness. It seems so small, [screaming] so small, [screaming] so small, [screaming] but it makes a mess of everything. but it makes a mess of everything. but it makes a mess of everything. So Solomon says, "Hey, avoid So Solomon says, "Hey, avoid So Solomon says, "Hey, avoid foolishness, avoid folly, avoid foolishness, avoid folly, avoid foolishness, avoid folly, avoid compromise, avoid sin by standing firm compromise, avoid sin by standing firm compromise, avoid sin by standing firm in wisdom, by keeping your heart on the in wisdom, by keeping your heart on the in wisdom, by keeping your heart on the right things." And I love what he says. right things." And I love what he says. right things." And I love what he says. The heart of the wise inclines to the The heart of the wise inclines to the The heart of the wise inclines to the right. right. right. Now, where does Jesus sit? Now, where does Jesus sit? Now, where does Jesus sit? Jesus sits at the right hand of the Jesus sits at the right hand of the Jesus sits at the right hand of the father. father. father. So, how do we avoid foolishness and So, how do we avoid foolishness and So, how do we avoid foolishness and folly? How do we stand firm in wisdom? folly? How do we stand firm in wisdom? folly? How do we stand firm in wisdom? We allow our hearts to incline toward We allow our hearts to incline toward We allow our hearts to incline toward Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, to incline towards the one who's sitting to incline towards the one who's sitting to incline towards the one who's sitting at the right hand of the father. at the right hand of the father. at the right hand of the father. So we stand firm in wisdom. And this is So we stand firm in wisdom. And this is So we stand firm in wisdom. And this is what wisdom does for us. Verse eight.

what wisdom does for us. Verse eight. what wisdom does for us. Verse eight. Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever digs a pit may fall into it. Whoever breaks through a wall may be Whoever breaks through a wall may be Whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quaries bitten by a snake. Whoever quaries bitten by a snake. Whoever quaries stones may be injured by them. Whoever stones may be injured by them. Whoever stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. splits logs may be endangered by them. splits logs may be endangered by them. If the axe is dull and its edge If the axe is dull and its edge If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed. unsharpened, more strength is needed. unsharpened, more strength is needed. But skill will bring success. But skill will bring success. But skill will bring success. If a snake bites before it is charmed, If a snake bites before it is charmed, If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee. Wisdom the charmer receives no fee. Wisdom the charmer receives no fee. Wisdom protects. protects. protects. He gives this example of all these He gives this example of all these He gives this example of all these people who are doing all these different people who are doing all these different people who are doing all these different kind of like projects, these different kind of like projects, these different kind of like projects, these different activities a and they all end up in some activities a and they all end up in some activities a and they all end up in some sort of danger. sort of danger. sort of danger. And I don't know why they acted the way And I don't know why they acted the way And I don't know why they acted the way they did. I don't know why they came in they did. I don't know why they came in they did. I don't know why they came in the way they did. But I see people who the way they did. But I see people who the way they did. But I see people who were maybe a little overconfident. were maybe a little overconfident. were maybe a little overconfident. I see people that maybe were a little I see people that maybe were a little I see people that maybe were a little lazy, lazy, lazy, maybe people who were a little maybe people who were a little maybe people who were a little unprepared unprepared unprepared or maybe people that were a little or maybe people that were a little or maybe people that were a little unaware. unaware. unaware. So he's saying if you're going to go So he's saying if you're going to go So he's saying if you're going to go into things, if you if you take a moment into things, if you if you take a moment into things, if you if you take a moment and if you use some wisdom, if you're and if you use some wisdom, if you're and if you use some wisdom, if you're not overconfident, listen, if you dig a not overconfident, listen, if you dig a not overconfident, listen, if you dig a pit, you could fall into it. Why would pit, you could fall into it. Why would pit, you could fall into it. Why would you fall into it? Because you're not you fall into it? Because you're not you fall into it? Because you're not being careful.

being careful. being careful. But wisdom would tell you to be careful. But wisdom would tell you to be careful. But wisdom would tell you to be careful. Wisdom would tell you to tie a rope Wisdom would tell you to tie a rope Wisdom would tell you to tie a rope around your waist. tie that rope to around your waist. tie that rope to around your waist. tie that rope to something so you don't fall into a pit. something so you don't fall into a pit. something so you don't fall into a pit. Right? He talks about someone chopping Right? He talks about someone chopping Right? He talks about someone chopping wood with an with an unsharpened axe, wood with an with an unsharpened axe, wood with an with an unsharpened axe, with a dull axe. Wisdom would say with a dull axe. Wisdom would say with a dull axe. Wisdom would say instead of hitting harder, sharpen the instead of hitting harder, sharpen the instead of hitting harder, sharpen the axe. axe. axe. Right? Wisdom protects you from danger. Right? Wisdom protects you from danger. Right? Wisdom protects you from danger. Wisdom protects you from from having Wisdom protects you from from having Wisdom protects you from from having these kinds of moments instead of being these kinds of moments instead of being these kinds of moments instead of being overconfident, lazy, not being prepared, overconfident, lazy, not being prepared, overconfident, lazy, not being prepared, being unaware. being unaware. being unaware. I think of it like this. I can do I think of it like this. I can do I think of it like this. I can do anything. I fully believe anything. I fully believe anything. I fully believe I believe I can fix anything. And I believe I can fix anything. And I believe I can fix anything. And actually, it's not me. I don't want to actually, it's not me. I don't want to actually, it's not me. I don't want to take the credit. It's super glue that take the credit. It's super glue that take the credit. It's super glue that does the job. does the job. does the job. But here's what I learned with But here's what I learned with But here's what I learned with superglue. Thinking I can fix anything superglue. Thinking I can fix anything superglue. Thinking I can fix anything with superglue. I just learned that I'm with superglue. I just learned that I'm with superglue. I just learned that I'm stupid. If we can go to that first stupid. If we can go to that first stupid. If we can go to that first picture. If you're sitting there going, "How did If you're sitting there going, "How did that happen?" Uh 10 years later, I still that happen?" Uh 10 years later, I still that happen?" Uh 10 years later, I still don't know. I do not know how that don't know. I do not know how that don't know. I do not know how that happened. But you guys look on that's a happened. But you guys look on that's a happened. But you guys look on that's a fool. That's folly. That's me being fool. That's folly. That's me being fool. That's folly. That's me being unprepared. That's me being unprepared. That's me being unprepared. That's me being overconfident. And I would love to tell overconfident. And I would love to tell overconfident. And I would love to tell you I learned my lesson. But one of my you I learned my lesson. But one of my you I learned my lesson. But one of my uncles, his son, my cousin, had a uncles, his son, my cousin, had a uncles, his son, my cousin, had a Charizard toy that broke. And I said, "I Charizard toy that broke. And I said, "I Charizard toy that broke. And I said, "I can fix it. I have super glue." So a few can fix it. I have super glue." So a few can fix it. I have super glue." So a few years later, we can play that video.

I guess that's how you catch them all. I I guess that's how you catch them all. I don't know. But I literally So I'm don't know. But I literally So I'm don't know. But I literally So I'm running this illustration by my wife. running this illustration by my wife. running this illustration by my wife. I'm like, "Babe, I'm gonna make a fool I'm like, "Babe, I'm gonna make a fool I'm like, "Babe, I'm gonna make a fool of myself. I'm going to show them how of myself. I'm going to show them how of myself. I'm going to show them how stupid I am. Is this a good stupid I am. Is this a good stupid I am. Is this a good illustration?" And she, this is her illustration?" And she, this is her illustration?" And she, this is her response. "Well, you forgot about the response. "Well, you forgot about the response. "Well, you forgot about the time you glued your hands together." time you glued your hands together." time you glued your hands together." It's like, "Thanks, babe. Really It's like, "Thanks, babe. Really It's like, "Thanks, babe. Really appreciate it." So like I literally one appreciate it." So like I literally one appreciate it." So like I literally one time I So that's f listen if I'm showing time I So that's f listen if I'm showing time I So that's f listen if I'm showing you an example of foolishness that's you an example of foolishness that's you an example of foolishness that's what it is wisdom would have protected what it is wisdom would have protected what it is wisdom would have protected me from that wisdom would have prevented me from that wisdom would have prevented me from that wisdom would have prevented that but what are the things in our that but what are the things in our that but what are the things in our lives we do this with yeah the superlue lives we do this with yeah the superlue lives we do this with yeah the superlue is funny but we do this all the time is funny but we do this all the time is funny but we do this all the time where the Lord has protected us from where the Lord has protected us from where the Lord has protected us from something yet we fall right back into it something yet we fall right back into it something yet we fall right back into it from foolishness from foolishness from foolishness wisdom protects but verse 12 words from wisdom protects but verse 12 words from wisdom protects but verse 12 words from the mouth of the wise are gracious the mouth of the wise are gracious the mouth of the wise are gracious But fools are consumed by their own But fools are consumed by their own But fools are consumed by their own lips. At the beginning, their words are lips. At the beginning, their words are lips. At the beginning, their words are folly. At the end, they are wicked, folly. At the end, they are wicked, folly. At the end, they are wicked, madness. And fools multiply words. No madness. And fools multiply words. No madness. And fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming. Who can tell one knows what is coming. Who can tell one knows what is coming. Who can tell someone else what will happen after someone else what will happen after someone else what will happen after them? Wisdom protects, but wisdom also them? Wisdom protects, but wisdom also them? Wisdom protects, but wisdom also prevents.

prevents. prevents. What does it prevent? It prevents What does it prevent? It prevents What does it prevent? It prevents mistakes. It prevents regrets. mistakes. It prevents regrets. mistakes. It prevents regrets. Right? He's talking about someone who is Right? He's talking about someone who is Right? He's talking about someone who is foolish and folly in their words foolish and folly in their words foolish and folly in their words and how they speak. They don't take a and how they speak. They don't take a and how they speak. They don't take a moment to stop and consider. Instead, moment to stop and consider. Instead, moment to stop and consider. Instead, they they have foolish talk. Instead, they they have foolish talk. Instead, they they have foolish talk. Instead, they're babbling away. They're there's they're babbling away. They're there's they're babbling away. They're there's someone who they literally prove their someone who they literally prove their someone who they literally prove their foolishness the more they speak. foolishness the more they speak. foolishness the more they speak. They just go on and on. They just go on and on. They just go on and on. So, he says, if you're a person of So, he says, if you're a person of So, he says, if you're a person of wisdom, you're going to speak wisdom, you're going to speak wisdom, you're going to speak graciously. graciously. graciously. You're going to be slow to speak. You're going to be slow to speak. You're going to be slow to speak. You're going to use your words. Listen, You're going to use your words. Listen, You're going to use your words. Listen, sticks and stones may break my bones, sticks and stones may break my bones, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me. Biggest lie but words may never hurt me. Biggest lie but words may never hurt me. Biggest lie we ever heard growing up because words we ever heard growing up because words we ever heard growing up because words stick with you. I remember more the stick with you. I remember more the stick with you. I remember more the hurtful things people said to me than hurtful things people said to me than hurtful things people said to me than the ways I physically hurt myself. The the ways I physically hurt myself. The the ways I physically hurt myself. The ways I was physically injured. I ways I was physically injured. I ways I was physically injured. I remember things said to me more than I remember things said to me more than I remember things said to me more than I remember certain ankle sprain, certain remember certain ankle sprain, certain remember certain ankle sprain, certain broken bones. Like, cuz words hurt. broken bones. Like, cuz words hurt. broken bones. Like, cuz words hurt. So, I don't know if you've ever said So, I don't know if you've ever said So, I don't know if you've ever said something and when it came out of your something and when it came out of your something and when it came out of your mouth, the worst part of it is even mouth, the worst part of it is even mouth, the worst part of it is even though you regret it, even though you though you regret it, even though you though you regret it, even though you apologized, you can't take it back.

apologized, you can't take it back. apologized, you can't take it back. And the Bible actually tells us out of And the Bible actually tells us out of And the Bible actually tells us out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth the abundance of the heart, the mouth the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. speaks. speaks. So, when you say something hurtful and So, when you say something hurtful and So, when you say something hurtful and you go, "I'm so sorry," or "Just you go, "I'm so sorry," or "Just you go, "I'm so sorry," or "Just kidding." Or, well, you know what? The kidding." Or, well, you know what? The kidding." Or, well, you know what? The Bible actually tells us what you said Bible actually tells us what you said Bible actually tells us what you said came from your heart. came from your heart. came from your heart. So it actually means somewhere someplace So it actually means somewhere someplace So it actually means somewhere someplace you actually mean what you said and you you actually mean what you said and you you actually mean what you said and you can't take that back. can't take that back. can't take that back. Yes, the Lord offers forgiveness. Yes, the Lord offers forgiveness. Yes, the Lord offers forgiveness. Hopefully the person forgives you. Hopefully the person forgives you. Hopefully the person forgives you. So wisdom prevents that. Wisdom speaks So wisdom prevents that. Wisdom speaks So wisdom prevents that. Wisdom speaks graciously. Wisdom is slow to speak. But graciously. Wisdom is slow to speak. But graciously. Wisdom is slow to speak. But folly, foolishness, it blurts out folly, foolishness, it blurts out folly, foolishness, it blurts out without thinking of the consequences. without thinking of the consequences. without thinking of the consequences. So wisdom protects us. Wisdom prevents So wisdom protects us. Wisdom prevents So wisdom protects us. Wisdom prevents these mistakes, these regrets. But these mistakes, these regrets. But these mistakes, these regrets. But wisdom also verse 15, wisdom also verse 15, wisdom also verse 15, the toil of fools wearies them. They do the toil of fools wearies them. They do the toil of fools wearies them. They do not know the way to town. Woe to the not know the way to town. Woe to the not know the way to town. Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose land whose king was a servant and whose land whose king was a servant and whose prince's feast in the morning. Blessed prince's feast in the morning. Blessed prince's feast in the morning. Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth is the land whose king is of noble birth is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time. and whose princes eat at a proper time. and whose princes eat at a proper time. For strength and not for drunkenness.

For strength and not for drunkenness. For strength and not for drunkenness. Through laziness the rafters sag because Through laziness the rafters sag because Through laziness the rafters sag because of idle hands the house leaks. A feast of idle hands the house leaks. A feast of idle hands the house leaks. A feast is made for laughter. Wine makes life is made for laughter. Wine makes life is made for laughter. Wine makes life merry. and money is the answer for merry. and money is the answer for merry. and money is the answer for everything. Do not revile the king even everything. Do not revile the king even everything. Do not revile the king even in your thoughts or curse the rich in in your thoughts or curse the rich in in your thoughts or curse the rich in your bedroom because a bird in the sky your bedroom because a bird in the sky your bedroom because a bird in the sky may carry your words and a bird on the may carry your words and a bird on the may carry your words and a bird on the wing may report what you say. Wisdom wing may report what you say. Wisdom wing may report what you say. Wisdom also preserves. also preserves. also preserves. Solomon's speaking here of of a nation Solomon's speaking here of of a nation Solomon's speaking here of of a nation that falls because of the foolishness of that falls because of the foolishness of that falls because of the foolishness of its leaders, of the people, because of its leaders, of the people, because of its leaders, of the people, because of the laziness, because of the the laziness, because of the the laziness, because of the drunkenness. And this nation can't be drunkenness. And this nation can't be drunkenness. And this nation can't be preserved because it lacks wisdom. preserved because it lacks wisdom. preserved because it lacks wisdom. Because people are seeking after their Because people are seeking after their Because people are seeking after their own good. People are seeking after their own good. People are seeking after their own good. People are seeking after their own pleasure. Verse 19, it's some of the own pleasure. Verse 19, it's some of the own pleasure. Verse 19, it's some of the worst advice I've seen. A feast is made worst advice I've seen. A feast is made worst advice I've seen. A feast is made for laughter. Wine makes life, merry, for laughter. Wine makes life, merry, for laughter. Wine makes life, merry, and money is the answer for everything. and money is the answer for everything. and money is the answer for everything. But unfortunately, a lot of us believe But unfortunately, a lot of us believe But unfortunately, a lot of us believe this. this. this. And we think if we just live a life of And we think if we just live a life of And we think if we just live a life of self-gratification, it's going to self-gratification, it's going to self-gratification, it's going to preserve something in us, not realizing preserve something in us, not realizing preserve something in us, not realizing that self-gratification, it actually that self-gratification, it actually that self-gratification, it actually destroys us.

destroys us. destroys us. Because we shouldn't live a life to Because we shouldn't live a life to Because we shouldn't live a life to indulge ourselves and to gratify indulge ourselves and to gratify indulge ourselves and to gratify ourselves. We should live a life to ourselves. We should live a life to ourselves. We should live a life to glorify God. A life that is gratifying glorify God. A life that is gratifying glorify God. A life that is gratifying him. A life that is pointing to him. him. A life that is pointing to him. him. A life that is pointing to him. When we try to do what's best for us, we When we try to do what's best for us, we When we try to do what's best for us, we hurt ourselves. We don't preserve hurt ourselves. We don't preserve hurt ourselves. We don't preserve anything. If I did what I thought was anything. If I did what I thought was anything. If I did what I thought was best for me, I would eat Reese's Peanut best for me, I would eat Reese's Peanut best for me, I would eat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups every single day. Butter Cups every single day. Butter Cups every single day. I would eat the whole tub of Ben and I would eat the whole tub of Ben and I would eat the whole tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. It's just what I Jerry's ice cream. It's just what I Jerry's ice cream. It's just what I would do cuz it is so yummy. Amen. But that's not what's best for me. But that's not what's best for me. Self-gratification is not what is best Self-gratification is not what is best Self-gratification is not what is best for us. for us. for us. And there's so many ways we can do this And there's so many ways we can do this And there's so many ways we can do this and sinful ways. But there's even ways and sinful ways. But there's even ways and sinful ways. But there's even ways we can do this spiritually. we can do this spiritually. we can do this spiritually. Man, I I just noticed you didn't seem Man, I I just noticed you didn't seem Man, I I just noticed you didn't seem super into into worship today. What What super into into worship today. What What super into into worship today. What What was going on? Well, honestly, I just I was going on? Well, honestly, I just I was going on? Well, honestly, I just I didn't really like that first song, didn't really like that first song, didn't really like that first song, so it just, you know, it wasn't really so it just, you know, it wasn't really so it just, you know, it wasn't really good worship today. Oh, so that song good worship today. Oh, so that song good worship today. Oh, so that song that was glorifying God, that was that was glorifying God, that was that was glorifying God, that was singing about how wonderful and singing about how wonderful and singing about how wonderful and marvelous and counselor and mighty God marvelous and counselor and mighty God marvelous and counselor and mighty God that he is glorifying him, it just that he is glorifying him, it just that he is glorifying him, it just wasn't good enough for you. So, it wasn't good enough for you. So, it wasn't good enough for you. So, it glorified God, but it didn't make you glorified God, but it didn't make you glorified God, but it didn't make you feel good. So, it was bad worship.

feel good. So, it was bad worship. feel good. So, it was bad worship. Oh, the message was just kind of, oh, so Oh, the message was just kind of, oh, so Oh, the message was just kind of, oh, so you didn't enjoy that part in God's you didn't enjoy that part in God's you didn't enjoy that part in God's word, so it wasn't a good church day. word, so it wasn't a good church day. word, so it wasn't a good church day. Like often when we think of Like often when we think of Like often when we think of self-gratification, we think of all self-gratification, we think of all self-gratification, we think of all these sinful things. But I'm so guilty these sinful things. But I'm so guilty these sinful things. But I'm so guilty of this and I know others in the room of this and I know others in the room of this and I know others in the room are guilty of we self-gratify ourselves are guilty of we self-gratify ourselves are guilty of we self-gratify ourselves even just in our faith and in our even just in our faith and in our even just in our faith and in our spiritual things where we make it more spiritual things where we make it more spiritual things where we make it more about us than him. about us than him. about us than him. Wisdom preserves Wisdom preserves Wisdom preserves wisdom helps us know it's not about me, wisdom helps us know it's not about me, wisdom helps us know it's not about me, it's about him. it's about him. it's about him. Last and finally in chapter 11 verse one Last and finally in chapter 11 verse one Last and finally in chapter 11 verse one it says ship your grain across the sea. it says ship your grain across the sea. it says ship your grain across the sea. Many you guys have been wondering what Many you guys have been wondering what Many you guys have been wondering what to do with all your grain. to do with all your grain. to do with all your grain. After many days you may receive a After many days you may receive a After many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures. Yes in return. Invest in seven ventures. Yes in return. Invest in seven ventures. Yes in eight. You do not know what disaster may eight. You do not know what disaster may eight. You do not know what disaster may come upon the land. Number three stand come upon the land. Number three stand come upon the land. Number three stand firm in faith. firm in faith. firm in faith. Solomon up to this point has been pretty Solomon up to this point has been pretty Solomon up to this point has been pretty depressing. Everyone dies depressing. Everyone dies depressing. Everyone dies and if you're foolish, if you lack and if you're foolish, if you lack and if you're foolish, if you lack wisdom, you're going to do all these wisdom, you're going to do all these wisdom, you're going to do all these stupid things.

stupid things. stupid things. But now chapter 11, I think he's But now chapter 11, I think he's But now chapter 11, I think he's starting to give us a picture of, okay, starting to give us a picture of, okay, starting to give us a picture of, okay, so how do we move forward from here? How so how do we move forward from here? How so how do we move forward from here? How do we continue on from here? How do we do we continue on from here? How do we do we continue on from here? How do we move forward from here? Yes, life is move forward from here? Yes, life is move forward from here? Yes, life is meaningless. meaningless. meaningless. That's a true statement. That's a true statement. That's a true statement. He just didn't finish his sentence. He just didn't finish his sentence. He just didn't finish his sentence. Life is meaningless without God. Life is meaningless without God. Life is meaningless without God. Life is meaningless without Jesus. Life is meaningless without Jesus. Life is meaningless without Jesus. Life is pointless without him. But with Life is pointless without him. But with Life is pointless without him. But with him, it's the greatest adventure ever. him, it's the greatest adventure ever. him, it's the greatest adventure ever. I think of the cinematic masterpiece I think of the cinematic masterpiece I think of the cinematic masterpiece from the early 90s, the Stephen from the early 90s, the Stephen from the early 90s, the Stephen Spielberg movie Hook, starring Robin Spielberg movie Hook, starring Robin Spielberg movie Hook, starring Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone know the movie? the very end of the know the movie? the very end of the know the movie? the very end of the movie they go, "Peter, what are you movie they go, "Peter, what are you movie they go, "Peter, what are you going to do now?" And he says, "To live. going to do now?" And he says, "To live. going to do now?" And he says, "To live. To live would be an awfully big To live would be an awfully big To live would be an awfully big adventure." adventure." adventure." And the truth is, faith in Christ, a And the truth is, faith in Christ, a And the truth is, faith in Christ, a life for Jesus, is the greatest life for Jesus, is the greatest life for Jesus, is the greatest adventure you could ever live if you adventure you could ever live if you adventure you could ever live if you would just stand firm in your faith.

would just stand firm in your faith. would just stand firm in your faith. So, he's saying you can't control the So, he's saying you can't control the So, he's saying you can't control the circumstances. We talked about this circumstances. We talked about this circumstances. We talked about this earlier. God's hands remind you that earlier. God's hands remind you that earlier. God's hands remind you that you're not in control. Your ship could you're not in control. Your ship could you're not in control. Your ship could crash, all these things. But you're crash, all these things. But you're crash, all these things. But you're going on an adventure, and it's the going on an adventure, and it's the going on an adventure, and it's the greatest adventure you could ever have. greatest adventure you could ever have. greatest adventure you could ever have. In verse three, if clouds are full of In verse three, if clouds are full of In verse three, if clouds are full of water, they pour rain on the earth. water, they pour rain on the earth. water, they pour rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to Whether a tree falls to the south or to Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, if the place where it falls, the north, if the place where it falls, the north, if the place where it falls, there will lie. Whoever watches the wind there will lie. Whoever watches the wind there will lie. Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever looks at the will not plant. Whoever looks at the will not plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. Faith acts even clouds will not reap. Faith acts even clouds will not reap. Faith acts even when the conditions aren't perfect. when the conditions aren't perfect. when the conditions aren't perfect. Solomon is saying, "Don't wait for the Solomon is saying, "Don't wait for the Solomon is saying, "Don't wait for the conditions to be perfect. Real faith conditions to be perfect. Real faith conditions to be perfect. Real faith just acts." just acts." just acts." Our world is an imperfect world. The Our world is an imperfect world. The Our world is an imperfect world. The conditions are never going to be conditions are never going to be conditions are never going to be perfect. perfect. perfect. If you're waiting to wash your car till If you're waiting to wash your car till If you're waiting to wash your car till it's not going to rain for a day in it's not going to rain for a day in it's not going to rain for a day in South Florida during the summer, you're South Florida during the summer, you're South Florida during the summer, you're never going to wash your car cuz the never going to wash your car cuz the never going to wash your car cuz the conditions are never going to be conditions are never going to be conditions are never going to be perfect, perfect, perfect, right? like like I had an opportunity to right? like like I had an opportunity to right? like like I had an opportunity to go on a missions trip in 2011 to go to a go on a missions trip in 2011 to go to a go on a missions trip in 2011 to go to a a Muslim country to share the gospel a Muslim country to share the gospel a Muslim country to share the gospel through running basketball camps and I through running basketball camps and I through running basketball camps and I didn't go and I made up every excuse on didn't go and I made up every excuse on didn't go and I made up every excuse on why it just wasn't the right time for me why it just wasn't the right time for me why it just wasn't the right time for me to go. And the truth was I was just to go. And the truth was I was just to go. And the truth was I was just scared and I missed out. So when the scared and I missed out. So when the scared and I missed out. So when the opportunity came the next year, I I opportunity came the next year, I I opportunity came the next year, I I started to make the excuses again. I started to make the excuses again. I started to make the excuses again. I realized, you know, if God's giving me realized, you know, if God's giving me realized, you know, if God's giving me an opportunity a second time, I'm an opportunity a second time, I'm an opportunity a second time, I'm probably supposed to do this. And I probably supposed to do this. And I probably supposed to do this. And I tried to make up excuses, but I didn't tried to make up excuses, but I didn't tried to make up excuses, but I didn't have any good excuses. The conditions

have any good excuses. The conditions have any good excuses. The conditions are never going to be perfect. We have are never going to be perfect. We have are never going to be perfect. We have to act right. Don't let what's wrong to act right. Don't let what's wrong to act right. Don't let what's wrong with you uh keep you from worshiping with you uh keep you from worshiping with you uh keep you from worshiping what's right with God and keep you from what's right with God and keep you from what's right with God and keep you from doing what God has called you to do? So, I'd ask, is there something you know So, I'd ask, is there something you know you're supposed to do, but you're you're supposed to do, but you're you're supposed to do, but you're waiting for the perfect moment? waiting for the perfect moment? waiting for the perfect moment? Maybe there's that friend or family Maybe there's that friend or family Maybe there's that friend or family member you've been wanting to share member you've been wanting to share member you've been wanting to share Jesus with and you're just waiting for Jesus with and you're just waiting for Jesus with and you're just waiting for them to bring it up. them to bring it up. them to bring it up. They never have before, but you know They never have before, but you know They never have before, but you know they will eventually and that'll be your they will eventually and that'll be your they will eventually and that'll be your sign. sign. sign. I don't know what it is that maybe I don't know what it is that maybe I don't know what it is that maybe you're waiting to do. you're waiting to do. you're waiting to do. But today is the day. Don't wait. But today is the day. Don't wait. But today is the day. Don't wait. The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be perfect. perfect. perfect. Verse five, we're almost wrapped up Verse five, we're almost wrapped up Verse five, we're almost wrapped up here. It says, "As you do not know the here. It says, "As you do not know the here. It says, "As you do not know the path of the wind or how the body is path of the wind or how the body is path of the wind or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of understand the work of God, the maker of understand the work of God, the maker of all things." Faith is trusting God all things." Faith is trusting God all things." Faith is trusting God without fully understanding.

without fully understanding. without fully understanding. We're never going to fully understand We're never going to fully understand We're never going to fully understand God. God. God. And I'm okay with that. Sometimes we can And I'm okay with that. Sometimes we can And I'm okay with that. Sometimes we can take that almost as a copout of, "Oh, take that almost as a copout of, "Oh, take that almost as a copout of, "Oh, you really just don't even get it." But you really just don't even get it." But you really just don't even get it." But that's what faith is. that's what faith is. that's what faith is. Right? Faith is is seeing without or Right? Faith is is seeing without or Right? Faith is is seeing without or sorry, believing without seeing. Right? sorry, believing without seeing. Right? sorry, believing without seeing. Right? One of my favorite songs literally has One of my favorite songs literally has One of my favorite songs literally has this line that says, "Faith makes a fool this line that says, "Faith makes a fool this line that says, "Faith makes a fool of what makes sense." of what makes sense." of what makes sense." Right? Faith is is being okay not fully Right? Faith is is being okay not fully Right? Faith is is being okay not fully understanding God. I've heard it said understanding God. I've heard it said understanding God. I've heard it said before, "If God were small enough to before, "If God were small enough to before, "If God were small enough to understand, he wouldn't be big enough to understand, he wouldn't be big enough to understand, he wouldn't be big enough to worship. worship. worship. One day I'll see him face to face. One One day I'll see him face to face. One One day I'll see him face to face. One day I'll grasp a greater understanding. day I'll grasp a greater understanding. day I'll grasp a greater understanding. But I'm okay right now that I don't But I'm okay right now that I don't But I'm okay right now that I don't fully get him." fully get him." fully get him." But I am confident in his hands and I'm But I am confident in his hands and I'm But I am confident in his hands and I'm secure in his hands. secure in his hands. secure in his hands. We'll close with verse seven. Light is We'll close with verse seven. Light is We'll close with verse seven. Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to the sweet and it pleases the eyes to the sweet and it pleases the eyes to the sun. However many years anyone may live, sun. However many years anyone may live, sun. However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. Let them let them enjoy them all. Let them let them enjoy them all. Let them remember the days of darkness, for there remember the days of darkness, for there remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is will be many. Everything to come is will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. You who are young, be happy meaningless. You who are young, be happy meaningless. You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart while you are young, and let your heart while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.

give you joy in the days of your youth. give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and Follow the ways of your heart and Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see. But know that whatever your eyes see. But know that whatever your eyes see. But know that for all these things God will bring you for all these things God will bring you for all these things God will bring you into judgment. So then banish anxiety into judgment. So then banish anxiety into judgment. So then banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the from your heart and cast off the from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body. For youth and troubles of your body. For youth and troubles of your body. For youth and vigor are meaningless. vigor are meaningless. vigor are meaningless. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Solomon in verse 8 says, "Let them Solomon in verse 8 says, "Let them Solomon in verse 8 says, "Let them remember the days of darkness." But in remember the days of darkness." But in remember the days of darkness." But in verse 7 he says, "Light is sweet." verse 7 he says, "Light is sweet." verse 7 he says, "Light is sweet." And the wise person, the person of And the wise person, the person of And the wise person, the person of faith, they don't ignore the darkness. faith, they don't ignore the darkness. faith, they don't ignore the darkness. They let the darkness teach them to They let the darkness teach them to They let the darkness teach them to enjoy the light. enjoy the light. enjoy the light. Right? Here's the thing about sin. Would Right? Here's the thing about sin. Would Right? Here's the thing about sin. Would you realize how bad your sin is? You you realize how bad your sin is? You you realize how bad your sin is? You appreciate your salvation so much more. appreciate your salvation so much more. appreciate your salvation so much more. When you remember your life without When you remember your life without When you remember your life without Jesus, you appreciate your life with him Jesus, you appreciate your life with him Jesus, you appreciate your life with him so much more. When you realize the price so much more. When you realize the price so much more. When you realize the price of your sin is death, you appreciate so of your sin is death, you appreciate so of your sin is death, you appreciate so great a salvation so much more. great a salvation so much more. great a salvation so much more. When you go through a horrible trial and When you go through a horrible trial and When you go through a horrible trial and then you see how God worked all things then you see how God worked all things then you see how God worked all things together for good, you appreciate that together for good, you appreciate that together for good, you appreciate that light so much more.

light so much more. light so much more. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. Faith enjoys life now and life to come. This is what this book has been leading This is what this book has been leading This is what this book has been leading up to. In verse 9, he says, "God will up to. In verse 9, he says, "God will up to. In verse 9, he says, "God will bring you into judgment." bring you into judgment." bring you into judgment." He's pointing towards a greater day, a He's pointing towards a greater day, a He's pointing towards a greater day, a bigger day, towards eternity. bigger day, towards eternity. bigger day, towards eternity. So he says, "Be happy while you're young So he says, "Be happy while you're young So he says, "Be happy while you're young and banish anxiety." and banish anxiety." and banish anxiety." How do we do this? Philippians 4:4-7 How do we do this? Philippians 4:4-7 How do we do this? Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." I will say it again, rejoice. You know, I will say it again, rejoice. You know, I will say it again, rejoice. You know, it's really hard to be anxious and upset it's really hard to be anxious and upset it's really hard to be anxious and upset and mad if you're rejoicing. The two and mad if you're rejoicing. The two and mad if you're rejoicing. The two can't coexist. can't coexist. can't coexist. Let your gentleness be evident to all. Let your gentleness be evident to all. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. He's The Lord is near. The Lord is near. He's The Lord is near. The Lord is near. He's near. He's close to you. That'll help near. He's close to you. That'll help near. He's close to you. That'll help you enjoy life now and life to come. Do you enjoy life now and life to come. Do you enjoy life now and life to come. Do not be anxious about anything, but in not be anxious about anything, but in not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition every situation by prayer and petition every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which to God. And the peace of God, which to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard transcends all understanding, will guard transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is how you enjoy life now.

Jesus. This is how you enjoy life now. Jesus. This is how you enjoy life now. You give it all to him. You rejoice in You give it all to him. You rejoice in You give it all to him. You rejoice in him. You thank him. You cast your cares him. You thank him. You cast your cares him. You thank him. You cast your cares upon him. Don't wait for eternity to upon him. Don't wait for eternity to upon him. Don't wait for eternity to enjoy what he has given us, to enjoy enjoy what he has given us, to enjoy enjoy what he has given us, to enjoy this gift of salvation. I don't know if this gift of salvation. I don't know if this gift of salvation. I don't know if you've ever had something that you just you've ever had something that you just you've ever had something that you just wasted away because you were scared to wasted away because you were scared to wasted away because you were scared to use it too quick. You were scared to use it too quick. You were scared to use it too quick. You were scared to ruin it. ruin it. ruin it. My family, we do this weird thing. We go My family, we do this weird thing. We go My family, we do this weird thing. We go on vacations to North Dakota. [snorts] on vacations to North Dakota. [snorts] on vacations to North Dakota. [snorts] Yeah, you can laugh. It's okay. That is Yeah, you can laugh. It's okay. That is Yeah, you can laugh. It's okay. That is a weird thing to do. And we always buy a weird thing to do. And we always buy a weird thing to do. And we always buy beef jerky while we're there because beef jerky while we're there because beef jerky while we're there because North Dakota has the best beef jerky. North Dakota has the best beef jerky. North Dakota has the best beef jerky. And when I get home, I I take that beef And when I get home, I I take that beef And when I get home, I I take that beef jerky, I put it in my fridge, I open it, jerky, I put it in my fridge, I open it, jerky, I put it in my fridge, I open it, and I eat it so slow and I eat it so slow and I eat it so slow because I don't want to waste it. I want because I don't want to waste it. I want because I don't want to waste it. I want to enjoy it. I want to take it all in. to enjoy it. I want to take it all in. to enjoy it. I want to take it all in. But here's what happens. That beef jerky But here's what happens. That beef jerky But here's what happens. That beef jerky ends up sitting in my fridge too long ends up sitting in my fridge too long ends up sitting in my fridge too long and I throw half of it out. and I throw half of it out. and I throw half of it out. And that's what a lot of us do with our And that's what a lot of us do with our And that's what a lot of us do with our lives. lives. lives. We just let it sit. We don't enjoy it.

We just let it sit. We don't enjoy it. We just let it sit. We don't enjoy it. We don't take it all in. We don't make We don't take it all in. We don't make We don't take it all in. We don't make the most of every opportunity that God the most of every opportunity that God the most of every opportunity that God gave us. Instead, we sit there and we gave us. Instead, we sit there and we gave us. Instead, we sit there and we go, "I'm going to I'm going to preserve go, "I'm going to I'm going to preserve go, "I'm going to I'm going to preserve this. I'm going to wait. I I don't want this. I'm going to wait. I I don't want this. I'm going to wait. I I don't want to waste it all all at once." No. Today to waste it all all at once." No. Today to waste it all all at once." No. Today is the day the Lord has made. We will is the day the Lord has made. We will is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. The Bible rejoice and be glad in it. The Bible rejoice and be glad in it. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow. tells us not to worry about tomorrow. tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. So, Tomorrow will take care of itself. So, Tomorrow will take care of itself. So, enjoy life now because what we do here enjoy life now because what we do here enjoy life now because what we do here is preparing us for eternity. and we is preparing us for eternity. and we is preparing us for eternity. and we don't know when that way day is coming. don't know when that way day is coming. don't know when that way day is coming. So I want to invite the worship team So I want to invite the worship team So I want to invite the worship team out. out. out. And I want to just give this final call. And I want to just give this final call. And I want to just give this final call. I don't know who in here who has found I don't know who in here who has found I don't know who in here who has found life meaningless, life meaningless, life meaningless, who's been too worried, so you've wasted who's been too worried, so you've wasted who's been too worried, so you've wasted your life away. your life away. your life away. But you need to cast off your troubles. But you need to cast off your troubles. But you need to cast off your troubles. You need to cast off your sin. You need You need to cast off your sin. You need You need to cast off your sin. You need to cast off your anxiety. Solomon has to cast off your anxiety. Solomon has to cast off your anxiety. Solomon has all of these unanswered questions, all of these unanswered questions, all of these unanswered questions, but the answer to all of Solomon's but the answer to all of Solomon's but the answer to all of Solomon's unanswered questions is simply Jesus. unanswered questions is simply Jesus. unanswered questions is simply Jesus. Jesus said it himself. All scripture Jesus said it himself. All scripture Jesus said it himself. All scripture points to me.

points to me. points to me. So everything Solomon doesn't know what So everything Solomon doesn't know what So everything Solomon doesn't know what he's talking about. The truth is the he's talking about. The truth is the he's talking about. The truth is the answer is Jesus. answer is Jesus. answer is Jesus. He's the one who helps you stand firm. He's the one who helps you stand firm. He's the one who helps you stand firm. He's the one who who gives you wisdom. He's the one who who gives you wisdom. He's the one who who gives you wisdom. He's the one that you have your faith He's the one that you have your faith He's the one that you have your faith in. He's the one who takes this in. He's the one who takes this in. He's the one who takes this meaningless life under the sun and gives meaningless life under the sun and gives meaningless life under the sun and gives meaning to it. meaning to it. meaning to it. The truth is I I don't blame Solomon and The truth is I I don't blame Solomon and The truth is I I don't blame Solomon and I don't blame anyone who doesn't know I don't blame anyone who doesn't know I don't blame anyone who doesn't know Jesus for saying life is meaningless. I Jesus for saying life is meaningless. I Jesus for saying life is meaningless. I just my heart breaks for you because just my heart breaks for you because just my heart breaks for you because that would hurt so much. I can't imagine that would hurt so much. I can't imagine that would hurt so much. I can't imagine going through life thinking it all is going through life thinking it all is going through life thinking it all is pointless cuz life is so hard. Life is pointless cuz life is so hard. Life is pointless cuz life is so hard. Life is so difficult. This world really does so difficult. This world really does so difficult. This world really does kind of stink. kind of stink. kind of stink. And then to think it's all pointless. And then to think it's all pointless. And then to think it's all pointless. I don't know how you'd carry on. I don't know how you'd carry on. I don't know how you'd carry on. I'm able to do this thing called life I'm able to do this thing called life I'm able to do this thing called life because I know there's so much more because I know there's so much more because I know there's so much more waiting for me. I know that Jesus came waiting for me. I know that Jesus came waiting for me. I know that Jesus came to give me life and life to the full. to give me life and life to the full. to give me life and life to the full. So, I'm going to pray in a second. And So, I'm going to pray in a second. And So, I'm going to pray in a second. And if you're in this room and you're a if you're in this room and you're a if you're in this room and you're a person who says, "Man, I've my whole person who says, "Man, I've my whole person who says, "Man, I've my whole life has been meaningless, but I want life has been meaningless, but I want life has been meaningless, but I want meaning to my life." Listen, God gave meaning to my life." Listen, God gave meaning to my life." Listen, God gave your life meaning. For God so loved the your life meaning. For God so loved the your life meaning. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son world that he gave his one and only son world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not that whoever believes in him will not that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life.

perish but will have everlasting life. perish but will have everlasting life. God loves you so much that he sent his God loves you so much that he sent his God loves you so much that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for you so son Jesus to die on the cross for you so son Jesus to die on the cross for you so you could cast your sin on him, your you could cast your sin on him, your you could cast your sin on him, your anxiety on him, your troubles on him, anxiety on him, your troubles on him, anxiety on him, your troubles on him, your your meaningless life on him. And your your meaningless life on him. And your your meaningless life on him. And he gave you more meaning than you could he gave you more meaning than you could he gave you more meaning than you could ever imagine. The Bible says he's given ever imagine. The Bible says he's given ever imagine. The Bible says he's given us more than we could ever hope, dream, us more than we could ever hope, dream, us more than we could ever hope, dream, or imagine. or imagine. or imagine. And I want to say this too before I And I want to say this too before I And I want to say this too before I pray. If you're in here and you think pray. If you're in here and you think pray. If you're in here and you think you've got to be good, you got to clean you've got to be good, you got to clean you've got to be good, you got to clean things up before you come up here. No, things up before you come up here. No, things up before you come up here. No, he wants you how you are. he wants you how you are. he wants you how you are. You can't change yourself. He changes You can't change yourself. He changes You can't change yourself. He changes you. Bible says God demonstrates his own you. Bible says God demonstrates his own you. Bible says God demonstrates his own love toward us while we were still love toward us while we were still love toward us while we were still sinners. sinners. sinners. It doesn't say once we stopped sinning It doesn't say once we stopped sinning It doesn't say once we stopped sinning and we started doing good things. It and we started doing good things. It and we started doing good things. It says he demonstrated his own love toward says he demonstrated his own love toward says he demonstrated his own love toward us while we were still sinners us while we were still sinners us while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. that Christ died for us. that Christ died for us. He died for you while you were dirty, He died for you while you were dirty, He died for you while you were dirty, while you were gross, while you were while you were gross, while you were while you were gross, while you were sinning. He's not waiting for you to sinning. He's not waiting for you to sinning. He's not waiting for you to clean yourself up. He wants to clean clean yourself up. He wants to clean clean yourself up. He wants to clean [music] you up. He wants a relationship [music] you up. He wants a relationship [music] you up. He wants a relationship with you. So, I'm going to pray and the with you. So, I'm going to pray and the with you. So, I'm going to pray and the band's going to play a song. And as that band's going to play a song. And as that band's going to play a song. And as that song plays, if you're in here today and song plays, if you're in here today and song plays, if you're in here today and you say, "I want meaning to my life. I you say, "I want meaning to my life. I you say, "I want meaning to my life. I want a relationship with Jesus. I want want a relationship with Jesus. I want want a relationship with Jesus. I want my sins forgiven. I I I don't want this my sins forgiven. I I I don't want this my sins forgiven. I I I don't want this to be the end of life, but I want to be the end of life, but I want to be the end of life, but I want eternity with God the Father, Jesus the eternity with God the Father, Jesus the eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit."

Son, the Holy Spirit." Son, the Holy Spirit." Then I'm going to invite you to stand Then I'm going to invite you to stand Then I'm going to invite you to stand and just walk forward and I'll pray over and just walk forward and I'll pray over and just walk forward and I'll pray over you and I'll lead you in a prayer that's you and I'll lead you in a prayer that's you and I'll lead you in a prayer that's just asking Jesus to be the Lord of your just asking Jesus to be the Lord of your just asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life. life. life. So let's pray. And if that's you when So let's pray. And if that's you when So let's pray. And if that's you when the song plays, come Jesus, thank you the song plays, come Jesus, thank you the song plays, come Jesus, thank you for today. And I just pray you would for today. And I just pray you would for today. And I just pray you would call call your sons, your daughters, call call your sons, your daughters, call call your sons, your daughters, your creation, your people to you now. your creation, your people to you now. your creation, your people to you now. Move in this place. In Jesus name I Move in this place. In Jesus name I Move in this place. In Jesus name I pray. pray. pray. >> [music and applause] >> How great the chasm [singing] >> How great the chasm [singing] that [music] lay between us. How high that [music] lay between us. How high that [music] lay between us. How high the mountain the mountain the mountain I [singing and music] could not climb. I [singing and music] could not climb. I [singing and music] could not climb. In desperation In desperation In desperation [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I turned to heaven I turned to heaven I turned to heaven and spoke your [music] name into and spoke your [music] name into and spoke your [music] name into the night. the night. the night. And through the [music] darkness, And through the [music] darkness, And through the [music] darkness, your [singing] loving kindness your [singing] loving kindness your [singing] loving kindness tore through the shadows [music] tore through the shadows [music] tore through the shadows [music] of my soul.

of my soul. of my soul. The [music] work is finished. The [music] work is finished. The [music] work is finished. The end is written. The end is written. The end is written. Jesus [music] Christ my livinging Jesus [music] Christ my livinging Jesus [music] Christ my livinging [singing] [singing] [singing] hope. hope. hope. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has [music and singing] lost his Death has [music and singing] lost his grip on me. You have broken every chain. grip on me. You have broken every chain. grip on me. You have broken every chain. There's salvation in your name, Jesus There's salvation in your name, Jesus There's salvation in your name, Jesus Christ, [music] Christ, [music] Christ, [music] my living my living my living heart. >> Um, >> Um, I'm going to talk to you guys for a I'm going to talk to you guys for a I'm going to talk to you guys for a second and I just want to pray over you second and I just want to pray over you second and I just want to pray over you before I lead you in [music] that before I lead you in [music] that before I lead you in [music] that prayer. And I just want to say as I'm prayer. And I just want to say as I'm prayer. And I just want to say as I'm talking, if if you're in here and you talking, if if you're in here and you talking, if if you're in here and you you're feeling that tug, like we said at you're feeling that tug, like we said at you're feeling that tug, like we said at the beginning, and God gives us the beginning, and God gives us the beginning, and God gives us reminders, it's usually because we need reminders, it's usually because we need reminders, it's usually because we need them. So, if you're still feeling that them. So, if you're still feeling that them. So, if you're still feeling that tug, um, today today is the greatest tug, um, today today is the greatest tug, um, today today is the greatest adventure. [music] You live for today.

adventure. [music] You live for today. adventure. [music] You live for today. Tomorrow's not guaranteed. Everyone Tomorrow's not guaranteed. Everyone Tomorrow's not guaranteed. Everyone does. I'm not saying that as like a does. I'm not saying that as like a does. I'm not saying that as like a scare tactic. Like that is not my heart scare tactic. Like that is not my heart scare tactic. Like that is not my heart at all. But it's just true. You don't at all. But it's just true. You don't at all. But it's just true. You don't know when that day is coming. So don't know when that day is coming. So don't know when that day is coming. So don't wait. You don't have to be cleaned up. wait. You don't have to be cleaned up. wait. You don't have to be cleaned up. You don't have to be perfect. He loves You don't have to be perfect. He loves You don't have to be perfect. He loves you. He affirmed you on the cross. He you. He affirmed you on the cross. He you. He affirmed you on the cross. He says, "I want you to be in my family. I says, "I want you to be in my family. I says, "I want you to be in my family. I want a relationship with you." So if want a relationship with you." So if want a relationship with you." So if that's you, I just want to give one more that's you, I just want to give one more that's you, I just want to give one more call as I'm as I'm talking, as we pray. call as I'm as I'm talking, as we pray. call as I'm as I'm talking, as we pray. But feel free to just come on up. Come But feel free to just come on up. Come But feel free to just come on up. Come join us up here. And for you guys, I join us up here. And for you guys, I join us up here. And for you guys, I just want to say I'm so proud of you. just want to say I'm so proud of you. just want to say I'm so proud of you. The Lord loves you. He has a plan for The Lord loves you. He has a plan for The Lord loves you. He has a plan for you. He has a purpose for you. This is you. He has a purpose for you. This is you. He has a purpose for you. This is the best decision that you could ever the best decision that you could ever the best decision that you could ever make. Doesn't matter how how early in make. Doesn't matter how how early in make. Doesn't matter how how early in life or how far in life. He He brought life or how far in life. He He brought life or how far in life. He He brought you here today for today for this moment you here today for today for this moment you here today for today for this moment to have a relationship with you. And to have a relationship with you. And to have a relationship with you. And that is a miracle. This is a miracle that is a miracle. This is a miracle that is a miracle. This is a miracle right now. right now. right now. So, I just want to pray over you and So, I just want to pray over you and So, I just want to pray over you and then I'm just going to lead you in a then I'm just going to lead you in a then I'm just going to lead you in a prayer that you can repeat after me. You prayer that you can repeat after me. You prayer that you can repeat after me. You can repeat it out loud. You can repeat can repeat it out loud. You can repeat can repeat it out loud. You can repeat it in the quietness of your hearts.

it in the quietness of your hearts. it in the quietness of your hearts. There's a few more people joining us There's a few more people joining us There's a few more people joining us right now. God loves you. God loves you so much. God loves you. God loves you so much. Church, if you would just extend a hand Church, if you would just extend a hand Church, if you would just extend a hand as we pray. God, thank you so much for as we pray. God, thank you so much for as we pray. God, thank you so much for these your new sons and daughters, your these your new sons and daughters, your these your new sons and daughters, your co-airs, these you've adopted into your co-airs, these you've adopted into your co-airs, these you've adopted into your family. God, I pray you'd be with them. family. God, I pray you'd be with them. family. God, I pray you'd be with them. Be with these men, these women who Be with these men, these women who Be with these men, these women who walked up here today, said they want a walked up here today, said they want a walked up here today, said they want a relationship with you. They want their relationship with you. They want their relationship with you. They want their sins forgiven, God. So, thank you for sins forgiven, God. So, thank you for sins forgiven, God. So, thank you for bringing meaning to meaningless lives. bringing meaning to meaningless lives. bringing meaning to meaningless lives. Thank you for bringing purpose to lives Thank you for bringing purpose to lives Thank you for bringing purpose to lives that maybe lacked purpose. Thank you for that maybe lacked purpose. Thank you for that maybe lacked purpose. Thank you for giving them a new identity in you. giving them a new identity in you. giving them a new identity in you. They're your kids now. They're your They're your kids now. They're your They're your kids now. They're your children. You love them, God. So, I pray children. You love them, God. So, I pray children. You love them, God. So, I pray that today would be the start of the that today would be the start of the that today would be the start of the greatest adventure they've ever had. greatest adventure they've ever had. greatest adventure they've ever had. Move in their lives. We pray this in Move in their lives. We pray this in Move in their lives. We pray this in Jesus' name. And for those of you up Jesus' name. And for those of you up Jesus' name. And for those of you up here, if you would just repeat this here, if you would just repeat this here, if you would just repeat this after me, just say, "Lord God, Lord God, thank you so much Lord God, thank you so much for sending your son Jesus for sending your son Jesus for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for me.

to die on the cross for me. to die on the cross for me. Forgive me of my sins. Forgive me of my sins. Forgive me of my sins. Wash me clean. Wash me clean. Wash me clean. >> For I've decided today >> For I've decided today >> For I've decided today to follow you, Jesus. to follow you, Jesus. to follow you, Jesus. >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> from this day forever. >> from this day forever. >> from this day forever. >> I'm yours. >> I'm yours. >> I'm yours. >> Help me, God. >> Help me, God. >> Help me, God. >> To follow you, >> To follow you, >> To follow you, >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus' name I pray. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> Amen. Amen. [applause] Hey guys, I just want to take a moment. Hey guys, I just want to take a moment. We have some people who want to connect We have some people who want to connect We have some people who want to connect with you, who want to pray with you, with you, who want to pray with you, with you, who want to pray with you, want to give you a Bible. if you don't want to give you a Bible. if you don't want to give you a Bible. if you don't have one, just give you some next steps have one, just give you some next steps have one, just give you some next steps on what to do after this decision. So, on what to do after this decision. So, on what to do after this decision. So, if you guys would just follow our team if you guys would just follow our team if you guys would just follow our team right back here to these doors. I'll be right back here to these doors. I'll be right back here to these doors. I'll be right behind you. I'm going to meet you right behind you. I'm going to meet you right behind you. I'm going to meet you back there. And for the rest of us, back there. And for the rest of us, back there. And for the rest of us, guys, we're actually going to close in a guys, we're actually going to close in a guys, we're actually going to close in a couple extra songs of worship. So, if couple extra songs of worship. So, if couple extra songs of worship. So, if you want to stand as we close in you want to stand as we close in you want to stand as we close in worship, we'd love to worship one last worship, we'd love to worship one last worship, we'd love to worship one last time together. And I'll meet you guys time together. And I'll meet you guys time together. And I'll meet you guys back here.

Who thought I'd find you at [music] the Who thought I'd find you at [music] the lowest place? lowest place? lowest place? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? Who [music] knew you'd make [singing] Who [music] knew you'd make [singing] good of my mistakes? good of my mistakes? good of my mistakes? You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. You're nothing like I thought you were. You're [singing] better. What a god. You're [singing] better. What a god. You're [singing] better. What a god. What a god. [music] What a god. What a god. [music] What a god. What a god. [music] Oh, it's who you are. What a god. Oh, it's who you are. What a god. Oh, it's who you are. What a god. [singing] What a god. [music] I show [music] up for perfection I show [music] up for perfection cuz what [singing] a kind of God for the cuz what [singing] a kind of God for the cuz what [singing] a kind of God for the lost. lost. lost. [music] [music] [music] They say [singing] it's over for a They say [singing] it's over for a They say [singing] it's over for a sinner.

sinner. sinner. Only you say Only you say Only you say no [music] it's not. [singing] No it's no [music] it's not. [singing] No it's no [music] it's not. [singing] No it's not. not. not. You say You say You say no it's not. No, it's not. What a god. no it's not. No, it's not. What a god. no it's not. No, it's not. What a god. What a god. [bell] [bell] What a god. What a god. What a god. What a god. What a god. What a god. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] What a go. What a go. [music] [music] I want to go. Jesus. Jesus. >> Who is like [music] the Lord God >> Who is like [music] the Lord God >> Who is like [music] the Lord God Almighty? [singing] Almighty? [singing] Almighty? [singing] Who's like the highest place our reach is at your the highest place our reach is at your feet? Then I've done it all. If the best feet? Then I've done it all. If the best feet? Then I've done it all. If the best thing [music] that I've seen is your thing [music] that I've seen is your thing [music] that I've seen is your glory, [singing] glory, [singing] glory, [singing] then I'll see it all.

then I'll see it all. then I'll see it all. Your love, I see my life forever. Your love, I see my life forever. Your love, I see my life forever. Satisfied. Satisfied. Satisfied. You are my everything. You are my everything. You are my everything. You're the highest place I reaches at You're the highest place I reaches at You're the highest place I reaches at your feet. And I'm done it all. The your feet. And I'm done it all. The your feet. And I'm done it all. The [music and singing] best thing that I [music and singing] best thing that I [music and singing] best thing that I see is your Lord. see is your Lord. see is your Lord. Then I see it all. Then I see it all. Then I see it all. Your love in my life forever satisfied. Your love in my life forever satisfied. Your love in my life forever satisfied. [music] [music] [music] You are. You are. You are. >> Yes. You are my everything. If one word, >> Yes. You are my everything. If one word, >> Yes. You are my everything. If one word, if one word [music] is the only thing, if one word [music] is the only thing, if one word [music] is the only thing, then I then I then I feel I still have it all. I still have it all. [music] No stre [music] No stre [music] No stre could ever sisfy. [singing] could ever sisfy. [singing] could ever sisfy. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Hey, Hey, you Heat. [music] in [music] the highest place [singing]

in [music] the highest place [singing] at your feet. Then I've done it all. The at your feet. Then I've done it all. The at your feet. Then I've done it all. The best thing [music] that I see is your best thing [music] that I see is your best thing [music] that I see is your glory. glory. glory. Then I see it all. Then I see it all. Then I see it all. You're you are. you are. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] I see I see I see I still have it all I still have it all I still have it all [music] You are my [music] You are my [music] God. What a God.

What a God. [singing] What a God. What a God. [singing] What a God. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] What a God. What a God. Church, we love you. Church, we love you. >> Wherever you're watching from, our >> Wherever you're watching from, our >> Wherever you're watching from, our prayer is that today's message reminds prayer is that today's message reminds prayer is that today's message reminds you that even when life feels you that even when life feels you that even when life feels unpredictable, [music] God is faithful. unpredictable, [music] God is faithful. unpredictable, [music] God is faithful. His hands are secure and you can stand His hands are secure and you can stand His hands are secure and you can stand firm in him. Standing firm is remaining firm in him. Standing firm is remaining firm in him. Standing firm is remaining faithful to God because you trust faithful to God because you trust faithful to God because you trust [music] the one who holds your life in [music] the one who holds your life in [music] the one who holds your life in his hands. And if you just gave your his hands. And if you just gave your his hands. And if you just gave your life to Jesus today, congratulations. We life to Jesus today, congratulations. We life to Jesus today, congratulations. We rejoice with you. And we want to invite rejoice with you. And we want to invite rejoice with you. And we want to invite you to text believe to 31352. [music] you to text believe to 31352. [music] you to text believe to 31352. [music] So we can encourage you and connect you So we can encourage you and connect you So we can encourage you and connect you to a Bible study guide and your [music] to a Bible study guide and your [music] to a Bible study guide and your [music] best next step with Jesus. And no matter best next step with Jesus. And no matter best next step with Jesus. And no matter where you're at on your journey with where you're at on your journey with where you're at on your journey with Jesus, I want to invite you to explore Jesus, I want to invite you to explore Jesus, I want to invite you to explore something we call [music] the growth something we call [music] the growth something we call [music] the growth track. When you head to track. When you head to track. When you head to calvaryft.org/growth, org/growthtrack.

calvaryft.org/growth, org/growthtrack. calvaryft.org/growth, org/growthtrack. You'll see a simple diagram that makes You'll see a simple diagram that makes You'll see a simple diagram that makes it easy to identify [music] it easy to identify [music] it easy to identify [music] your best next step here at Calvary. your best next step here at Calvary. your best next step here at Calvary. Then you can scroll down to select an Then you can scroll down to select an Then you can scroll down to select an option and explore more. None of us option and explore more. None of us option and explore more. None of us wants to remain stuck where we're at, wants to remain stuck where we're at, wants to remain stuck where we're at, [music] right? And the Bible encourages [music] right? And the Bible encourages [music] right? And the Bible encourages us to be diligent stewards of the grace us to be diligent stewards of the grace us to be diligent stewards of the grace God has given us. [music] So, I hope God has given us. [music] So, I hope God has given us. [music] So, I hope you'll take just a moment now at the you'll take just a moment now at the you'll take just a moment now at the close of our service to check it out. close of our service to check it out. close of our service to check it out. That's all for now. And just as we heard That's all for now. And just as we heard That's all for now. And just as we heard today, let's commit [music] to Stern today, let's commit [music] to Stern today, let's commit [music] to Stern firm this week. And we'll see you again firm this week. And we'll see you again firm this week. And we'll see you again next time, hopefully in person at one of next time, hopefully in person at one of next time, hopefully in person at one of our campuses or online. God bless you our campuses or online. God bless you our campuses or online. God bless you guys. Known [music] is who I was. is Known [music] is who I was. is known [music] is who I am.

known [music] is who I am. known [music] is who I am. Before I [music] spoke a word, Before I [music] spoke a word, Before I [music] spoke a word, before my life began before my life began before my life began in your book was written. in your book was written. in your book was written. All my days [music and singing] ahead, [music] [music] how good it is to be known by you. how good it is to be known by you. how good it is to be known by you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You see me in ways I never thought >> You see me in ways I never thought >> You see me in ways I never thought [singing] to. Oh to [music] me in your [singing] to. Oh to [music] me in your [singing] to. Oh to [music] me in your thoughts. Oh to be spoken to. How good it is to be [music and singing] How good it is to be [music and singing] known by you. To be known by you. To be known by you. It's so [music] sweet. It's so [music] sweet. It's so [music] sweet. It sus. It sus. It sus. [music and singing]