Stand Firm | Sean Fryer | Ecclesiastes 9-11

Good morning. How y'all doing? Good morning. How y'all 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. favorite. favorite. Anyway, as you have your Bibles open to Anyway, as you have your Bibles open to Anyway, as you have your Bibles open to Ecclesiastes chapter 9. I'll give you Ecclesiastes chapter 9. I'll give you Ecclesiastes chapter 9. I'll give you another second to turn there. We'll be another second to turn there. We'll be another second to turn there. We'll be in 9, 10, and 11 today. in 9, 10, and 11 today. in 9, 10, and 11 today. I just want to take a second. I just want to take a second. I just want to take a second. One, we talked about 400 volunteers at One, we talked about 400 volunteers at One, we talked about 400 volunteers at Y. Was anyone in here a volunteer at Y? Y. Was anyone in here a volunteer at Y? Y. Was anyone in here a volunteer at Y? Could you just raise your hand? Could you just raise your hand? 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. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> 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, I your hand. Students, students. Okay, I your hand. Students, students. Okay, I see a couple people. Awesome. Cool. see a couple people. Awesome. Cool. see a couple people. Awesome. Cool. And then before we dig into I just want And then before we dig into I just want And then before we dig into I just want to show off for a second because I'm to show off for a second because I'm to show off for a second because I'm just a proud father. just a proud father. just a proud father. The Fryer family is growing. I want to The Fryer family is growing. I want to The Fryer family is growing. I want to show you guys a picture of my family cuz show you guys a picture of my family cuz show you guys a picture of my family cuz I want to brag on them. And on Father's I want to brag on them. And on Father's I want to brag on them. And on Father's Day this year, we welcomed our second Day this year, we welcomed our second Day this year, we welcomed our second son, Peter. We have another picture of son, Peter. We have another picture of son, Peter. We have another picture of him. He's really a stud. There you go. him. He's really a stud. There you go. him. He's really a stud. There you go. He's a cute little boy. So, He's a cute little boy. So, He's a cute little boy. So, as I'm up here, if you can remember just as I'm up here, if you can remember just as I'm up here, if you can remember just to pray for me cuz not only did I spend to pray for me cuz not only did I spend to pray for me cuz not only did I spend the last 3 days with 1,500 high school the last 3 days with 1,500 high school the last 3 days with 1,500 high school middle school students, but I've spent middle school students, but I've spent middle school students, but I've spent the 5 weeks with last 5 weeks with a the 5 weeks with last 5 weeks with a the 5 weeks with last 5 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 your Holy Spirit here now your Holy Spirit here now to give us wisdom and revelation through to give us wisdom and revelation through to give us wisdom and revelation through your word. your word. your word. We love you. We pray all of this in We love you. We pray all of this in We love you. We pray all of this in Jesus' name. Everybody said? Jesus' name. Everybody said? Jesus' name. Everybody said? 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. is God. is God. And when his [snorts] people stand firm, And when his [snorts] people stand firm, And when his [snorts] people stand firm, God protects and honors his people. And God protects and honors his people. And God protects and honors his people. And then the ungodly actually have to then the ungodly actually have to then the ungodly actually have to respond in one of two ways. They see the respond in one of two ways. They see the respond in one of two ways. They see the glory of God, and they'll either respond glory of God, and they'll either respond glory of God, and they'll either respond through repentance or judgment. through repentance or judgment. through repentance or judgment. So, it comes from 1 Kings 18 when Elijah So, it comes from 1 Kings 18 when Elijah So, it comes from 1 Kings 18 when Elijah is challenging the people of Israel. is challenging the people of Israel. is challenging the people of Israel. They've been caught between God and They've been caught between God and They've been caught between God and idols. And there's this big battle, this idols. And there's this big battle, this idols. And there's this big battle, this big showdown that takes place on the top big showdown that takes place on the top big showdown that takes place on the top of Mount Carmel between Elijah and the of Mount Carmel between Elijah and the of Mount Carmel between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab. And 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab. And 450 prophets of Baal and King Ahab. And he calls out to the Israelites and he he calls out to the Israelites and he he calls out to the Israelites and he says, "How long will you waver between says, "How long will you waver between says, "How long will you waver between two opinions?

two opinions? two opinions? If the Lord is God, If the Lord is God, If the Lord is God, then follow him." then follow him." then follow him." So, you have all these heroes in So, you have all these heroes in So, you have all these heroes in scripture who are able to stand firm cuz scripture who are able to stand firm cuz scripture who are able to stand firm cuz with their whole heart they can say, with their whole heart they can say, with their whole heart they can say, "The Lord is God." "The Lord is God." "The Lord is God." So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9, 10, So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9, 10, So, as we dig into Ecclesiastes 9, 10, and 11 today, we're going to be looking and 11 today, we're going to be looking and 11 today, we're going to be looking at this thought of standing firm. at this thought of standing firm. at this thought of standing firm. And if you want to write this down, our And if you want to write this down, our And if you want to write this down, our overall thought for today, standing overall thought for today, standing overall thought for today, standing firm, is steady faithfulness firm, is steady faithfulness firm, is steady faithfulness to God to God to God in a life you cannot control in a life you cannot control in a life you cannot control or fully understand. or fully understand. 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. understand. understand. And if you guys have been with us at all And if you guys have been with us at all And if you guys have been with us at all throughout this series in Ecclesiastes, throughout this series in Ecclesiastes, throughout this series in Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is kind of a depressing Ecclesiastes is kind of a depressing Ecclesiastes is kind of a depressing book, right? It's kind of a hopeless book, right? It's kind of a hopeless book, right? It's kind of a hopeless book. As Solomon is writing this, he's book. As Solomon is writing this, he's book. As Solomon is writing this, he's constantly saying, "Meaningless, constantly saying, "Meaningless, constantly saying, "Meaningless, meaningless. Everything is meaningless. meaningless. Everything is meaningless. meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Everything under the sun is Everything under the sun is 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.

is meaningless. is meaningless. And I think of it like this. We're all And I think of it like this. We're all And I think of it like this. We're all here in South Florida, right? What's one here in South Florida, right? What's one here in South Florida, right? What's one of our favorite things to do? of our favorite things to do? of our favorite things to do? Who said hurricane prep? That's right. Who said hurricane prep? That's right. Who said hurricane prep? That's right. Hurricane prep, right? Who loves it, Hurricane prep, right? Who loves it, Hurricane prep, right? Who loves it, 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 SpaghettiOs, everything goods, all the SpaghettiOs, everything goods, all the SpaghettiOs, 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. And and and and you things happen now. And and and and you things happen now. And and and and you shutter up the house, you board up the shutter up the house, you board up the shutter up the house, you board up the house, you do everything you can to house, you do everything you can to house, you do everything you can to prepare because there's this this prepare because there's this this prepare because there's this this impending doom. There's this disaster impending doom. There's this disaster impending doom. There's this disaster about to come. And then once you're about to come. And then once you're about to come. And then once you're prepped, you sit prepped, you sit prepped, you sit and you wait. and you wait. and 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.

the East Coast. the East Coast. So suddenly your preparation becomes So suddenly your preparation becomes So suddenly your preparation becomes less, suddenly the waiting becomes less, less, suddenly the waiting becomes less, less, suddenly the waiting becomes less, suddenly you're just like, I don't care, suddenly you're just like, I don't care, suddenly you're just like, I don't care, they don't hit us anyway. And but we we they don't hit us anyway. And but we we they don't hit us anyway. And but we we sit in this place. sit in this place. sit in this 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. doom. doom. We sit in this place maybe of lack of We sit in this place maybe of lack of We sit in this place maybe of lack of preparation. preparation. 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. something so much greater. something so much greater. We get to prep for something called We get to prep for something called We get to prep for something called eternity. eternity. eternity. We get to live a life preparing for We get to live a life preparing for We get to live a life preparing for eternity. eternity. eternity. So Solomon writes this, Ecclesiastes So Solomon writes this, Ecclesiastes So Solomon writes this, Ecclesiastes 9:1, "So, I reflected on all this and 9:1, "So, I reflected on all this and 9:1, "So, I reflected on all this and concluded." concluded." concluded." So, really, this is a recap now. So, really, this is a recap now. So, really, this is a recap now. There's been a lot of repetitive There's been a lot of repetitive There's been a lot of repetitive thoughts throughout Ecclesiastes. He's thoughts throughout Ecclesiastes. He's thoughts throughout Ecclesiastes. He's been saying the same thing over and been saying the same thing over and been saying the same thing over and over. So, he's summing it up right now.

over. So, he's summing it up right now. over. So, he's summing it up right now. So, this isn't new information we're So, this isn't new information we're So, this isn't new information we're about to hear, but it's a reminder. about to hear, but it's a reminder. about to hear, but it's a reminder. And if you're anything like me, you need And if you're anything like me, you need And if you're anything like me, you need these reminders. these reminders. these reminders. Because I been a Christian since I was 6 Because I been a Christian since I was 6 Because I been a Christian since I was 6 years old, so 31 years. years old, so 31 years. years old, so 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. it. it. So, we need these reminders. So, we need these reminders. So, we need these reminders. So, he said in verse 1, "I reflected on So, he said in verse 1, "I reflected on So, he said in verse 1, "I reflected on all this and concluded all this and concluded all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise that the righteous and the wise that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands. and what they do are in God's hands. and what they do are 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." awaits them." awaits them." Number one, if you're taking notes, I Number one, if you're taking notes, I Number one, if you're taking notes, I have three points for us today and each have three points for us today and each have three points for us today and each point has some subpoints, but this first point has some subpoints, but this first point has some subpoints, but this first point is stand firm in God's hands. point is stand firm in God's hands. point is stand 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 righteous Solomon says he concluded the righteous Solomon says he concluded the righteous and the wise and what they do and the wise and what they do 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 knows what you're going through. He knows what you're going through. He's not surprised by your He's not surprised by your He's not surprised by your circumstances. circumstances. 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 can write this down, God's hand can write this down, God's hand brings security. brings security. brings 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.

security in the one who holds us. security in the one who holds us. The one who created the world, the one The one who created the world, the one The one who created the world, the one who holds all things together, that's who holds all things together, that's who holds all things together, that's whose hand we are in. whose hand we are in. whose hand we are in. And we can be secure in our hands. You And we can be secure in our hands. You And we can be secure in our hands. You see, he says, see, he says, see, he says, "No matter what they do, they're in "No matter what they do, they're in "No matter what they do, they're 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." And this is love or hate awaits them." And this is love or hate awaits them." And this is Solomon kind of being like, "Uh whatever Solomon kind of being like, "Uh whatever Solomon kind of being like, "Uh whatever your circumstances like your circumstances like your circumstances like you can't judge God's love for you by you can't judge God's love for you by you can't judge God's love for you by the circumstances you're in. the circumstances you're in. the circumstances you're in. You can't go, "Oh, God must hate me You can't go, "Oh, God must hate me You can't go, "Oh, God must hate me because life is hard right now." Or God because life is hard right now." Or God because life is hard right now." Or God loves them so much more because he has loves them so much more because he has loves them so much more because he has blessed them with so much money or they blessed them with so much money or they blessed them with so much money or they have so many kids and and I don't have have so many kids and and I don't have have so many kids and and I don't have one right now even though my husband and one right now even though my husband and one right now even though my husband and I have been trying for so much time, so I have been trying for so much time, so I have been trying for so much time, so he must not love me." No, God's love is he must not love me." No, God's love is he must not love me." No, God's love is not based on our circumstances. not based on our circumstances. not based on our 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 scripture scripture who I would never question God's love who I would never question God's love who I would never question God's love for them, yet their circumstances were for them, yet their circumstances were for them, yet their circumstances were far worse than mine. Stephen, far worse than mine. Stephen, far worse than mine. Stephen, the first martyr, the first martyr, the first martyr, was literally murdered for Jesus.

was literally murdered for Jesus. was literally murdered for Jesus. I think of John the Baptist, beheaded. I think of John the Baptist, beheaded. I think of John the Baptist, beheaded. Right? Moses, the things he went Like Right? Moses, the things he went Like Right? Moses, the things he went Like you can look at all these people, Paul, you can look at all these people, Paul, you can look at all these people, Paul, Peter, who suffered for Jesus. I would Peter, who suffered for Jesus. I would Peter, who suffered for Jesus. I would never question God's love for them. never question God's love for them. never question God's love for them. Yet I've faced far less than them, yet I Yet I've faced far less than them, yet I Yet I've faced far less than them, yet I can find myself going, "Am I Am I Are we can find myself going, "Am I Am I Are we can find myself going, "Am I Am I Are we good? good? good? No, I'm secure in God's hand. And No, I'm secure in God's hand. And No, I'm secure in God's hand. And security is huge. security is huge. security is huge. See, I've heard it said before the three See, I've heard it said before the three See, I've heard it said before the three biggest questions people will ask are biggest questions people will ask are biggest questions people will ask are who am I? It's this question of who am I? It's this question of who am I? It's this question of identity. identity. identity. Where do I belong? This question of Where do I belong? This question of Where do I belong? This question of belonging. And what's my purpose? This belonging. And what's my purpose? This belonging. And what's my purpose? This question of purpose. question of purpose. question of purpose. And almost a year ago my youth team and And almost a year ago my youth team and And almost a year ago my youth team and I we were at this conference and this I we were at this conference and this I we were at this conference and this lady spoke and she shared those three lady spoke and she shared those three lady spoke and she shared those three things, but she says, but here's things, but she says, but here's things, but she says, but here's actually what the most important actually what the most important actually what the most important question is. question is. question is. It's the question of security. It's the question of security. It's the question of security. Who can I trust? Who can I trust? Who can I trust? You see, if you can fully trust God, You see, if you can fully trust God, You see, if you can fully trust God, then you can trust that your identity is then you can trust that your identity is then you can trust that your identity is in him. in him. in him. If you fully trust Jesus, you can trust If you fully trust Jesus, you can trust If you fully trust Jesus, you can trust that you belong with him. that you belong with him. that you belong with him. If you fully trust him, you can believe If you fully trust him, you can believe If you fully trust him, you can believe that he has a purpose for you. It all that he has a purpose for you. It all that he has a purpose for you. It all starts with security. Think about this.

starts with security. Think about this. starts with security. Think about this. If you're secure, doesn't that make the If you're secure, doesn't that make the If you're secure, doesn't that make the rest of life better? rest of life better? rest of life better? Doesn't that make your thoughts calm Doesn't that make your thoughts calm Doesn't that make your thoughts calm down? Doesn't that make your heart feel down? Doesn't that make your heart feel down? Doesn't that make your heart feel at peace? at peace? 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 son can't get in. either end so our son can't get in. either end so our son can't get in. But it also doesn't allow people from But it also doesn't allow people from But it also doesn't allow people from the outside to break in and and and and the outside to break in and and and and the outside to break in and and and and open our door. open our door. open our door. So, when we close this thing at night, So, when we close this thing at night, So, when we close this thing at night, we feel a lot more secure. We feel a lot we feel a lot more secure. We feel a lot we 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. Why? Because we're secure. Why? Because we're secure. And that's our life in God's hands. And that's our life in God's hands. And that's our life in God's hands. Verses 2 through 6 I Verses 2 through 6 I Verses 2 through 6 I won't read because they're really sad. won't read because they're really sad. won't read because they're really sad. That's not the reason I'm going to read That's not the reason I'm going to read That's not the reason I'm going to read them, but they basically say this, them, but they basically say this, them, but they basically say this, everyone dies. everyone dies. everyone dies. Amen? Amen? Amen? Let's pray. But this is so important cuz this is But this is so important cuz 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, it will change how you live.

it will change how you live. So, Solomon follows this up with verse So, Solomon follows this up with verse So, Solomon follows this up with verse 7. He says, "Go, eat your food with 7. He says, "Go, eat your food with 7. He says, "Go, eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a gladness and drink your wine with a gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already joyful heart, for God has already joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. approved what you do. approved what you do. Always be clothed in white and always Always be clothed in white and always Always be clothed in white and always anoint your head with oil. anoint your head with oil. anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you Enjoy life with your wife, whom you Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless love, all the days of this meaningless love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the life that God has given you under the life that God has given you under the sun, all your meaningless days, for this sun, all your meaningless days, for this sun, all your meaningless days, for this is your lot in life and your toilsome is your lot in life and your toilsome is your lot in life and your toilsome labor under the sun. labor under the sun. labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it Whatever your hand finds to do, do it Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of with all your might, for in the realm of with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there's the dead, where you are going, there's the dead, where you are going, there's neither working, nor planning, nor neither working, nor planning, nor neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom. knowledge, nor wisdom. knowledge, nor wisdom. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. Everyone dies. So we need to enjoy life in God's hands. So we need to enjoy life in God's hands. So we need to enjoy life in God's 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. what transition we're in. what transition we're in. Transition stinks, doesn't it? Transition stinks, doesn't it? Transition stinks, doesn't it? Does anyone here like transition? Does anyone here like transition? Does anyone here like transition? You like changes in life? I've always You like changes in life? I've always You like changes in life? I've always said the one constant in life is change said the one constant in life is change said the one constant in life is change and Jesus, who never changes.

and Jesus, who never changes. and Jesus, who never changes. Right? But the one constant in life is Right? But the one constant in life is Right? But the one constant in life is change. And me as a youth pastor, I change. And me as a youth pastor, I change. And me as a youth pastor, I can't help but think of Gen Z. Do you can't help but think of Gen Z. Do you can't help but think of Gen Z. Do you guys know Gen Z? Not Not Jay-Z. guys know Gen Z? Not Not Jay-Z. guys know Gen Z? Not Not Jay-Z. Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14- to Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14- to Gen Z, Generation Z. It's the 14- to 29-year-olds. If you're 14- to 29, go 29-year-olds. If you're 14- to 29, go 29-year-olds. If you're 14- to 29, go ahead and raise your hand. 14- to 29. ahead and raise your hand. 14- to 29. ahead and raise your hand. 14- to 29. Guys, is there a lot of transition in Guys, is there a lot of transition in Guys, is there a lot of transition in your life right now? your life right now? your life right now? Yes? Yes? Yes? Yes, is life hard right now? Yes, is life hard right now? Yes, is life hard right now? So listen, Fuller Youth Institute did a So listen, Fuller Youth Institute did a So listen, Fuller Youth Institute did a study where they started they they've study where they started they they've study where they started they they've always looked at students, young people, always looked at students, young people, always looked at students, young people, but they started looking at young adults but they started looking at young adults but they started looking at young adults more. more. more. And they've looked at these seasons of And they've looked at these seasons of And they've looked at these seasons of transition. When we think of transition, transition. When we think of transition, transition. When we think of transition, we often think of uh we we can actually we often think of uh we we can actually we often think of uh we we can actually go to that graphic on the screen. We go to that graphic on the screen. We go to that graphic on the screen. We think of that line in the middle, high think of that line in the middle, high think of that line in the middle, high school, college, job, marriage, kids. school, college, job, marriage, kids. school, college, job, marriage, kids. But they said, "Actually, no, no, no, But they said, "Actually, no, no, no, But they said, "Actually, no, no, no, no. This is more so what life looks like no. This is more so what life looks like no. This is more so what life looks like for a Gen Zer." for a Gen Zer." for a Gen Zer." Where their transition season is not Where their transition season is not 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. have. have. That they are finding him in these That they are finding him in these 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. wilderness. wilderness. When they were following Jesus, when When they were following Jesus, when When they were following Jesus, when they followed him out of or when they they followed him out of or when they they followed him out of or when they were following Moses, following God out were following Moses, following God out were following Moses, following God out of Egypt, right? They were so close to of Egypt, right? They were so close to of Egypt, right? They were so close to him. him. him. Whenever they were moving around, they Whenever they were moving around, they Whenever they were moving around, they were close to the Lord, but then what were close to the Lord, but then what were close to the Lord, but then what happened when they got to the place happened when they got to the place happened when they got to the place where they were standing, where they where they were standing, where they where they were standing, where they were still, when Moses was up on Mount were still, when Moses was up on Mount were still, when Moses was up on Mount Sinai and they're still and then they Sinai and they're still and then they Sinai and they're still and then they build a golden calf and worship another build a golden calf and worship another build a golden calf and worship another God. God. 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. him. him. When they were sitting still and they When they were sitting still and they When they were sitting still and they could work in their own strength, it was could work in their own strength, it was could work in their own strength, it was like they lost the faith they had when like they lost the faith they had when like they lost the faith they had when they were following him. they were following him. 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 good what they learn in these seasons is good what they learn in these seasons is good 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. people to come alongside them. people to come alongside them. To help them in the transition, but to To help them in the transition, but to To help them in the transition, but to help them in the steadiness as well, to help them in the steadiness as well, to help them in the steadiness as well, to cling close to the Lord in those times. cling close to the Lord in those times. cling close to the Lord in those times. So we talk about from one generation to So we talk about from one generation to So we talk about from one generation to the next. Maybe the Lord's tugging the next. Maybe the Lord's tugging the next. Maybe the Lord's tugging something on your heart and saying, man, something on your heart and saying, man, something on your heart and saying, man, you need to help young people enjoy life you need to help young people enjoy life you need to help young people enjoy life in God's hands. in God's hands. in God's hands. If you want, you can you the QR code at If you want, you can you the QR code at If you want, you can you the QR code at some point. There's a thing on there to some point. There's a thing on there to some point. There's a thing on there to serve, but they need people to come serve, but they need people to come serve, but they need people to come alongside them. And I even want to say alongside them. And I even want to say alongside them. And I even want to say this, I don't know if you guys know the this, I don't know if you guys know the this, I don't know if you guys know the youth building is right behind me. youth building is right behind me. youth building is right behind me. If you want to go after service today, If you want to go after service today, If you want to go after service today, just check out youth. There's no just check out youth. There's no 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 Beamis make an open. Bob and Gina Beamis make an open. Bob and Gina Beamis 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. It's It's what's happening over there. It's It's what's happening over there. It's 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 can There's even some arcade games you can There's even some arcade games you can 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.

doing in the youth building. doing in the youth building. But enjoy life in God's hands. I'm a big But enjoy life in God's hands. I'm a big But enjoy life in God's hands. I'm a big country music fan. Any country music country music fan. Any country music country music fan. Any country music fans? I believe in the three C's of fans? I believe in the three C's of fans? I believe in the three C's of music. There's Christian, there's music. There's Christian, there's music. There's Christian, there's country, and there's Christmas. It's country, and there's Christmas. It's country, and there's Christmas. It's only genres that matter. only genres that matter. only genres that matter. Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a song Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a song Years ago, Tim McGraw wrote a song called Live Like You Were Dying called Live Like You Were Dying called Live Like You Were Dying about a guy who got bad news. about a guy who got bad news. about a guy who got bad news. And he asked him, "Hey, when you got And he asked him, "Hey, when you got And he asked him, "Hey, when you got that news, what'd you do?" that news, what'd you do?" that news, what'd you do?" Guy said, "I went skydiving. I went Guy said, "I went skydiving. I went Guy said, "I went skydiving. I went Rocky Mountain climbing. Rocky Mountain climbing. Rocky Mountain climbing. I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. Manchu. Manchu. I loved deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave I loved deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave I loved deeper. I spoke sweeter. I gave forgiveness that I'd been denying." forgiveness that I'd been denying." forgiveness that I'd been denying." And then he says, "I hope you get the And then he says, "I hope you get the And then he says, "I hope you get the chance chance chance to live like you were dying." to live like you were dying." to live like you were dying." And I believe this is Solomon's point And I believe this is Solomon's point And I believe this is Solomon's point here. Everyone dies. here. Everyone dies. here. 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. more. more. Right, he tells you to always be clothed Right, he tells you to always be clothed Right, he tells you to always be clothed in white. Being clothed in white in in white. Being clothed in white in in white. Being clothed in white in those times, it meant there was a those times, it meant there was a 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.

occasion. occasion. Take it all in. Taking every second, Take it all in. Taking every second, Take it all in. Taking every second, every moment of life because you don't every moment of life because you don't every moment of life because you don't know when it's going to end. know when it's going to end. know when it's going to end. A year ago today, A year ago today, A year ago today, it was the same weekend, it was the same weekend, it was the same weekend, except it was Saturday night. except it was Saturday night. except it was Saturday night. I was getting ready to teach, I was getting ready to teach, I was getting ready to teach, getting ready to walk on stage for for getting ready to walk on stage for for getting ready to walk on stage for for uh the sermon after uh the sermon after uh the sermon after and I got a text message that my grandpo and I got a text message that my grandpo and I got a text message that my grandpo was found in his room at his memory care was found in his room at his memory care was 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 grandpo's going to teach wondering if my grandpo's going to teach wondering if my grandpo's going to be here when I'm done. Then Sunday comes, Monday comes, Tuesday Then Sunday comes, Monday comes, Tuesday comes. He passes away Wednesday night. 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 grandpo when he My last moments with my grandpo when he My last moments with my grandpo 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 5 minutes with to him. So, I spent like 5 minutes with to him. So, I spent like 5 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 can pick you up, your son." And and he can pick you up, your son." And and 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 he can come watch me teach.

up. Maybe he can come watch me teach. up. Maybe he 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? "Hey, is are you going to pick him up? "Hey, is are you going to pick him up? Is he going to come?" And actually, no, Is he going to come?" And actually, no, Is he going to come?" And actually, no, he was found unresponsive. he was found unresponsive. he 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 more with him wishing I would have spent more with him wishing I would have spent more time with him. time with him. time with him. That I would have taken in that moment. That I would have taken in that moment. That I would have 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. grandma planned. grandma planned. We're about to eat. I pray for our our We're about to eat. I pray for our our We're about to eat. I pray for our our meal. She has a brain aneurysm, passes meal. She has a brain aneurysm, passes meal. She has a brain aneurysm, passes away that night. We had lost actually a full day with her We had lost actually a full day with her cuz of the airline. I won't tell you cuz of the airline. I won't tell you cuz 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 for loved ones for for loved ones for for If there's someone you need to tell you If there's someone you need to tell you If there's someone you need to tell you love them, do it now. love them, do it now. love them, do it now. And if there's a change needing to take And if there's a change needing to take And if there's a change needing to take place, change it now. place, change it now. place, change it now. Enjoy life in God's hands.

Enjoy life in God's hands. Enjoy life in God's hands. Take in every moment. Take in every moment. Take in every moment. Cuz you don't know when it's going to be Cuz you don't know when it's going to be Cuz you don't know when it's going to be your last or someone else's. your last or someone else's. 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, battle to the strong, battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth nor does food come to the wise or wealth nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the to the brilliant or favor to the to the brilliant or favor to the learned. learned. learned. But time and chance happen to them all. But time and chance happen to them all. But time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no one knows when their hour Moreover, no one knows when their hour Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come. will come. will come. As fish are caught in a cruel net or As fish are caught in a cruel net or As fish are caught in a cruel net or birds are taken in a snare, so people birds are taken in a snare, so people birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall are trapped by evil times that fall are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them." unexpectedly upon them." unexpectedly upon them." You can write this down. God's hands You can write this down. God's hands You can write this down. God's hands remind you that you're not in control. remind you that you're not in control. remind you that you're not in control. This is what Solomon's trying to tell This is what Solomon's trying to tell This is what Solomon's trying to tell us. You're not in control. us. You're not in control. us. You're not in 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. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> 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. the control freak, not them. the control freak, not them. Just throwing that out there. Just throwing that out there. Just 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. that's actually a good thing. that's actually a good thing. I'm grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful that I'm not God. I'm grateful I don't get to make the I'm grateful I don't get to make the I'm grateful I don't get to make the call. Life is unpredictable. call. Life is unpredictable. call. Life is 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's saying here. You're not what Solomon's saying here. You're not what Solomon's saying here. You're not in control. in control. in control. For those living under the sun who are For those living under the sun who are For those living under the sun who are living a life without the Lord, this is living a life without the Lord, this is living a life without the Lord, this is terrifying. But for us who are secure in terrifying. But for us who are secure in terrifying. But for us who are secure in God's hands, this is a great place to be God's hands, this is a great place to be God's hands, this is a great place to be cuz his control is far greater than cuz his control is far greater than cuz his control is far greater than ours. ours. ours. He continues in verse 13. He continues in verse 13. He continues in verse 13. I also under the sun this example of I also under the sun this example of I also under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me. wisdom that greatly impressed me. wisdom that greatly impressed me. There was once a small city with only a There was once a small city with only a There was once a small city with only a few people in it, and a powerful king few people in it, and a powerful king few people in it, and a powerful king came against it, surrounded it, and came against it, surrounded it, and came against it, surrounded it, and built a huge siege works against it. built a huge siege works against it. built a huge siege works against it. Now, there lived in that city a man poor Now, there lived in that city a man poor Now, there lived in that city a man poor but wise, but wise, but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom, and he saved the city by his wisdom, and he saved the city by his wisdom, but nobody remembered that poor man.

but nobody remembered that poor man. but nobody remembered that poor man. So, I said wisdom is better than So, I said wisdom is better than 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 heeded. heeded. heeded. 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 understand that is all the we understand that is all the 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. they're overlooked. they're overlooked. The righteous stand firm even if they're The righteous stand firm even if they're The righteous stand firm even if they're forgotten. forgotten. 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? 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? Man, if you're like me, you hold the Man, if you're like me, you hold the door open for someone. door open for someone. door open for someone. Let me be your knight in shining armor. Let me be your knight in shining armor. Let me be your knight in shining armor. I'm I'm so nice. I'm I'm so nice. I'm I'm so nice. You know, you even tell them they don't You know, you even tell them they don't You know, you even tell them they don't have to do that little jog cuz they were have to do that little jog cuz they were have to do that little jog cuz they were so far away. I'll I'll wait. I'll be so far away. I'll I'll wait. I'll be so far away. I'll I'll wait. I'll be patient.

patient. patient. And they don't say thank you. And they don't say thank you. And they don't say thank you. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I just slam it on I let go. I wait till they're 10 ft away and I go, I wait till they're 10 ft 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? me? me? Honestly. Honestly. 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. an audience of one. an audience of one. We serve the one who's on his throne. We We serve the one who's on his throne. We We serve the one who's on his throne. We serve the one who's in control. So, don't worry about likes, about So, don't worry about likes, about views, about comments. views, about comments. views, about comments. And you want to talk about the ultimate And you want to talk about the ultimate And 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." his arms and said, "This is for you." his arms and said, "This is for you." You don't need any more affirmation than You don't need any more affirmation than You 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 acknowledgement. acknowledgement. acknowledgement. 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, he just said, "Eh, he just said, "Eh, you're not affirming me.

you're not affirming me. you're not affirming me. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. >> Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. >> Peace out." Just gets down, walks away. They could be dead in their sins. They could be dead in their sins. They could be dead in their sins. No. No. No. He took it. He took it. He took it. He said, "Father, forgive them." He said, "Father, forgive them." He said, "Father, 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. 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, you from troubles, you from troubles, but it's not useless. but it's not useless. but it's not useless. So, as we close chapter nine and we jump So, as we close chapter nine and we jump So, as we close chapter nine 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. Proverbs. Proverbs. But he's showing us the value of wisdom But he's showing us the value of wisdom But he's showing us the value of wisdom here. He says this in verse 17 of here. He says this in verse 17 of here. He says this in verse 17 of Ecclesiastes 9, "The quiet words of the Ecclesiastes 9, "The quiet words of the Ecclesiastes 9, "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded wise are more to be heeded wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

than the shouts of a ruler of fools. than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, Wisdom is better than weapons of war, Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. but one sinner destroys much good. but one sinner destroys much good. As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and so a little folly outweighs wisdom and so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. honor. honor. 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, but the heart of the fool to the right, but the heart of the fool to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. left. 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 lack sense lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are. and show everyone how stupid they are. and show everyone how stupid they are. Number two, if you're taking notes, you Number two, if you're taking notes, you Number two, if you're taking notes, you can write this down. Stand firm in can write this down. Stand firm in can write this down. Stand firm in wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. Right, it's this pivot. Wisdom is not Right, it's this pivot. Wisdom is not Right, it's this pivot. Wisdom is 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 perfect prevent death. It's not going to perfect prevent death. It's not going to perfect prevent trials, but there's value here. trials, but there's value here. trials, but there's value here. So, stand firm in it So, stand firm in it So, 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. on the right things. on the right things. You avoid foolishness.

You avoid foolishness. You avoid foolishness. You avoid folly. You avoid folly. You avoid folly. He says, "A dead fly gives perfume a bad He says, "A dead fly gives perfume a bad He says, "A dead fly gives perfume a bad smell." smell." smell." A little fly A little fly A little fly in a jar of perfume in a jar of perfume in a jar of perfume ruins the whole batch. ruins the whole batch. ruins the whole batch. A little bit of folly A little bit of folly A little bit of folly a little bit of foolishness a little bit of foolishness a little bit of 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. Compromise makes a mess. Compromise makes a mess. Foolishness makes a mess. Foolishness makes a mess. Foolishness 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. You don't have to raise your hand for You don't have to raise your hand for You don't have to raise your hand for that one. that one. that one. If you did before you got here, the If you did before you got here, the If you did before you got here, the people by you know. people by you know. 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? in a big old pile of poop, right? in a big old pile of poop, right? And the other thing is you don't And the other thing is you don't And the other thing is you don't normally fully step on it. It's like one normally fully step on it. It's like one normally fully step on it. It's like one small part of your shoe. small part of your shoe. small 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 and it's kind of like creased over the and it's kind of like creased over the and it's kind of like creased over the side of your shoe a little bit and it's side of your shoe a little bit and it's side of your shoe a little bit and it's in all the ridges underneath and it's in all the ridges underneath and it's in all the ridges underneath and it's the hardest thing to clean out of your the hardest thing to clean out of your the 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 you start to retrace your steps. And you start to retrace your steps. And you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car And you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car And you're like, "Oh no, it's on my car floor mats. It's on my entryway rug. floor mats. It's on my entryway rug. floor mats. It's on my entryway rug. It's on my couch. It's on my hands. It's on my couch. It's on my hands. It's on my couch. It's on my hands. It got everywhere! And it's never Like I It got everywhere! And it's never Like I It got everywhere! And it's never Like I said, it's never a big piece. It's like said, it's never a big piece. It's like said, it's never a big piece. It's like you stepped in the smallest turd ever, you stepped in the smallest turd ever, you stepped in the smallest turd ever, but it spreads and that's compromise. but it spreads and that's compromise. but it spreads and 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, BUT IT MAKES A MESS of SO SMALL, BUT IT MAKES A MESS of SO SMALL, BUT IT MAKES A MESS of everything. everything. 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 Jesus sits at the Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. right hand of the Father. right hand of the 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 toward the one who's sitting To incline toward the one who's sitting To incline toward 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 8. what wisdom does for us. Verse 8. what wisdom does for us. Verse 8. 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. bitten by a snake. bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured Whoever quarries stones may be injured Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them. by them. by them. Whoever splits logs may be endangered by Whoever splits logs may be endangered by Whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. them. them. If the ax is dull and its edge If the ax is dull and its edge If the ax 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. the charmer receives no fee. the charmer receives no fee. Wisdom protects. Wisdom protects. Wisdom 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, and they all end up in some activities, and they all end up in some activities, 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 into things, if you if you take a into things, if you if you take a moment, if you use some wisdom, if moment, if you use some wisdom, if moment, if you use some wisdom, if you're not overconfident. Listen, if you you're not overconfident. Listen, if you you're not overconfident. Listen, if you dig a pit, you could fall into it. Why dig a pit, you could fall into it. Why dig a pit, you could fall into it. Why would you fall into it? Because you're would you fall into it? Because you're would you fall into it? Because you're not being careful. not being careful. not 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. these kinds of moments. these kinds of moments. Instead of being overconfident, lazy, Instead of being overconfident, lazy, Instead of being overconfident, lazy, not being prepared, being unaware. not being prepared, being unaware. not being prepared, 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 superglue that take the credit. It's superglue that take the credit. It's superglue that does the job.

does the job. does the job. But here's what I learned with superglue But here's what I learned with superglue But here's what I learned with superglue thinking I can fix anything with thinking I can fix anything with thinking I can fix anything with superglue. I just learned that I'm superglue. I just learned that I'm superglue. I just learned that I'm stupid. 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, Charizard toy that broke. And I said, Charizard toy that broke. And I said, "I can fix it. "I can fix it. "I can fix it. I have superglue." So, a few years I have superglue." So, a few years I have superglue." 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. don't know. don't know. But, I literally So, I'm running this But, I literally So, I'm running this But, I literally So, I'm running this illustration by my wife. I'm like, illustration by my wife. I'm like, illustration by my wife. I'm like, "Babe, I'm going to make a fool of "Babe, I'm going to make a fool of "Babe, I'm going to make a fool of myself. I'm going to show them how myself. I'm going to show them how 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."

It's like, "Thanks, babe. It's like, "Thanks, babe. Really appreciate it." So, I like I Really appreciate it." So, I like I Really appreciate it." So, I like I literally one time I So, that's fool- literally one time I So, that's fool- literally one time I So, that's fool- Listen, if I've shown you an example of Listen, if I've shown you an example of Listen, if I've shown you an example of foolishness, that's what it is. Wisdom foolishness, that's what it is. Wisdom foolishness, that's what it is. Wisdom would have protected me from that. would have protected me from that. would have protected me from that. Wisdom would have prevented that. Wisdom would have prevented that. Wisdom would have prevented that. But, what are the things in our lives we But, what are the things in our lives we But, what are the things in our lives we do this with? do this with? do this with? The Yeah, the superglue is funny, The Yeah, the superglue is funny, The Yeah, the superglue is funny, but we do this all the time where the but we do this all the time where the but we do this all the time where the Lord has protected us from something, Lord has protected us from something, Lord has protected us from something, yet we fall right back into it from yet we fall right back into it from yet we fall right back into it from foolishness. foolishness. foolishness. Wisdom protects. Wisdom protects. Wisdom protects. But, verse 12, "Words from the mouth of But, verse 12, "Words from the mouth of But, verse 12, "Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, the wise are gracious, 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. lips. lips. At the beginning, their words are folly. At the beginning, their words are folly. At the beginning, their words are folly. At the end, they are wicked madness. At the end, they are wicked madness. At the end, they are wicked madness. And fools multiply words. No one knows And fools multiply words. No one knows And fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming. Who can tell someone what is coming. Who can tell someone what is coming. Who can tell someone else what will happen after them?" else what will happen after them?" else what will happen after them?" Wisdom protects, but wisdom also Wisdom protects, but wisdom also 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. In how they speak, they don't take a In how they speak, they don't take a In 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. they they have foolish talk. they they have foolish talk. Instead, they're babbling away. They're Instead, they're babbling away. They're Instead, they're babbling away. They're They're someone who they literally prove They're someone who they literally prove They're someone who they literally prove their foolishness the more they speak. their foolishness the more they speak. their 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 but words may never hurt me." Biggest but words may never hurt me." Biggest lie we ever heard growing up cuz words lie we ever heard growing up cuz words lie we ever heard growing up cuz 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 sprains, certain remember certain ankle sprains, certain remember certain ankle sprains, 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, So, it actually means somewhere, So, it actually means somewhere, someplace, you actually mean what you someplace, you actually mean what you someplace, you actually mean what you said and you can't take that back. said and you can't take that back. said and you 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. So, wisdom prevents that. So, wisdom prevents that. Wisdom speaks graciously. Wisdom is slow Wisdom speaks graciously. Wisdom is slow Wisdom speaks graciously. Wisdom is slow to speak. But, folly, foolishness, it to speak. But, folly, foolishness, it to speak. But, folly, foolishness, it blurts out without thinking of the blurts out without thinking of the blurts out without thinking of the consequences. consequences. 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 wisdom also wisdom also verse 15, verse 15, 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. not know the way to town. not know the way to town. Woe to the land whose king was a servant Woe to the land whose king was a servant Woe to the land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning. and whose princes feast in the morning. and whose princes feast in the morning. Blessed is the land whose king is of Blessed is the land whose king is of Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a noble birth and whose princes eat at a noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time for strength and not for proper time for strength and not for proper time for strength and not for drunkenness. drunkenness. drunkenness. Through laziness the rafters sag. Through laziness the rafters sag. Through laziness the rafters sag. Because of idle hands, the leaks.

Because of idle hands, the leaks. Because of idle hands, the leaks. A feast is made for laughter, wine makes A feast is made for laughter, wine makes A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, life merry, life merry, and money is the answer for everything. and money is the answer for everything. and money is the answer for everything. Do not revile the king even in your Do not revile the king even in your Do not revile the king even in your thoughts or curse the rich in your thoughts or curse the rich in your thoughts or curse the rich in your bedroom because a bird in the sky may bedroom because a bird in the sky may bedroom because a bird in the sky may carry your words and a bird on the wing carry your words and a bird on the wing carry your words and a bird on the wing may report what you say. may report what you say. may report what you say. Wisdom also preserves. Wisdom also preserves. Wisdom also preserves. Solomon speaking here of of a nation Solomon speaking here of of a nation Solomon 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 cuz preserved because it lacks wisdom cuz preserved because it lacks wisdom cuz 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 people are seeking after their own people are seeking after their own pleasure. Verse 19, it's some of the pleasure. Verse 19, it's some of the 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, and for laughter, wine makes life merry, and for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything. money is the answer for everything. 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. Cuz we shouldn't live a life to indulge Cuz we shouldn't live a life to indulge Cuz we shouldn't live a life to indulge ourselves and to gratify ourselves, we ourselves and to gratify ourselves, we ourselves and to gratify ourselves, we should live a life to glorify God.

should live a life to glorify God. should live a life to glorify God. A life that is gratifying him, a life A life that is gratifying him, a life A life that is gratifying him, a life that is pointing to him. When we try to that is pointing to him. When we try to that is pointing to him. When we try to do what's best for us, we hurt do what's best for us, we hurt do what's best for us, we hurt ourselves. We don't preserve anything. ourselves. We don't preserve anything. ourselves. We don't preserve anything. If I did what I thought was best for me, If I did what I thought was best for me, If I did what I thought was best for me, I would eat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I would eat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I would eat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups every single day. every single day. every single day. I would eat the whole tub of Ben & I would eat the whole tub of Ben & I would eat the whole tub of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Jerry's ice cream. Jerry's ice cream. It's just what I would do cuz it is so It's just what I would do cuz it is so It's just what I would do cuz it is so yummy. Amen. yummy. Amen. yummy. Amen. >> [snorts] >> 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 in sinful ways, but there's even ways we in sinful ways, but there's even ways we in sinful ways, but there's even ways we can do this spiritually. can do this spiritually. 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, what it wasn't So, it just, you know, what it wasn't So, it just, you know, what it wasn't really good worship today. really good worship today. really good worship today. Oh, so that song that was glorifying Oh, so that song that was glorifying Oh, so that song that was glorifying God, that was singing about how God, that was singing about how God, that was singing about how wonderful and marvelous and counselor wonderful and marvelous and counselor wonderful and marvelous and counselor and mighty God that he is, glorifying and mighty God that he is, glorifying and mighty God that he is, glorifying him, it just wasn't good enough for you.

him, it just wasn't good enough for you. him, it just wasn't good enough for you. So it glorified God, but it didn't make So it glorified God, but it didn't make So it glorified God, but it didn't make you feel good, so it was bad worship. you feel good, so it was bad worship. you 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, Last and finally, in chapter 11, Last and finally, in chapter 11, verse 1, verse 1, verse 1, it says, "Ship your grain across the it says, "Ship your grain across the it says, "Ship your grain across the sea." sea." sea." I know you guys have been wondering what I know you guys have been wondering what I know you guys have been wondering what to do with all your grain. "After many days you may receive a "After many days you may receive a return. return. return. Invest in seven ventures, yes in eight. Invest in seven ventures, yes in eight. Invest in seven ventures, yes in eight. You do not know what disaster may come You do not know what disaster may come You do not know what disaster may come upon the land." Number three, upon the land." Number three, upon the land." Number three, stand firm in faith.

stand firm in faith. stand 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. Life is pointless without him. Life is pointless without him. But with him, But with him, But with him, it's the greatest adventure ever. it's the greatest adventure ever. 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 Steven Spielberg from the early 90s, the Steven Spielberg from the early 90s, the Steven Spielberg movie Hook starring Robin Williams as a movie Hook starring Robin Williams as a movie Hook starring Robin Williams as a grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone know the grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone know the grown-up Peter Pan. Anyone know the movie? The very end of the movie they movie? The very end of the movie they movie? The very end of the movie they go, "Peter, what are you going to do go, "Peter, what are you going to do go, "Peter, what are you going to do now?" And he says, "To live.

now?" And he says, "To live. 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 adventure life for Jesus is the greatest adventure life for Jesus is the greatest adventure you could ever live. If you would just you could ever live. If you would just you could ever live. If you would just stand firm in your faith. stand firm in your faith. 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 are remind you that earlier. God's hands are remind you that earlier. God's hands are 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. going on an adventure. going on an adventure. And it's the greatest adventure you And it's the greatest adventure you And it's the greatest adventure you could ever have. In verse 3, could ever have. In verse 3, could ever have. In verse 3, "If clouds are full of water, they pour "If clouds are full of water, they pour "If clouds are full of water, they pour rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, if the to the south or to the north, if the to the south or to the north, if the place where it falls there it will lie. place where it falls there it will lie. place where it falls there it will lie. Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will not Whoever looks at the clouds will not Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." reap." reap." Faith acts even when the conditions Faith acts even when the conditions Faith acts even when the conditions aren't perfect. aren't perfect. aren't perfect. So, I'm saying, don't wait for the So, I'm saying, don't wait for the So, I'm 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. Our world is an imperfect world. Our world is an imperfect world. The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be The 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. never going to wash your car. never going to wash your car. Cuz the conditions are never going to be Cuz the conditions are never going to be Cuz the 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 mission's trip in 2011 to go to go on a mission's trip in 2011 to go to go on a mission's trip in 2011 to go to a a Muslim country to share the gospel a a Muslim country to share the gospel a 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. scared. scared. And I missed out. And I missed out. And I missed out. So, when the opportunity the next year, So, when the opportunity the next year, So, when the opportunity the next year, I I started to make excuses again. I I I started to make excuses again. I I I started to make excuses again. I realized, you know what? If God's giving realized, you know what? If God's giving realized, you know what? If God's giving me an opportunity a second time, I'm me an opportunity a second time, I'm me 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. have any good excuses. have any good excuses. The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be perfect. perfect. perfect. We have to act. We have to act. We have to act. Right? Don't let what's wrong with you Right? Don't let what's wrong with you Right? Don't let what's wrong with you uh keep you from worshipping what's uh keep you from worshipping what's uh keep you from worshipping what's right with God. right with God. right with God. And keep you from doing what God has And keep you from doing what God has 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 you're supposed to do you're supposed to do but you're waiting for the perfect but you're waiting for the perfect but you're waiting for the perfect moment? moment? 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 Jesus with Jesus with and you're just waiting for them to and you're just waiting for them to and you're just waiting for them to bring it up. bring it up. 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. they will eventually. they will eventually. And that'll be your sign. And that'll be your sign. And that'll be your 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. but today is the day. but today is the day. Don't wait. The conditions are never going to be The conditions are never going to be perfect. perfect. perfect. Verse five, we're Verse five, we're Verse five, we're almost wrapped up here. It says, "As you almost wrapped up here. It says, "As you almost wrapped up here. It says, "As you do not know the path of the wind do not know the path of the wind do not know the path of the wind or how the body's formed in a mother's or how the body's formed in a mother's or how the body's formed in a mother's womb, womb, womb, so you cannot understand the work of so you cannot understand the work of so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things." God, the maker of all things." God, the maker of all things." Faith is trusting God without fully Faith is trusting God without fully Faith is trusting God without fully understanding. understanding. 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. And I'm okay with that. And I'm okay with that. Sometimes we can take that almost as a Sometimes we can take that almost as a Sometimes we can take that almost as a cop-out of, "Oh, but you really just cop-out of, "Oh, but you really just cop-out of, "Oh, but you really just don't even get it." But that's what don't even get it." But that's what don't even get it." But that's what faith is.

faith is. faith is. Right? Faith is is seen without or Right? Faith is is seen without or Right? Faith is is seen without or sorry, believing without seeing. sorry, believing without seeing. sorry, believing without seeing. Right? One of my favorite songs Right? One of my favorite songs Right? One of my favorite songs literally has this line that says, literally has this line that says, literally has this line that says, "Faith makes a fool of what makes "Faith makes a fool of what makes "Faith makes a fool of what makes sense." 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. We'll close with verse seven. We'll close with verse seven. Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to the sun. to the sun. to the sun. However many years anyone may live, let However many years anyone may live, let However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. them enjoy them all. them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of But let them remember the days of But let them remember the days of darkness for there will be many. darkness for there will be many. darkness for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. You Everything to come is meaningless. You Everything to come is meaningless. You who are young, be happy while you are who are young, be happy while you are who are young, be happy while you are young and let your heart give you joy in young and let your heart give you joy in young and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. the days of your youth. 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.

into judgment. into judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart So then, banish anxiety from your heart So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body and cast off the troubles of your body and cast off the troubles of your body for youth and vigor are meaningless. for youth and vigor are meaningless. for youth and 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 eight says, "Let them Solomon in verse eight says, "Let them Solomon in verse eight 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 seven he says, "Light is sweet." verse seven he says, "Light is sweet." verse seven 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. Right, here's the thing about sin. Right, here's the thing about sin. When you realize how bad your sin is, When you realize how bad your sin is, When you realize how bad your sin is, you appreciate your salvation so much you appreciate your salvation so much you appreciate your salvation so much more. more. 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. so much more. so much more. When you realize the price of your sin When you realize the price of your sin When you realize the price of your sin is death, you appreciate so great a is death, you appreciate so great a is death, you appreciate so great a salvation so much more. salvation so much more. 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 nine he says, "God will up to. In verse nine he says, "God will up to. In verse nine 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 So, he says, "Be happy while you're So, he says, "Be happy while you're young young young and banish anxiety." and banish anxiety." and banish anxiety." How do we do this? How do we do this? How do we do this? Philippians 4:4-7 Philippians 4:4-7 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. I will say it again, rejoice. I will say it again, rejoice. You know, it's really hard to be anxious You know, it's really hard to be anxious You know, it's really hard to be anxious and upset and mad if you're rejoicing. and upset and mad if you're rejoicing. and upset and mad if you're rejoicing. The two can't coexist. The two can't coexist. The two 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. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. He's near. He's close to you. That'll He's near. He's close to you. That'll He's near. He's close to you. That'll help you enjoy life now and life to help you enjoy life now and life to help you enjoy life now and life to come. Do not be anxious about anything, come. Do not be anxious about anything, come. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and but in every situation, by prayer and but in every situation, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your petition with Thanksgiving, present your petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. requests to God. requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends And the peace of God, which transcends And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your all understanding, will guard your all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is how you enjoy life now. This is how you enjoy life now. 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. upon him. upon him. Don't wait for eternity to enjoy what he Don't wait for eternity to enjoy what he Don't wait for eternity to enjoy what he has given us, to enjoy this gift of has given us, to enjoy this gift of has given us, to enjoy this gift of salvation. salvation. salvation. I don't know if you've ever had I don't know if you've ever had I don't know if you've ever had something that you just wasted away something that you just wasted away something that you just wasted away because you were scared to use it too because you were scared to use it too because you were scared to use it too quick, you were scared to ruin it. quick, you were scared to ruin it. quick, you were scared to 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. on vacations to North Dakota. on vacations to North Dakota. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [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. a weird thing to do. a weird thing to do. And we always buy beef jerky while we're And we always buy beef jerky while we're And we always buy beef jerky while we're there cuz North Dakota has the best beef there cuz North Dakota has the best beef there cuz North Dakota has the best beef jerky. jerky. 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. because I don't want to waste it. because I don't want to waste it. I want to enjoy it. I want to take it I want to enjoy it. I want to take it I want to enjoy it. I want to take it all in. But, here's what happens. That all in. But, here's what happens. That all in. But, here's what happens. That beef jerky ends up sitting in my fridge beef jerky ends up sitting in my fridge beef jerky ends up sitting in my fridge too long, and I throw half of it out. too long, and I throw half of it out. too long, 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.

We just let it sit. We just let it sit. We don't enjoy it. We don't take it all We don't enjoy it. We don't take it all We don't enjoy it. We don't take it all in. We don't make the most of every in. We don't make the most of every in. We don't make the most of every opportunity that God gave us. opportunity that God gave us. opportunity that God gave us. Instead, we sit there and we go, "I'm Instead, we sit there and we go, "I'm Instead, we sit there and we go, "I'm going to I'm going to preserve this. I'm going to I'm going to preserve this. I'm going to I'm going to preserve this. I'm going to wait. I I I don't want to waste going to wait. I I I don't want to waste going to wait. I I I don't want to waste it all at once." No, today is the day it all at once." No, today is the day it all at once." No, today is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and the Lord has made. We will rejoice and the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. The Bible tells us not to be glad in it. The Bible tells us not to be glad in it. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. So, enjoy life now care of itself. So, enjoy life now care of itself. So, enjoy life now because what we do here is preparing us because what we do here is preparing us because what we do here is preparing us for eternity, and we don't know when for eternity, and we don't know when for eternity, and we don't know when that way day is coming. that way day is coming. 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. 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. in. in. He's the one who takes this meaningless He's the one who takes this meaningless He's the one who takes this meaningless life under the sun and gives meaning to life under the sun and gives meaning to life under the sun and gives meaning to it. it. it. The truth is I don't I don't blame The truth is I don't I don't blame The truth is I don't I don't blame Solomon, and I don't blame anyone who Solomon, and I don't blame anyone who Solomon, and I don't blame anyone who doesn't know Jesus for saying life is doesn't know Jesus for saying life is doesn't know Jesus for saying life is meaningless. I just my heart breaks for meaningless. I just my heart breaks for meaningless. I just my heart breaks for you because that would hurt so much. I you because that would hurt so much. I you because that would hurt so much. I can't imagine going through life can't imagine going through life can't imagine going through life thinking it all is pointless, cuz life thinking it all is pointless, cuz life thinking it all is pointless, cuz life is so hard. is so hard. is so hard. Life is so difficult. This world really Life is so difficult. This world really Life is so difficult. This world really does kind of stink. does kind of stink. does 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. waiting for me. waiting for me. I know that Jesus came to give me life I know that Jesus came to give me life I know that Jesus came to give me life and life to the full. and life to the full. and life to the full. So, I'm going to pray in a second. If So, I'm going to pray in a second. If So, I'm going to pray in a second. If you're in this room and you're a person you're in this room and you're a person you're in this room and you're a person who says, "Man, who says, "Man, who says, "Man, I've my whole life has been meaningless, I've my whole life has been meaningless, I've my whole life has been meaningless, but I want meaning to my life." Listen, but I want meaning to my life." Listen, but I want meaning to my life." Listen, God gave your life meaning.

God gave your life meaning. God gave your life meaning. For God so loved the world that he gave For God so loved the world that he gave For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever his one and only son that whoever his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish, but believes in him will not perish, but believes in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. will have everlasting life. will have everlasting life. God loves you so much that [music] he God loves you so much that [music] he God loves you so much that [music] he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross sent his son Jesus to die on the cross sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for you so you could cast your sin on for you so you could cast your sin on for you so you could cast your sin on him, your anxiety on him, your troubles him, your anxiety on him, your troubles him, your anxiety on him, your troubles on him, your your meaningless life on on him, your your meaningless life on on him, your your meaningless life on him, and he gave you more meaning than him, and he gave you more meaning than him, and he gave you more meaning than you could ever imagine. The Bible says you could ever imagine. The Bible says you could ever imagine. The Bible says he's given us more than we could ever he's given us more than we could ever he's given us more than we could ever hope, dream, or imagine. And I want to say this, too, before I And I want to say this, too, before I pray. pray. pray. If you're in here If you're in here If you're in here and you think you've got to be good, you and you think you've got to be good, you and you think you've got to be good, you got to clean things up before you come got to clean things up before you come got to clean things up before you come up here. No, he wants you how you are. up here. No, he wants you how you are. up here. No, 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. you. you. Bible says God demonstrates his own love Bible says God demonstrates his own love Bible says God demonstrates his own love toward us toward us toward us while we were still sinners. while we were still sinners. while we were still 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 you for you to sinning. He's not waiting you for you to sinning. He's not waiting you for you to clean yourself up. He wants to clean you clean yourself up. He wants to clean you clean yourself up. He wants to clean you up. He wants a relationship with you.

up. He wants a relationship with you. up. He wants a relationship with you. So, I'm going to pray and the band's So, I'm going to pray and the band's So, I'm going to pray and the band's going to play a song. And as that song going to play a song. And as that song going to play a song. And as that song plays, if you're in here today and you plays, if you're in here today and you plays, if you're in here today and you say, "I want meaning to my life. I want say, "I want meaning to my life. I want say, "I want meaning to my life. I want a relationship with Jesus. I want my a relationship with Jesus. I want my a relationship with Jesus. I want my sins forgiven. I I I don't want this to sins forgiven. I I I don't want this to sins forgiven. I I I don't want this to be the end of life, but I want eternity be the end of life, but I want eternity be the end of life, but I want eternity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit." Holy Spirit." 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 just walk forward. and just walk forward. And I'll pray over you and I'll lead you And I'll pray over you and I'll lead you And I'll pray over you and I'll lead you in a prayer that's just asking Jesus to in a prayer that's just asking Jesus to in a prayer that's just asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life. be the Lord of your life. be the Lord of your 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. the song plays, come. the song plays, come. Jesus, thank you for today. Jesus, thank you for today. Jesus, thank you for today. And I just pray you would call call your And I just pray you would call call your And I just pray you would call call your sons, your daughters, your creation, sons, your daughters, your creation, sons, your daughters, your creation, your people to you now. your people to you now. 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] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Um

>> Um I was going to talk to you guys for a I was going to talk to you guys for a I was 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 that [music] before I lead you in that [music] before I lead you in that [music] 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 talking if if you're in here talking if if you're in here and you you're feeling that tug, like we and you you're feeling that tug, like we and you you're feeling that tug, like we said at the beginning when God gives us said at the beginning when God gives us said at the beginning when God gives us reminders it's usually cuz we need them. reminders it's usually cuz we need them. reminders it's usually cuz we need them. So if you're still feeling that tug, um So if you're still feeling that tug, um So if you're still feeling that tug, um today today today today is the greatest adventure. You today is the greatest adventure. You today is the greatest adventure. You live for today. Tomorrow's not live for today. Tomorrow's not live for today. Tomorrow's not guaranteed. Everyone does. guaranteed. Everyone does. guaranteed. Everyone does. I'm not saying that as like a scare I'm not saying that as like a scare I'm not saying that as like a scare tactic. Like that is not my heart at tactic. Like that is not my heart at tactic. Like that is not my heart at all, but it's just true. You don't know all, but it's just true. You don't know all, but it's just true. You don't know when that day is coming. when that day is coming. when that day is coming. So, don't wait. So, don't wait. So, don't wait. You don't have to be cleaned up. You You don't have to be cleaned up. You 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 and he He affirmed you on the cross and he He affirmed you on the cross and 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." want a relationship with you." want a relationship with you." So, if that's you, I just want to give So, if that's you, I just want to give So, if that's you, I just want to give one more call as I'm as I'm talking as one more call as I'm as I'm talking as one more call as I'm as I'm talking as we pray, but feel free to just come on we pray, but feel free to just come on we pray, but feel free to just come on up. Come join us up here. And for you up. Come join us up here. And for you up. Come join us up here. And for you guys, I just want to say I'm so proud of guys, I just want to say I'm so proud of guys, I just want to say I'm so proud of you. The Lord loves you. He has a plan you. The Lord loves you. He has a plan you. The Lord loves you. He has a plan for you. He has a purpose for you. This for you. He has a purpose for you. This for you. He has a purpose for you. This is the best decision that you could ever is the best decision that you could ever is the best decision that you could ever make. make. make. Doesn't matter how how early in life or Doesn't matter how how early in life or Doesn't matter how how early in life or how far in life. He he brought you here how far in life. He he brought you here how far in life. He he brought you here today for today, for this moment [music] today for today, for this moment [music] today for today, for this moment [music] 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. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> 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. can repeat it out loud. can repeat it out loud. You can repeat it in the quietness of You can repeat it in the quietness of You can repeat it in the quietness of your hearts. your hearts. 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. God loves you so much. God loves you so much. God loves you so much. Church, if you'll just extend a hand as Church, if you'll just extend a hand as Church, if you'll just extend a hand as we pray. God, thank you so much for we pray. God, thank you so much for 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-heirs, these you've adopted into your co-heirs, these you've adopted into your co-heirs, 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. after me. after me. Just say, "Lord God, >> Lord God, >> Lord God, thank you so much thank you so much thank you so much >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> 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, 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. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Hey guys, I just want to take a moment. >> 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, who with you, who want to pray with you, who with you, who want to pray with you, who 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 guys, back there. And for the rest of us guys, back there. And for the rest of us guys, we're actually going to close in a we're actually going to close in a 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 knew [music] you'd make [singing] Who knew [music] 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 better. [singing] you're better. [singing] you're better. [singing] What a God, what a God. What a God, what a God. What a God, what a God. >> [music] >> What a God, what a God. >> What a God, what a God. >> [music] >> What a God, what a God. >> What a God, what a God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Who is there you are. >> Who is there you are. >> Who is there you are. What a God, [music and singing] what a What a God, [music and singing] what a What a God, [music and singing] what a God. I thought you'd I thought you'd show up show up show up >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> for perfection. >> for perfection. >> for perfection. Cuz what a [singing] kind of God that Cuz what a [singing] kind of God that Cuz what a [singing] kind of God that searches for the lost. >> [music] >> [music] >> They say [singing] it's over for the >> They say [singing] it's over for the >> They say [singing] it's over for the sinner, sinner, sinner, but you but you but you say say say no it's [music] not, no it's not.

You say You say no it's not, no it's not, no it's not, no it's not. no it's not. no it's not. What a What a What a God, what a God. [music] >> [bell] >> [bell] >> What a God, >> What a God, >> What a God, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> what a God. >> what a God. >> what a God. >> [music] >> What a God, >> What a God, what a God. what a God. what a God. >> [music] >> What a God, >> What a God, what a God. What a God, What a God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> what a God. You know I You know I >> [singing] Who is like the Who is like the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Lord our God? >> Lord our God? >> Lord our God? >> [music] >> The highest place are it is at your >> The highest place are it is at your feet. feet. feet. Then I've done it all, and the best Then I've done it all, and the best Then I've done it all, and the best thing I've seen [music] thing I've seen [music] thing I've seen [music] is your glory, is your glory, is your glory, then I've seen it all.

then I've seen it all. then I've seen it all. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Your love has saved my life, >> Your love has saved my life, >> Your love has saved my life, forever satisfied. forever satisfied. forever satisfied. God, God, God, you are you are you are my everything. >> If the highest place I reach is >> If the highest place I reach is at your feet, at your feet, at your feet, then I've done it all. then I've done it all. then I've done it all. And if the best thing that And if the best thing that And if the best thing that >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> I've seen is your glory, >> I've seen is your glory, >> I've seen is your glory, then I've seen it all. then I've seen it all. then I've seen it all. Your love has saved my life, Your love has saved my life, Your love has saved my life, forever satisfied. [music] forever satisfied. [music] forever satisfied. [music] [singing] God, [singing] God, [singing] God, you are my you are my you are my >> Yes, you are my everything. >> Yes, you are my everything. >> Yes, you are my everything. If one word If one word If one word >> If one word is [music] the only thing >> If one word is [music] the only thing >> If one word is [music] the only thing you speak, you speak, you speak, then I've heard it all. then I've heard it all. then I've heard it all. And if I feel And if I feel And if I feel unloved and never unloved and never unloved and never see your hand, see your hand, see your hand, I still have [music] it all. I still have [music] it all. I still have [music] it all. No treasure No treasure No treasure of this life of this life of this life could [music] ever satisfy. [singing] could [music] ever satisfy. [singing] could [music] ever satisfy. [singing] God, God, God, you are you are you are my everything.

God, God, you are you are you are >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my >> my >> my everything. everything. everything. Lord, Lord, Lord, you are you are you are >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my everything. >> my everything. >> my everything. What a God, What a God, What a God, what a God. >> [music] >> [music] >> What a God, >> What a God, >> What a God, what a God. What a God, What a God, what a God. what a God. what a God. >> [music] >> What a God, >> What a God, >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> what a God. And if the highest place I reach is And if the highest place I reach is >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> at your feet, >> at your feet, >> at your feet, then I've done it all. then I've done it all. then I've done it all. And if the best thing that [music] And if the best thing that [music] And if the best thing that [music] I've seen I've seen I've seen is your is your is your glory, glory, glory, then I've seen it all. then I've seen it all. then I've seen it all. Your love Your love Your love has saved has saved has saved >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my life, [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] >> Thanks for listening to today's [music]

>> Thanks for listening to today's [music] message. You know, here at Calvary we message. You know, here at Calvary we message. You know, here at Calvary we believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus believe a relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've changes everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe [music] to you to text the word believe [music] to you to text the word believe [music] to 31352 31352 31352 so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to so you can find out what it means to follow Christ. follow Christ. follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all And to learn more about Calvary and all And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit of our campuses, you're free to visit of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.